The Alternative to College Fair Returns to the Bay Area on September 24–25, 2026, at the Lafayette Public Library Don Tatzin Community Hall
We are thrilled to spotlight one of the year's most transformative events for families, young adults, and the professionals who support them, the Fall West Coast ALT Fair, hosted by Prepare to Bloom, Lighthouse Guidance and Weatherhead Strategic Services, the event will take place on September 24–25, 2026 at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in the Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette, California.
This is not your typical college fair. This event changes the conversation entirely.
What Is the ALT Fair?
Since its inception in 2014, the Alternative to College Fair (ALT Fair) has connected hundreds of families nationwide with life-changing post-secondary options that exist far beyond the traditional four-year college path. Born from a recognition that many students missed crucial connections to programs and opportunities outside conventional education. It has powerfully filled that gap twice a year, every year since its inception.
The Fall 2026 West Coast ALT Fair brings together wellness gap programs, young adult transitional living programs, college support programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, therapeutic programs, and much more — all under one roof and specifically curated for families and young adults ready to think differently about what comes next.
Two Days. Two Powerful Experiences.
September 24, 2026 — ALT FAIR (Community Night) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Lafayette Public Library Don Tatzin Community Hall
FREE and Open to: Parents, High School Students, Young Adults, Therapists, College Counselors, and Community Members
This is the evening for families to walk through the fair, meet program representatives face-to-face, and discover the full spectrum of what's available to their students. If you've ever felt like your child doesn't fit the traditional mold — or if you're a professional helping families navigate that exact question — this evening was made for you.
"I came in feeling like we had run out of road. I left with a map I didn't know existed. Every family who thinks their child has no options needs to be in that room." — ALT Fair Attendee
Register as an Attendee | Apply for a 1-Day Vendor Space
September 25, 2026 — Professional Networking Day 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Lafayette Public Library Don Tatzin Community Hall
Open to: Referring Professionals and Alternative to College Programs
This full-day event is designed exclusively for the professionals in the room — therapists, educational consultants, college counselors, social workers, and program representatives who are shaping the futures of young adults every day. Connect with fellow professionals, discover new programs to add to your referral network, and walk away with resources and relationships that will make a real difference in your clients' lives.
Register as a Referring Professional | Apply for a 2-Day Vendor Package | Become a Food & Coffee Sponsor
Who Is Behind the ALT Fair?
The ALT Fair is produced by Shayna Abraham, Adrienne Frumberg, and Carrie Weatherhead — three friends and colleagues united by a single mission: to ensure that every high school student and young adult knows the full range of options available to them after graduation. Their expertise spans therapeutic consulting, gap year placement, college consulting, and adult transition support, and their passion for this work is evident in every aspect of the event they've built.
Mark Your Calendar. Reserve Your Spot. Spread the Word.
September 24, 2026 | 5–8 PM — Community Night (Families, Students & Professionals)
September 25, 2026 | 8 AM–4 PM — Professional Networking Day Lafayette Public Library, Don Tatzin Community Hall, Lafayette, CA
Space is limited. Whether you're a family searching for answers, a clinician building your referral network, or a program ready to reach new audiences — your seat at this table matters.
About the ALT Fair:
The Alternative to College Fair is a national event series held twice annually, providing an inclusive platform for students and families to explore nontraditional postsecondary options. By facilitating direct connections with innovative programs and organizations, the ALT Fair empowers attendees to think differently about what comes next—and to find paths where young people can truly thrive.
For more information, visit www.preparetobloom.com/alt-fair-1 or contact Prepare 2 Bloom at info@preparetobloom.com | (650) 888-4575