October is here, and the South is brimming with must-attend events. From live music and spooky Halloween happenings to fall festivals, there’s no shortage of fun this month. Here’s a roundup of our top picks!
October 2 – 4, 2025: Paint The Town — Central Mississippi
Mississippi Plein Air Painters (MPAP) hosts Paint The Town Mississippi, a statewide plein-air event across Canton, Ridgeland, Jackson, Flowood, Brandon, and Raymond. Expect immersive workshops, live painting sessions (paint-outs), gallery receptions, competitive challenges with cash prizes, and a chance to buy works fresh off the easel. Whether you’re an artist or spectator, it’s a vibrant celebration of landscape, light, and Mississippi creativity. web.cvent.com
October 2 – 5, 2025: Nashville Oktoberfest — Nashville, TN
Raise a stein to fall at the Nashville Oktoberfest, the Southeast’s longest-running celebration since 1980. Set against the backdrop of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, this festival serves up frosty drafts, authentic German bites, a festive pup parade, and rows of local artisans. General admission starts at $10. thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 2 – November 2, 2025: Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Louisville, KY
Taking place at Louisville’s Iroquois Park, this annual event features more than 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins along a glowing wooded trail. Open nightly, the event offers discounted rates for children, seniors, and groups, with proceeds supporting the Parks Alliance of Louisville. jackolanternlouisville.org
October 3 & 4, 2025: Alabama Butterbean Festival — Pinson, AL
Pinson’s Main Street comes alive for the beloved Alabama Butterbean Festival, where small-town charm meets big-time fun. Guests can enjoy live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a 5K, and plenty of fair food — all alongside quirky favorites like the pet parade and “World Record Butterbean Pot.” alabamabutterbeanfestival.com
October 3 & 4, 2025: So So Spiffy Shopping Shindig — Birmingham, AL
So So Spiffy Birmingham hosts its monthly Shopping Shindig, inviting you to snag stylish furnishings straight from its staging projects at below-retail pricing. From rugs and sofas to chairs, dining tables, and artwork, there’s something for every space. Sale hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sosospiffy.com
October 4, 2025: Hillcrest HarvestFest — Little Rock, AR
The 31st Annual Hillcrest HarvestFest returns to light up Kavanaugh Boulevard. This celebrated fall festival features live music, local food trucks, craft vendors, a kids’ zone, and the fan-favorite HarvestFest Dog Show. VIP tickets ($48) include perks like complimentary food and drinks, live music, and private restrooms, with proceeds supporting The Allen School for children with special needs. littlerock.com
October 4, 2025: Gee’s Bend Airing of the Quilts Festival — Boykin, AL
Step into the vibrant world of Gee’s Bend quilting at the Airing of the Quilts Festival. During the event, visitors can wander through stunning quilt displays, take part in hands-on workshops, enjoy live music, and savor local eats. This year’s celebration, “Between History & Memory: Dinah Miller’s Legacy in Gee’s Bend,” highlights the artistry that has been passed down through generations, with a suggested donation of $40 to support the quiltmaking community. airingofthequilts.org
October 3 – 5, 2025: Stars of Texas Music Festival — Ennis, TX
Get ready for a true Texas-sized celebration as the Stars of Texas Music Festival takes over the Texas Motorplex. This one-of-a-kind weekend blends the thrill of bull riding and racing with mouthwatering BBQ, a magical lantern release, and powerhouse performances from Chris Young, Clint Black, Ashley McBryde, Pat Green, and more. Daily general admission tickets are $59 until October 3. starsoftexas.com
October 3 – 5, 2025: Mempho Music Festival — Memphis, TN
Get ready to rock out at Radians Amphitheater with an all-star lineup including Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, The Flaming Lips, Father John Misty, Sierra Ferrell, and more. Single-day passes start at $250. To see the complete lineup and purchase tickets, visit memphofest.com.
