12 Exciting Things To Do & Eat In October

We’re almost at the end of October, as evidenced by the many 12-foot skeletons spotted on multiple stoops around town. To ring in fall (and Halloween), there are tons of exciting pop-ups, new openings, and collaborations to check out. We update this guide weekly, so keep coming back for more. 

DELFINA RETURNS

photo credit: Albert Law

The Mission Cal-Ital restaurant has finally returned for the first time since 2020. Their dining room got a full makeover during the hiatus, but the menu is mostly the same. Expect seasonally changing dishes like spaghetti pomodoro, a grilled fish of the day, and calamari. Additions include a new cocktail menu and housemade focaccia. 

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT OFF THE GRID

photo credit: Off The Grid

Off The Grid is bringing Día de los Muertos festivities to Fort Mason on October 28th. From 5-10pm, the food truck market will have tarot card readings, face painting, live music, and food and drink specials. Specifics have yet to be announced, but look to Instagram for details. 

8TH ANNUAL BALBOOA FRIGHT FEST

photo credit: Sarah Felker

The Outer Richmond is hosting its 8th annual Fright Fest to ring in spooky season. On October 29th, Balboa Street (redubbed BalBOOa for the day) will be closed to traffic between 35th and 39th Avenues from 11am-3pm. So show up in your Halloween best and trick-or-treat at local spots like Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. and Cielito Lindo. 

HALLOWEEN AT CURIO

photo credit: Hardy Wilson

If you need somewhere to show off your House of the Dragon costume, head to Curio. The Mission bar and restaurant is hosting live music and a costume contest on the 28th, plus “BOO-zy” brunch on the 29th and 30th. Check their Instagram for additional details.

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HALLOWEEN AT JARANITA

photo credit: Hockeystick Media

More Halloween festivities are going on at Jaranita, the Peruvian restaurant in the Marina. You’ll get a free bottle of sparkling wine if you show up to brunch in a costume or pajamas anytime between October 28th-30th. And on Sunday, they’ll feature live music, salsa lessons, and a costume contest. 

THE MADRIGHOUL

photo credit: The Madrigal

The Civic Center bar The Madrigal is turning into “The MadriGHOUL” from October 28th-29th. The Halloween experience comes complete with themed cocktails, a DJ, and fog machines. And you’ll want to show up in your best spooky outfit—the winning costume will win a pair of tickets to Moulin Rouge.  

THE SHINING TAKEOVER AT RYE BAR

photo credit: Rye Bar

Rye Cocktail Bar in Lower Nob Hill has transformed into “The Shining” themed bar. Now through the end of the month, stop by for scary cocktails like the Jack Torrance with apple brandy, pomegranate, and lime, or Grady’s Ghost, which is served in a skull-shaped mug.

ORANGE FLIGHT NIGHT AT FLOUR + WATER PASTA SHOP

photo credit: Flour + Water Pasta Shop

One way to celebrate Halloween? Drink orange wine. Flour + Water Pasta Shop in the Mission will serve flights of three skin contact wines on October 29th, 5:30-10pm. The pasta-making space slash wine bar will also have snacks on hand, like deviled eggs and black garlic and squash arancini. A scary movie will be projected on the wall. 

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KIN KHAO IS BACK

photo credit: Julia Chen

Kin Khao is officially reopened after a two-year closure. The Thai restaurant in Union Square is only offering dinner service for now, and is serving old favorites like the yaowaraj noodles, mushroom hor mok, and caramelized pork belly.

SQUARE PIE GUYS X MELISSA KING

photo credit: Priya Kane

Another day, another Square Pie Guys pizza collab. This one is with Melissa King, and the pies are topped with pepperoni, hot honey, mushrooms, and pickled peppers (available at all three locations in Oakland, Ghirardelli Square, and SoMa). Three percent of all sales will go to La Cocina. 

HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHTS AT EL GARAGE

photo credit: Lani Conway

El Garage, the casual Richmond spot specializing in quesabirria tacos, is hosting Halloween movie nights every Friday this month. Scary movies (with popcorn) start at 9pm—purchase $10 tickets here. 

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SF RESTAURANT WEEK

photo credit: Erin Ng

SF Restaurant Week is going down October 21st-30th, so expect lots of great prix fixe deals across the city. Some of our favorite restaurants in town, like Bodega SF, Penny Roma, Donaji, and Chao Pescao are part of this year's edition. Check out the full lineup here.