Letter From The Editor

It’s October, and you know what that means: My fall sweaters have come down from the top shelf of my closet and the Halloween decorations are close behind. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just a lover of cozy, autumnal vibes, this is one of the best months of the year. Skeptical? Just check out the latest edition of Your Month IRL, Bustle’s calendar for in-person events.

October is so much for than just Spooky Season — although, there are still plenty of frights to go around, from Halloween celebrations to creepy, crawly after-hour museum nights. Food, beer, movies, music, medieval times — no matter what you’re into, there’s a festival for it coming up this month. And don’t forget, the WNBA finals also kick off, too. The scariest thing this October could be the FOMO you’d feel from not making it out to some of these events.

— Megan LaCreta, Editorial Associate

The Calendar

Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.

October 1 - 31

Lovers of the iconic 1998 Disney Channel film can make the pilgrimage to its real-life filming location in St. Helens, Oregon, just 30 miles outside of Portland, for the Spirit of Halloweentown festival. The celebration runs all month long, with special appearances from the cast, a pumpkin ceremony, and more.

October 2 - 17

Level up your Oktoberfest festivities by heading to Leavanworth, Washington, and celebrating in a real-life Bavarian village. At Leavenworth Oktoberfest, running Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, enjoy live music, dancing, and of course, authentic German food and beverages.

October 10 - November 29

Need a little medieval magic in your life? Grab your tightest corset and head to Todd Mission, Texas, for the nation’s largest Renaissance festival. Munch on turkey legs while watching knights duel in the arena on weekends from Oct. 10 to Nov. 29, and Black Friday.

October 16

You have the opportunity to be among the very first to attend the brand new Redwest Music Festival. Tucked away in the mountains of Utah, the lineup includes an impressive list of country stars, including Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, and the record-breaking Ella Langley. Snag your tickets now.

October 17-29

Everyone watches women’s sports, so make sure you’re tuned in to the WNBA finals this month. The series starts on Oct. 17, and if all six games are needed, could continue on until the 29th. The competitors are still TBD, but whether you land tickets or tune in to the game at your local women’s sports bar, you’re in for an exciting watch.

October 27

It’s not winter yet! There’s still plenty of time left in the year to enjoy the great outdoors, and there’s no better day to do it than champion of conservation, President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday — aka one of the year’s free National Park days. On the 27th, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission.

From Our Local Guides

Miami, FL

Golden Dusk Photography/Moment Unreleased/Getty Images

Florida fall is upon us! Kick it off at Vizcaya Late: Spooky Edition on Oct. 14, when the gorgeous Miami landmark turns into a Halloween-themed hideaway featuring vintage pumpkin decorating and the chance to match with chilling reads rec'd by Books & Books. — Grace Wehniainen, Staff Writer

New York, NY

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The New York Film Festival is back! Now through October 12th, you can snag early tickets to the premieres of some of this year’s most anticipated films including Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman biopic Artificial and Ava DuVernay’s newest documentary 14th. Catch the Oscar buzz before the critics! —Sophie Fishman, editorial associate

St. Louis, MO

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Cherokee Street is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, especially when the street is filled with free samples and specialty cocktails. The Brewed Arts Festival highlights the vibrant craft beer scene in St. Louis, and there are also a ton of kombucha, teas, and coffees to taste, too. — Dylan Kickham, Staff Writer

Los Angeles, CA

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Horror fans can get their scare on at the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor this October. The immersive Halloween event held at the iconic ship features live entertainment, spookeasy bars, and haunted houses in a location that’s known to have actual paranormal activity. (It’s is also where the Jonas Brothers filmed their “S.O.S” music video.) — Rachel Chapman, Staff Writer

Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.