Things to Do in October: Orlando, Poconos & Daytona Beach Events Guide
Planning your next getaway but not sure where to go? Whether you’re dreaming of sunshine and theme parks, cozy mountain escapes, or a beachside retreat, October is packed with exciting events across our Stay For Vacay destinations. From festive fall fun in Orlando, to crisp autumn adventures in the Poconos, to coastal celebrations in Daytona Beach, we’ve rounded up the best happenings this month to help you make the most of your stay. No matter which destination you choose, there’s something special waiting for you.
October Things to do in Orlando, Poconos and Daytona Beach
Things to Do in Orlando in October
October is one of the most magical times to experience Orlando. The weather starts to cool down, the theme parks transform with Halloween flair and local festivals bring food, music, and culture to the city. Whether you’re in town for thrills, family-friendly fun or special seasonal events, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. From haunted houses and pumpkin patches to art fairs and foodie festivals, Orlando in October is buzzing with energy.
1. Halloween Horror Nights — Universal Orlando
Dates: Select nights Aug. 29 – Nov. 2, 2025
Description: This marquee event transforms Universal Studios Florida into haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and horror-themed rides. The 2025 season features 10 haunted houses including Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Jason Universe, Terrifier and immersive scare zones that roam the streets.
Tips/Contact Info: Tickets are sold per night. Check the Universal Orlando website for tickets. Consider adding Express Pass or Premium Scream Night for shorter wait times.
2. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Magic Kingdom (Disney)
Dates: Select nights through October 31, 2025
Description: A family-friendly Halloween celebration. Guests can trick-or-treat, enjoy themed entertainment, special parades, fireworks, and ride overlays. The event is ticketed separately from regular park admission.
Tips/Contact Info: Dress in costume, within Disney guidelines. Check the official Disney website for exact dates and ticket pricing.
3. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Dates: Runs through November 22, 2025
Description: Sample small plates, drinks, and desserts from pavilions representing countries around the globe. Enjoy culinary demonstrations and live music.
Tips/Contact Info: Check the EPCOT site to see which food booths are open in October and the entertainment schedule.
4. SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream
Dates: Select nights in October
Description: An after dark event featuring haunted houses, scare actors, themed areas and nighttime shows in the park.
Tips/Contact Info: Separate admission required. Check SeaWorld Orlando’s official site for full schedule and age guides.
5. Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
Dates: October 11-12, 2025, between 9 am - 5 pm
Description: This fine art festival takes over Park Avenue in Winter Park where local and regional artists display paintings, sculpture and photography. It has food vendors and live music.
Tips/Contact Info: Free admission
6. Scott’s Maze Adventures & Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Weekends in October, between 10am - 5pm and night mazes ending at 10pm
Description: A working farm with a fall festival featuring corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides and seasonal games.
Tips/Contact Info: Check out the Great Scott Farms for more information.
7. Avalon Park Spooktacular
Dates: October 25, 2025, 5pm - 9pm
Description: A community fall festival in Avalon Park in Downtown East Orlando with live music, trick-or-treating, costume contests, local food trucks, and family-friendly fun.
Tips/Contact Info: Free to attend. Check the Avalon Park’s event calendar for more information.
8. Leu Gardens Halloween Movie Nights
Dates: October 31, 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Description: Spend Halloween night in the gardens for a hauntingly good time watching a Halloween-themed movie. The movie showing is under the stars in the botanical gardens. Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks.
Tips/Contact Info: Tickets available online only starting October 27, 2025, until capacity reached.
9. Orlando Magic (NBA) — Season Opener
Dates: October 22, 2025
Description: Catch the Orlando Magic at home in the NBA basketball season opener against the Miami Heat in the Kia Center.
Tips/Contact Info: Check NBA website for the 2025–26 schedule and ticket availability.
10. Airboat, Swamp and Wildlife Tours
Dates: Various
Description: Take guided airboat rides and tours near Orlando in the Everglades or rural central Florida to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife. October is ideal because it’s cooler and less humid.
