Oktoberfest 2023 + Largest Urban Farm Community Opens: Saturday Smiles

The first weekend of autumn is finally here. Now is the perfect time to plan your favorite fall events while also getting caught up on the lighter news from across Northern California.

2 Bay Area Restaurants Make New York Times 'Restaurants List'

• These restaurants are among "the 50 places in the United States that we're most excited about right now," the Times said.

Weekend Recreational Swimming At The Wave Begins Sept. 30

• Recreational swimming will be available on weekends from October through April.

Bay Area Elephant Moves Out of State

• Donna is already making new friends at her 3,060 acre sanctuary.

CA's Largest Urban Farm Community Opens In Santa Clara

• The recently completed project includes dozens of homes for seniors and a farm to help keep residents fed with nutritious produce.

'Tails At Twilight' Gala To Raise Money For Valley Humane Society

• The Sept. 30 event will feature dinner, dancing, an auction and more.

Haunted Houses 2023: SF Bay Guide To Halloween's Bone-Chilling Best

• Attention, San Francisco Bay Area fear-seekers. This list is for you ...

Oktoberfest 2023: SF Bay Area Guide To The Best Of Bavarian Fests

• Find bier, brats and the oom-pah near you throughout the San Francisco Bay Area ...

Let us know if you have an idea for a nice news story in your town. Email your story tips to autumn.johnson@patch.com.