All About October Events

Fall is the West’s secret season – near perfect weather and fewer crowds on the roads and trails. It’s a time when locals come out and enjoy their community’s genuine offerings and attributes. October is the peak of this secret season, and as such is chock full of agricultural, historical, and artistic happenings.

 Ales on the Rails Oct. 2   Who knew the California State Railroad Museum was a hotbed of happenings? This time around it plays host to a fundraiser featuring the region’s best breweries and Sac’s finest eateries. A new twist to this popular event? Tastings take place in the museum’s roundhouse.

Roseville Bikefest, Oct 3   It’s a beautiful day for a ride. This family-friendly event at Roseville’s Vernon Street Town Square (in its 22^nd year) includes beginner and intermediate obstacle courses, riding demos, helmet fittings, safety inspections, giveaways, and grand prize drawings for children’s bicycles.

Sacramento Antique Show, Oct. 9-11   Sacramento’s newest antiques and collector’s event features recognized dealers from throughout the West at the Sacramento Convention Center. Items include antiques, furnishings, jewelry, silver, glass, pottery, fine art, collectibles, and pop culture. Added bonuses include afternoon and early evening hours Friday, while the Second Sunday Sacramento Antique Faire in midtown creates a day’s worth of shopping Sunday.

 Spookmotive Train Rides, Oct. 17   There was just so much happening at the Train Museum in October it makes this month’s list twice. Spookmotive Train Rides offer family-friend outings, with three opportunities to hit the rails during this whimsical and imaginary-infused month: Super Heroes & Villains (Oct. 17 – 18), Princess & Pirates (Oct. 24 – 25), and Witches & Wizards (Oct. 31. – Nov. 1).

Whole Lotta Brews, Oct. 17   There’s always something happening at Folsom’s Palladio at Broadstone. This month it’s Whole Lotta Brews, the area’s premier tasting event with 75 beer and food stations and music by The Used Blues Band.

Machado Orchards’ Apple Festival, Oct. 17   Machado Orchards is a foothill favorite. Located in Auburn, it features seasonal agricultural goodies throughout the year and celebrates October with artists in the orchard, alpacas, food samples, raffles, and live music.

Placerville Art & Wine Festival, Oct. 17   More than 28 foothill wineries take part in this annual oenophile outing, which takes places inside the merchants and eateries on Placerville’s historic main street. Local artists and “Banners on Parade” (a community art project) are also featured.