October 3 – 5, 2025: Barber Vintage Festival — Birmingham, AL
Rev up your engines for the Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park. This celebration of all things motorsports features roaring vintage motorcycles, classic cars, thrilling races, stunt shows, and live entertainment. General admission starts at $30, with VIP passes offering prime viewing and exclusive perks. barbermuseum.org
October 10 & 11, 2025: Riverfront Revival — North Charleston, SC
North Charleston comes alive as the Riverfront Revival Music Festival takes over Riverfront Park, curated by hometown GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker. Headliners include Darius himself, Riley Green, Whiskey Myers, The Red Clay Strays, Flatland Cavalry, Lukas Nelson, and more. Tickets range from general admission to VIP. riverfrontrevival.com
October 10 – 12, 2025: Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival — New Orleans, LA
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is a free, three-day celebration of Louisiana’s rich musical and culinary traditions. Taking place at Lafayette Square Park, the festival features live blues and R&B performances, a local arts market, and a variety of barbecue vendors. Headliners include Devon Allman’s Blues Summit, Bobby Rush, and Tab Benoit. The festival is free and open to the public, with VIP packages available for purchase. jazzandheritage.org
October 11 & 12, 2025: Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival — Amherst, VA
Get ready for a flavorful weekend at the 33rd Annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this beloved festival brings together 150+ local vendors, from wineries to garlic artisans, alongside live music on four stages, a Kids Fun Zone, and plenty of garlicky treats — including braids and savory dishes. Children 12 and under are admitted free; discounted tickets are available online. rebecwinery.com
October 16 – 19, 2025: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands — Asheville, NC
Asheville’s premier Appalachian showcase features over 100 juried artists working in clay, fiber, wood, metal, glass, jewelry, and more, with live demos, hands-on craft activities, and a chance to meet the makers. Admission is $12 for adults and free for kids under 12 — tickets available at the door. southernhighlandguild.org
October 17 – 19, 2025: Natchez Balloon Festival — Natchez, MS
Get ready to take flight at the 40th Annual Natchez Balloon Festival. This weekend celebration blends breathtaking hot-air balloon launches with live music from artists like Laine Hardy, Mother’s Finest, and Galactic, plus family-friendly fun including carnival rides, arts and crafts, and a sports tent with weekend games. General admission starts at $20; children 10 and under enjoy free entry. natchezballoonfestival.com
October 17 – 19, 2025: Redland International Orchid Festival — Homestead, FL
One of the nation’s largest gatherings for orchid enthusiasts, the Redland International Orchid Festival blooms at Fruit & Spice Park, where visitors can explore over 50 booths of stunning orchids, catch grower demos and lectures, and savor international eats in this celebration of all things orchid. Tickets and details are available at redlandorchidfestival.com.
October 18 & 19, 2025: RiverArtsFest — Memphis, TN
RiverArtsFest returns to Downtown Memphis, transforming Riverside Drive into a bustling celebration of creativity. This festival features over 150 juried artists showcasing original fine art and crafts, alongside live music, interactive art activities, and artist demonstrations. With food vendors, scenic riverside views, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect weekend outing for art lovers and anyone looking to soak in Memphis’ cultural spirit. riverartsmemphis.org
October 18 & 19, 2025: Gold Rush Days Festival — Dahlonega, GA
The Gold Rush Days Festival transforms Dahlonega into a lively celebration of its gold-mining past. Visitors can enjoy a colorful parade, live Appalachian music, hands-on gold panning, and over 200 arts and crafts vendors. With free admission, Gold Rush Days blends history, community spirit, and family-friendly fun in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. goldrushdaysfestival.com
October 18 & 19, 2025: Via Colori Street Painting Festival — Louisville, KY
The 17th Annual Via Colori Street Painting Festival transforms Louisville’s Waterfront Park into a vibrant canvas. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, over 150 artists create stunning chalk masterpieces along the Big Four Bridge Lawn. This free, family- and pet-friendly event also features live music, food trucks, cosplay fun, and activities for all ages. Proceeds support the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. viacolorikentucky.com
October 18 & 19, 2025: Southern Festival of Books — Nashville, TN
The Southern Festival of Books celebrates literature at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Presented by Vanderbilt University and organized by Humanities Tennessee, the free festival features 175+ authors sharing their work through panels, readings, and signings, plus live performances, food trucks, and a wide selection of publishers. sofestofbooks.org
October 25, 2025: Lexington Barbecue Festival — Lexington, NC
This free, family-friendly celebration of Lexington-style barbecue features over 250 vendors, six live music stages, a 50-ton pig sand sculpture, car and bike shows, dog stunts, and plenty of tasty barbecue. And don’t miss the Pre-Pig Shindig on October 23 to kick off the weekend festivities. thebarbecuefestival.com
Here’s to an outstanding October!
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To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar.
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