The spookiest (and obviously best) month of the year has finally arrived, and with October comes light layers, cascading leaves, and pumpkin-flavored everything. October also happens to be the month of Halloween, a holiday that young kids and the young-at-heart equally hold dear!
Looking for a way to properly celebrate this fall?
There are so many different things across the country to do this year that it might be hard to narrow down your favorites. Check out this list of the big shows, festivals, and events that you won’t want to miss out on during this month!
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest
Where: Reading, Pennsylvania
When: October 1 – 2
Catch the tail end of this year’s Oktoberfest in Reading, Pennsylvania, where you’ll be treated to live music, a roving ventriloquist, and magic shows, all while enjoying traditional German food and drink! Oktoberfest is a wonderful way of immersing yourself in classic German culture. Just because you’re not currently in Munich, doesn’t mean you can’t drink like you are.
NYC Wine and Food Festival
Where: New York City
When: October 13 – 16
The New York City Wine and Food Festival is THE place to be for true foodies and wine connoisseurs. It’s for a good cause, too: the renowned festival dedicates its proceeds to help fight hunger. To date, the NYC Wine and Food Festival has raised nearly $10 million to benefit the No Kid Hungry campaign and the New York City Food Bank.
Come enjoy over a hundred different wine and food tastings, classes and seminars, and much more at the NYC Wine and Food Festival this October!
Village Halloween Parade
Where: New York City
When: October 31
You’re already in the New York area to drink some wine, so why not check out New York City’s famous Halloween Parade as well? 42 years’ worth of live music performances, dancers, artists, and costumed parade-goers have made this event unforgettable. The 43rd Annual Village Halloween Parade is certain to be just as memorable.
Bring your own costume and join in on the festivities this Halloween!
Texas Renaissance Festival
Where: Todd Mission, Texas
When: October 8 – November 27
There’s always so much to do and see at Renaissance fairs, and the Texas Renaissance Festival is no exception. This year there are themed weekends, Saturday After Dark events, and wine tastings.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
When: October 1 – 9
Come to New Mexico to see a kaleidoscope of colorful balloons take to the sky. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the World’s Premier Balloon Event – you certainly won’t want to miss this one!
Dirtybird Campout
Where: Silverado, California
When: October 7 – 9
The crowds that gather each year to Dirtybird Campout are proof that you’re never too old to go to summer camp. You’ll find boat races, stand up comedy, arts and crafts, kickball, live music, and more at this nostalgic throwback. Dirtybird Campout is 21 and over – so grownups only, no kids allowed.
Pumpkin Patches
Where: All around the U.S.
When: October 1 – 31
No proper Halloween celebration is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. There are bound to be plenty of family-friendly pumpkin patches around you regardless of where you are, but if you’re looking for a few suggestions on places to get you started, some popular fan-favorite spots include Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania, or the Nash Ranch in Redding, CA.
The National Apple Harvest Festival
Where: Arendtsville, Pennsylvania
When: October 1 – 2, October 8 – 9
While you’re out there picking the picture perfect pumpkin, be sure to stop by The 52nd Annual National Apple Harvest Festival in Arendtsville, Pennsylvania, too! The two weekends that the apple festival is open are sure to be (fruit) jam-packed with plenty of entertainment and tantalizing apple treats.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Where: Buena Park, California
When: Select event nights in October
Knott’s Scary Farm returns each year with new mazes, shows, and monsters based off of all kinds of classic pants-wetting themes. This year you’ll find witches, wendigos, zombies, ghosts, and hundreds more prowling around the theme park.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
Where: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood
When: Select event nights in October
Those looking for an even scarier night out will likely love Universal Studios’ infamous Halloween Horror Nights. An annual event, Halloween Horror Nights celebrates popular horror films and TV series with mazes, shows, and—most importantly—monsters! Check out the website for more details on this year’s attractions – but beware, this event is not for the faint of heart.
Which of these October events have caught your attention? Where are you planning to go this month?