Your Guide to the Best Fall Festivals and Halloween Fun This Weekend

Autumn Weekend Vibes: What’s Happening Across America, October 24–26, 2025

As October draws to a close, fall’s magic is in full swing—crimson leaves, brisk air, and cozy gatherings that make even the simplest weekend feel special. Across the United States, the weekend of October 24–26 offers an exciting lineup of events for every kind of explorer. From music festivals and art fairs to Halloween fun and family outings, this weekend has a little something for everyone.

For Singles: Energizing Events and New Experiences

For those flying solo, the weekend is your ticket to adventure. In Atlanta, the Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival will fill theaters with creative storytelling and imaginative visuals, drawing a crowd of artists, filmmakers, and fans. If you’re looking for something edgier, head to New York City for the Outline Festival, where live music and boundary-pushing performances light up venues across the city.

Halloween energy is building, too, and nowhere captures it quite like Brooklyn’s City of Gods Halloween Festival, a mix of immersive art, live DJs, and theatrical flair. For something a bit more low-key, most cities will host Halloween-themed bar nights and costume parties this weekend—perfect opportunities to meet new people and enjoy a little seasonal fun.

For Couples: Cozy, Cultural, and Romantic

Couples have their pick of weekend escapes that blend warmth and wonder. In New York City, the New Yorker Festival runs October 24–26, offering live interviews, film screenings, and performances featuring some of today’s top thinkers, writers, and artists. It’s the kind of experience that sparks conversation long after the weekend ends.

Down in Gainesville, Florida, THE FEST 23 kicks off, turning the city into a lively hub for music lovers who appreciate an underground, intimate atmosphere. For those craving a slower pace, Dawsonville, Georgia’s Mountain Moonshine Festival delivers Southern charm at its best—with crafts, food, and bluegrass tunes that pair perfectly with a cool autumn afternoon.

Romantic getaways can also be found in quieter corners. Many towns are hosting ghost tours, candlelight walks, and scenic drives through colorful foliage. It’s the ideal time for couples to take a breath, hold hands, and get lost in the season’s rhythm.

For Families: Fall Fun and Spooky Cheer

Families will find plenty to do together this weekend, as communities celebrate harvest and Halloween in full force. In Denton, Texas, the Day of the Dead Festival brings together art, live music, and beautiful tributes to tradition—all ages are welcome to join the fun. Up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Downtown Witches Walk will fill the streets with whimsical costumes, themed performances, and plenty of kid-friendly treats.

For a mix of animals and autumn, Zoo Atlanta’s “Boo at the Zoo” runs October 25–26, offering trick-or-treating stations, crafts, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters. Elsewhere, pumpkin patches and corn mazes are in their peak season, making them perfect weekend stops for parents who want to keep the fun simple but memorable.

Seasonal Ideas That Work Anywhere

Even if your town isn’t hosting a big event, fall practically creates its own entertainment. Plan a scenic drive to see the changing leaves, stroll through your local farmers’ market, or enjoy a pumpkin patch and cider tasting at a nearby farm. Many areas will have craft fairs, haunted walks, and outdoor movie nights, letting you make the most of crisp evenings and twinkle-light settings.

If you prefer staying indoors, small theaters and community art spaces often host cozy performances and live music this time of year. Whether you end up at a candle-making class, trivia night, or simply curled up with a hot drink at a local café, the weekend is yours to shape.

Closing Thoughts: Making the Most of the Season

The final stretch of October is one of the most beautiful times of the year—short days, golden light, and a sense that something festive is always around the corner. Whether you spend the weekend discovering a new festival, sharing laughs with loved ones, or simply taking a quiet moment outdoors, October 24–26 promises to deliver those small but meaningful memories that make fall unforgettable.