Top October Travel Destinations: Festivals, Foliage & Unmissable Experiences
October delivers vibrant travel opportunities, from Bavarian Oktoberfest revelry in Namibia to cutting-edge music in Venice's grand palazzos. Stunning autumn foliage, eagle hunts on horseback, and more make it ideal for your next adventure. Pack your bags and go.
Namibia
Over a century after its German colonial era, Oktoberfest Namibia (Oct. 25–26) brings authentic lederhosen festivities to Windhoek, near the Namib Desert. A band from Oktoberfest Munich performs, paired with local Festbier. Enjoy Bavarian specialties like pretzels (brezen), sausages (würstl), and roast pork (schweinebraten). Test your skills at games like log-sawing or beer-mug hoisting, then explore the world's tallest dunes. October is prime for safaris in Etosha, Namib-Naukluft, and Skeleton Coast National Parks, spotting abundant wildlife.
Upstate New York
Admire October's vivid fall foliage, then savor the Saratoga Food and Wine Festival (Oct. 4–5). It opens with a farm-to-table harvest dinner by Spa State Park's reflecting pool, featuring live music, wines, and canapés by chef Tim Spedding (ex-Michelin-starred Clove Club, London). Nearby, join the Warrensburg Garage Sale (Oct. 5–6), the world's largest, with 500 vendors. Refuel with an 18-inch roast beef sub at iconic Jacobs & Toney Deli.
Venice
Beyond the Art Biennale, the Venice Music Biennale (Sept. 27–Oct. 6) showcases experimental sounds in historic venues—from human-robotic fusions to 17th-century chamber music with electronica. Catch classics like The Barber of Seville or Madame Butterfly at Gran Teatro La Fenice early in the month (stay for La Traviata on Oct. 24). Nearby, sip a perfect Bellini at the new Experimental Cocktail Club.
Oahu
Michelin-starred talent shines at the Hawaii Food & Wine Fest (Oct. 5–27). Don't miss the finale: Halekulani Culinary Masters Gala Dinner (Oct. 27) with chefs from Tokyo to Honolulu. Wine lovers, attend Swirl (Oct. 25), a rooftop event led by master sommelier Christopher Ramelb. Relax afterward at the infinity pool of the new Halepuna Waikiki.
Chicago
Experience the Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 16–27), featuring films like Martin Scorsese's The Irishman and Gael García Bernal's Chicuarotes. Continue with Open House Chicago (Oct. 19–20) for access to 350+ landmarks, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park. Add an architectural river cruise, then unwind with an espresso martini at Lazy Bird speakeasy in the new Hoxton Chicago.
Mongolia
See The Eagle Huntress live at the Golden Eagle Festival (Oct. 4–6) in western Mongolia. Kazakh hunters on decorated horses compete with eagles of seven-foot wingspans in hunting, racing, and kokbar (horseback tug-of-war). In Ulaanbaatar, enjoy throat-singing at Tumen Ekh Song and Dance Ensemble (nightly at 6pm). Toast at Kempinsky Hotel with bubbly and khuushuur (pan-fried dumplings).
