10 Things to Look Forward to This October

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. That alone deserves a spot on the calendar, but October 2026 has plenty to enjoy before the candy bowls come out: a bright Hunter’s Moon, trips to the pumpkin patch, and a chance to see Saturn through a telescope to name just a few.

Here are 10 things to look forward to this October, with dates to circle and a few ideas for making the most of the month.

1. A Weekend Among the Fall Leaves

Give yourself an afternoon to take the scenic route. Pack lunch, choose a walking trail, or finally visit that overlook you pass every year.

Timing matters more than mileage. Check a current local foliage report before heading out, especially if you’re planning a longer drive. Our fall foliage guide can help you narrow down the usual viewing window.

And don’t wait for a freeze to bring out the color. The National Weather Service explains that sunny days and cool nights favor brilliant foliage; hard frosts can cause leaves to wither and drop.

2. Picking Your Pumpkin

Before you head to the pumpkin patch, think about what you’ll do with your haul. For baking, look for smaller pumpkins labeled “pie” or “sugar.” Save the big carving pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns. University of Minnesota Extension has more advice on choosing pumpkins and winter squash for cooking.

You can enjoy your porch pumpkins whole for now and carve them closer to Halloween. If you’re ready to cook, our guide to preparing and freezing fresh pumpkin will help you put some away for fall baking.

3. An Apple Dessert Worth Turning On the Oven For

A bag of apples is a perfectly good reason to make dessert on a Tuesday.

Try our Apple Brown Betty recipe, which layers sliced apples with buttered breadcrumbs and warm spices. Serve it warm and let everyone decide for themselves about the ice cream.

Planning an orchard visit? Check which varieties are available before you leave. Tell the grower what you’re making, too. The best apple for eating on the drive home may not be the one you want for applesauce.

4. Saturn’s October 4 Opposition

Set aside an evening near Sunday, October 4, when Saturn reaches opposition. The planet will be opposite the Sun in our sky and well placed for nighttime observing.

Saturn is visible without a telescope, but you’ll need one to see its rings. This is a good excuse to look for a public observing night at a nearby astronomy club or planetarium.

The NASA Night Sky Network lists astronomy clubs and events. Our visible planets guide can help you get acquainted with the sky before you go.

5. Birds Passing Through Your Neighborhood

October birdwatching can start with a familiar place: the yard, a nearby pond, or the park where you usually walk.

Fall migration brings opportunities to notice birds you don’t see there all summer. Carry binoculars if you have them, and leave yourself time to stop rather than trying to identify everything while moving.

For help choosing a morning to go, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology explains how to use BirdCast’s migration maps and dashboard. The tools track nighttime migration and can give you a better sense of what has been moving through your area.

6. Canadian Thanksgiving on October 12

Our Canadian readers have a harvest celebration coming up on Monday, October 12.

If you’re hosting, choose the dishes you can prepare ahead before committing to the rest of the menu. It’s much easier to enjoy your company when every pan in the kitchen isn’t waiting for your attention.

Our Canadian Thanksgiving guide has more on the holiday and its traditions. And if you’re visiting family across the border, put the date on your calendar now.

7. Planting Something for Spring

Planting bulbs is one October chore with a particularly pleasant payoff.

Tulips, daffodils, and other hardy spring-flowering bulbs are planted in fall, though the right timing depends on your climate. In cold areas such as Minnesota, extension guidance generally places planting between mid-September and mid-October.

Check local advice before choosing your weekend. Pick firm bulbs without mold or soft spots, follow the planting instructions for the variety, and mark where they go. Your spring self will appreciate that last step.

8. October’s Birthday Flowers

An October birthday gives you a reason to bring some fall color indoors.

Marigolds are traditionally associated with October, with cosmos also recognized as a birth flower for the month. A bouquet, a flower-themed card, or a packet of seeds for next year makes a thoughtful birthday gift.

Our October birth flower guide explores the flowers and their lore. Flower meanings belong to tradition, so choose the association that suits the person you’re celebrating.

9. The Full Hunter’s Moon

Save Sunday evening, October 25, for a look at the Moon.

The Hunter’s Moon reaches full phase at 12:12 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, October 26. That makes Sunday evening a convenient time to enjoy it without staying up until the exact moment.

Check your local moonrise time and choose a place with an open view toward the eastern horizon. You won’t need special equipment. A short walk after supper will do nicely.

10. A Saturday Halloween

October ends with Halloween on Saturday, October 31.

There’s time for an afternoon costume project before the evening festivities, or a leisurely supper before trick-or-treating. Check your community’s schedule early, since local events may take place on different days.

If you’re decorating with children, our Halloween crafts offer ideas to work on throughout the month.