Vacaville Fall Guide
Celebrate the most beautiful season in Northern California with our favorite fall activities!
There is a reason Fall is one of our favorite seasons here in Northern California. Picture-perfect weather, gorgeous turning leaves, pumpkin picking, and so many things to do outdoors – who could ask for more? We’re so excited for autumn that we decided to put together a quick list of the best things to do in Vacaville. So, what are you waiting for – get out and enjoy it while it lasts!
Sweet Pea's Harvest Market & Pumpkin Patch
September 23, 10am - 2pm
Live music, face painting, balloon artists, local merchants, succulent pumpkins & pumpkin desserts. Free Entry & Parking.
For additional information or merchant booths please call 707-474-9807 or email sweetpeasvendor@gmail.com
Floating Pumpkin Patch
October 7, 2pm - 5pm
Floating Pumpkin Patch is back! Dive in and find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying the facilities at Walter Graham Aquatic Center. Rec pool, water slides, and activity area will be open and we’ll host arts & crafts and games in the BBQ area! The Pumpkin Jump will take place at 2:15pm. Entry fee includes entry for one child and one adult and 1 regular size pumpkin. If you are interested in adding an adult spectator entry you may do so in the registration process or the day of the event.
Harvest Party at the Vacaville Museum
October 14, 5pm - 9pm
You will enjoy a lovely evening filled with live music by LJ Bryant, food catered by Food & Familia and, of course, Gilpin Estate wine.
Wine Club Members are FREE (contact the museum to RSVP)
Non-Club Members are only $35
Spooktacular Halloween Lego Workshop
October 21, 9am - 12pm
With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to get out your decorations and get ready for trick-or-treaters! Build spooky ghosts and other moving decorations, learning about gear drives and other engineering concepts along the way. With tens of thousands of LEGO® bricks, we know your Halloween display will be simply "gourd-geous"!
Ages 6-11
$49
Preschool Party Pumpkin Painting
October 21, 10am - 11:30am
It's Fall! Let your littles practice their pumpkin decorating skills and paint a mini-pumpkin to take home.
We will provide all necessary supplies and fun environment to get creative.
Class will include story time, fun, and lots of games.
Ages: 3-5
Cost: $21
Location: Meadowlands Recreation Center
Rocktoberfest 2023
October 21, 5pm - 9pm
Soroptomist International of Vacaville's 2nd annual Rocktoberfest. Food- enjoy a delicious meal from Anderson's - German faire-pork, brats, German potato salad and more! New this year, students from the School of Rock. Authentic Accordian Music. Live Auction, Silent Auction, and raffles. All to raise money for our programs for women and girls. A fun way to give back!
$65 each
$75 after October 1st
Disney Inspired Villains Cookie Decorating
October 22, 3pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm
Spooky season is back and our October class brings emoji Disney inspired Queen Villains to the table!
Come join us for this beginner friendly class. Each participant will learn how to decorate the Villainous Queens in this set, in addition to one mystery cookie shape (4 cookies total).
All supplies needed to decorate will be provided as well as step-by-step instructions.
No experience is needed and having fun while decorating cookies is the objective in this class.
About this class:
WHEN: Sunday, October 22nd choose a time:
Afternoon class 3pm-5pm
Evening class 7pm-9pm
WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott in Vacaville (meeting room and additional details will be emailed to each participant)
WHAT TO BRING: We want you to have fun! Feel free to wear your favorite pair of "Mouse Ears" or come dressed as your favorite Villain and receive one raffle ticket for our class prize drawing (optional and not necessary)
This class is good for beginners from ages 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult who has also purchased a ticket).
Last day to purchase a ticket for this class is Friday the 13th of October.
Funky Fall Festival
October 22, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
You can visit over 200 animals that call the sanctuary their home. There will be family activities like pumpkin painting, a pumpkin slingshot, games, live music, and a food truck. Everything is included in your ticket price except the food truck... there will be a raffle, so you may want to bring some cash to buy some raffle tickets. One raffle ticket will be given per adult ticket at the gate for free.
The event is open to the first 75 adults to purchase tickets. There is also an event from 1-3pm the same day. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Everyone attending must have a ticket. No refunds of tickets unless the sanctuary cancels the event due to weather. Please do not bring food to the sanctuary. NO DOGS allowed on sanctuary property, not even in your car. Please wear closed toe shoes (tennis shoes, boots, etc.. no flip flops or sandals) If you are a monthly sponsor, you will receive one free ticket per animal sponsored. Please still complete the ticket page for your free ticket, as we need to get a number of people attending. NOTE: This is not a petting zoo, this is an animal sanctuary. It is the animals' choice if they want YOU to pet THEM, and if they want to interact with you.
