Get your boots and flannels ready because the cooler temperatures of October are officially here. Well, for most of us, anyway. There’s a lot going on around AMLI’s luxury apartments this fall for the whole family, from seasonal festivals to Halloween activities, art markets and more. We’ll skip to the chase. Let’s get into what’s going on this October.
Atlanta
October 6: Soapbox derby
Grab a chair and watch over 100 drivers compete in the Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby. There will be food vendors, bake sales, a beer tent and live music. Cars are judged at noon and the races will take place from 1-4pm. Admission is free.
October 11 & 13: French classical music
Immerse yourself in the sounds of France during Vive la France. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces by Berlioz, Ravel and Vieuxtempes at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Shows begin at 8pm on Thursday and Saturday night.
October 21: Halloween festival and parade
Dress up for the Little Points Halloween festival and parade. There will be live entertainment on two stages, food vendors, an artist market and costume parade from 4-6pm on Euclide and Moreland avenues. Admission is free.
October 27: Halloween house party
This legendary costume party is put on by Scarendipity Halloween Bash. See live music, DJ’s, burlesque and sideshow acts all night. Beer, cocktails and a food truck will also be on-hand. Ages 21+.
Austin
October 5-7, 12-14: Austin City Limits Music Festival
As one of the largest music celebrations in the country, this six-day festival brings the magic of the TV series outside the studio and into Austin’s Zilker Park. Listen to over 140 musical acts over two weekends. Tickets start at 00.
October 13: Oktoberfest
The German-Texas Heritage Society is holding its annual Oktoberfest, featuring live music, food, a beer garden, kids activities and more at the German Free School from 11am-7pm.
October 19-21: FORMULA 1 United States Grand Prix
This three-day event includes races, camping, live music by Bruno Mars, Britney Spears and more. Cheer on Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, Haas and all your favorites at the only purpose-built track in the United States.
October 27: Viva La Festival & Parade
This is the largest and longest-running Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival and one of the few in the country with a parade. This festival features hands-on art activities and demonstrations, traditional foods, local artist booths and live music.
Chicago
October 1: Pints for Pets
Drink beer for the beasts during Pints for Pets to support the Anti-Cruelty Society. The event includes appetizers and three drink tokens for house beer at Lagunitas Brewing Company from 5:30-8:30pm. Admission is 0.
October 6-7: Apple festival
Eat apple pie and drink apple cider at the 31st annual Apple Fest on Lincoln Avenue. Bring the whole family to eat, shop and listen to live, local music. Make caramel apples, watch a chef demonstration and enter the win the pie contest. There is a suggested donation.
October 27: Halloween party
The Lyric Halloween Masquerade at the Civic Opera house includes live music, dancing, an open bar, appetizers and a costume contest. All proceeds support the emerging operatic talent at the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. General admission is 50.
October 28: Clark Street Spooktacular
The 10th annual Clark Street Spooktacular has family-friendly games, trick-or-treating, street magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and a costume contest. The event runs from 1-4pm. Admission is free.
Dallas
October 6: Dog Days of Denton
The 25th annual Dog Days of Denton is a celebration of man’s best friend. This pup-friendly event includes arts, crafts, dog training demos, canine talent contents, entertainment and fun for the whole family. The event is free and open to dogs and their owners.
October 11-14: Christmas in Cowtown
Get a head start on your holiday gift list at the Junior League of Fort Worth’s 12th annual holiday market. This market will be full of holiday cheer with more than 200 vendors selling holiday gifts, decoration, jewelry, toys and more. Admission is 2.
October 28: Mac ‘n Cheese Festival
Sample over 15 macaroni and cheese recipes and vote for your favorites at the Mac ‘n Cheese Festival at Oak Street Drafthouse. All proceeds support providing school lunches for Denton students and the Denton Community Food Bank. Admission starts at 0.
Denver
October 7-11: Harvest Week
Experience unique culinary flavors from farmers and chefs from around Colorado during the ninth annual Harvest Week. Each night, six chefs will put together a one-of-a-kind dinner at the GrowHaus.
October 13: Bloody Mary Festival
Check out this Saturday brunch fest with unlimited bloody Mary samplings. Drink from a number of local restaurants, bars and local liquor companies who will all be providing a steady stream of samples, along with multiple food trucks and live music. General admission starts at 5 and there are two three-hour time slots to choose from.
October 13-14: Maker Faire
The Maker Faire is a venue for “makers” to showcase their art and craft projects through presentations, hands-on activities and competitions. This family-friendly event will also feature music and a petting zoo.
Houston
October 13-14: Bayou City Art Festival
Celebrate 47 years of Bayou City Art Festival in Downtown, benefiting Houston non-profits. See over 300 artists in 19 different disciplines in an outdoor gallery. Enjoy live music, entertainment, food and a kids zone. Admission starts at .
October 14: Dia de lost Muertos at Traders Village
Celebrate the Day of the Dead and honor the life of the departed at this traditional Mexican event. Dress up your whole family and join the parade and costume contests. This event features art activities, food and music from 9am-5pm. Admission is free.
October 20-21: Wings Over Houston Airshow
This 34th annual event features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as well as thrilling aerial shows from some of the world’s greatest military and civilian pilots. There will also be ground attractions such as simulators, ride and drive opportunities and nearly 100 static aircraft to see.
Seattle
October 12: Fall wine walk
Visit shops serving wine and snacks in downtown Kent. Taste local and international wines, pick your favorites and pick up a bottle to take home. Tickets include a glass and 12 wine tasting tokens. The event runs from 5:30-9pm and admission is 0.
October 13-14: Rare book sale
Browse thousands of rare books, maps, prints and photos at the Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair. Meet with literary specialists and look through the wide variety of collectible books at the Seattle Center Hall. Tickets are .
October 28: Halloween dash
Dress up in your favorite costume and run a 4K, 5K or 10K at Run Scared. There will be treasure hunts, costume contests, a photo booth and more. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Southern California
October 7: Sandcastle contest
Hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this annual sandcastle contest welcomes thousands of sightseers to view amazing sand sculptures. See sand art from novices as well as experts from 10am-3:30pm at Corona Del Mar State Beach.
October 6-14: Plein Air Painting Invitational
The 20th annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational is where you’ll find some of America’s most renowned landscape painters. See art and participate in meet and greets with artists all in the historic art colony of Laguna Beach.
October 13 & 14: Surf City Run
This classic 5K and 10K fall run takes place along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a flat course that will be sure to test your endurance. Registration starts at 5 and races kick-off at 6:30am.
October 19-21: Silverado Days
Silverado Days is a community festival that includes games, crafts, contests, rides, food and more fun for the whole family. This 62nd annual event raises thousands of dollars for local charities at Buena Park. Admission is free.
South Florida
October 13: Grovetoberfest
Check out the largest craft brew festival in Florida happening at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. This festival offers the opportunity for unlimited samples from over 400 local and regional breweries. General admission starts at 4.
October 27: Halloween Comic Fest
Celebrate the seventh annual Halloween Comic Fest at Lauderdale Comics. The event includes a free comic book section, treats, costume contests, raffles and discounts throughout the store. The event runs from 11am-7pm.
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