If you think fall is just about raking leaves and watching football, you clearly haven’t experienced autumn in Campbell, California. This charming city is gearing up to paint the town orange (and red, and yellow) with a lineup of fall events that’ll make you wish October lasted all year. Whether you’re a beer-loving Bavarian wannabe, a shuffling zombie enthusiast, or just someone who really likes pumpkins, Campbell’s has your back.
Oktoberfest: Beer, Bratwurst, and Bavarian Bliss
The crown jewel of Campbell’s autumn calendar is undoubtedly the 29th Annual Campbell Oktoberfest, which will occur in Downtown Campbell on Saturday, October 19th (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, October 20th (10 am – 5 pm).
This isn’t your average beer fest – it’s a full-blown Bavarian bonanza that’s been voted the Best South Bay Festival multiple times.
Picture this: You’re strolling down East Campbell Avenue, the crisp October air filled with the scent of sauerkraut and the sound of oompah bands. Over 100 arts and crafts booths line the streets, offering everything from hand-carved cuckoo clocks to lederhosen-themed phone cases (okay, maybe not, but wouldn’t that be something?)
The beating heart of Oktoberfest is the Biersch Garden, where you can park your lederhosen under a big tent and enjoy some seriously good German grub. Gordon Biersch Brewing Company will pour their finest German beers, perfect for washing down a giant pretzel or two. On the Biersch Garden stage, the Zicke Zacke Band will have you polka-ing like a pro from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
But wait, there’s more! Oktoberfest isn’t just about eating and drinking (though that’s a big part). You can also:
- Watch the official keg tapping on Saturday at 12 pm (it’s like New Year’s Eve but with more foam)
- Enter the Best Dressed contest on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm (dust off that dirndl!)
- Test your strength in the Stein Holding contest on Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm (who needs a gym when you have a beer?)
- Cheer on the winners of the Braumeister home brewing contest on Saturday between 2 pm and 3 pm
The best part? Admission is free! So you can spend all your money on bratwurst and beer instead.
Fall Fiesta: Autumn Fun for the 50+ Crowd
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, Campbell’s 50+ crowd has their autumn shindig. The Campbell Adult Center is hosting a Fall Fiesta on Friday, October 11th, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
For $30, you get a meal catered by Golden Harvest (no airplane food here, folks) and live music by Simon Santiago’s Breaux Show. It’s like a high school dance with better food and no awkward slow dances.
Thrill the World Zombie Crawl: Walking Dead, Campbell Style
If you prefer your fall festivities with a side of brains, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 26th.
Downtown Campbell transforms into a zombie paradise for the Thrill the World Zombie Crawl. It’s your chance to shuffle down the street in your best undead attire, practice your moaning, and maybe even learn the “Thriller” dance. Who says zombies can’t have rhythm?
Fall Activities for All Ages
The Campbell Recreation Department is ready to keep you busy all season long. Their Fall 2024 Activity Guide includes classes and events for toddlers and seniors.
Want to learn pumpkin carving? There’s probably a class for that. Interested in autumnal yoga? They’ve got you covered. The guide is available online and at the Campbell Recreation Office. Registration opens on Tuesday, August 6th at 9 am for residents and Wednesday, August 7th at 9 am for everyone else. Set your alarms, people – classes fill up faster than you can say “apple cider donut.”
A Fall to Remember
As the days grow shorter and the air gets cooler, Campbell, California, proves that fall is anything but boring. From beer-soaked Bavarian bashes to zombie dance parties, there’s something for everyone in this corner of the Bay Area.
So come on down to Campbell this fall. The beer is cold, the zombies are friendly, and the autumn spirit is alive and well. See you there!
Sources: eventbrite.com, campbelloktoberfest.com, campbellca.gov
Header Image Source: Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash
