It’s hard to believe the fourth quarter of the year has begun and we’re already heading into the final stretch of 2026, but there’s a pretty great consolation prize waiting for us all: October is one of the best months on the calendar for festivals and events. From Oktoberfests and Renaissance fairs to celebrations of sheep (yep, you read that right) and regional food items with a cult following, October has no shortage of ways to have a great time. And, of course, Halloween brings plenty of spooky happenings of its own. Scroll down to find an October event near you, or use the list as inspiration for a pumpkin-spiced road trip.
Fleet Week - San Francisco, California
San Francisco will once again honor the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard during Fleet Week (October 4-12), which serves both as a celebration and a call to maritime service. The annual soiree brings tons of fun to the Bay Area, from impressive naval ships and public ship tours to a neighborhood music festival, military displays and the iconic Blue Angels air show.
PHOTO: Crowd at Austin City Limits Festival (Photo via Lars Plougmann / Flickr)
Austin City Limits - Austin, Texas
October in the Lone Star State’s capital means one thing: Austin City Limits. The festival is back to celebrate 25 years (October 2-4 and 9-11), once again turning Zilker Park into one giant party dedicated to live music over the course of two weekends. The 2026 edition features a stacked lineup, with headliners including Charli XCX, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, Geese, plus dozens more. With two weekends of music, food and classic “Keep Austin Weird” vibes, it’s one of the biggest parties of the fall in the city outside of a Longhorns game.
The Big Fresno Fair - Fresno, California
The Big Fresno Fair is back again (October 7-18) with nearly two whole weeks of carnival rides, horse racing, fair food and plenty of A-list entertainment in addition to the beloved Demolition Derby. The 2026 concert lineup has something for just about everyone, with Kansas and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Ashanti & Soul For Real, BigXthaPlug, Tower of Power & War, Bush and DJ Diplo. This year will also see the debut of Midnight Manor haunted house, which will help you get fully into the spirit of the spooky season.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tricia)
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s skies will once again burst with color during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 3-11), when hundreds of hot air balloons from all over the nation take flight over the high desert. Whether it's the sunrise ascensions that inspire you or the much talked about evening Balloon Glows, when the illuminated balloons create a magical nighttime scene, you’re sure to have a blast among the balloons. Add in balloon rodeos, carving competitions, live entertainment, local food and plenty of fall festival atmosphere and you’ve got one of the Southwest’s most unforgettable annual traditions.
Ohio Renaissance Festival - Harveysburg, Ohio
Travel back to the days of knights, jesters, Vikings and time travellers at the Ohio Renaissance Festival (weekends through November 1). The Harveysburg grounds annually transform into a lively 16th-century village packed with jousting, costumes, performances, fire-breathing entertainers and plenty of chances to browse the “shoppes”. And if you’re wondering, why yes, there will be turkey legs and plenty of ‘em.
Trailing of the Sheep in Sun Valley. (Photo via Visit Idaho / Terry Sanders)
Trailing of the Sheep Festival - Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley will once again raise a glass to its ranching roots during the 30th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival (October 7-11). This quintessentially Idaho event brings together sheepdog trials, sheep shearing demonstrations, Western arts and crafts, local food & drink and plenty of wild & woolly fun. The star of the show, however, is the Big Sheep Parade (October 11), when hundreds of sheep make their way through the streets of town in one of the region’s most delightfully unusual traditions.
National Shrimp Festival – Gulf Shores, Alabama
Everybody’s favorite tasty crustacean will take center stage once again at the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores (October 8-11). This beachside fiesta features a mouthwatering mix of fresh seafood (think shrimp cooked every way imaginable including gumbo, crab cakes and other regional favorites) alongside great live music across multiple stages, local art vendors and beer and other boozy concoctions.
PHOTO: Rapid City’s Black Hills Powwow, South Dakota (Photo courtesy of Visit Rapid City) (Photo Credit: Chelsea Davis)
Black Hills Pow Wow - Rapid City, South Dakota
The 38th Annual Black Hills Pow Wow returns to Rapid City (October 9-11) for a vibrant celebration of Native American culture and traditions. The weekend will once again feature powerful traditional dancing, music and storytelling, along with opportunities to learn more about Indigenous customs and heritage. Visitors can also browse an impressive selection of handmade crafts and jewelry and sample traditional Native foods.
Apple-Scrapple Festival - Bridgeville, Delaware
Bridgeville will once again put the Mid-Atlantic's favorite porky specialty on a pedestal during the annual Apple-Scrapple Festival (October 9-10). This quirky Delaware tradition draws locals and visitors for a weekend filled with plenty of scrapple, live music and family-friendly activities. Haven’t had scrapple? Well, then you’re in for a fun weekend of trying something new and rubbing shoulders with Scrapple Nation.
The crowd raises a toast during a performance at Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa. (Photo via Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa)
Oktoberfest - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa will once again get into the Bavarian spirit during its annual Oktoberfest (October 22-25), an oompah-filled celebration of the culture, food and music of Germany. Grab a bratwurst and pretzel, raise a stein (or two) and enjoy plenty of live entertainment throughout the festival grounds. With its festive atmosphere (bier barrel racing among other fun twists), traditional touches and attention to detail that sees the beer tents truly resemble their cousins in Munich, it’s the next best thing to crossing the Atlantic.
Bridge Day, New River Gorge, West Virginia
During the other 364 days a year, the New River Gorge Bridge is a feat of engineering that serves as a means for cars to cross from one side to another and as the backdrop for countless photos. But not on Bridge Day (October 17), the one day a year thrill-seekers descend on West Virginia for the chance to BASE jump from the iconic span. For those who prefer to keep their feet planted on solid ground, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including watching the daredevils take the plunge, taking in sweeping gorge views and soaking up the lively festival-like atmosphere.
PHOTO: Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival in Manitou Springs, Colorado. (photo by Phil Barnett)
Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival - Manitou, Colorado
Manitou Springs is set to get wonderfully weird again during the 32nd Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival (October 24), a spooky and fun-as-can-be celebration inspired by the town’s colorful history. The main event sees teams of costumed racers careen through the streets in creatively decorated coffins, while the surrounding festival features live music, local food vendors and plenty of oddball entertainment. And what’s the cause of all the celebration? Well, Emma Crawford, a historic resident of town whose coffin reportedly cascaded down a nearby hill.
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