When: Fri., Oct. 18, 6-10 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 19, 6-10 p.m. 2013 Price: $25 for adults, $12.50 for children
Fun fact: The Gardens at Lake Merritt were just named one of California’s top five gardens by VIA Magazine. See Oakland’s beauty for yourself at the second annual Autumn Lights Festival, which doubles as a fundraiser for the seven-acre gardens. This weekend, the plots will be lit up with local artists’ “weird and enchanting art installations,” including electric fireflies, glowing waterfalls, gourd lanterns, and fire-spewing flowers. Sip on wine and beer from local vendors like Linden Street Brewery, munch on treats from food trucks like Jade Chocolates and Go Streatery, and wander throughout the grounds in your “most interesting illuminated garden attire.”