Tips/Contact Info: Many tour operators conduct tours all year long. The cooler October nights make for a more comfortable day experience.
11. Local Farmers Markets & Fall Food Pop-Ups
Dates: Weekends and special pop-ups throughout October
Description: Various markets such as Lake Eola Farmers Market, Winter Garden Market and specialty fall pop-up food events offer local produce, baked goods, seasonal treats, and crafts.
Tips/Contact Info: Check market websites or social media for event dates and vendor lineups.
From spooky spectacles to lively festivals and hidden gems, Orlando offers something for everyone in October. It’s the perfect time to explore beyond the parks, soak up the crisp autumn ambiance, and enjoy a different side of Central Florida. Whether you’re in Orlando for a weekend escape or a longer stay, the experiences will make your Orlando trip unforgettable.
List of Things to Do near our vacation rental in the Poconos.
Things to Do in the Poconos in October
October in the Poconos is pure autumn magic. The mountains come alive with brilliant fall foliage, crisp air and seasonal traditions that make this region a cozy escape. Whether you’re hiking through vibrant trails, sipping cider at a harvest festival, or enjoying a family-friendly Halloween event, the Poconos offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s an ideal time to experience small-town charm paired with breathtaking natural beauty.
1. Fall Fest at Camelback Resort
Dates: Weekends between October 4 - 26, 2025, Noon - 4pm
Description: Hang out fireside with a s’more, try pumpkin bowling, get lost in the mini maze, goat snuggling on select days, and so much more!
Tips/Contact Info: Check out the Camelback Resort website for the featured weekend events.
2. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Dates: Runs scenic fall foliage rides in October
Description: Climb aboard vintage-style train cars in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. Witness a kaleidoscope of color along the Susquehanna and Lehigh rivers. This relaxing ride is perfect for photo ops and fall scenery.
Tips/Contact Info: Visit the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway website for schedules and ticket prices. Train rides during Autumn Leaf season are not sold in advance and are sold in-person at the Jim Thorpe ticket booth.
3. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
Dates: First three weekends in October
Description: The streets of Jim Thorpe fill with artisans, food vendors, live music and fall-themed events in the heart of this historic mountain town. A perfect mix of leaf-peeping and small-town charm.
Tips/Contact Info: Check out the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for more information.
Leaf Peeping season is a great time to come to the Poconos.
4. Bushkill Falls / Dingmans / Raymondskill Waterfall Hikes
Dates: Open daily (weather permitting)
Description: These waterfall trails shine in fall. Dingmans and Raymondskill in the Delaware Water Gap area or Bushkill Falls offer multiple cascades, forest paths and photo-worthy stretches of nature.
Tips/Contact Info: Check each park’s site for hours, trail conditions and entrance fees.
5. Quiet Valley Harvest Festival
Dates: October 11 - 12, 2025, 10am - 5pm
Description: Experience 19th-century farm demonstrations, heritage crafts, old-fashioned music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and live performances. A nostalgic fall experience.
Tips/Contact Info: Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm’s website lists festival dates and event details.
6. Mazella Corn Maze
Dates: Weekends through November 2, 2025
Description: On a year-round working farm, the 11-acre corn maze features a brand-new design each year. Enjoy pumpkin picking to tasty fall favorites and hands-on activities to special celebrations.
Tips/Contact Info: Check the Mazella website for updated information.
7. Monroe Famers Market
Dates: Saturdays
Description: Located in Downtown Stroudsburg, the vendors locally source, grow, and create by hand. This producer’s-only market is different from other markets as all vendors must produce their own goods.
Tips/Contact Info: Check out the Monroe Farmers Market for location and times of the market.
8. Pocono Township Oktoberfest
Dates: October 10, 2025, 2pm - 8pm
Description: Oktoberfest event that features beer, pretzels, bratwurst, polka music and family fun.
