Calendar of October Events in Boston

As the leaves fall in and around Boston during October, so too do the number of days with weather suitable for outdoor activities. Some may see that as a downer, but Bostonians embrace these days of autumn, among the most spectacular that the city has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the top events coming to the city during the month.

• Harpoon Oktoberfest
  Oct. 2-3 2009, $20 cover charge
  One of New England biggest Oktoberfests celebrates its 20th year this month, with Harpoon Octoberfest beer (and other varieties), German food, and German Oompah music.
• Pedal Through Fall
  Through Oct. 31, $50
  The Urban Adventours’ "Emerald Necklace and Fall Foliage" bike tour, which runs through Oct. 31, is a great way to experience some of Boston’s most famous natural landmarks in a “green” way. For more ideas on how to experience foliage, click here.
• Boston Pops with Ben Folds
  Oct. 2, 2009, 8 p.m., $20-$75
  Noted singer and songwriter Ben Folds makes a return engagement with the Boston Pops, as he takes the reins of the orchestra once again at Symphony Hall. Limited tickets are still available.
• Red Sox Playoffs, Bruins Open Season
  
  The Red Sox are back in the playoffs, and while it may be a tough ticket, there are ways to get to Fenway this October. Click here for details. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins open their 2009-10 season with home games against Washington, Carolina, Anaheim, New York, Colorado, Nashville, New Jersey, and Edmonton. Click here for a complete schedule.
• Boston Tattoo Convention
  Oct. 2-4, 2009
  Join hundreds of body vendors and artists from around the world at the Boston Center for the Arts.
• Columbus Day Parade
  Oct. 11, 2009, 1 p.m.
  The annual Columbus Day Parade will march down Hanover and Endicott Streets, featuring a variety of tributes to various cultures.
• Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus
  Oct. 14-18, 2009, $15-$130
  The circus makes its annual October visit to Causeway St., with five nights at the TD Garden. Click here for ticket information.
• Belgian Beer Fest
  Oct. 16-17, 2009, $45-$52.50
  Enjoy Belgian beers during Beer Advocate’s annual tasting and education weekend. Limited to 500 tickets sold.
• Head of the Charles
  Oct. 17-18, 2009
  The world’s largest two-day regatta attracting more than 8,500 rowers and 300,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River. Click here for more information.
• Boston Book Festival
  Oct. 24, 2009
  Ben Mezrich, Ethan Gilsdorf, and Tim Kring headline a panel that will look at how technology will affect the book industry moving forward at this Copley Square event.
• Harry Potter: The Exhibition
  Oct. 25-Feb. 25, 2010, $23-$26
  "Harry Potter: The Exhibition” will offer fans a glimpse of costumes, props, and more than 200 other authentic artifacts from the film sets when it lands at the Museum of Science. For more information, click here.
• Vegetarian Food Festival
  Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2009
  Vegetarians, vegans, and those just interested in the health and social benefits of a meat-free diet can enjoy free food samples at the 14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. Now a two-day event, held at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, the festival will feature award-winning chefs, cookbook authors, and children’s activities. Free parking. For more free events happening this fall, click here.
• Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
  Oct. 31, 2009, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Dress up your pet and get him or her ready for the Halloween season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.
  For more Halloween events, click here.