Oh October, we welcome you back with open arms! This cozy season is teeming with Southern charm and cozy comfort, with multiple events that embrace tradition and culture. Boogie to the blues, interact with art, and channel your most autumnal self at every turn with these top things to do for fall across the region.
Arkansas Apple Festival | Lincoln, AR
October 3-5, 2025
Open October festival season with the Arkansas Apple Festival, coming back to Lincoln, Arkansas. Over 100 vendors will be selling handcrafted goods, while festival-goers can enjoy free apple slices. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday morning, or the chance to see Miss Arkansas Apple Festival walking around to say hello.
Artsville Fest | Clarksville, TN
October 4, 2025
Looking for a free, family-friendly event full of inspiration and creativity? Artsville Fest in Clarksville, TN has it all — from life-size art exhibitions to hands-on activities. Enjoy an early kickoff event on October 2 with the Artsville Gala, a speakeasy masquerade displaying the work of local artists alongside live music.
South Carolina State Fair | Columbia, SC
October 8-19, 2025
We love a classic Southern state fair, and the South Carolina State Fair happening in Columbia, SC won’t disappoint. You can expect classics like livestock shows and fair rides woven in with unique competitions and attractions. The South Carolina State Fair even invests in the future of its community by awarding $500,000 in scholarships annually (talk about fun you can feel good about!)
Pro tip: For more state fair spectacles, check out those happening in Arkansas and Louisiana.
King Biscuit Blues Festival | Helena, AR
October 10-11, 2025
Biscuits and blues, need we say more? Held on the banks of the Mississippi River, the King Biscuit Blues Festival brings the music of the Delta alive in Helena, Arkansas. The event promises 2 days of dancing to a legendary blues lineup and indulging in yummy food vendors. The iconic celebration honors history while grooving into the future.
Festivals Galore in Ridgeland, MS
Ridgeland, MS is a bustling hotspot of southern things to do in October! Appreciate local art at Paint the Town Mississippi, or hop over to Renaissance Euro Fest (October 3-4) for a showcase of classic cars. Go a little nuts for the inaugural Ridgeland Pecan Festival (October 18) before you gear up to ride the 18th Annual McGee Lungbuster (October 18-19). Finish the month with some silly seasonal fun — and smash pumpkins at the Annual Slobovia Pumpkin Drop (October 25)!
Planning your trip to Ridgeland? Check out our guide.
Pumpkinfest | Franklin, TN
October 25, 2025
This can’t-miss festival is the home of the official mascot of fall – the pumpkin! Main Street in Franklin, TN transforms into a pumpkin-spiced wonderland packed with a vendor market, live music, and autumn inspiration. Pumpkinfest is an affair for the entire family with a KidZone, a whiskey lounge and beer garden, plus a Pet & People costume contest.
Historic Harvest Fest | Clarksville, TN
October 25, 2025
Harvest a bit of history at the Historic Harvest Fest in Clarksville, TN. Your visit will be split up into three exciting things to do, including an interactive hayride, a tour of the Batson House with a spooky narration, and s’mores around a campfire. Visitors can choose to attend during the day or in the evening, to customize the vibes of the experience!
Here’s everything you need to know before your trip to Franklin.
Fifolet Halloween Festival | Baton Rouge, LA
October 27-30, 2025
Cajun flair comes alive for a weekend in October in the theme of “What Lies Beneath the Wicked Waves.” Head to Baton Rouge, LA for its largest Halloween event – the Fifolet Halloween Festival, inspired by Louisiana folklore of a glowing orb luring souls into the bayous. This one-of-a-kind weekend is full of inspiring costumes, an epic parade, and eerie entertainment like no other.
Looking for more Southern fun? Click here.
