October festivals in the West and beyond
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If you’re a fall season traveler and heading out in October, you may want to drop in on one of these festivals in the West and beyond.
Minot, North Dakota
September 30-October 4
Norsk Høstfest
North America’s biggest Scandinavian festival, in its 30th year, will feature the Beach Boys and Kenny Rogers, plus Nordic crafts, costumes, entertainment, art and food. www.hostfest.com
Nong Khai, Thailand
October
The Naga fireballs
An annual natural phenomenon during which hundreds of small, colorful fireballs rise out of the Mekong River and disappear into the air. Also: light-and-sound shows and a long-boat race.
Niagara Falls, New York
October 2-5
Niagara International Kite Festival
Kites from around the world fly over the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls while 30,000 spectators watch in awe. www.niagarakite.com
Albuquerque, New Mexico
October 4-12
The International Balloon Fiesta
Myriad colorful balloons in a renowned mass ascension. www.balloonfiesta.com
Denver, Colorado
October 9-11
Great American Beer Festival
Described as the Super Bowl of beer, this annual event doles out more than 1,800 types of beers from 450 breweries. www.beertown.org/events/gabf
Santarém, Portugal
Mid-October to mid-November
National Gastronomy Festival. The country’s main fair showcases the flavors of the nation’s different regions. Go to the website for more information.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
October 17-19
Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
A celebration of local, organic and eco-friendly foods; chefs, sommeliers and artisan food producers lead classes, demonstrations and tastings. www.mvfoodandwine.com
Half Moon Bay, California
October 18-19
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
The 38th annual fall harvest celebration will include live music, a pumpkin parade, a haunted house, autumn crafts, home-style foods, pie-eating, carving and costume contests, a 5K and 10K run - and massive pumpkins. www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest
Transylvania, Romania
October 27-November 4
Tours, shows and celebrations follow the footsteps of Bram Stoker’s novel character, Count Dracula. www.visit-transylvania.us
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
October 30-November 3
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
What’s said to be the largest boat show in the world is in its 49th year. The event will feature more than 1,600 vessels with 160 super yachts, marine supplies, accessories, electronics. Go to the boat show’s website for more information.
Los Angeles, California
October 30-November 9
AFI Fest
The American Film Institute’s event showcases the works of new and established filmmakers. www.afi.com/afifest
Madison, Wisconsin
October 31
FreakFest
Mostly college students fill State Street for the ultimate Halloween party. www.hacmadison.com
West Hollywood, California
October 31
Halloween and Costume Carnaval
A huge, gay-friendly Halloween street party along Santa Monica Boulevard draws about 300,000 people, many of them outrageously costumed. www.visitwesthollywood.com/things-to-do/calendar
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