Fall is finally, officially, back in full swing. This edition of “Your Month IRL,” Bustle’s monthly roundup of in-person events, features a handful of autumnal activities — it’s the best time of year to be a tourist in your own city! Halloween is also right around the corner, so be sure not to miss local spooky season frights. Plus, food festivals and art shows are still going strong as we creep into the colder months, and you’re definitely going to add them to your cal. Read on for some ideas to keep the good times rolling well into October 2025.
— Megan LaCreta, Editorial Associate
Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.
There’s nowhere better to kick off the season than Salem, the final resting place of the country’s most infamous witches. Halloween lovers travel from far and wide to attend the town’s month-long Festival of the Dead, for psychic readings, spiritual talismans, or to attend the Witches Halloween Ball on the 31st. Head to the festival website for the full order of events.
The Powerhouse International Festival brings artists from all over the world together for a unique cultural experience. From sculpture to dance to theatre and beyond – anything you can imagine, you can find here. The festival continues throughout October. Get your $30 ticket here.
‘Tis the season for leaf-peeping. Most of the country experiences peak fall foliage this month, so make a road trip out of it — complete with cozy sweaters and cheesy pictures, please and thank you. You can find the best autumnal sights in your vicinity with a helpful foliage map.
Swifties, it’s time. Whether you’re attending a listening party at your favorite bar or tuning in from the comfort of your bed, the release of Taylor Swift’s twelfth album is not to be missed. Come for the music, stay for the social media sleuthing to uncover all of Swift’s Easter Eggs the next day.
Colorful fall scenery isn’t limited to the foliage. From Oct. 4 - 12, head to Albuquerque for the “Painted Horizons” hot air balloon festival. Take in the views from the ground, or even hitch a ride in your own balloon — and don’t miss any special events, like the balloon character rodeo or twilight takeoff.
If you want to watch a frightening flick, you might as well pick one with Jacob Elordi. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Elordi as the notorious monster, is out in select theaters on Oct. 17, before hitting Netflix on Nov. 7. Personally, I’ll be watching all 6’5” of Elordi on the big screen.
You could fill your social calendar with all kinds of Halloween events in LA, but something you can't find anywhere else is the Hallowe’en Spooktacular at Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Celebs like Justin Bieber, Gracie Abrams, and Jack Black are fans of the historic, vintage puppet theater in LA, which has the cutest Halloween show running now through Nov. 9. Tickets are available here.
— Rachel Chapman, Staff Writer
For the first time ever, The Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON festival is coming to Pier 76 on Oct. 4 - 5. If you have a Chase credit card, you can enjoy a lineup of iconic NYC eats (hi, Caffè Panna and L'Industrie!), out-of-town spots, and various activations. In between courses, you can sit for presentations from Alison Roman, Robby Hoffman, and more. Buy tickets for $25 here.
— Alexis Morillo, Lifestyle & Wellness Editor
Oktoberfest is one of St. Louis' biggest celebrations for a reason. Each year, Soulard Market Park is transformed into a massive beer hall, serving up German and local brews in collectible steins, along with bratwurst, pretzels, and more. There's live music, a stein-holding competition, but best of all — the perfect excuse to spend a crisp fall day with a ton of friends and even more beers.
— Dylan Kickham, Staff Writer
Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience gives a window into a delicate art form. The festival runs from Oct. 16 - 19 and includes live glassblowing, exhibitions, talks, tours, parties, and more. Events are spread out across Seattle and neighboring cities, and they range in price (many are free!). Check out your options online, and then marvel at gorgeous glass art creations.
— Stephanie Topacio Long, Copywriter & Contributing Editor
Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.
