Manufacturing has deep roots in the East Bay—it’s not just part of our history, it’s a driving force in our economy, fueling innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and making goods that keep our economy thriving. While National Manufacturing Day—also known as MFG Day—is officially observed on the first Friday of October, the East Bay kicks off a month-long celebration. Why? Because we have so much to showcase and be proud of in the East Bay!
Throughout the month, be sure to explore all the engaging and informative events happening nearby. From factory tours and career exploration to panel discussions with employers, October’s lineup of events across our region brings together companies, educators, students, parents, jobseekers, and the community to learn firsthand how modern manufacturing is dynamic and evolving in the East Bay.
Berkeley
Keep an eye out for a public announcement on Berkeleyside on September 30 featuring a complete list of tours happening between October 3-9!
Emeryville
Join East Bay EDA for an exclusive tour of Upside Foods, a Berkeley-based company leading food tech innovation with cultivated meat. From pioneering the world’s first cultivated beef meatball, chicken, and duck to evolving how beef and seafood are grown, Upside Foods is working hard to bring you the meats you love—made in a new way. Join the 2021 East Bay Innovation Awardee for the food category at their Upside Foods EPIC Facility in Emeryville for an exclusive look at the future of food and their innovative manufacturing process. Please note this event has limited space. Reserve your spot here!
Newark
From Friday, October 3, to Thursday, October 9, select teachers will welcome industry professionals for classroom visits at Newark Memorial High School. Students will engage in structured presentations followed by Q&A sessions to dive deeper into manufacturing opportunities.
Manufacturing tours will be announced on the City of Newark’s website.
Oakland
On October 21st, the Oakland Unified School District, in partnership with Peralta Community College District and the City of Oakland, will bus OUSD high school students to tour local manufacturing companies to see first-hand what they make, and to get a sense of the kind of opportunities that careers in manufacturing offer. After the manufacturer tours, the students will congregate at Laney College for lunch and an overview of careers in manufacturing, followed by tours of Laney’s CTE programs. For more information, please contact Mark Martin, Regional Director-Adv Mfg at the Bay Area Community Colleges, mark.martin@design4x.com.
Pittsburg
Each year, Bishop-Wisecarver proudly hosts a Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) event at its headquarters to support and celebrate U.S. manufacturing while engaging the next generation of innovators. The event brings together local students, educators, community leaders, and industry professionals for an inside look at modern manufacturing in action. MFG Day at BW is designed to inspire future engineers and skilled trade workers, while reinforcing our commitment to workforce development, education, and community engagement. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how Bishop-Wisecarver’s legacy of innovation continues to thrive—and how we support the next 75 years of progress in American manufacturing. For more information, please contact: info@bwc.com.
San Leandro
Dakota Press (14400 Doolittle Drive)
Tour Dakota Press – a San Leandro–based commercial printing company with over 30 years of experience, offering digital and offset printing for everything from books and brochures to catalogs and corporate materials. There are two tours available:
Thursday, October 2 – 10AM – Register to attend
Friday, October 3 – 10AM – Register to attend
Registration is required.
Drake’s Brewing Company (1933 Davis Street)
Take advantage of free tours of Drake’s Brewing – a Bay Area favorite – and learn about the process of making their award-winning craft beers. Tours are available on the hour, each hour:
Saturday, October 4 – 12PM-6PM – Registration info coming soon!
Mr. Plastics (844 Doolittle Drive)
Don’t miss this opportunity to tour San Leandro legacy manufacturer Mr. Plastics, a full-service plastics distribution, design and fabrication company. There are two tours available:
Monday, October 6 – 11AM
Tuesday, October 7 – 11AM
Registration is required: Visit the Eventbrite page for this event to sign up!
San Leandro Manufacturers’ Appreciation Event
Hosted by the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, the 2025 Manufacturers’ Appreciation Event will take place on October 3, at Drake’s Brewing (1933 Davis Street) between 5PM and 7PM. Manufacturers are invited to come, enjoy a beverage, and network with other local makers. San Leandro Manufacturers will need to register for the event. The event is open to Chamber members as well as non-Chamber members.
Advanced Manufacturing Day
On October 3, 2025, the Eden ROP will be shuttling over 300 local high school students to visit area manufacturers and learn about careers in manufacturing. The event will commence at Chabot College with a luncheon and guest speakers.
For more information about what’s happening in San Leandro, visit San Leandro Next.