Written by Paige Stockfeld

Being away from home during the exciting and eventful months of fall can be very challenging. But with the right activities to help lift your spirits, it’s possible to enjoy the changing seasons. 

Here are five different local events during the cozy month of October that you can attend to make your semester much more exciting.

  1. Riverssance 2025

From Oct. 4-5, Riverside Park will be holding their annual Renaissance Festival, which involves all sorts of entertainment, from a jousting performance to a King’s Smoker Bawdy Adults Only Party for ages 21 and older. Gates open at 10 a.m. each day and remain open for at least seven hours. Ticket prices range from free to $25 for special access to events.

  1. Ice Skating

On Oct. 11, the IBP Ice Center will host public ice skating along with a costume contest. Open skating runs from 7 to 9 p.m. for all ages, and admission fees will be half-price for anyone in costume. Regular admissions cost $8 and include a pair of rental skates with an additional $5 fee for sharpening.

  1. Farmer’s Market Fall Fest

On the morning of October 11th, you can catch Fall Fest at the Sioux City Farmer’s Market on the corner of Tri View Avenue and Pearl Street. It’s a free family event starting at 8 a.m. and wrapping up around 1 p.m., with all sorts of local vendors to browse through. Additional entertainment can be found in watching the Children’s Costume Contest and even pumpkin painting!

  1. Scarecrow Farm

The second weekend of October will be one full of fun at the Scarecrow Farm, just off Highway 20 near Lawton. Starting on Saturday, they will be holding an Oktoberfest with German food, beer, live music, and plenty of other fun activities like yard games and contests. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., entrance fees will be $16.95 for access to the entire pumpkin patch as well as the Oktoberfest activities. 

On Sunday, Oct. 11, the entrance fee to the farm will be free due to Sioux City’s Fall Fun Fest. Visitors can enjoy hayrack rides, farm animals, apple cider, and a corn maze. 

  1. Nightmare on 4th Street & The Fear Factory

Throughout October, beginning on the 3rd, every weekend will hold an opportunity to visit the terrifying haunted houses of Scare Central. Located at 1229 Historic Fourth Street, prices range from $15-$25 for a 10,000 square foot haunting experience from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. There are two haunted houses offered within one location with impressive special effects, intense scares, and live actors!