Check back often for other events during this month.
Oct 3-5: SiliCon 2008. Science fiction fans, this one's for you. This annual convention offers seminars on hard science, sci-fi, fantasy and horror genres, and topics include writing, painting, computer graphics and film studies. Stick around to see an art show; attend a masquerade ball; browse the dealer's room; view a film festival; see sci-fi guests of honor; and check out the kid-friendly Science Alley, a demonstration area focusing on science education. Proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Alzheimer Aid Society of Northern California. Fri-Sat, 9-12am; Sun, 9-6. (San Jose: Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place; see www.siliconventions.com for tickets)
Oct. 4: Spirit of Japantown Festival. This annual festival celebrating Japanese culture covers 8 city blocks and offers arts and crafts; live martial arts demonstrations; authentic cuisine; live entertainment, including taiko drumming; bonsai and ikebana exhibits; a car show and an exhibit honoring Japanese American Veterans. 10-6. (San Jose: Japantown, Fifth and Jackson Sts.; 408/569-1415 or 408/298-4303; www.spiritofjapantownfestival.com)
Oct. 4: Autumn at Filoli Festival. Celebrate the season with hay rides, barbecue, orchard-fresh fruit and live entertainment at Filoli’s beautifully landscaped grounds. (Woodside: 86 Cañada Rd.; 650/364-8300; www.filoli.org)
Oct. 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19: Open Studios of Santa Cruz. This self-guided tour features nearly 300 artists and their studios. Santa Cruz: various locations; 831/688-5399; www.ccscc.org)
Oct 8-Nov 9: San Francisco Jazz Festival. This music festival features local, national, and international jazz artists. This year, catch 30-plus shows, including Dave Brubeck, Randy Newman, Arturo Sandoval, Issac Delgado, Archie Shepp, Cecil Taylor, and more. (San Francisco: various locations and times; 415/788-7353; www.sfjazz.org)
Oct 11: Pumpkins in the Park. A fun afternoon for the entire family, showcasing the best that fall has to offer, including scarecrows, apple tasting, arts and crafts and the ubiquitous gourd. (San Jose: Discovery Meadow, E. San Carlos St. and Woz Way; 408/298-7657; www.grpg.org/Events.html)
Oct. 11-12: San Carlos Art & Wine Festival. Enjoy browsing through fine arts in charming downtown San Carlos, plus Italian street painting, wines, microbrews, live music performances and kiddie activities. (San Carlos: Laurel St.; 650/593-1068; www.sancarloschamber.org)
Oct 12: Pear Festival and Food and Wine Show. Before Santana Row was a world-class shopping destination, it was a thriving, 65-acre pear orchard. Paying homage to the regal fruit, this festival offers a chef cookoff with pear-themed dishes; wine tastings; menu samplings from the Row’s restaurants; art exhibits; and more. 11-7. (San Jose: Santana Row, Park Valencia and Santana Row Park; 408/551-4611; www.santanarow.com)
Oct 16-19: Pacific International Quilt Festival. The largest quilt festival on the West Coast features over 150 vendors. (Santa Clara: Convention Center; 800/272-6822; www.quiltfest.com)
Oct 17-19: Menlo Park Fall Festival of Arts & Crafts. This annual street fair brings together an array of works by over 100 artisans, making it the ideal event to kick-start the holiday shopping season. Fri-Sat, 10-6, Sun, 10-5.(Menlo Park: Santa Cruz Avenue; 650/ 325-2818; www.menloparkchamber.com)
Oct 18-19: Campbell Oktoberfest. Slip on your lederhosen and polka your way down to this annual festival, where beer flows like water, party-goers feast on German fare like sauerkraut, bratwurst and potato salad, and the oompa band plays Oktoberfest hits like “The Chicken Dance.” Sat, 10-6; Sun,10-5 (Campbell: Civic Center Dr.; 408/378-6252; www.campbellchamber.com)
Oct 18-19: Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. This highly anticipated festival features arts and crafts, food (much with a pumpkin theme!), live entertainment, contests, and more. 9-5 (Half Moon Bay: Main St.; 650/726-9652; www.miramarevents.com)
