The summer season may be ending, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still plenty going on in Davis, CA. School’s back in session and the city is buzzing with activity, even through fall and winter. In addition to its many restaurants, breweries, shopping, and art galleries, there are also many special events planned throughout the season. From wine and food festivals to holiday celebrations, there is always something going on in Davis. Here’s your guide to some of the best events to be held in Davis this year.
Jazz Beat Festival | Natsoulas Gallery | Oct. 11
Love the Beat Generation? You can celebrate its music, poets, and musicians during the Jazz Beat Festival, to be held Oct. 11 at the John Natsoulas Gallery. The festival features jazz musicians, dance performances, poetry readings, and live painting by local artists. The gallery will also be showcasing the works of some of the most important Beat Generation artists. In addition, former Davis poet laureate Andy Jones will be reading Alan Ginsberg’s Howl in honor of its 70th anniversary.
Village Feast | Great Bear Vineyards | Oct. 12
The Village Feast is Davis’ signature farm-to-table event, bringing together farmers, chefs, and local residents to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season. The feast follows the tradition of the grand Aïoli in Provence, with a shared table and a communal meal. In addition to locally produced delicacies, the event also has a silent auction, a fundraiser to support Davis Farm to School and Saint John’s Program for Real Change, a residential shelter with a culinary training program.
Foxy’s Fall Century Ride | Davis | Oct. 18
Interested in exploring Yolo County on two wheels? Consider participating in Foxy’s Fall Century Ride, a 100-mile challenge sponsored by the Davis Bike Club. The main event involves challenging climbs through Yolo, Solano, and Napa counties, but there’s also a 100K “Metric Century” ride that winds along rolling hills. Not ready to bag your century? A 50K fun ride traverses mellow country roads through scenic farmland.
Yolo Food & Wine Affair | Great Bear Vineyards | Oct. 18
Davis is proud to be hosting the Yolo Food & Wine Affair, to be held Oct. 18 at Great Bear Vineyards. The event is a great opportunity to sample wines from producers across Yolo County, all in one location. The following wineries will be pouring their wines:
- Berryessa Gap Vineyards
- Capay Valley Vineyards
- Elevation Ten Winery
- Great Bear Vineyards
- Grindstone Wines
- Heringer Estates
- Matchbook Wine Company
- Julietta Winery
- Séka Hills
- Simas Family Vineyard
- Silt Wine Company
- Taber Ranch
- Turkovich Family Wines
Zombie Bike Parade | Community Park | Oct. 26
Families from across Davis and beyond will take to the streets Oct. 26 for the ultimate Halloween celebration: the Zombie Bike Parade. Participants dress up in their favorite undead garb (or any Halloween costume) and roll through Davis with other ghouls and goblins. Although bikes are encouraged, you can also scoot, skateboard, or walk. There will also be a costume contest, a zombie marching band, bounce houses, food and drinks, a BMX stunt show, a zombie ball, and skydiving zombies.
Davis Turkey Trot | Civic Center Park | Nov. 22
You can trot your way into the holiday season by participating in the Davis Turkey Trot, a community fun run that benefits local charities. The event features runs for people of all ages and abilities — there’s a half marathon, 5K, 2 miler, 10K, and 1 mile route for kids.
2nd Saturday Art About | Downtown Davis | Every Second Friday
The Davis 2nd Saturday Art About doesn’t slow down once the weather cools off. The monthly, self-guided art walks are held throughout the year, meaning you can check out local art, meet local artists, and enjoy live entertainment and art demonstrations. Each venue hosts its own events, but most run from 5–9 p.m. Upcoming walks will be held Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13.
Pre-Thanksgiving Market | Central Park | Nov. 26
The Davis Farmers’ Market will be hosting a special pre-Thanksgiving Market on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 12–5 p.m. for all your hosting needs. You can pick up just about everything for your holiday table (minus the turkey), including seasonal produce, local wine, bread and other baked goodies, and much more. You can also grab hostess gifts or unique décor from artisan crafters.
Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting | Downtown Davis | Dec. 4
For more than four decades, the Davis community has been coming together to celebrate the holiday season. This year is no different, with the annual Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting to be held Thursday, Dec. 4. The event kicks off with a festive holiday parade, followed by a tree lighting at E Street Plaza. There will be live music and entertainment, horse and carriage rides, and, of course, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Plan Your Fall or Winter Getaway to Davis Today!
Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty to do in Davis, CA. From wine and food events to bike rides and races, even holiday celebrations, there’s always something going on in Davis. If you’re looking for a quick and easy getaway, check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your trip today!
