Backroad Bulletin: October Events🍁

From Oktoberfest to Halloween celebrations, there are plenty of ways to savor fall across the Southeast

Oct 01, 2024

yellow and orange pumpkins — Photo by Alfred Schrock on Unsplash

Fall is here but along with its beautiful colors, sadly, it brought a catastrophic hurricane to the Southeast. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Hurricane Helene’s victims. Before we get to our list of October events below, we want to share a list of hurricane relief organizations in case you’d like to support the storm’s victims.

American Red Cross
Americares
Animal Search & Rescue
Asheville Humane Society
CARE
Fleet of Angels
Food Bank of Eastern & Central North Carolina
Greater Good Charities
Operation Airdrop
Rescue Ranch
Samaritan’s Purse
Salvation Army
World Concern

Here are some October events happening across the Southeast. Be sure to check their websites and social media to ensure the events are still taking place before you head out to them.

green palm tree near white and pink concrete building during daytime — Photo by Tyrone Sanders on Unsplash

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens October Speaker Series

Wednesdays in October; 5:45-7 p.m.
Charleston, South Carolina

Renowned local speakers and authors discuss the Charleston community, offering insight on topics ranging from the history of Charleston to Lowcountry traditions. Speakers include Ron Daise, Margaret Seidler, the Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, and Pete Candler.

a table topped with lots of glasses of beer — Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

Helen Oktoberfest

September 5–October 27, 2024
Helen, Georgia

Experience the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. The 2024 Oktoberfest Parade begins at noon September 7, and is followed by the tapping of the first keg at the Fussen Biergarten.

Gatlinburg SkyPark Boo Bash

October 1–31, 2024
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Enjoy a month of seasonal activities, including a two-day fall festival on October 27–28, featuring SkyPark rides, face painting, balloon art, games, and giveaways. Ride the SkyLift across downtown Gatlinburg from 3–6 p.m. both days.

round silver steel bowl with scallops — Photo by WikiSleep App on Unsplash

North Carolina Seafood Festival

October 4–6, 2024
Morehead City, North Carolina

Since 1987, this free festival has attracted more than 200,000 attendees. It honors North Carolina’s fishing fleet with delicious seafood, entertainment, kids’ activities, vendors, artisans, cooking demonstrations, and education about the state’s seafood industry.