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Event Spotlight MINNESOTA
White Christmas | Oct. 10, 2025 - Feb. 7, 2026
Christmas is arriving early in Chanhassen, Minnesota!
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” will return to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage Oct. 10, 2025. The theatrical adaptation of the much-loved 1954 film is suitable for all ages and includes hit Irving Berlin songs, such as “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano” and “White Christmas.” Celebrate music, love and the holiday season. Visit the theater’s website for tickets.
COLORADO
Animas Valley Balloon Rally | Oct. 17, 2025
(Durango) This three-day spectacle features glowing hot air balloons illuminating downtown Durango followed by mass ascensions in the Animas Valley. Families can enjoy free tethered rides and meet pilots during this celebration of aerial artistry.
More Colorado Events
FLORIDA
Cedar Key Lions Seafood Festival | Oct. 18-19, 2025
(Cedar Key) This historic fishing village hosts its 54th annual celebration featuring more than 100 arts and crafts exhibits and abundant fresh local seafood. The Lions Club-sponsored event includes live music, a Saturday morning parade and food contests in a charming coastal setting.
More Florida Events
GEORGIA
Gainsville Chicken Festival | Oct. 18, 2025
(Gainsville) Savor Georgia's Official Chicken Cook-Off featuring mouthwatering flavors, live music and family entertainment at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. This unique festival celebrates Georgia's poultry heritage while providing delicious food and community entertainment for all ages.
More Georgia Events
ILLINOIS
Chicago Marathon | Oct. 12, 2025
(Chicago) More than 40,000 runners traverse 29 diverse neighborhoods in this World Marathon Major event. Spectators line the over 20-mile route cheering participants while enjoying live music and cultural performances across the city’s iconic districts.
More Illinois Events
For more Chicago information, check out the AAA Chicago Guide.
IOWA
OCMA Presents: The Mexican Brass | Oct. 24, 2025
(Ottumwa) The Ottumwa Civic Music Association presents The Mexican Brass! Since 2005, this renowned Latin American chamber ensemble has captivated audiences with virtuosic music, humor, showmanship and charm. Experience their unique blend of artistry in an unforgettable musical-theatrical performance.
More Iowa Events
MICHIGAN
Hollyween at Holly | Oct. 10-11 and 17-18, 2025
(Holly) Hollyween at Holly offers spooky fun for two weekends this month. Enjoy a site decorating competition, costume contest, trick-or-treating, cornhole tournament, pumpkin patch, pumpkin bowling, scavenger hunt, haunted trail, photos with Smoky and more exciting activities.
More Michigan Events
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis Halloween Bar Crawl | Oct. 25, 2025
This official Halloween celebration takes participants through multiple venues across Minneapolis from 4 pm to 11 pm, featuring costume contests, themed drinks and special entertainment. The event includes over four participating bars, a $2,000 social media costume contest, live music and professional photography to capture the spine-chilling fun
More Minnesota Events
NEBRASKA
Halloween Fun at Ponca State Park | Oct. 11 & 18, 2025
(Ponca) Ponca State Park offers pumpkin roll, s’mores, games, food, pumpkin carving, hay rides, pet parade and more. Purchase pumpkins to carve or race for prizes. Enjoy fall activities and Ponca’s beauty with friends and family.
More Nebraska Events
Interested in more Halloween activities? Read Spooky Savings You Won’t Want to Miss in this issue.
NORTH CAROLINA
Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont | Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25, 2025
(Brevard) Happening weekend evenings in October, the Brevard event includes dazzling artist-carved pumpkin displays, live music, food trucks, games, face painting, food trucks and historic mansion tours. The fundraiser benefits Silvermont Park and the 106-year-old historic mansion, so head to Brevard for family fun.
More North Carolina Events
NORTH DAKOTA
Kenmare Goosefest | Oct. 18-25, 2025
(Kenmare) This eight-day celebration combines hunting tradition with community festivities including chili cook-offs, live music, and frozen duck bowling. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy clay shooting, poker tournaments and the signature goose shoot while families participate in wildlife art displays.
More North Dakota Events
SOUTH CAROLINA
Art in the Park | Oct. 11-12 and Nov. 8-9, 2025
(Myrtle Beach) Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild hosts this free celebration of art with more than 70 local and international artists displaying woodwork, photography, jewelry, pottery, glass and more. The event is child and pet friendly, so stop by for enjoyment and shopping.
More South Carolina Events
TENNESSEE
Southern Festival of Books | Oct. 18, 2025
(Nashville) Among the oldest literary festivals in the country, this celebration of the written word welcomes hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville. The free festival includes performance stages, food trucks, and numerous publishers and booksellers at locations including Bicentennial Mall, Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library.
More Tennessee Events
For more Tennessee information, check out the AAA Nashville Guide
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Science Festival | Oct. 16-26, 2025
(Statewide locations) Ten days of hands-on exhibits, lectures and guided nature hikes across 52 counties. Events include science theatre shows, family expos, guided nature hikes and pub nights that invite all ages to explore the art-science connection.
More Wisconsin Events
Check out the AAA podcasts—see below!
AAA PODCASTS & WEBCASTS
Our “Well-Traveled With AAA” podcasts and webcasts are your gateway to the world of travel. Each episode features insights from AAA travel experts and our network of preferred travel partners to ignite your wanderlust for adventure. Visit AAA.com/Well-Traveled to explore the latest episodes.
EVENTS MENTIONED ABOVE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PHOTOS ABOVE: ARE ADOBE STOCK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
