It is officially AUTUMN and I want ALL THE FALL THINGS. Give me a cozy sweater and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING! October is stuffed with fun things to do as the seasons change over. From farm tours to Halloween Haunts, here’s a look at some of your hometown happenings this month.
Nightmare on Mass Street
Lucia | Now through November 2
If you’re just champing at the bit to get your spooky season on, 1313 Mockingbird Lane has you covered. The famous toy and collectibles store has their annual Halloween pop-up in full swing through November 2nd (beyond Halloween!) at Lucia. Come for the photo ops and themed drinks, stay to have the living daylights scared out of you by all the décor (seriously, they go hard).
Haskell Art Market
October 4 – 5 | 2535 West Perimeter Road
This event, normally held in September, is moving to October this year to accommodate new student schedules. The annual event draws thousands of visitors out to the big tents by the Haskell campus, connecting Native artists with the public. Expect an array of jewelry, pottery, food, vendors, and more. Bring the family out!
Kaw Valley Farm Tour
October 4 - 5 | Various locations
If you live in Lawrence, you know that the first weekend in October means it’s time to hit the road for the Kaw Valley Farm Tour! This year there will be 33 farms and six historical sites along the self-guided tour. This is a unique opportunity to connect thousands of people with farms along the Kaw River area and purchase products along the tour. Note: The Harvest Party the night before is already sold out, but you can still snag some tickets for the weekend-long tour!
Autumn Harvest Festival
South Park | October 5
If you’re looking for peak small-town fun, head to South Park the first weekend of October for the Autumn Harvest Festival. There will be food, vendors, a kids corner, and more as we ring in the cooler temperatures. Handcrafted jewelry and textiles will be on hand for sale, but you’ll have to head to the event to check out the lengthy list of vendors.
Photo by Haley Fleisner
Lawrence Zombie Walk
October 16 | Downtown Lawrence
Consider this one of those unmistakably Lawrence events. For the 18th year in a row, zombies and monsters will flood the Downtown Lawrence area for the annual zombie walk, presented by The Granada and 1313 Mockingbird Lane. This is a free annual event for the community, and all ages are welcome (don’t be surprised if a bloodied child zombie walks up to you and roars in your face, very spooky!). Donations and proceeds from the Zombie Walk benefit the Lawrence Humane Society, and attendees are encouraged to bring dog and cat food as donations (treats count!). There will be a blood bath station available for those who need it, and prizes will be give for best costume!
Tina Turner the Musical
The Lied Center | October 14
This month The Lied Center is bringing the unbelievable story of one of music’s most famous women in the industry. Dubbed “The triumphant story of the queen of rock and roll,” Tina Turner the Musical has gotten rave reviews for its electrifying production. This specific production comes with a note: it’s recommended for viewers over the age of 14 as it depicts racism, violence, and uses strobe lights and “rock concert sound levels.”
Other events to keep on your radar:
Crafting & Gifting Club
Lawrence Public Library | October 1
World Bluegrass Day Open Mic
Northside Social | October 1
Soundings: Making Culture at Sea
Spencer Art Museum | All month
Liberty Hall-0-Ween
Liberty Hall | All month Halloween screenings
Paddle Up: Canoeing for a Greener Planet
Prairie Park Nature Center | October 8
Queer Bowling
Royal Crest Lanes | October 12
44th Annual Great Plains Arts and Music Festival
Sesquicentennial Point | October 18