Young Professionals of Solano County Masquerade Ball
October 26, 6pm-10pm
The Vacaville Opera House will be hosting a magical night of dancing, cocktails, entertainment, and more with the Young Professionals of Solano County!This is your opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate in downtown Vacaville! Throw on your best formal attire and don't forget your mysterious mask!More details will be announced soon but be sure to snag your ticket at this EARLY BIRD rate of $35 before they shoot up to $50!
Howl-o-ween
October 28, 11:30am-1:30pm
Come show off your fur-baby in style at our annual Howl-O-Ween event, featuring our well-known Costume Contest! We have 3 categories this year: Most Creative (dog-only), Funniest Fur Ball (dog-only) and Best Pack (human/dog combo). Each contestant will have 1 min. to put their best "paw" forward. Three judges will cast the final vote and winners announced at end of event. In order to participate, your dog must be friendly, licensed, vaccinated and leashed.This is a FREE event that anyone can come and enjoy even if you don't have a dog! There is a $5 fee to register for the costume contest.
Halloween Party at Vacaville Commons
October 28, 1pm-3pm
Get ready for a spooktacular time at the Halloween Party at Vacaville Commons! Join us on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 1pm for a frightfully fun event.Located at 2098 Harbison Drive, Vacaville, CA 95687, this FREE in-person gathering promises a ghoulishly good time for all ages. Dress up in your most creative costume and prepare to be amazed by the festive atmosphere.
Our Halloween Party will feature a wide range of thrilling activities, including pumpkin carving, unicyclists, crafts, DJ dance party & games, street entertainment, surprises & giveaways*, plus so much more! So, gather your friends and family, and come join us for an unforgettable Halloween celebration. Don't miss out on the chance to create lasting memories at the Halloween Party at Vacaville Commons!
*For the first 300 kids.
School of Rock - Zombie Prom
October 29, 3pm-6pm
Performances by our House Band Glass Cactus and School of Rock San Ramon’s House Band, Liar’s Dice. Bring your friends—Costume Contest too!!
Downtown Vacaville Halloween Stroll
October 31, 4pm-6pm
Bring your ghouls, mini-goblins and superheroes to downtown Vacaville for a fun-filled afternoon of trick-or-treating! Businesses will offer friendly treats and fun. In addition, the first 1,000 families to arrive to Town Square will receive a FREE trick-or-treat bag! While you’re downtown, listen to live music by the Young Artists Conservatory of Music.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
November 2, 6pm-7:30pm
Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that we wish to honor. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in this cultural event.
Bring photos* to decorate an altar; candles and marigolds provided. Enjoy music by local band, Los Cochinos, plus folklorico dance by Dazantes Unidos. Food and non-food vendors on-site as well.
Important: Come have a good time and learn about the cultural aspects of this celebration in a respectful manner!
*Be sure to write name and phone number on back of picture if you want returned. Any pictures leftover can be picked up at McBride Senior Center, 91 Town Sq. Pl. in Vacaville up to one week after event, 11/9.
(***Important to bring a copy of picture. The City is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged pictures***)
6:00pm - Event start
6:15pm - Announcements; thank you to sponsors; meaning of Día de los Muertos—why do we celebrate?
6:30pm - Dazantes Unidos peformance
6:45pm - Social; placing pictures, marigolds & candles
7:25pm - Thank you to sponsors, vendors, community for coming and supporting event
6th Annual Fall Family STEAM Festival
November 17, 5:30pm-7pm
The 6th Annual Fall STEAM Festival - hosted by The Academy of 21st Century Learning and in partnership with Solano Community College , Rowland Freedom Center, two Solano County high school robotics teams and more - will be held Friday, November 17th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at The Academy of 21st Century Learning in Vacaville. The Fall STEAM Festival is dedicated to inspiring youth of all ages by exploring hands-on robotics races, conducting science experiments, engineering design, as well as an opportunity to speak with STEAM experts in the biotechnology and manufacturing career fields. In addition to our STEAM activities, the family STEAM Festival will offer opportunities to support a silent auction, visit student run business tables, and create art projects with all proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations in the area!
Food concessions with drinks will be available for families to purchase at the event.
Evening Schedule:- 5:30-6:30- Visit STEAM Booth's with hands on activities- 6:30-7:00 - Close Silent Auction and Announce Winners
Our 6th Annual Fall Festival will be an amazing STEAM-filled night accessible to all ages within our Vacaville community. We cannot wait to see you there!
RSVP
Andrews Park CreekWalk
Observe the change of seasons in all its glory with a stroll down the CreekWalk trail in Andrews Park. Both the downtown and CreekWalk trail are a riot of fall colors in October and November. Head out to the trail after a rare rain and you can even spot some small waterfalls during your walk. By the way, if you happen to be a photography buff you will find ample opportunity for some gorgeous shots. Use the #ILoveVacaville hashtag and we may feature your photos!
