As we head into October, there are countless exciting events to look forward to throughout the South. Our schedules are packed with live music performances, Halloween celebrations, fall festivals, and more. Check out these can’t-miss October events!
October 1 – November 2, 2024: Jack O’Lantern Spectacular — Louisville, KY
Stroll along a 1/3-mile path while viewing more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins in themed settings. The trail opens each day at dusk. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (ages 65+), and $12 for children (ages 3-12). Children ages 3 and younger are free. Proceeds directly support the local nonprofit Parks Alliance of Louisville. jackolanternlouisville.org
October 3 – 6, 2024: Nashville Oktoberfest — Nashville, TN
An annual tradition since 1980, Nashville Oktoberfest is the longest-running party in the Southeast! Taking place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, attendees can enjoy draft beer, a pup parade, delicious German food, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Tickets start at $10. thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 4 & 5, 2024: Alabama Butterbean Festival — Pinson, AL
The Alabama Butterbean Festival is a quirky, family-friendly event like no other. Held in Pinson, the festival serves up all the charm and deliciousness you’d expect from its namesake, including live music, fireworks, vendors of all types, and even a 5K and carnival. alabamabutterbeanfestival.com
October 4 – 6, 2024: Stars of Texas Music Festival — Ennis, TX
Now in its third year, the Stars of Texas Music Festival celebrates all things music and community. Taking place at the Texas Motorplex, this year’s headlining acts include Wade Bowen, Tracy Lawrence, and Lady A. Single-day tickets start at $36, and weekend passes start at $139. starsoftexas.com
October 4 – 6, 2024: Mempho Music Festival — Memphis, TN
Get ready to rock out at Radians Amphitheater during Mempho Music Festival. This year’s lineup includes acts like Jack White, Trey Anastasio & Classic Tab, and Cody Jinks. Three-day passes start at $265, and single-day admission begins at $130. memphofest.com
October 11 & 12, 2024: So So Spiffy Shopping Shindig — Birmingham, AL
Once a month, So So Spiffy Birmingham opens its doors and invites you to shop from the very furnishings it uses in its staging projects. You can find everything from rugs to sofas, chairs, dining tables, art, and more — all listed below retail pricing. October sale hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sosospiffy.com
October 11 & 12, 2024: Riverfront Revival — North Charleston, SC
Curated by music icon Darius Rucker, Riverfront Revival is a love letter to country music and South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The two-day outdoor festival features performances from Hootie & The Blowfish, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jamey Johnson, Hailey Whitters, and many more. To see the complete schedule and purchase tickets, visit riverfrontrevival.com.
October 11 – 13, 2024: Barber Vintage Festival — Birmingham, AL
As one of the most highly anticipated motorcycle events in the world, the Barber Vintage Festival is a three-day event that hosts a swap meet with hundreds of vendors as well as a fan zone. While there, be sure to also pay a visit to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The event’s complete schedule is yet to be announced, so watch barbermuseum.org for updates!
October 12, 2024: Gee’s Bend Airing of the Quilts Festival — Boykin, AL
Get introduced to the quilters and the Gee’s Bend lifestyle during this one-of-a-kind festival! The event includes hands-on experiences, ranging from workshops to storytelling. The festival begins at Gee’s Bend Welcome Center at 10 a.m. airingofthequilts.org
October 12 & 13, 2024: Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival — Amherst, VA
While wine and garlic may seem like an odd pairing, Rebec Vineyards finds a way to make it work. Its annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival includes multiple live entertainment stages, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious food. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. rebecwinery.com
October 18 & 19, 2024: Natchez Balloon Festival — Natchez, MS
The Natchez Balloon Festival has been a beloved annual event since 1986 and has become the largest and most successful festival in Southwest Mississippi. Featuring hot-air balloons and live music, the festival takes place in Historic Downtown Natchez on the Rosalie Mansion grounds. To see the complete schedule of events and purchase tickets, visit natchezballoonfestival.com.
October 19 & 20, 2024: RiverArtsFest — Memphis, TN
See over 150 local and national artists, buy their work, and enjoy the spirit of Memphis at the annual RiverArtsFest. Single-day adult tickets are $10, and two-day adult tickets are $15. The festival begins at 10 a.m. on Riverside Drive. riverartsmemphis.org
October 19 & 20, 2024: Gold Rush Days Festival — Dahlonega, GA
See some of fall’s best colors and celebrate the city of Dahlonega’s history during this one-of-a-kind event! The annual Gold Rush Days Festival hosts 200+ arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, and fun-filled activities — including a 5K and parade. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday. goldrushdaysfestival.com
October 19 & 20, 2024: Via Colori Street Painting Festival — Louisville, KY
See large-scale art on the sidewalks of Waterfront Park during Kentucky’s largest street-painting festival. More than 100 artists showcase their creations, while attendees enjoy live music, vendors, a food court, and other family-friendly activities. Admission to this 16th-annual event is free. viacolorikentucky.com
October 26 & 27, 2024: Southern Festival of Books — Nashville, TN
Join fellow readers and writers for the annual Southern Festival of Books. The free event celebrates the joys of reading and features panels with over 100 authors, including Sarah Adams, Anne Byrn, TJ Klune, and so many more. To see the complete list of events and authors, visit sofestofbooks.org.
Here’s to a fun-filled October!
**********
To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar!
