Ode to October. Ode to crunching leaves, and a seemingly endless supply of pumpkin spice lattes. Ode to prime sweater weather and a tapestry of orange, yellow, and red that pictures simply can’t do justice. Madison is the place to be when October arrives. There is never a shortage of fun, eclectic traditions or activities. Here is a mere guide to help get you out and, very much so, about Madison in October.
1.) Olin Park Haunted House
Maybe this is not a uniquely Madison-based experience, but haunted houses are must-do attractions during this Halloween month. There are different levels of haunted houses ranging from satisfactorily scary to tremendously terrifying.
This particular haunted house falls under the “satisfactorily scary” category. Based in Olin Park, Madison, the haunted house is open each year starting from mid-October until Halloween (the approximate annual dates change according to the year) and admission is roughly eight dollars per person. The mass event is called “Horror in the Dark” and the journey is ridden with ghouls, rooms with flashing lights, and people jumping out of the darkness with mock chainsaws.
2.) Kilwin’s Caramel Apples
There is no way for October to be complete without caramel apples and there is no better place to get them than Kilwin’s on State Street. Grab a friend, cozy flannels, and take a few hours to roam State Street and Capitol Square while you munch!
3.) Dogtoberfest
What’s not to love about dogs combined with food and live music!? Taking place on Sunday, October 4th, Dogtoberfest takes place at the Capital Brewery Beer Garden at eleven AM and ends at five PM. Key events include the Spare Time Bluegrass Band performance and a dog costume contest. Not only does Dogtoberfest offer an entertaining, social aspect, but it gives frazzled college students the opportunity to temporarily abandon their worries and soothe their midterm-fueled nerves by petting a puppy. All is right in the world.
4.) Freakfest
Taking place on the most sacred day of October, a Halloween scheduled Freakfest is uncommon and must be taken advantage of. Featuring a multitude of live bands, such as Timeflies and Misterwives and plenty of food and drink, Freakfest is the perfect opportunity for people to release their inner freak and rage the night away decked out in creatively concocted costumes.
There is also a Badger football game taking place Halloween morning/afternoon against the Rutgers Scarlett Knights, proving to be a phenomenal chance to get pumped up before Freakfest’s late-night festivities.
5.) Treinen’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Slightly off the grid, Treinen’s Corn Maze is roughly a half hour away from downtown Madison in the town of Lodi. This year, it features an elaborate maze in the shape of a fox with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and if you get through the maze without opening your map, you get a prize at the end. Either way, winners and losers alike get an ample amount of candy, so no stress is necessary. Bring a determined attitude and infectious energy.
Madison truly comes alive in October with activities ranging from corn mazes to a multitude of live music, lip-smacking food, and delightful dogs. What are you waiting for? Grab your friends, a pumpkin spice latte, and a smile, as you embark on all of the activities Madison has to offer in the best month of the year.