If you’re looking for a reason to get away this October, why not hit up one of this month’s best festivals? Here’s a look at seven great October festivals from around the world.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
New Mexico’s skies fill with decorative hot air balloons as the world’s largest hot air balloon festival comes to Albuquerque from October 5-13. Hundreds of hot air balloons, balloon rides and fireworks shows keep the fun going all week long.
Melbourne International Arts Festival
Theater, music, dance and visual arts performances come to Melbourne during this 17-day arts extravaganza, held Oct. 11-27. The city’s top artists entertain audiences with both free and paid events.
Key West erupts into waves of extravagant costumes during the annual Fantasy Fest, which includes 10 days of over-the-top parties, parades and balls. This year’s theme? Superheroes, Villains and Beyond. The street party kicks off on October 18.
Seychelles celebrates all things Creole during this six-day festival. Creamy octopus curry, coconut shell crafts, traditional dances and parades offer a taste of the Creole culture on three of Seychelles’ islands.
Entenrennen
After recovering from all of the Oktoberfest festivities, Germany turns its attention to another beloved festival: Entenrennen. Held in Tübingen, this annual event centers around racing thousands of plastic ducks down Neckar River. You can even buy a ticket to bet on which duck will finish first (and win a cool €1000 voucher if your duck wins).
Vegetarian Festival
While its name comes from the vegetarian cuisine served during the event, Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is perhaps best known for the envelope-pushing physical alterations locals endure to invoke the protection of the gods. Firewalking is one element, as is piercing the cheeks with items like swords, knives, skewers and axes.
Jerusalem Knights Festival
This medieval celebration starts on October 31 and brings a Renaissance-era feel to Old Jerusalem, complete with jesters, knights and dancers telling stories of times past. Acrobatics, fire shows and concerts are just a few of the performances you’ll be able to catch during the event.
(Main image: JadeXJustice)
