WEEKEND IN THE VALLEY · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026
Weekend Guide: October 2 to 4 Around the Valley and Foothills
Eight picks across five counties, from Friday evening in Los Banos to Sunday celebrations in Modesto and a market in Murphys.
Looking for something to do October 2 through 4? Here are eight picks across Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Start with a Friday evening market, make time for Saturday's cultural festival, or save Sunday for Modesto's Day of the Dead celebration. Where admission details are missing, we've noted that below.
Los Banos Downtown Farmers Market
Friday, October 2, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Henry Miller Plaza in Los Banos, Merced County. This is the final date in the market's listed July 17 through October 2 season, making it a useful pick for Friday evening plans. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
Stockton Certified Farmers Market (Downtown)
Saturday, October 3, from 5 AM to 11 AM or until sold out, under the Crosstown Freeway in Stockton, San Joaquin County. This year-round market is the early-start option on our list and accepts EBT, WIC and Senior Nutrition coupons. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
Sonora Certified Farmers Market
Saturday, October 3, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM in downtown Sonora at Theall and Stewart Streets, Tuolumne County. The market's listed season continues through October 31, so this weekend falls within its regular Saturday schedule. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
Merced Certified Farmers Market
Saturday, October 3, from 8 AM to 11 AM at the 16th Street parking lot in Merced, Merced County. This weekly Saturday market accepts CalFresh EBT, WIC and Senior Nutrition vouchers, helpful information to have before heading out. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
The Fruit Yard - Harvest Market
Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM to 3 PM at The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto, in Stanislaus County. The Harvest Market offers shopping and a chance to support local vendors with a fall theme. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
The 33rd International Heritage Festival
Saturday, October 3, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto, in Stanislaus County. Admission is free. The opening ceremony is at 11 AM, with music, dance, food, crafts, fashion and family activities celebrating cultures from around the world. Event details: See the details
Murphys Park Farmers Market
Sunday, October 4, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Murphys Community Park in Murphys, Calaveras County. If Saturday is already spoken for, this Sunday market offers another option. Its listed season runs from late May through late October. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details
Modesto Day of the Dead Celebration
Sunday, October 4, from 2 PM to 8 PM at McHenry Museum, 1402 I Street, Modesto, in Stanislaus County. This outdoor community celebration invites participants to honor loved ones by building a personal altar, or ofrenda. Cost is not listed. Event details: See the details