by the El Reportero staff
October brings outdoor celebrations, Latino cinema, neighborhood food and live music to Bay Area communities. These five events offer opportunities to gather, explore and celebrate local traditions.
Sunday Streets celebrates Excelsior finale
Lucha libre and cultural performances enliven Mission Street
Sunday Streets concludes its 2026 season with a car-free celebration featuring lucha libre, the Salvi Soul Encuentro Zone, Filipino American arts, Polynesian dances and more than 80 vendors and exhibitors. Families can enjoy a clothing swap. The Excelsior 5K Walktober starts at Cayuga Playground. Organizers say donations helped preserve this season after funding was eliminated.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Mission Street between Geneva Avenue and Theresa Street, San Francisco. Free. sundaystreetssf.com.
Berkeley Bird Festival explores wildlife
Guided excursions introduce birds and nature
The fifth annual festival welcomes birdwatchers and families for outdoor excursions. At the David Brower Center, visitors can enjoy printing by artist Simone Lassar and a Golden Gate Bird Alliance raffle. Bring a blank tote bag or garment for printing. Participating restaurants offer discounts to attendees.
Sunday, Oct. 18. Birding outings begin in the morning; center activities noon–5 p.m. David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley.
Latino Film Festival opens at Roxie
Documentary honors television pioneer Sonia Manzano
The 18th San Francisco Latino Film Festival opens with Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon, about Sonia Manzano, known for playing María on Sesame Street. The festival includes feature films, shorts and filmmaker conversations. An October 29 screening at KQED features Bird of Four Hundred Voices and a live performance by Los Cenzontles.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., San Francisco. Festival through Nov. 1; virtual screenings Oct. 26–Nov. 5. cinemassf.org.
Taste of Mission Bernal supports mosaic
Neighborhood food tasting benefits public art
Residents can sample local flavors while supporting a proposed community mosaic on Cortland Avenue. The gathering celebrates neighborhood businesses and raises funds for the artwork.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5–8 p.m. The Front Porch, 65 29th St., San Francisco. Tickets required.
Patron Latin Rhythms celebrates remembrance
Livermore concert marks Día de los Muertos
Patron Latin Rhythms brings a Día de los Muertos celebration and new single release party to Livermore. The evening features the group’s song Let’s Choose Unity, combining live music with a gathering for adults.
Friday, Oct. 30. Doors 6:30 p.m.; show 7:30 p.m. Almost Famous Wine Company, Livermore. Ages 21 and older. almostfamous.wine/shows.
