It’s about to be ‘Fall Blitz’ in and around Merced County. See what it’s all about
Grab a pumpkin latte and get ready to make the rounds at a host of fall festivals.
There are several celebrations set throughout October in the greater Merced and Mother Lode regions, including the Merced County Nut Festival and Castle Airfest in Atwater.
Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned:
CALAVERAS GRAPE STOMP & GOLD RUSH STREET FAIRE – Oct. 4: Calaveras County celebrates its wine industry with grape stomp competitions, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Gold Rush Street Faire has vendors, arts and crafts, food, live music and more from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Grape stomp at Murphys Community Park, street fair on Main Street in Murphys. www.calaveraswines.org/grape-stomp.
SONORA BACH FESTIVAL – Oct. 5-25: A lineup of concerts for lovers of baroque and classical music. Highlights include the youth concert on Oct. 5, 3 p.m.; salon concert on Oct. 12, 3 p.m.; locals concert on Oct. 19, 3 p.m.; Bach’s Brunch on Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. Locations, ticket prices and times vary. Details at www.sonorabach.org.
CENTRAL VALLEY ANIMATORS FILM FESTIVAL – Oct. 11: This festival will showcase the best in animation from Central Valley artists, ages 17 and up. Awards will be presented during the screening. 2-4 p.m. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free. www.carnegieartsturlock.org
HARVEST FESTIFALL – Oct. 11-12: Crafts, food, demonstrations, music and more at Columbia State Historic Park. Nearly 50 vendors, dressed in 1850s attire will display their handmade arts and crafts for sale. Demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Mother Lode Weaver & Spinners, face painting and entertainment. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Columbia. www.columbiacalifornia.com.
CASTLE AIRFEST: BOMBS AWAY “FALL BLITZ” CAR SHOW – Oct. 18: A day-long car show that also features family activities at Castle Airport (not the museum). Judging 9 a.m.-noon; trophies awarded 1:30 p.m. Event is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Castle Airport, 2150 Shuttle Drive, Atwater. castleairmuseum.org.
MERCED COUNTY NUT FESTIVAL – Oct. 18: Celebrate and learn about the nut industry at this event featuring almonds, pistachios and walnuts. There will be entertainment, food and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr., Way. www.facebook.com/p/Merced-County-Nut-Festival-100067337311753
LOS BANOS HALLOWEEN FEST – Oct. 25: The City of Los Banos brings its annual festival featuring Pumpkin Painting (while supplies last), a Spooky Maze, bounce houses, games, arts & crafts, a costume contest and more. 4-8:30 p.m. AG Sports Complex, 700 N. Mercey Springs Road, Los Banos. Free. 209-827-7034
ALL HALLOWS FAIRE – Oct. 25-26: This annual large festival includes live music, craft vendors, wine tasting (Saturday 1-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.), encampments, a pumpkin patch, costume contest, food, drink and more. 1:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, parking entry at 101 Frog Town Road, Angels Camp. $15-$40 Saturday, free ages 5 and under; $22-$27 Sunday; free ages 12 and under. www.allhallowsfaire.com.
COPS FOR CRITTERS CAR SHOW & TRUNK-OR-TREAT – Oct. 25: The event from the Merced Police Department includes a costume contest for kids, car show trophies, candy and more. Proceeds benefit the Applegate Park Zoo. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Outside the Merced Police Department, 611 W. 22nd St. Free. 209-385-6297.
LOS BANOS TRUNK OR TREAT – Oct. 26: The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce brings this Halloween event to downtown. There will be a Halloween costume contest as well as a trunk decoration contest. 5 p.m. 6th Street, Los Banos. 209-826-2495.
GUSTINE HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL – Oct. 31: The City of Gustine hosts a game night with “Boo-ard” games and shows. There also will be a trunk-or-treat. 6-8 p.m. Downtown Gustine. 209-854-9411.
This story was originally published September 22, 2025 at 9:25 AM.
