Oktoberfests and Halloween highlight calendar of October events

Foliage and festivals will highlight the calendar of events at ski areas like Sugarbush in October. (File Photo)

Think of it this way; this might be your last visit to a ski area this year before the snow actually starts to fall.

Oktoberfests, harvest fairs, foliage tours, and live musical acts are all on the schedule this October at a ski area near you. Check out some of the highlights.

Oct. 1-31: Witch’s Woods, Nashoba Valley, Mass. — One of New England’s most popular Halloween attractions is back for another season of haunted hayrides and frights. The event takes place Fridays through Sundays throughout the month. Tickets sold online only. 

Oct. 2: Fall Festival, Saddleback, Maine — This family-friendly day includes a potluck, music, kids activities, a costume contest, and more.

Oct. 2-3: Oktoberfest, Wachusett Mountain, Mass. —  Raise your steins and toss empty kegs as you eat, drink, and celebrate with live German music. 

Oct. 9: Oktoberfest, Saddleback, Maine — Fall foliage, mountain views, and pints of brew. Twenty-five-dollar entrance fee includes admission to a performance by the Mallett Brothers Band. 

Oct. 9: Stratton Brewfest, Stratton, Vt. — : Sample Vermont’s finest craft brews, ales, lagers, porters, ciders, and more while enjoying live music from Eastbound Jesus, Saint & Liars,  and Ghost of Paul Revere on an outdoor stage. 

Oct. 9: Harvest Faire, Killington, Vt.: Food, fun, and games are on the menu along with live music by The Gully Boys, craft beer, and family favorites like pumpkin painting, horse drawn hay rides, and apple launching. Free admission. 

Oct. 9: 23rd Annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest, Mount Snow, Vt. – Oktoberfest is back with beer, schnitzel, and oom-pah music. Games will take place as safety protocols allow.

Oct. 9-10: White Mountain Oktoberfest, Loon Mountain, N.H. — Get a taste of the Bavarian Alps, complete with stein-hoisting contest, keg toss, and kids’ activities–including a root beer keg toss.

Oct. 9-10: Sunday River Fall Festival, Sunday River, Maine — Sunday River’s Fall Festival (Oct. 9-10), the annual celebration of the season leading into winter, returns to Maine with local artisans and vendors, scenic chairlift rides, live music, and more. The main event of the weekend is the North American Wife-Carrying Championship. Each year, this rousing event draws more than 2,500 spectators to the alpine course to watch teams of 50 husbands and wives compete for the grand prize of the wife’s weight in beer, plus five times her weight in cash.

Oct. 9-10: Homecoming, Sugarloaf, Maine — Take this chance to reunite with your Sugarloaf family, a day featuring scenic lift rides, outdoor entertainment on the Beach, and plenty of fun activities. 

Oct. 9-11: Fall Foliage Fest, Waterville Valley, N.H. — A weekend of family fun including outdoor concerts, ski swap, and a 5K road race. 

Oct. 9: Fifth Annual Duck Drop, Mount Sunapee, N.H. — Drop rubber ducks from the chairlift to hit targets and win prizes. 

Oct. 10: Blues Traveler, Stratton, Vt. —  Take in the foliage and the sounds of Blues Traveler on the Sunday evening of Harvest Fest. Tickets are $40 when purchased in advance.

Oct. 10: Fresh Hops Festival, Sugarbush, Vt. – Sample 10 of Vermont’s most innovative breweries. Only 300 tickets will be available. Live music in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard by The Vermont Bluegrass Pioneers.

Oct. 16:  12th Annual Bean & Brew Festival, Jay Peak, Vt. —  Jay Peak’s annual Bean and Brew Festival features locally-roasted coffees coupled with New England’s finest beers, ciders, and more. Live music by Jacob Green Blues Band and Shake.

Oct. 16-17: Applefest, Wachusett Mountain, Mass. — Live bands, the Axe Women Loggers of Maine, food trucks, and a farmers market are among the highlights. 

Oct. 30: Wobbly Barn Halloween Party, Killington, Vt. — Killington’s legendary Wobbly Barn nightclub kicks off its season with its popular Halloween party. Costumes are required for admission with big prizes on the line. Best Costume will win a Killington season pass.