31 Things to Do in October to Celebrate the Season

I like to think of September as a soft start to fall. When the first of the month hits, our cravings orient toward all things cozy: blankets, socks, warm drinks, and activities to help us make the most of the transition indoors. But October? She’s fall in full bloom. By the time the month rolls around, the air is crisp, the leaves have turned, and the rhythm of daily life feels both steadier and cozier. After all, I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. Aren’t we all?

October is the month for soup simmering on the stove, candles burning at all hours, and sweaters pulled out of storage. It’s also when everything seems to speed up—school in full swing, the holidays on the horizon—which is exactly why I love making an intentional list of things to do in October. Think of it less as a to-do, and more as a gentle invitation to pause, savor, and fully experience this season.

Featured image from our interview with Sophie Collins by Christie Graham.

Small Reminders for an Inspiring October

To help you lean into October, we’re weaving in a few extras this month—like a journal prompt for reflection, a favorite read from our Substack, and one of our editors’ seasonal picks. Gentle reminders to slow down, find inspiration, and bring a little beauty into the everyday.

A gentle nudge: What’s one ritual you could add to your October evenings that would make them feel more restorative?

From Breathing Space: In “Why Some People Seem Lucky”, Camille unpacks how discernment, presence, and openness often get mistaken for luck—and how noticing the small, unexpected moments can shift how we live.

Editor’s Pick: “I couldn’t be more excited for soups, chilis and casseroles this fall, and I can’t wait to get even more use out of my Dutch oven! I love mine from Sur La Table, it’s a workhorse that doesn’t break the bank. I also make homemade bread in it every week—I’d be lost without it!” – Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

31 Things to Do in October to Celebrate the Season

Ahead, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in October to help you live this month to the fullest. Grab your favorite sweater and a mug of something warm—things are about to get cozy.

October 1-5

1. Treat yourself to a cozy fall candle. Is there a better season for candles? We think not. I’m currently obsessed with Voluspa’s Spiced Pumpkin Latte (it’s a step up from the basic, ubiquitous scent) and the Blonde Hinoki scent from P.F. Candle Co.

2. Do a fall skin reset. Cooler weather calls for extra care. A fall skincare refresh doesn’t have to be complicated—you’re nine easy, but luxurious steps away from your best-ever fall skin.

3. Transition your breakfast for fall. Ayurveda teaches us to lean into grounding, warming foods when temps drop. Try pumpkin overnight oats or a bowl of kitchari for a cozy, nourishing start.

4. Go apple picking and whip up a batch of apple cider. Apple season peaks early, so make this a first-week priority. Once you’re home with your haul, simmer a pot of homemade cider on the stove—your whole house will smell like fall.

5. Surprise a neighbor with some baked goods. Pumpkin spice cookies, apple crisp, or even a batch of muffins—seasonal treats are such a sweet way to spread a little October joy.

October 6-12

6. Switch up your phone and computer backgrounds. A small change that makes a big difference. Pick an image that feels aligned with how you want October to look and feel—or create a vision board on Canva that sparks joy whenever you open your laptop.

7. Deck out your front porch with fall decor. Pumpkins piled high are always a yes, but you don’t need to stop there. Layer in lanterns, mums, and a cozy throw for an entryway that feels warm and seasonal without trying too hard.

8. Start a book club with your friends. Being cozy doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Gather your girlfriends, open a bottle of wine, and dive into one of fall’s most-anticipated books. Bonus: pair it with a seasonal grazing board.

9. Warm up your house with some new fall throws. There’s nothing better than curling up under a blanket when the temps dip. Target (as always) has our favorite options.

10. Bake pumpkin bread (the best one). There are a million recipes, but we tested until we found our forever favorite. Save Camille’s pumpkin loaf recipe—it’s a classic you’ll come back to every October.

11. Host a chili cook-off. Our go-to? Sweet potato and black bean chili—vegetarian-friendly and always a hit. Invite friends to bring their own versions for a casual cook-off, and crown a winner at the end of the night.

12. Go for a fall hike with friends. Layer up, get outside, and take in the leaves while they’re at their peak. Plan an early-morning trail walk with friends, and reward yourselves with cider and pastries afterward.

October 13-19

13. Cook a seasonal dinner. Let local produce guide your menu. Think cozy pasta dishes or a simple roast chicken with fall veggies. For inspo, check out our favorite fall sheet pan recipes—they’re perfect for market-to-table cooking.

14. Invest in a cozy fall wardrobe. Think staples you’ll reach for all season: cozy knits, a classic trench, and boots that work for both errands and evenings out. Our fall capsule wardrobe is a great place to start.

15. Train for a 5K. Even if you’re not a runner, signing up for a local race is such a fun way to soak up the crisp fall air. Apps like Couch to 5K make the process feel approachable (and dare we say… enjoyable?).

16. DIY an incredible Halloween costume. Skip the last-minute scramble. Pull inspiration from our favorite Halloween costumes and get creative with what you already have in your closet.

17. Spend a weekend away at a cabin in the woods. There’s nothing dreamier than waking up to fall foliage outside your window. Whether it’s a tiny house a few hours away or a cabin in the woods, a quick trip is the best reset.

18. Go antique shopping. Spend a Saturday wandering local shops with a fall drink in hand. You’ll almost always leave with something unexpected (and perfectly charming).

19. Have a fall movie marathon. Pile on the blankets and work through your must-watch list. If you need inspiration, bookmark our list of the best movies to stream this fall and start checking them off.

October 20-26

20. Make s’mores at home. Who says you need a campfire? Layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a skillet and bake until bubbly. Bonus points if you mix in seasonal flavors—pumpkin spice chocolate, anyone?

21. Make a fall playlist. Some songs just sound like autumn. For me, it’s Gregory Alan Isakov, José González, and Fleet Foxes. Press play whenever you want to feel immediately cozy.

22. Take up a knitting or crochet project. Few things feel more satisfying than working with your hands as the weather cools. Start with a beginner kit, join a local class, or simply carve out time to make progress on a half-finished project.

23. Have a weekly walking date. It’s such an easy way to connect with a friend while getting fresh air. Keep it simple: pick a neighborhood loop, bring a warm drink, and let the conversation unfold.

24. Plan a fall date. Swap dinner-and-a-movie for something seasonal. Try apple picking, cooking together, or working through our list of cozy fall date ideas.

25. Spend an entire morning reading. Instead of squeezing in a few pages before bed, block out a weekend morning just for books. Pair it with tea or coffee and let yourself linger longer than usual.

26. Tailgate at a football game. Bundle up, pack a cooler, and cheer on your favorite team. Honestly, the snacks might just be the best part.

October 27-31

27. Invite friends over for a bonfire. There’s nothing like an evening around the fire with warm drinks and s’mores. Make it a potluck to keep things easy.

28. Make a fall-scented simmer pot. Fill your home with the smell of autumn by simmering apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices on the stove. It’s the simplest way to make a chilly day feel warm.

29. Do a puzzle night. Gather your partner, family, or roommates for an evening of puzzling. Put on a fall playlist, pour mugs of cider, and let the slow rhythm of puzzling become its own kind of ritual.

30. Get ahead on holiday cards. Before the season gets too busy, order stationery and schedule a date for family photos. Future you will be grateful for the head start.

31. Carve pumpkins (and roast the seeds). Make a night of it: carve pumpkins with friends, then season and toast the seeds in the oven. Salty, crunchy, and the perfect Halloween snack.

This post was last updated on October 1, 2025, to include new insights.