Our local editors have recommended the coolest events going on in their home cities this October. Read on if you enjoy taking part in locally appreciated events when travelling! We’ve also picked out a bunch of great places near the venues to eat, drink, party, sightsee and shop.
Get creeped out at Halloween Horror Nights in LA
September 20 – November 2
If you like horror movies then this event is definitely for you – you’ll feel like you’re in one! Universal Studios have created horror mazes and scare zones in their production backlot. Designed to get your heart pumping to the max, the experience is certainly not for the faint-hearted. This event takes place on selected nights throughout October, so be sure to check the dates on their website in advance. Tickets sell out quickly so try and buy them as early as possible. Note that costumes, masks, flashlights and cameras are not allowed. Read more…
This photo is for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: RaviN
Experience art in different forms at Transylvania International Music and Art Festival in Cluj-Napoca
October 5 – 28
This festival brings together all forms of art – fine arts, architecture, street art, music, dance, theatre, literature, decorative arts, design, martial arts – the list could go on. There’s so much to see and do! You can either watch the various shows and performances or get artsy yourself by taking part in one of the different workshops. The festival locations are scattered across Cluj-Napoca so you’ll get a nice overview of the city just by attending the events. Some events require pre-purchased tickets while others are free of charge.
So you don’t miss anything, grab a takeaway coffee and a quick sandwich from Fast Food Fat Boy.
Photo credit: timaf.com
See world-class movies at Warsaw Film Festival
October 11 – 20
Now in its 29th year, Warsaw Film Festival has grown from a modest small-scale student project into a premiere film festival listed together with big names such as Cannes, Venice and San Sebastian. The programme includes full-length feature films, documentaries and shorts. This year the screenings will be held at two different locations – Multikino Zlote Tarasy and Kinoteka. As the festival has become very popular, organisers strongly recommend buying tickets in advance. Read more…
For a pre-movie coffee and snack visit Kawiarnia Moderna. For post-movie drinks and a scenic view over Warsaw head to Marriott Panorama Bar.
Enjoy endless guilt-free pizza at Montreal’s Pizza Season
October 12 – November 23
While many people celebrate Halloween with pumpkins and turkey, the people of Montreal have decided that it’s more fun to simply celebrate (and eat) pizza. Besides worshipping pizza, the aim of this event is to find out where the best pizza in Montreal is served. Pizza lovers need to actively consume pizza while promoting their favourite spot. Why? Because they’re the ones who determine exactly how popular Pizza Season will be!
When you’re nicely filled up with pizza head to m0851 to shop for some beautiful leather souvenirs. Afterwards sit down at Pikolo Espresso Bar for some incredible coffee.
This photo is for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Katherine Lim
Sing along at International Bards’ Music Festival in Vilnius
October 14 – 20
This unique annual event takes place not only in Vilnius, but also in other cities in Lithuania, Poland and Latvia. Bard music is all about conveying lyrics through music and this festival aims to draw more attention to singing poetry – you guessed it, a mixed genre of music and poetry. Over the years the festival has become an important part of Lithuanian cultural life and to this day it continues to attract both locals and foreigners. Read more…
While you’re in Vilnius, go and admire the view from the top of Gediminas Tower.
Vilnius ethnic festival parade.
This photo is for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Chad Kainz
Attend Golden Mask in Tallinn – one of the most high-calibre theatre festivals
October 14 – 24
This theatre festival features performers nominated for one of the most valued Russian theatre awards – the Golden Mask. Although it started out in Moscow, this festival is now also held in Tallinn and is a much-loved part of Estonian culture. The genres range from ballet to puppetry and only the most outstanding performers make it to the festival. Tickets start at €15 and should definitely be purchased in advance. Read more…
To complete your Russian theatre experience, visit the Russian-owned restaurant Kolm Sibulat.
Photo credit: Kuldne Mask
Appreciate Thessaloniki’s architecture and design at Open House
October 18 – 20
This event started in 1992 in London and over the years an additional 20 cities have joined the project. It will be held for the second time in Thessaloniki this October. The concept of Open House is to showcase the city’s outstanding architecture to everyone interested – there are no admission fees or tickets and entrance to selected sites is free of charge. Its aim is to contribute to the deeper understanding of urban design and public space, and enable all citizens and visitors to explore and understand the value of a well-designed environment. Read more…
If you want to see even more of Thessaloniki’s beautiful architecture, check out the White Tower – the Greek equivalent of the Eiffel Tower. For a coffee break and a homely café experience stop by Circus6.
Photo credit: Tony Bowden
Spend time being cultural at Zagreb Film Festival
October 20–27
If you didn’t get your film fix at Warsaw Film Festival, head to Zagreb Film Festival for over 100 movies divided into ten different programs. Screenings are set to take place at several locations: Cinema Europa, Tuškanac, Zagreb Dance Center, Museum of Contemporary Art and Zagreb Puppet Theater. Whether you’re into documentaries or feature-length films – there’s bound to be something here for you. Tickets can be booked in advance from October 14th at Cinema Europa. If you buy tickets from October 14th–18th, you’ll get a small discount. Advance booking is highly recommended as tickets tend to sell out. Some of the screenings are free, but you’ll still need to collect a ticket because seats are limited. Read more…
When you’re tired of movies head to Kloto to shop for original souvenirs made by local designers, then sit down for a reasonably priced traditional Croatian dinner at Tip-Top.
Photo credit: Croatia.hr
Celebrate vampires at Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin
October 26 – 28
This festival is held in honour of Bram Stoker’s life, work and legacy – especially his notorious novel ‘Dracula’. The three day festival consists of a series of different events from terrifying movies to haunted walking tours where the streets of Dublin are transformed into a vampire world. Lots of events are free however advance registration is required. Check their website for detailed information. Read more…
Stop by Pintxo for tapas in an intimate setting. If you’re looking for a livelier environment and bigger portions, check out The Exchequer.
Listen to amazing live music at Iceland Airwaves
October 30 – November 3
Iceland Airwaves is a five day music festival held in Reykjavík that has been running since 1999. Over 200 local and international bands and artists are set to perform across 13 different venues. Unfortunately tickets have already sold out, but don’t worry, there are loads of free off-venue concerts and activities. Read more…
Before heading to the concerts, grab a quick burger and beer at Vitabar. Head to Prikið afterwards for its laid back atmosphere and drinks to-go.
Photo credit: Islandia24
Opening photo credit: Marufish