A tri-valley autumn: From fall festivals to seasonal fairs and markets

Fall in Tri-Valley is a colourful time of the year, bustling with fun activities from scarecrow crawls and harvest festivals to daytime art fairs and lively night markets that capture autumn’s seasonal charm like no other.

The Great Elephant Migration

Tri-Valley is set to welcome thirty life-sized elephant sculptures for the much-anticipated Great Elephant Migration with multiple installation areas all within walking distance in Downtown Livermore. Each sculpture is handcrafted by Indigenous artisans in southern India and modelled on a real elephant. They are built from lantana camara, an invasive weed that chokes out native plants and drives wildlife from its habitat, thus solving a real issue while turning it into art. The herd has been on the road since 2024, with stops in Newport, New York, and Boston. Now their next stop is Livermore, the herd’s only stop in California this year. See the whole herd on foot, then stay for the wineries and restaurants a few steps away.

Alameda Vintage Shopping Faire

This stylish two-day event at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton features hundreds of vendors offering authentic vintage clothing, accessories and décor. Join the “Ghosts of Vintage Past” fashion contest with live industrial ragtime music and prizes, or enjoy retro beats, shopping and treats.

Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

This free, long-running market brings together hundreds of artisan-creators showcasing handcrafted jewellery, wood art, glass, metalwork, one-of-a-kind décor and speciality foods at Alameda County Fairgrounds. With live entertainment and a dedicated KidZone, it is a fall shopping destination for makers and fans alike.

Friday Night Market at St. Pat’s Row

Head to Dublin’s brand-new fall night market, where local artisans, food trucks, and live performers turn St. Pat’s Row into a festive open-air gathering place. Happening on select Fridays this fall, the market invites you to browse handmade goods, savour global flavours, and enjoy family-friendly fun under the evening lights.

Goodguys 36th Fuel Curve Autumn Get Together

This high-octane gathering at Alameda County Fairgrounds features hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds at one of the Bay Area’s largest automotive showcases. With live music, an expansive vendor marketplace, and plenty of family-friendly activities, it is a top autumn outing for car lovers and casual fans alike.

The Great Junk Hunt

Shop for one-of-a-kind finds at this curated vintage market in Alameda County Fairgrounds filled with farmhouse décor, repurposed goods, and handmade treasures. With live music, cocktails, and creative inspiration around every corner, it is the perfect place to hunt for something truly unique.

Local Farmers Markets

Tri-Valley’s year-round farmers markets bring seasonal produce, local goods, handmade crafts, and plenty of tasty bites. They are an easy way to shop, stroll and explore one of the downtowns during your visit.

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market- Pleasanton’s bustling year-round market offers a colourful mix of farm-fresh produce, local specialities, and friendly faces, a beloved tradition for both residents and visitors alike.

Danville Farmers’ Market- Set in charming downtown Danville, this year-round market features fresh, locally grown foods and handcrafted goods that reflect the town’s small-community warmth and farm-to-table spirit.

Livermore Farmers’ Market- A lively, year-round market filled with local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan foods, this weekly gathering brings the heart of Livermore’s agricultural roots to its downtown streets.

Experience the essence of Tri-Valley’s autumnal offerings at these festivals, fairs, and markets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India