Fall Fest 2026: Community Spirit Was the Biggest Winner

Downtown Burlingame came alive for Fall Fest with music, rides, food, a beer garden, family fun and a Halloween Costume Contest made even more special by the generosity of our local merchants.

Fall Fest!

Downtown Burlingame was filled with energy as families, friends and visitors came out to enjoy a full day of fall fun - from live music and entertainment to the Ferris wheel and rides, children's activities, food, the beer garden and, of course, one of the day's most colorful highlights: the Fall Fest Halloween Costume Contest.

Costumes ranged from adorable to spooky, imaginative to outrageous, handcrafted to show-stopping. Kids, families, groups and four-legged participants all added to the creativity, laughter and community spirit that made the contest such a memorable part of the day.

Our Merchants Made the Costume Contest Extra Special

Behind the prizes was something even more special: the generosity of our Downtown Burlingame merchants.

When we reached out to local businesses to help make the Halloween Costume Contest memorable, they responded generously. Merchants donated an extraordinary assortment of prizes, including gift certificates, dining experiences, creative activities, children's gifts, art supplies, tech accessories, specialty merchandise, and professional family and pet photography.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Eleven Luxe, Five Little Monkeys, Marlinda's, Therapy Stores, Caffe Central, All Fired Up, Top Drawer, Tuna Kahuna, Classic Kids, Tech Loop, Crepevine and Yves DeLorme. Their generosity helped us recognize the imagination, effort and enthusiasm of our costume contestants and added an extra layer of excitement to the day.

It is easy to say "shop local." Fall Fest showed us what supporting local really looks like. Our merchants do more than open their doors each day. Again and again, they contribute to the activities, organizations and traditions that make Burlingame such a special place to live, work, visit and raise a family.

Something for Everyone

The Halloween Costume Contest was only one part of a much bigger day.

Throughout Downtown, families enjoyed live music, the Ferris wheel and rides, children's activities, food and specialty vendors, and plenty of opportunities simply to spend time together. The beer garden gave adults a place to relax and catch up with friends, while music and entertainment kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day.

It was the kind of event where you could arrive planning to stay for an hour and find yourself still Downtown several hours later. That is exactly what community events are meant to do: bring people together and invite them to experience Downtown Burlingame in a fun, welcoming way.

It Takes a Community

Fall Fest does not happen through the efforts of one person, one business or one organization. It takes Board members, volunteers, student volunteers, merchants, vendors, entertainers, sponsors, City partners and many others working before, during and after the event.

A special thanks to our Halloween Contest judges: Neli Vilchez, President of Downtown Burlingame (aka Downtown Burlingame BID) and Owner of Floral Art and Decor; Nicole Acquisti, City of Burlingame Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation; and Susan Baker, Executive Director, Burlingame SFO Chamber of Commerce!

To everyone who helped set up, clean up, welcome visitors, assist contestants, keep activities running, donate a prize, sponsor an activity, serve food, play music or simply show up with family and friends: thank you.

Why Fall Fest Matters

Events like Fall Fest are fun, but they also do something important for Downtown Burlingame. They introduce families to businesses they may not have visited before, give longtime customers another reason to return, fill our streets with people, create memories and strengthen the connection between our businesses and the community they serve.

Perhaps the best part of Fall Fest was seeing that connection come alive. Children were laughing. Costumes were everywhere. Families were exploring. Music filled Downtown. Merchants were welcoming visitors. Friends were running into friends.

And throughout it all was the unmistakable feeling that Burlingame is a community that shows up for one another.

To our extraordinarily generous merchants, sponsors, volunteers and community partners - and to everyone who joined us for Fall Fest 2026 - you made the day possible, and you made it special.

We can't wait to do it again.

SHOP • DINE • PLAY • RELAX • LIVE

Downtown Burlingame