I love autumn… the crisp air and slow turning sunsets, the crackle of leaves underfoot and blaze of colors above, and the scent of burnt wood in the night. It’s undoubtedly my favorite time of year… especially when you throw in the fun of dressing up in costume & getting sticky with pumpkin goo.

Here’s a non-comprehensive look at some fun & interesting upcoming events over the next couple of weeks (please send in comments if I’ve missed something good):

• Friday, October 15 (tonight!)

An Evening of Flamenco, Art & Fire – 6:30 pm | Cost: $10* | The Crucible

The Crucible presents a Flamenco-infused evening filled with live Flamenco music, Spanish food and drinks and Crucible industrial arts demonstrations highlighting glass blowing, glass fusing, glass cold working, machining and kinetic arts.

• Saturday, October 16

Old Oakland Beer Festival 12pm – 7pm | Cost: FREE* | Pacific Coast Brewing Co.

Taking over four blocks of the Historic Old Oakland District, the Beer Festival will feature beer tastings, live music showcasing local bands, delicious eats from neighborhood restaurants, a parklet, free bike parking, and other family friendly activities.

NIMBY Funraiser Party 9pm onward | Cost: $16+* | NIMBY

NIMBY, the Bay Area DIY industrial art space whose motto – “Refuse to live vicariously” – is a perfect rallying cry for the Maker Revolution, is holding a fundraiser on October 16th. NIMBY parties are notorious for their boundless eclecticism, packing their vast space with live performers, interactive fire art, giant nose-picking machines and an array of other, far less-easily described entertainments and divertissements. – from Laughing Squid

• Sunday, October 17

Montclair Village Family Fun Festival 12pm – 5pm | Cost: FREE | Montclair Recreation Center

Come enjoy the wealth of talented musicians, artists, and performers the Bay Area has to offer! The Festival will feature four areas and stages hosting local performers and a variety of activities and musical genres.

Harvest Moon Viewing Party 7:30pm onward | Cost: FREE | Lakeside Park Garden Center

The Harvest moon is a symbol of blessing and abundance for many cultures. Similar to tea parties, these moon viewing parties are occasions for sharing food and stories while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year. Telescopic viewing provided by EastBay Astronomical Society.

• Saturday, October 23

United Nations Parade 11am – 12pm | Cost: FREE | Jack London Square, Market Green

Come celebrate the raising of the United Nations flag at Jack London Square in Oakland to celebrate the 65th anniversary of humanitarian and peacekeeping work by the United Nations. With 2010 declared International Year of Youth, featured guests will include Oakland JROTC, Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir, and San Jose award-winner Kathy Pham.

Michael Jackson “Thriller” Dance-Off – 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE* | Studio One Art Center

Help break the World Record for the Largest Simultaneous Dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” They’ll dress you up as a zombie, slap some makeup to deaden that face and show you the moves. At 4 p.m., along with thousands all over the world, the dance starts.

• Sunday, October 24

Dia de los Muertos Festival 10am – 5pm | Cost: FREE* | Fruitvale Transit Village

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a fabulous one-day celebration of ancestors, deceased loved ones and community. This year’s commemoration of “Celebrating the Spirit of Community” will be a gigantic event loaded with activities and displays for the entire family to enjoy! The festival will be held between 33rd Ave. and 37th Ave. on East 12th St., as well as in the Fruitvale Village.  (see my post from last year’s festival)

East Bay Mini Maker Faire 10am – 5pm | Cost: $10* | Park Day School

Celebrate do-it-yourselfness! This year’s faire features rockets and robots, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations.

Joaquin Miller Native Plant Sale 10am – 3pm | Cost: FREE* | Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery

Native plant experts will be available all day to help shoppers pick appropriate plants for their specific planting areas. This year’s plant sale will feature workshops and live music throughout the day to celebrate completion of the nursery’s expanded shady propagation and growing area and new teaching circle.