Oct. 8-10th San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and Festival begins Fri. night in Washington Square Park with a dinner and chance to meet the Queen, Then 6-10 pm. On Sat., also at Washington Square Park, enjoy the food and wine tasting festival from 1 pm to 5 pm. On Sun., beginning at 1pm, from Fisherman’s Wharf along the route from Jefferson and Stockton Streets to Washington Square Park, watch the 136th annual Italian Heritage Parade. After the parade, enjoy the music food, wine and festivities at the Park until 6 pm.

Oct. 13th, Safari West Gala with Dr. Laurie Marker, recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Heroes for the Planet, is a guest for a very special evening and dinner among the some 400 African animals in Santa Rosa. A Celebration of Speed and Elegance, this evening benefits the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The evening begins with an exclusive reception for Dr. Marker at 6:00pm. $100 per person is tax-deductible. (707) 575-5275 or friends@safariwest.com

Oct. 14th -17th Octoberfest By the Bay. Fort Mason’s 5th annual, 4-day festival of German music, traditional dancing, beer, culinary delights, arts and crafts. Look for the interesting German cultural and historical exhibits and enjoy the non-stop entertainment. Thu.-Fri. 5 pm to Midnight, Sat. 11 am to11 pm and Sun. 11 am to 7 pm. (888) 746-7522 Over 12, $12, kids under 12 go free.

Oct. 22-24th San Francisco’s 1st County Fair – Sea Harvest – on piers 30-32 to Fisherman’s Wharf focuses on the bounty of the sea. Fun for the whole family in classic fair style with rides and entertainment all around, for free.

Oct. 30th Vallejo Octoberfest and Costume Ball. Open to the public for free from 4-6 pm. Followed by the ball at the VNHM on Mare Island for $45. (707) 552-ARTS

Oct. 31st Dia de los Muertos Fruitvale Festival in Oakland celebrates this tradition. Last year over 80,000 people came. Over 130 booths and many forms of food, drink and entertainment abound at this celebration. (510) 535-6900.

If you have a Bayside Community Calendar item, please send it electronically to swiftswan@aol.com by the 15th of each month.