From “at worship” to chugging beer in Lederhosen, it’s a free-for-all at the end of the month
As the spooky season rolls in and Halloween takes center stage, there’s a lot more than just pumpkins and costumes happening at the end of October. Late October Events are a tailwind of festivals, cats, beer, and ancient rituals—because why stop at just scaring your neighbors.
There are parties to throw for the dearly departed, Oktoberfest beer steins to chug until lederhosen feel like loungewear, and why not reflect on the Protestant Reformation (with or without a pint)? Meanwhile, Nevada throws a state birthday bash, Wiccans invite the spirit world over for Samhain, and let’s worship our true overlords on National Cat Day.
And just when you thought you had no more rituals left, along comes Chhath Puja, where we shout out to the Sun God for keeping the lights on. Buckle up—October’s more packed than a haunted house on half-price candy night!
Here’s a look at the seven events that take place at the end of October:
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
When: October 31 – November 2 Primarily Mexico, but also celebrated in Mexican communities worldwide
What: A vibrant, joyful celebration that honors deceased loved ones. Families build altars (ofrendas) in their homes or at cemeteries, decorating them with photos, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, and offerings like food and drinks. The festival blends indigenous Aztec traditions with Catholic influences and is meant to celebrate the lives of those who have passed rather than mourn them. Parades, face painting (often in the form of colorful skulls), and music are also central to the event.
Oktoberfest (Extended into October)
When: Typically mid-September to early October, but some celebrations outside Germany stretch into late October
Where: Originally Munich, Germany, but now celebrated worldwide
What: A festival centered around Bavarian culture, featuring large quantities of beer, traditional German food like pretzels, sausages, roast chicken, and lively folk music. Some communities continue celebrating late into October, extending the beer-drinking and dancing. Revelers often wear traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.
Samhain
When: October October 31-November 1 Observed by pagans and Wiccans, especially in the UK, Ireland, and parts of North America
What: One of the four major Celtic festivals, Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It’s said that the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest during this time, allowing spirits to visit the living world. People light bonfires, perform rituals, and leave offerings for spirits and ancestors. It also inspires modern Halloween traditions, such as carving pumpkins or wearing costumes to ward off evil spirits.
National Cat Day
When: October October 29 Primarily in the United States
What: A fun, lighthearted day dedicated to celebrating all things feline. The holiday aims to raise awareness about the importance of adopting shelter cats and promote their care and wellbeing. It encourages cat lovers to spoil their pets with treats, toys, and extra affection. Social media often lights up with cat-related content on this day, making it a perfect time for sharing pictures and stories about furry companions.
Reformation Day
When: October October 31 Observed in Protestant regions, especially Germany and other parts of Europe
What: This day commemorates Martin Luther’s 95 Theses on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517, which triggered the Protestant Reformation. The event is marked with church services, educational events, and historical reenactments. It’s to reflect on the Reforma Reformation on Christianity and Western society. In some regions, it’s a public holiday.
Chhath Puja
When: Late October or early November, depending on the lunar calendar
Where: Mainly in India (especially Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh) and Nepal
What: A significant Hindu festival that pays homage to Surya, the Sun God, for sustaining life on Earth. Observers offer prayers at riversides or other water bodies during sunrise and sunset. The rituals include fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and offering fruits, sweets, and other delicacies to the Sun. It’s a Community event where families come together to pray for health, wealth, and prosperity. Devotees express gratitude for the blessings they’ve received and seek the continued favor of the Sun God.
Nevada Day
When: Last Friday of October (observed) or October 31 (actual date)
Where: Nevada, USA
What: This state holiday commemorates Nevada’s admission to the Union on October 31, 1864. Parades, fireworks, and other celebrations take place in Nevada’s cities, especially in Carson City, the state capital. It’s a festive day full of community pride, with many residents celebrating their state’s history, culture, and achievements.
Did you know?
You may know as the ancient Celtic celebration marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter, but did you know it’s the ultimate throwback event? Long before modern traditions like trick-or-treating, the Celts believed it became fluid during Samhain, allowing the past, present, and future to overlap. Not only did they think spirits roamed the Earth, but people could also catch glimpses of the future.
During Samhain, divination rituals were a big part of the festivities. Villagers would try to predict the future through methods like apple bobbing (yes, that Halloween game you thought was just for fun) or interpreting the shapes of hazelnuts thrown into the fire. Even matchmaking got a mystical twist—unmarried people would toss hazelnuts into the flames, believing that the brightest nut that burned the brightest belonged to their future spouse. So, while today might be celebrated with candles and quiet reflection, it was also about knowing who you’d be bounding those cold winter nights.
A little history:
National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, to bring attention to the number of cats that need rescuing each year. While it’s moit’sit’s about celebrating our beloved feline friends; the day has a serious mission: encouraging cat adoption for proper cat care. Colleen Paige created the holiday to inspire people to adopt cats from shelters and rescues, highlighting that millions of cats are still homeless or in need of loving homes.
The holiday falls on October 29 since it has become a popular day for cat lovers across the United States to shower their pets with affection, raise awareness about the benefits of adoption, and promote the welfare of cats everywhere. The rise of social media has only amplified the celebration, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok being flooded with adorable cat content, rescue stories, and viral cat memes on this day. Whether it’s about spreading awareness or just sharing the love for cats, National Cat Day has pounced its way into theit’srabit’sspreadingound the world.
