31 Spooky Season Activities to Enjoy this October

Don't let neglecting your joy haunt you this October. This is the month to lean into joyful gatherings with costumes and sweet treats with your friendly guys and ghouls - so read what I've planned for myself this month and become inspired to boo along with me.

October is here, and with it comes that cozy-chilly mix of golden leaves, pumpkin spice, and the thrill of spooky season. Whether you’re looking for wholesome fall traditions, spine-tingling adventures, or just ways to infuse your home with a little extra magic, this October bucket list is packed with 31 fun, festive, and slightly eerie ideas to make the most of the month.

October - the month where pumpkins become art.

1. Decorate for Halloween

Transform your home into a haunted haven with wall bats, piles of pumpkins, and dark, moody throws or linens. Adding string lights and flickering candles will instantly give your space that cozy-meets-creepy vibe to kick off October.

2. Thrift & Spookify Art

Head to your local thrift shop, or maybe your own attic, for portraits or landscape art. Then, paint in ghosts, witches, or shadowy creatures for a quirky or spooky DIY touch. Check out some examples of this conversation-starting Halloween décor here!

3. Pumpkin Patch Haul

Nothing says October like a pumpkin patch visit—grab small gourds for décor, pie pumpkins for baking, and a few giants for carving. My local Minnesota favorites are Simek's Farm, RuRidge, and Maple Bend Farm Pumpkin Patch. My favorites because, in addition to pumpkins, you'll find corn mazes, mini cows, and good eats!

4. Halloween Movie Night

Cue up classics like Casper, Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, and Monster House. Make a Halloween charcuterie board with candy corn, caramel apples, Reese’s pumpkins, popcorn with candy mix-ins, and themed cookies for happy tummies and magical memories.

5. Football Fun

Head to a Friday night game or host a game-day party with football brownies, chili, nachos, and buffalo dip. Lean into cozy stadium vibes by serving hot cocoa or spiced cider for your football-loving friends and family.

6. Graveyard Picnic

Pack themed foods like “mummy dogs” (crescent-wrapped hot dogs), deviled “eyeball” eggs, and spider web cupcakes. Bring a plaid blanket and lantern for extra eerie ambience. Although this may seem morbid, we do this every year, and it actually helps us cultivate gratitude for our time and those who have passed.

7. Stranger Things Watch Party

Turn your living room “Upside Down” with fairy lights, Eggo waffles, and Demogorgon cupcakes. Invite friends to dress as characters for extra fun while you watch, or re-watch, this amazing series before the final season drops on Netflix November 26th!

8. Library Mystery Haul

Visit your local library and check out thrillers like A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, or Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, or consider classics like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, or Bram Stoker's Dracula. For a touch of autumnal charm, a very popular choice is The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. Brew some tea and enjoy a cozy reading night.

9. Spooky Photo Shoot

Dress goth or in full costume, maybe slide on a pumpkin head, witchy robes, or a ghost-in-sunglasses sheet set. Then pull out the camera, or go crazy and hire a photographer for a mini session, and get creative. Black and white or sepia filters make the photos even more dramatic and can be used to enhance your Halloween home decor.

10. Tarot or Psychic Reading

Whether at a local shop, online, or at home with your own Tarot cards, treat yourself to a reading for fun, seasonal insight. Light candles and sip spiced tea to create an atmosphere.

11. Potion Mixology Night

Mix up Halloween cocktails or mocktails like blood-red sangria, witch’s brew punch, or candy corn martinis. Maybe you have some themed glassware? Get creative and invent your own recipes with friends or family, and don't be afraid to share!

12. Splurge on Statement Décor

Invest in something fun like hanging witch hats, giant skeletons, or glowing ghosts. A few bold pieces instantly elevate your spooky setup and provide a great dopamine boost.

13. Pumpkin Baking Session

Bake pumpkin bread, muffins, or pie while playing cozy folk tunes. Add cinnamon sugar butter or maple glaze for a decadent autumn treat.

