October in the Southwest looks a little different. Sure, there are apple festivals and crisp fall mornings, but there are also hot rods in Henderson, hot air balloons over Albuquerque and a whole lot of guacamole in Southern California.
This month brings some of the region’s biggest annual celebrations alongside events that get wonderfully weird. Sip through a wine festival in Park City, watch coffins race through Manitou Springs, step back in time at a Utah Renaissance fair or spend a weekend surrounded by art in El Paso.
From Southern California to West Texas and Colorado to Nevada, here are some of the best events happening across the Southwest this October.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Thomas Camargo, CC BY 3.0
California Avocado Festival | Oct. 2-4 | Carpenteria
“The 40th California Avocado Festival in downtown Carpinteria October 2-4, 2026 is complete with 3 full days of Peace, Love and Guacamole! We have 60+ bands, 4 stages, 50 arts & crafts and commercial vendors, 15 delicious food vendors and over a dozen non profits on site for you to help support.”
Learn more at avofest.org.
Deepotsav – A Festival of Lights | Oct. 18 | San Diego
“Come and join us for Deepotsav - A Festival of Lights on October 18th, 2025 to enjoy Indian cultural music, dances and delicious food along with exploring a variety of booths showcasing Indian arts and crafts, clothes, fine jewelry and other ethnic specialities.”
Learn more at sandiego.gov/event/deepotsav-festival-lights.
IK's World Trip CC BY 2.0
Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show | Oct. 17-18
“The 12th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show–Fall event returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center. This popular event, which runs October 17–18, is a more intimate version of the annual Palm Springs Modernism Show held in February. It's a combination of vintage 20th century designs and introduces original, limited edition 21st century designs and all items are available to purchase.”
Learn more at modernismweek.com.
ARIZONA
Library of Congress
Arizona State Fair | Oct. 1 – Nov. 1
“The countdown is ON! The Arizona State Fair returns October 1 – November 1 for a full month of unforgettable fun!
Join us Thursdays through Sundays (gates open daily at noon) for all your absolute favorites: crave-worthy Fair food & iconic treats, live local entertainment, thrilling rides, games & endless shopping. Start planning your visit and lock in your tickets early!”
Learn more at azstatefair.com.
Graham County Fair | Oct. 8-11
“For a solid century, our community has come together to make memories, showcase our local talents, and enjoy the very best of our valley. This year, we aren't just hosting a fair—we are celebrating 100 years of tradition, family, and fun at the Graham County Fair!”
Learn more at grahamcountyfair.com.
Casa Grande Oktoberfest | Oct. 11
“Join us for the 4th annual Oktoberfest in downtown Casa Grande! This free community event will feature a beer garden, food trucks with German fare, live entertainment, kid zone, carnival rides & more. Proceeds to benefit the Casa Grande Rotary Foundation's high school scholarship program.”
Learn more at givsum.com/opportunities.
See more Oktoberfest events in our latest article, Prost! Where to Join in Oktoberfest in the Southwest.
NEW MEXICO
Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival | Oct. 2-4
“For over 35 years, the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festivals have celebrated creativity, culture, and craftsmanship in the heart of New Mexico. These nationally ranked, juried art shows bring together a vibrant mix of fine artists and artisans from across the country—each festival offering its own unique flavor and charm. All three shows are proudly ranked among the Top 100 Art Festivals in the Nation, a testament to their quality, energy, and wide appeal.”
Learn more at riograndefestivals.com.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Oct. 3-11
“Any local will tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, made so in large part by the much-anticipated sight of colorful balloons punctuating the skyline. During this season, the sky is bluer, the days are gentler, and the mornings crisper — almost as though the landscape has taken a deep sigh — and on the desert’s warm breath sails the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.”
Learn more at balloonfiesta.com.
WEST TEXAS
West Texas Wine Festival | Oct. 17 | Aibileen
“Join us for the fourth annual West Texas Wine Festival, a fundraising event supporting Frontier Texas. There will be music, food trucks, wineries, and more to enjoy during the festival (located at the Frontier Texas Outdoor Parade Grounds).”
Learn more at frontiertexas.com/wine.
Chalk the Block | Oct. 3-4 | El Paso
“The event features; temporary interactive art installations, live dance and theatrical performances, a sidewalk chalk art competition, live bands, art and food vendors, and access to hands-on activities and exhibits from our sister institutions the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, El Paso Museum of History, and El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center.”
Learn more at chalktheblock.com.
Amigo Airsho | Oct. 24-25 | El Paso
“Mark your calendars for October 24th and 25th, 2026, as we prepare to take flight at the prestigious Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss. We're proud to bring this spectacular event to the El Paso community and beyond. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of aviation, salute our armed forces, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Learn more at amigoairsho.com.
COLORADO
Cedaredge Apple Fest | Oct. 3-4
“Join us for live music, art, craft & food vendors, antique car & motorcycle show, Pinup Competition, a 5K run, and much more!
Cedaredge Applefest showcases local businesses, apple orchards, artists, and musicians. The event brings together 200 plus vendors, and over 30,000 attendees each year. You definitely don’t want to miss this amazing community event with distinct Cedaredge flair and flavor.”
Learn more at cedaredgeapplefest.com.
Great American Beer Fest | Oct. 10-11 | Denver
“Grab your friends and discover your new favorite craft beer, cider, and more from top breweries…The Great American Beer Festival is the premier U.S. beer competition, crowning the finest beverages in over 100 beer and cider styles.”
Learn more at greatamericanbeerfestival.com.
UTAH
Utah Renaissance Fair | Oct. 16-18 | Mona
“…Prepare for a weekend of adventure, laughter, music, merriment, shopping, feasting, and unforgettable memories. Gather your guild, polish your armor, lace your corsets, join us for a magical celebration unlike any other! Secure your tickets today before they disappear into the dragon’s hoard!”
Learn more at utahrenfaire.com.
Park City Wine Festival Fall Edition | Oct. 1-3
“Explore all that the Park City Wine Festival has to offer. Sip wines from the West Coast to France with 50+ wineries featured at the Grand Tastings. Immerse yourself in the world of wine during expertly paired dinners and lunches throughout the weekend. The adventure continues with paired wine adventures and lifestyle events.”Learn more at parkcitywinefest.com.
SOUTHERN NEVADA
Henderson Hot Rod Days | Oct. 2-3
“Plan to be here for one of the most popular events of the year. Henderson Hot Rod Days is back for the 7th year with the largest car show in the region. Presented with the Boulder City Cruisin' Association, Water Street will transform into an automobile enthusiast dream, showcasing 700 classic, custom and muscle cars along with trucks and motorcycles. A variety of bands will provide the soundtrack to the weekend's festivities!”
Learn more at cityofhenderson.com.
Tacos and Tequila Festival | Oct. 10 | Las Vegas
“2000s hip-hop, tacos, tequila… and now, the kind of festival that turns into your group chat’s favorite story is hitting Vegas.
Our throwback hip-hop and R&B festival is a full-day celebration of music, food, and over-the-top fun, featuring legendary artists, endless tacos, handcrafted margaritas, lucha libre wrestling, and unforgettable moments at every turn. It’s the party Vegas didn’t know it needed.”
Learn more at tacosandtequilafestival.com/market/las-vegas.