Fall’s moving fast, y’all. Whether you want to catch some color, squeeze in a hike before snow blankets the higher elevations or celebrate spooky season, there are plenty of reasons to get outside this weekend.
Although it’s not Halloween yet, a full moon will set the spooky tone for the weekend agenda. The Hunter’s Moon, the full moon following September’s Harvest Moon, peaks just after midnight Eastern on Monday, so both Saturday and Sunday nights will be close to full. We’ve done the research, so now all you have to do is pick an activity and get outside.
Pacific Northwest: Hunt for fungi at the Mount Pisgah Mushroom Festival
What is it: Mount Pisgah Arboretum outside Eugene, Oregon, hosts a huge exhibit of hundreds of local mushroom species, with an expert ID table and displays of edible and poisonous varieties. There are also talks, live music, guided nature walks, cooking demonstrations, cider pressing, a scarecrow contest, hayrides and, of course, plenty of opportunities to buy mushrooms.
Why this weekend: It’s a last-Sunday-of-October tradition, so it’s Sunday only.
Know before you go: Buy tickets in advance; availability is limited. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children under 12 and arboretum members get in free without tickets. Parking is free, and dogs aren’t allowed.
California: Watch teams build giant sandcastles at Ocean Beach
What is it: The Leap Sandcastle Classic at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach is Northern California’s biggest sandcastle contest, featuring a different theme every year. For the 44th celebration, the theme is “Bay Area Vibes.” Teams of architects, engineers, designers, companies and local elementary students turn the beach into an outdoor museum of giant sand sculptures to raise money for Bay Area arts education.
Why this weekend: It’s one day only (Saturday) and it’s free. Sandcastle building starts at 11 a.m., and awards are given out at 3:15 p.m. In between, enjoy a variety of musical performances.
Know before you go: Find it at Ocean Beach at Balboa Street. The event ends at 3:30 p.m. Parking is limited, so take public transit if you can.
Mountain West: Cheer on the Emma Crawford Coffin Races
What is it: The Emma Crawford Coffin Races honor a Manitou Springs, Colorado, resident who died in 1891 and whose last wish was to be buried on top of Red Mountain. According to the local tourism organization, years of harsh winters and spring rain sent her coffin racing down the mountain in 1929.
In 1995, the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce decided to honor Emma’s memory with an annual coffin race, in which teams of five race homemade coffins 195 yards down Manitou Avenue, with one costumed “Emma” riding inside and four pushers behind. Teams compete on speed, coffin design, team name and costumes.
Why this weekend: It’s Saturday only. The parade steps off at noon, and the races begin at 12:45 p.m. Organizers say more than 10,000 spectators show up, most in costume.
Know before you go: Watching is free. The races are on the 900 block of Manitou Avenue, and the Fan Zone opens at 10 a.m. on the 700 block. Park free at the DMV parking structure, 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, and take the shuttle for $5 round trip, payable in cash. Children 12 and under ride free. You can also take the free Mountain Metro Route 3 bus from downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City.
If you cycle to the race, there’s a free bike valet, and you’ll even get a drink token for the after-party.
Southwest: Catch sunrise balloons at the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
What is it: Dozens of hot air balloons lift off at sunrise against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the 43rd annual Taos Mountain Balloon Rally in Taos, New Mexico. Saturday also brings food and craft vendors, evening live music and a trick-or-treat balloon glow after dark.
Why this weekend: The rally runs Oct. 23–25, and watching balloons soar into the sky at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.
Know before you go: Morning mass launches are scheduled Saturday and Sunday at the rally grounds on Albright Street. Flights depend on the weather, so check the forecast and the organizer’s updates before setting your alarm.
Midwest: Hike the gorges of Hocking Hills
What is it: Hocking Hills State Park in southeast Ohio is known for its cliffs, waterfalls and gorges. You can choose from trails ranging from quarter-mile strolls to hikes of 5 miles or more, and from easy to difficult.
Why this weekend: Late October is typically a good time for fall color in Hocking Hills, though the timing varies with the weather.
Know before you go: Expect crowds on fall weekends and arrive early. Cantwell Cliffs and Whispering Cave offer other hiking options, but parking availability varies. Park areas close at dark, and there’s no admission fee.
Gulf Coast: Meet the Rougarou at Houma’s bayou festival
What is it: Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, celebrates the Rougarou, the shape-shifting monster from Cajun folklore, and the bayou culture around it. Expect live music, Cajun food, a costume contest, trick-or-treating, carnival rides and the annual Cajun Critter Pardoning.
Why this weekend: Saturday is the big day. The Krewe Ga Rou parade rolls at 7 p.m., with pumpkin lighting and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Know before you go: The festival is free to attend, but bring cash for rides and food. Parking is available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. A free shuttle connects downtown public parking lots with the festival from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, pausing during the parade. There is no Sunday shuttle. See the full festival schedule.
Southeast: Celebrate the season at NOC’s Haunted Guest Appreciation Festival
What is it: The Nantahala Outdoor Center throws an end-of-season bash in the Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City, North Carolina. You’ll find a used gear market with 20-plus vendors selling boats, life jackets, hiking boots and bike gear, plus an artisan market, paddling events, live music and food and drink specials. This year’s haunted theme features a “Used Gear Graveyard” and a “Witchy Artisan Market.”
Why this weekend: The used gear and artisan markets run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday.
Know before you go: It runs from Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25, with free live music Friday and Saturday.
Northeast: Ride a chairlift to Wachusett Mountain’s AppleFest
What is it: AppleFest takes over Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts, with cider, cider donuts, apple-themed treats, more than 35 craft booths, live music and magic and circus shows. The scenic Skyride chairlift runs to the summit for a 360-degree look at the foliage.
Why this weekend: It’s the second AppleFest weekend, with Halloween festivities added to the autumn celebration.
Know before you go: It runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Advance admission is $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 6–12; children 5 and younger enter free. Tickets cost more at the gate. Choose an admission-and-Skyride ticket if you plan to ride the chairlift. Parking is free.
You can also take MBTA commuter rail from Boston’s North Station to Wachusett Station. The festival shuttle meets the 11:51 a.m. arrival and connects with the 4:25 p.m. return train. Reserve your shuttle seat for $5 per person and receive a $5 festival voucher. Confirm the return shuttle’s departure time when booking.
Hawaii: Join the Rice Street Block Party in downtown Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
What is it: Downtown Līhuʻe closes its main street for an annual block party celebrating the heart of Kauaʻi and its local businesses. You’ll find three live music stages, more than 100 local vendors, food trucks and beer gardens. A pickleball tournament helps kick off the morning, while a school ukulele band performs during the evening block party.
Why this weekend: It’s Saturday only, from 4 to 8 p.m., and it’s free.
Know before you go: Rice Street between Umi and Kalena streets is closed from 2 to 10 p.m., along with part of Kress Street.
Alaska: Run (or walk) in costume at Palmer’s Trick-or-Trot
What is it: A free Halloween fun run in Palmer, about 45 minutes northeast of Anchorage, with a 5K, a 1K, a Diaper Dash for the littlest runners, a costume contest and a raffle. It raises money for CCS Early Learning, a local early-childhood education nonprofit.
Why this weekend: It’s one afternoon only, it’s free, and it lands exactly one week before Halloween, so it’s a good excuse to get the costume out early. Plus, candy will be tossed to runners during the race, giving you that all-important sugar rush for the finish line.
Know before you go: It starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, with in-person registration open from 1:30 p.m. The race takes place on the cross-country trails behind Palmer High School. Park in the school’s front lot and follow signs to the practice field next to the football field.