The spooky season is here, and October 2026 is filled with spooky (and not-so-spooky) events and autumn delights. Whether you're craving eerie experiences or just want to enjoy fall vibes, we’ve got you covered with 15 exciting activities.
"Rocktoberfest" Gem, Mineral, and Lapidary Show
Saturday, Oct 10: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Oct 11: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Calling all rockhounds, amateur geologists, and petrofilias! The Sac & Fox Lapidary Club’s annual “Rocktoberfest” Gem, Mineral, and Lapidary Show returns to Fairfield for a weekend filled with all things rocks, gems, and fossils.
Browse jewelry, mineral specimens, fossils, polished stones, crystals, apparel, and more. Try your hand at geode-cracking and discover something new at this popular annual event. Free admission, free parking, and open to the public!
Ceramic Pumpkins Class
In A Pinch Studios
Located in the Wildflower Salon
Friday, October 16 | 12 – 2 PM or 6 – 8 PM
Create your own ceramic pumpkins in this hands-on pottery class. Choose from two session times.
Steve Farber
Café Paradiso, 101 N Main St.
Saturday, October 10 | 7:30–9:30 PM
Join Café Paradiso for an evening with award-winning songwriter and performer Steve Farber, winner of the Great American Song Contest. Known for heartfelt Americana and folk originals, Farber blends decades of storytelling with rich musicality.
Movies at Central Park: The Monster Squad (1987)
Friday, October 16th | Central Park, Fairfield, IA
Movie begins at dusk | Free & family-friendly
A group of kids obsessed with monsters discover that Count Dracula and his crew of classic Universal monsters have arrived in their town. To save the world, they form a “Monster Squad” and take on Dracula, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and Frankenstein’s monster in an 80s cult favorite blending comedy, horror, and adventure.
Creature Feature: Heroes & Villains
The Golden Magnolia Sanctuary
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Celebrate Pride with a night of heroes, villains, creatures, and plenty of fabulous costumes at The Golden Magnolia. Hosted by the Fairfield Pride Committee, this special event will bring together local and out-of-town performers for an evening celebrating creativity, individuality, and the joy of being yourself.
The evening will feature live performances, a costume contest, and more. Come dressed as your favorite hero, villain, or creature and join the Pride community for a night of fun, entertainment, and self-expression
Danielle Nicole- Fallin’ for the Blues
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Grammy-nominated bassist and vocalist Danielle Nicole brings her gutsy, blues-soaked sound to Fairfield, with special guest opener Matt Woods. Doors open at 6:00 PM with BBQ from Sweet N Saucy, full bar available throughout the evening.
Danielle Nicole Schnebelen began music from the moment she was born. Musical influences from generations on both sides of her parent’s families ensured that a love of playing music would continue to be passed among her and her siblings.
Witches & Wizards Bike Ride
Fairfield Central Park Square
Saturday, October 17, 2026 6:30 PM
Join us for a magical evening as we take our broomsticks… er, bicycles… for a spellbinding ride through Fairfield! This enchanting Witches & Wizards Ride is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season on your bike! We’ll be cycling around 5 to 7 miles around town, creating a bewitching parade of cyclists under the evening sky. Costumes encouraged.
Family Fun Hayride
Chautauqua Park
Thursday, October 22 | 4 – 6 PM
Join Fairfield Parks & Recreation for a family-friendly hayride at Chautauqua Park. Adult supervision is required.
Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, October 23 | 5–7 PM
Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 2606 W Burlington Ave, Fairfield
Kids ages 11 & under are invited to a safe, family-friendly evening of candy, stickers, and treats from local businesses.
The Kings of Queen
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Experience the music and spectacle of Queen as The Kings of Queen, one of the nation’s premier Queen tribute bands, brings the legendary rock group’s greatest hits to Fairfield.
Fall Trail Drive
Saturday, October 24, 2026 |11 am - 2 pm
Cedar View Trailhead
Bring the entire family out to enjoy a portion of the Fairfield Loop Trail. This year, the drive will start at the Cedar View Trailhead off of South 32nd. Participants can either continue straight along Cedar View Trail, across the bridges, and out, or down the hill, to the left and end at the Maasdam Barns by the hospital.
AILEY II: The Next Generation of Dance
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
Experience the energy, artistry, and athleticism of AILEY II, one of the world’s most acclaimed modern dance companies. AILEY II continues to inspire audiences through powerful performances that blend technical excellence, creativity, and cultural expression.
Halloween Spook Ride
Water Works Park
Thursday, October 29 | 6 – 8 PM
Join Fairfield Parks & Recreation for a hayride through a haunted trail, followed by a hot dog after the ride.
Loop the Loop Halloween Hustle
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Registration 7:00 AM, Run/Walk 8:00 AM
Maasdam Barns
Get moving and celebrate Halloween at Fairfield’s inaugural Loop the Loop Halloween Hustle, featuring family-friendly 5K and 1K run/walks.
The morning will include a Halloween costume contest, pumpkin decorating and bowling, face painting, a photo booth, barn haunted house, Halloween music, hot cocoa, coffee and cider, plus awards for runners and costume contest winner.
And get ready for those little ghosts and goblins as the traditional Trick or Treat night in Fairfield is on Oct 31 from 5:30 - 7:30.
With all these events and more, October 2026 is packed with spooky and not-so-spooky fun activities to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to get your scare on or just enjoy a night out, there’s something for everyone this spooky season. Happy Halloween! 🎃
