A Wee Bit of Scotland Comes to Pleasanton
Labor Day weekend brings one of Pleasanton’s biggest traditions back to the fairgrounds with pipes, plaids and physical feats. This year marks the 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, Sept. 5–6.
Dating back to 1866, California’s largest and longest-running Scottish Games fills the fairgrounds with two days of Scottish culture, competition and entertainment. This milestone year includes the Men’s Scottish Heavy Athletics World Championships and the 50th U.S. Invitational Heavy Athletics Championships, along with Highland dancing, piping and drumming, sheepdog trials, Scottish and Celtic music, and plenty more.
If you’ve never watched someone toss a caber and thought, “Who first decided this was a sport?” this is your opportunity. Learn more at the 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games website.
Take a Fork on the Wild Side
Come hungry on Saturday, Sept. 12, because Forkful: A Culinary Stroll turns Downtown Pleasanton into one big tasting menu from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participating downtown restaurants will serve their own “perfect forkful,” giving guests a chance to sample flavors from different chefs, cultures and cuisines while strolling Main Street. Feel free to stop by the Lobby Bar for a nightcap at The Rose Hotel. There is also an extra incentive for Rose Hotel guests and fans: complete the Forkful passport by visiting all 11 participating locations. Then vote for your favorite and get entered into a drawing. The prize? A free night at our luxurious hotel.
Food, a stroll through downtown and a chance to come back and stay with us? We like this plan. Visit Forkful Culinary Stroll to learn more.
Make a Splatter
Also on Sept. 12, neighboring Dublin says goodbye to summer with Splatter, its annual multicultural festival at Emerald Glen Park.
The day begins with the Splatter Color Dash, a colorful 1.2-mile fun run around the park. At noon, Splatter gets underway with international food, arts and crafts, the World Craft Bazaar, carnival attractions and live multicultural entertainment across three stages. The evening wraps up with a community dance party and a performance by Good Time Collective.
Festival admission is free, making this an easy addition to a Tri-Valley weekend. Discover more details at Splatter Festival.
Vintage Vibes & Treasure Hunting
Are you ready for some treasure hunting? More than 125 vendors will bring their collectibles, arts, crafts, and vintage items to the fairgrounds on Sept 19. Thrift Fest takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
It’s part treasure hunt, part market and a very good excuse to leave a little extra room in the suitcase. Check out Thrift Fest.
September Takes the Stage
The Tri-Valley’s theaters are starting their fall seasons with plenty to choose from.
Right here in Pleasanton, the Firehouse Arts Center welcomes Midnight Flyer on Sept. 11. The Bay Area Eagles tribute band brings the harmonies and classic hits of one of America’s best-known rock bands to the Firehouse stage.
One week later, on Se.tr 18, Valerie: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse celebrates Winehouse’s unmistakable blend of soul, jazz and pop. See the full fall schedule at Firehouse Arts Center September Events.
Livermore Takes the Stage, Too
Over in Livermore, September brings an eclectic lineup of performances to the Bankhead Theater and Livermore Valley Arts.
The community can get an early look at what’s ahead during the Season Announcement: Act 2, which is the member open house on Sept. 9. Then it’s time for a little “Dancing Queen” when the ABBA Concert Experience arrives Sept. 13.
And anyone who has ever found herself laughing because the alternative might be crying can probably appreciate Menopause The Musical®, coming Sept. 23. Check the fall schedule at Livermore Valley Arts Events.
Catch It Before It’s Gone
There’s still time to catch Wicket Crazy: Cricket and the Tri-Valley at Pleasanton’s Museum on Main, but just barely. The exhibit closes Sept. 5 after exploring cricket’s journey from England to India and eventually to its growing presence here in the Bay Area.
Families can return to the museum lawn Sep. 12 for the free “It’s Fall Coming Back” Family Day, celebrating Pleasanton’s agricultural history with fall crafts, games and hands-on activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See upcoming and ongoing prgrams at the Museum on Main Exhibits.
Save Room for More Fun in October
September is busy, but October is already lining up a few good reasons for another Pleasanton getaway.
The 626 Night Market returns to the fairgrounds Oct. 9–11, bringing the Southern California-born Asian night market experience north with street food, handcrafted merchandise and live entertainment. Learn more: 626 Night Market.
And on Oct.17, Livermore Pride Festival returns to Bankhead Plaza for an afternoon celebration in downtown Livermore featuring music, performances, food and community.
Reach us by emailing info@RoseHotel.net, calling (925) 846-8802, or stopping by to visit at 807 Main St., Pleasanton, CA 94566. Click here to book your next visit to The Rose Hotel.