Tips/Contact Info: Contact the Pocono Township websites list Oktoberfest event schedules.
9. Harvest and Heritage Day
Dates: October 11, 2025, 10am - 4pm
Description: Main Street in Downtown Honesdale will be lined with vendors and artisans, offering unique goods, seasonal items, and local treasures. There will be hayrides, pumpkin carving contest, face painting and live music.
Tips/Contact Info: Contact the Greater Honesdale Partnership for more information.
10. Historic Towns & Ghost Tours
Dates: October evenings on select nights
Description: Take guided ghost or haunted walking tours through historic downtowns like Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg with spooky stories and local lore.
Tips/Contact Info: Jim Thorpe Tours, Stroudsburg Historical Society, or local tour companies publish their fall schedules.
11. Covered Bridge Scenic Drives
Dates: Anytime in October
Description: Drive through Monroe and Carbon counties visiting covered bridges, small towns, and scenic overlooks. Pair it with leaf-peeping stops and photo sessions.
Tips/Contact Info: Pocono travel guides or county tourism sites provide mapped routes.
The Poconos in October are a celebration of fall at its finest. With colorful leaves, festive events, and endless outdoor activities, there’s no better time to visit. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a scenic getaway, the Poconos deliver an unforgettable autumn experience. Pack your sweater, camera, and sense of wonder. This is a trip you won’t want to miss.
Things to Do in Daytona Beach in October
Daytona Beach in October strikes the perfect balance between summer fun and autumn festivals. With warm weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of seasonal events, this coastal city offers a unique blend of beach days and fall celebrations. From art and music festivals to motorcycle rallies and haunted happenings, October brings a fresh wave of energy to Daytona’s shoreline.
1. Biketoberfest 2025
Dates: October 16-19, 2025
Description: This four-day motorcycle rally draws bike enthusiasts from across the country. Expect demo rides, vendor fairs, biker shows, races at the Daytona International Speedway, live music and scenic rides along Florida’s Historic Coast.
Tips/Contact Info: The official Welcome Center is trackside at Daytona International Speedway.
2. Ghost of Ponce Past
Dates: October 18, 2025
Description: Explore Ponce Inlet, Florida’s tallest lighthouse, after dark with guided ghost tours revealing haunted tales of the coast.
Tips/Contact Info: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s official site lists haunted tour nights and how to reserve.
3. Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Dates: October 19, 2025
Description: This event features music inspired by Halloween, performed by the Listeso String Quartet in the Brannon Center. All under the glow of candlelight.
Tips/Contact Info: Tickets can be bought on the Fever website.
4. County Line Family Farms Fall Festival
Dates: Weekends in October
Description: This family friendly festival in Ormond Beach includes corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides and more.
Tips/Contact Info: Check out the County Line Family Farm for more information.
5. Historic Downtown & Haunted Walking Tours
Dates: Select evenings in October
Description: Explore Daytona downtown area via guided walking tours that highlight history, architecture, and ghost stories.
Tips/Contact Info: Check local tour operators or visitor centers for schedule and booking.
Whether you’re drawn to the ocean, the festivals, or the nightlife, Daytona Beach in October delivers a little bit of everything. From the roar of Biketoberfest motorcycles to the calm of a candlelight concert and the excitement of a fall festival, there’s always something new to explore. As summer fades and fall takes hold, Daytona proves that the fun doesn’t stop when the seasons change. It just changes shape.
October Events Across Orlando, the Poconos & Daytona Beach
October brings a little magic to every corner of our destinations. Whether you’re savoring seasonal flavors in Orlando, breathing in fresh mountain air in the Poconos, or enjoying ocean breezes in Daytona Beach, your vacation can be filled with unforgettable moments. Start planning your next trip with ease. Explore our vacation rentals and choose the perfect home base for your October adventure.
To explore more things to do, follow us on our social media at Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and LinkedIn.