14. DIY Halloween Craft

Make a spooky wreath, ghost garland, or clay ghosts with the kids. Add dried orange slices or black ribbon for extra witchy charm.

15. Cricut Pumpkin Sweaters

Use clothing markers or your Cricut to iron pumpkin or ghost designs onto cozy sweatshirts. Maybe make matching designs for loved ones or even pets!

16. Haunted Mansion Tour

Visit a historic mansion, haunted house, or candlelight tour nearby. Guided ghost walks often include local folklore that adds to the fun.

17. Boo Your Neighbors

Fill baskets with treats, mini pumpkins, or cozy socks, and secretly leave them at neighbors’ doors with a “You’ve been booed!” sign. It’s a fun way to spread cheer to those who no longer get to trick-or-treat.

18. Cookie Decorating Party

Invite friends or the kiddos in your life to decorate pumpkin, ghost, and black cat cookies. Provide lots of frosting colors, candy eyes, and sprinkles. Don't forget to turn on the festive playlist and include some of those tasty mocktails and cocktails from earlier in the month!

19. Witches’ Night Out

Dress up as witches with friends and hit your favorite local spots—whether it’s shopping, dinner, or cocktails. Think of it as a girls’ night with a spooky twist.

20. Cozy Restorative Yoga

Host or attend a candlelit yoga class. Use blankets, bolsters, and calming playlists to melt into slow autumn relaxation. It's a real sensory experience, stretching among the soft glow.

21. Pumpkin Carving + Seeds

Carve classic jack-o’-lanterns, then roast the seeds with flavors like cinnamon sugar, chili lime, or my favorite, garlic parmesan. Create yourself a perfect little delicious snack.

22. Full Moon Flashlight Hike

Head to a local trail or park and enjoy the crisp air under moonlight. Bring a thermos of cider and see the landscape in a new, magical way. Be sure you choose somewhere familiar so you don't get lost out there!

23. Visit Halloween Town = Anoka, MN

Anoka, the “Halloween Capital of the World,” hosts parades, pumpkin contests, and spooky events all month long. It’s worth a day trip at least once for some festive fun.

24. Costume Swap

Host a swap with friends to trade old costumes for something “new.” Add snacks and spooky music to make it an event. Dress each other up while you're together and snap some Instagram-worthy content too.

25. Costume Party

Throw a themed costume party with music, dancing, and spooky cocktails. Offer prizes for “scariest,” “funniest,” and “most creative” outfits. Get the kids and grown-ups in your life involved. Halloween is the perfect excuse to let out every hidden or dreamed side of yourself, enjoy!

26. Haunted Attraction Adventure

Whether it’s a haunted maze, forest, or ship, challenge yourself to a thrill. Bring friends to laugh (or scream) together.

27. Donate Treats or Books

Drop off treats, toys, or Halloween-themed books at a children’s hospital. A small gift can make a big impact on those little hearts unable to experience a more normal Halloween this year.

28. Volunteer to Read

Celebrate National Literacy Month by reading at a library, nursing home, or hospital. Choose cozy mysteries or seasonal classics for extra charm.

29. Autumn Market Stroll

Visit a local fall market or craft fair. Sip hot cider, shop handmade goods, and enjoy pumpkin spice everything.

30. Seasonal Seance

Host a casual gathering with candles, firelight, or even an Ouija board if you’re into it. Lean into pagan traditions like storytelling or ancestor honoring for a reflective vibe.

31. Halloween Night

End the month in costume, watch Hocus Pocus, hand out candy, or go trick-or-treating. It’s the perfect finale to a month of seasonal fun.

October is a magical mix of crisp air, cozy nights, and just the right amount of spooky fun. This bucket list is your guide to making every day of the month a little more festive. Whether you try one or all 31, may your October be full of pumpkins, laughter, and a touch of magic.