October is that sweet spot where the air gets a little crisper, the leaves go full-on fireworks, and you live in your favorite sweater-weather pullover. It’s the perfect excuse to jump into all those fall bucket list things we wait all year for! Whether you’re an autumn addict (pumpkin spice everything, please!) or just starting to dip your toes into the world of chunky sweaters and hot cider, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this magical month.
PS: How’d you do on your September bucket list? And don’t forget to check out my Halloween Bucket List!
The Best Things to Do in October
1. Take a Scenic Drive to See Fall Foliage
Picture this: windows down, cool autumn breeze in your face, and the world around you bursting into reds, oranges, and golds. I love packing up the car with my favorite snacks, a cozy blanket (you never know when you’ll want to stop for a little roadside picnic), and just getting lost in all that fall foliage.
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
There’s something about wandering around, searching for that perfect pumpkin (big? small? cute and round?)— it is the ultimate fall vibe. Do you agree? Whether you’re solo or bringing a friend for moral support, it’s the perfect day out. And once you find “the one,” you can take it home to carve or display it on the porch like the autumn queen (or king) you are.
3. Go Apple Picking and Make Homemade Apple Pie
October could be the last month for apple season, so you better hurry to check this one off your bucket list. Go to a local apple orchard and load up, then turn those apples into a yummy apple pie. If nothing else, the smell of the baking pie will give you that fall feeling.
4. Have a Picnic in a Park
Who says picnics are just for those warm summer months? October can be just as fun. Throw down a cozy blanket, pack some warm goodies (like hot cider—my favorite), and don’t forget your sweater—it’s all about those cozy layers!
5. Attend a Fall Harvest Festival
Hayrides, corn mazes, caramel apples—what’s not to love about a harvest festival? Plus it’s a perfect excuse to pick up some local goodies (I can never resist fresh apple pie or cute handmade crafts)
6. Visit a Corn Maze
If you’re looking for a bucket list adventure without the life-or-death stakes, a corn maze is the perfect activity! PS: It’d be perfect to add this one to your couple’s bucket list!
7. Go on a Hayride
I love bundling up in a warm blanket with an apple cider in hand (or a hot toddie!) and cruising the countryside on a barrel of hay.
8. Take a Weekend Getaway to a Cozy Cabin in the Woods
9. Creatively Carve Pumpkins and Put Them on Your Porch
Take your pumpkin carving to the next level by adding a little creativity. Instead of the standard carving, why not use some paint, glitter or lace. Or you can go all out perfecting some intricate carving designs (House Beautiful has some great ideas!)
10. Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home
Sure, you could run to the local Starbucks for your PSL fix, but why not make your own at home? It’s easier than you think and The Kitchn has a yummy recipe.
11. Decorate Your Home with Fall-Themed Decor
12. Try Your Hand at Making Homemade Apple Cider
There’s just something about homemade apple cider that screams cozy fall vibes—warm, spiced, and downright comforting. Plus, making it is easier than you think (The Forked Spoon has a great recipe!), and your kitchen will smell like autumn heaven. I love sipping a mug of cider, all wrapped up in a blanket on the couch, with a good book or movie. Bonus points if there’s a chilly breeze outside!
13. Knit a Cozy Scarf or Blanket
Okay, knitting isn’t just for grandmas anymore (though my grandma mastered the art!). If you’ve ever wanted to give it a go, fall is the time to start. There’s something so satisfying about sitting down with some yarn, and a few YouTube tutorials later, you’re whipping up your own scarf or blanket.
14. Make a Fall Wreath for Your Front Door
What better way to say “Welcome to Fall” than with a homemade wreath on your front door? You can go all out with leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones—whatever screams autumn to you. PS: Cottage on Bunker Hill has some of the cutest ideas!
15. Press Leaves to Create October Art
Remember pressing leaves between books as a kid? Well, it’s still just as fun now (and maybe a bit more artistic!). Collect some vibrant leaves, press them, and turn them into gorgeous fall artwork. Frame them, put them in a journal, or just keep them as a sweet seasonal memory.
16. Bake a Batch of Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin muffins are the perfect fall treat—soft, moist, and full of warm spices. Baking a batch fills your home with the most incredible smell, and they’re great to have on hand for breakfast or a snack. I love adding a little cream cheese frosting on top for an extra indulgence!
17. Host a Halloween Movie Marathon with Classic Spooky Films
What’s better than curling up under a blanket with a marathon of spooky classics? Pick your favorites (Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas—the gang’s all here!), grab some popcorn, and settle in for a night of Halloween fun.
18. Visit a Haunted House or Do a Ghost Tour
19. Dress Up in a Fun or Scary Costume for Halloween
Halloween costumes aren’t just for kids—why let them have all the fun? Whether you’re going full-on spooky or keeping it cute and quirky, dressing up is such a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit.
20. Create a Spooky Playlist for the Season
No October is complete without a killer spooky playlist! Fill it with everything from creepy, eerie tunes to danceable Halloween hits like “Thriller.” It’s the perfect soundtrack for pumpkin carving, decorating, or getting ready for that Halloween party. Just try not to get those catchy songs stuck in your head all month!
21. Build a Bonfire and Roast Marshmallows
Nothing says “fall vibes” quite like a bonfire with roasted marshmallows (or maybe even s’mores)! Gather your friends, roast marshmallows until they’re gooey perfection, and maybe even throw in a few spooky ghost stories.
22. Attend a Local Oktoberfest Celebration
Oktoberfest is basically a giant fall party—what’s not to love? Even if you’re not a beer person (hello, fellow wine lovers!), the food, music, and lively atmosphere make it a must-do. Pretzels bigger than your head, bratwurst fresh off the grill, and a crowd full of people in lederhosen—it’s like a mini trip to Germany without leaving town. Prost!
23. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Fall Landscapes
What could be better than getting a birds eye view of all those autumn colored trees? Floating overhead in a hot air balloon is an epic bucket list adventure!
24. Go Camping and Enjoy the Cool, Crisp Nights
Fall camping is such a different experience from summer—it’s quieter, cooler, and the changing leaves make everything feel a little more special. Pack some extra blankets, and enjoy the fresh air, starry skies, and maybe even a campfire breakfast.
25. Explore a Local Vineyard (Fall and wine? Yes, please!)
26. Spend a Day at a Spa to Pamper Yourself Before Winter Sets In
A little “me time” is always great, but especially before the holiday hustle starts. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or just lounging in a steamy hot tub, a spa day is the perfect way to recharge.
27. Enjoy a Cozy Evening by the Fireplace with a Good Book
What’s better than a crackling fire, your comfiest blanket, a cup of tea (or wine, no judgment), and a good book.
28. Take a Long Walk Through Your Neighborhood to Admire Fall Decorations
One of my favorite simple pleasures is taking a long walk through the neighborhood to admire everyone’s fall decorations. Plus, you get some fresh air and exercise!
29. Visit a Farmer’s Market to Pick Up Seasonal Produce
Farmers markets in October are full of seasonal goodies like squash, pumpkins, and apples. It’s a great way to support local farmers and bring home some fresh, healthy ingredients for your fall recipes.
30. Experiment with Thanksgiving Recipes, Like Butternut Squash Soup!
October is the perfect time to start testing out new recipes for Thanksgiving! Then you can limit those little holiday mishaps. Why not experiment with a creamy butternut squash soup or whip up a classic pumpkin pie?
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