Fall festivals, cooler temperatures and colorful foliage offer plenty of reasons to get outside in October. Whether you’re in the mood for picking pumpkins, an unusual bike ride or an evening under the stars, here are five activities worth checking out this weekend, Oct. 17-18.
Pacific Northwest: Oxtober Harvest Festival in Carnation, Washington
Celebrate the season at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center’s Oxtober Harvest Festival. Pick out a pumpkin, try the apple slingshot, take a tractor ride or explore the farm’s outdoor activities.
The plan: Explore the farm’s organic fields and forest trails, take a guided tour of the native plant nursery or kids’ farm and enjoy live music and seasonal treats. Optional workshops cover fermentation, gardening with native bulbs, bundle dyeing and preparing teas from native plants.
What to know:
- Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Tickets cost $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Advance purchase is recommended.
- Children 3 and younger enter free.
- Workshops cost an additional $5 each. Pumpkins, food and drinks are sold separately.
- Food vendors will offer espresso drinks, cider, grilled cheese sandwiches, soup and Indonesian street food.
- Live music runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
California: Railbikes to the Pumpkin Patch near Sacramento
For a different kind of fall outing, try River Fox Train’s Railbikes to the Pumpkin Patch near Sacramento. A railbike is an electric-assisted, pedal-powered vehicle that travels along railroad tracks. Pedal through Yolo County farmland, then stop at a pumpkin patch operated in partnership with Dave’s Pumpkin Patch to pick your own pumpkin and enjoy hot spiced cider and a donut. The excursion also includes a meal afterward at Elkhorn Station.
The plan: Expect about an hour of pedaling round trip, plus the pumpkin-patch stop. The operator describes the ride as moderate to strenuous, although electric assistance is available.
What to know:
- Each railbike seats two people, but individual seats may be booked on a shared bike.
- Check in at Elkhorn Station, 18095 County Road 117 in West Sacramento, at least 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may miss their ride without a refund.
- Solo riders must be at least 16 years old. Seated passengers must be at least 3, while younger children must ride in a front-facing carrier.
- Closed-toe shoes are required. Helmets and water are provided.
- Check the River Fox Train booking page for available pumpkin-patch departures and ticket prices.
Heartland: Heartwood Kite Festival in Omaha, Nebraska
Crisp autumn air makes October a great time to fly kites. On Oct. 17-18, giant, colorful kites will fill the sky over Heartwood Park in Omaha during the Heartwood Kite Festival. Professional kite flyers from Great American Kites & Events will put on the displays.
The plan: Watch the kite displays, bring your own kite or buy one at the festival and pick up flying tips from the professionals. Food vendors and family activities will also be available.
What to know:
- Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Admission is free.
- Kite displays and activities depend on wind and weather conditions.
Southeast: Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, North Carolina
The Woolly Worm Festival returns to Banner Elk on Oct. 17-18 for its 49th year. The festival celebrates an unusual Appalachian tradition: racing woolly bear caterpillars to predict the coming winter weather. According to folklore, the brown and black bands on the winning worm are used to forecast winter conditions. Saturday’s winning worm earns the honor of making the prediction, and its owner takes home $1,000. The festival also features live entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities.
What to know:
- Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- The festival takes place at Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, 185 Azalea Circle.
- Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger enter free.
- Races begin around 10 a.m., with 25 worms competing in each heat.
- Anyone who wants to enter a worm must register at the festival. Spots are limited, so sign up as soon as you arrive.
Gulf Coast: Star Party at Galveston Island State Park, Texas
Swap your evening screen time for a star party at Galveston Island State Park on Saturday, Oct. 17. From 8 to 9:30 p.m., a park ranger will lead a program about the night sky, with telescopes and binoculars available for viewing.
What to know:
- Bring a chair or blanket, bug spray, weather-appropriate clothing and a red flashlight or headlamp.
- Meet at the beachside day-use area.
- Park admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. The program is included with admission.
- The event may be canceled because of weather, so check the park’s event listing before heading out.