Town Crier Staff Report
As Los Altos’ signature Chinese Pistache trees shed their summer green for vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red during the fall, an abundance of local events add color to the cooling temperatures of the season.
To herald the arrival of fall, the Los Altos Village Association (LAVA), the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and a host of other local groups transform downtown Los Altos into a cornucopia overflowing with food, wine, festivals and family activities.
Los Altos Fall Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6
Downtown Los Altos
Sponsored by the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, the annual Fall Festival, staged in the North Parking Plaza between State Street and Edith Avenue, showcases more than 150 arts and crafts booths and activities for all ages.
The event also includes offerings from local restaurants, vintners and microbreweries; live entertainment; and a Children’s Alley featuring games and a train ride.
For more information, visit losaltoschamber.org.
California Country Antiques and Folk Art Show
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20
Hillview Community Center
97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos
Established in 1986, the Antiques and Folk Art Show features more than 50 dealers from across the country selling American Country antiques, furniture and folk art.
Sponsored by the Los Altos History Museum, the show is a fundraiser for the museum.
Admission is $15 10-11 a.m., $10 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit californiacountryshow.com.
First Fridays
First Friday of every month
Downtown Los Altos
Los Altos Forward, a grassroots volunteer group dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Los Altos, sponsors First Friday events every month. Stores, galleries and restaurants remain open late, and street musicians entertain a strolling crowd. Visitors can shop, enjoy complimentary sweets and participate in merchant promotions and children’s activities.
For more information, visit losaltosfirstfriday.org/first-friday-events.
‘Recreation With Rocks’ Peninsula Gem & Geology Society Show
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27
Los Altos Youth Center
1 N. San Antonio Road
The sixth annual Gem and Geology Society show features demonstrations of the society’s lapidary (gem-polishing) skills and sales of handcrafted jewelry, gemstones and fossils from a variety of dealers. The event includes raffle and door-prize drawings.
Admission is $3 adults, $2 children 12-18, under 12 free (with adult).
For more information, visit pggs.org/show.htm.
Halloween Spooktacular
12-4 p.m. Oct. 31
Downtown Los Altos
Local children are invited to trick-or-treat at participating stores during the LAVA-sponsored Halloween Spooktacular. The annual event features face painting, balloon art, crafts, activities, children’s entertainers, Halloween-themed games and, of course, candy.
For more information, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
6 p.m. Dec. 1
Downtown Los Altos
An annual holiday tradition for more than 35 years, the Festival of Lights Parade invites visitors to step into “A Child’s Fantasy.”
The parade, staged on Main and State streets, includes lighted holiday floats; local high school marching bands; illuminated, costumed characters; and the star of the show, Santa, with his sleigh and reindeer.
For more information, visit losaltosparade.com.
Holiday Carriage Rides
Dec. 9-27
Downtown Los Altos
To further bring the magic of Christmas to life, LAVA offers 30-minute rides after 5 p.m. in illuminated, decorated horse-drawn carriages through the winter wonderland of downtown Los Altos.
The carriage holds up to four adults and two children, Cost is $90 per ride. Rides proceed rain or shine – no cancellations or refunds.
For reservations and more information, call
949-5282 or visit downtownlosaltos.org/events/holride.html.
