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Articles by Johnny Funcheap

Johnny is a self-described cheap-aholic who hunts down the free-er side of San Francisco. He loves street fairs, free concerts in the park, and anywhere that offers free food. Johnny has been featured on KQED's Forum, CBS's Eye on the Bay and is a contributor to the San Francisco Bay Guardian, KFOG and KGO 810 AM. Johnny is the founder of FunCheapSF.com

Friday, October 23

Saturday, October 24

SF’s “BYOP” Pumpkin Carving Party 2026 (Duboce Park)
Saturday, October 24 – 11:00 am | Cost: FREE*
*Attendees must bring their own pumpkin.
| Duboce Park Upper Lawn
SF's "BYOP" Pumpkin Carving Party 2026 (Duboce Park)

Free pumpkin-carving gathering at the Upper Lawn in Duboce Park on October 24. Participants should bring their own pumpkin.
Original Event Description:
_Join us for pumpkin carving in Duboce Park on Saturday, October 24 from 11 AM to 1 PM on the Upper Lawn. Although the event …

44th Annual Sandcastle Classic: 100+ Teams Build Giant Sculptures (Ocean Beach)
Saturday, October 24 – 11:30 am | Cost: FREE | Ocean Beach (Balboa)
44th Annual Sandcastle Classic: 100+ Teams Build Giant Sculptures (Ocean Beach)

Join us for the 44th Annual Sandcastle Classic!
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11 AM–3:30 PM
WHERE: Ocean Beach, SF (@ Balboa St) | FREE & family-friendly
Watch 100+ teams of architects, designers, engineers, and students bring our “Bay Area Vibes” theme to life through giant …

Thrill-O-Ween: Free Outdoor Halloween Fest w/ Costume Contest (Thrive City)
Saturday, October 24 – 12:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Thrive City
Thrill-O-Ween: Free Outdoor Halloween Fest w/ Costume Contest (Thrive City)

Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City in San Francisco is a free, outdoor Halloween celebration for all ages featuring a costume contest, live entertainment, trick or treat stations, a mini pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, photo ops, and a special screening of E.T. Food and beverages will …

West Oakland Prescott Craft Market: 50+ Vendors & DJs (2026)
Saturday, October 24 – 12:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Prescott Market West Oakland
West Oakland Prescott Craft Market: 50+ Vendors & DJs (2026)
Children’s Halloween Haunt 2026: Hayrides + Trick-or-Treating (History Park San Jose) Children's Halloween Haunt 2026: Hayrides + Trick-or-Treating (History Park San Jose)

History San José’s family-friendly Children’s Halloween Haunt takes over History Park with hayrides, carnival games, a mini pumpkin patch, cultural fall crafts, and trick-or-treating at the site’s historic house museums. The program also includes an optional Sugar Skull workshop led by Elizabeth McCarthy and concludes …

Ocean Beach Giant Sand Art-Making Experience (SF)
Saturday, October 24 – 3:00 pm | Cost: $2.06*
*"Free" but $2.06 donation required
| Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Giant Sand Art-Making Experience (SF)

Let’s create an enormous, temporary artwork together at the beach.

A fun afternoon of creativity and art on the beach as we create a beautiful artwork on the sand!
No experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity. I will provide the tools you need to …

SF’s “Golden Hour” Filipino Night Market is Back for 2026 (SoMa)
Saturday, October 24 – 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free RSVP requested. All ages.
| Victory Hall
SF's "Golden Hour" Filipino Night Market is Back for 2026 (SoMa)

​✦ UNDISCOVERED SF
San Francisco’s First Night Market Is Back
​Ten years ago, Undiscovered started the trend of night markets. Now, we return during golden hour.
RSVP – FREE
​This year marks a special milestone — join us as we celebrate 10 seasons of community, creativity, and cultural pride! …

“Tunnel of Terror” San Jose Halloween Makers Market at City Hall (2026)
Saturday, October 24 – 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | San José City Hall
"Tunnel of Terror" San Jose Halloween Makers Market at City Hall (2026)

Tunnel of Terror is a Halloween makers market at San José City Hall, presented as a collaboration between San Jose Makers and Opera San Jose. The evening market features local artists, creatives, and small businesses in a Halloween-themed community gathering.
Original Event Description:
_Tunnel of Terror
Tunnel of …

Tunnel Of Terror 2026: Free Halloween Fest + Lowriders (San José City Hall)
Saturday, October 24 – 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | San José City Hall
Tunnel Of Terror 2026: Free Halloween Fest + Lowriders (San José City Hall)

Opera San José presents Tunnel of Terror, a free Halloween event at San José City Hall featuring live performances, lowriders, a costume contest, music, treats, local makers, an art market, and activities for all ages. Costumes and dogs are welcome.
Original Event Description:
_🎃 Bring your costumes …

Free October “Movie Nights in the Park” 2026: The Sandlot (Half Moon Bay)
Saturday, October 24 – 7:30 pm | Cost: FREE | John L. Carter Park
Free October "Movie Nights in the Park" 2026: The Sandlot (Half Moon Bay)

Sunday, October 25

Lower Nob Hill Weekly Cleanup w/ Free Lunch for Volunteers (SF)
Sunday, October 25 – 9:45 am | Cost: FREE | Lower Nob Hill Neighborhood/Another Cafe
Lower Nob Hill Weekly Cleanup w/ Free Lunch for Volunteers (SF)
2026 Pillar Point Harbor Costumed “Witch Paddle” on Kayaks + Paddle Boards (Half Moon Bay) 2026 Pillar Point Harbor Costumed "Witch Paddle" on Kayaks + Paddle Boards (Half Moon Bay)

The San Mateo County Harbor District hosts a free Halloween-themed paddle at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Participants can paddle in swimmable costumes and must wear a life vest or PFD. Spectators are also welcome, and the paddle is followed by a Trunk …

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail 2026 at Winchester Mystery House (San Jose) Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail 2026 at Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)

Winchester Mystery House hosts a kids Trick-or-Treat Trail in its gardens with trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, a jump house, face painting, and community booths. Children receive a pumpkin, decorating accessories, and a candy bag with a participant ticket. Happy Donuts will …

Football Sundays: Outdoor Big Screen NFL Games + Lawn Fun (Thrive City)
Sunday, October 25 – 10:00 am | Cost: FREE | Thrive City
Football Sundays: Outdoor Big Screen NFL Games + Lawn Fun (Thrive City)

Catch NFL games on the big screen at Thrive City’s Football Sundays in San Francisco. Enjoy a community atmosphere with lawn games and team spirit. Lawn chairs are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available at the Chase Center Garage. Event is free …

SF’s “World of Dumplings” 2026: Free Community Food Fest (Ferry Building)
Sunday, October 25 – 11:00 am | Cost: FREE | Ferry Building
SF's "World of Dumplings" 2026: Free Community Food Fest (Ferry Building)

The World of Dumplings 2026 festival returns for its third year at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. This free, community-led event features dumplings from around the globe, more than 25 restaurant vendors, eating contests, cooking demonstrations, a beer garden, raffle prizes, trivia, family activities, …