Calendar of October Events in Boston

By Eric Wilbur, About.com Guide

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Head of the Charles Regatta takes place Oct. 22-23

Photo courtesy Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Harpoon Oktoberfest
Sept. 30 (5:30-11 p.m.) and Oct. 1 (2-9 p.m.), $20 cover charge
One of New England’s most popular Oktoberfests celebrates its 22nd anniversary, with Harpoon Octoberfest beer (and other varieties), German food, chicken dancing, and a keg bowling game. Cover charge includes a souvenir and one drink ticket. Additional beers and food are available for individual purchase.

Boston Local Food Festival
Oct. 1, 2011, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Free
Hit the Boston Waterfront at Fort Point Channel for a complete day of sustainability education and healthy food options.

C.K. Louis
Oct. 1, 2011, 10 p.m., $44
The popular comedian will be at the Wilbur Theater for a sold-out show.
Bruins Opening Night vs. Philadelphia
Oct. 6, 2011, 7 p.m.
The Boston Bruins will raise their 2010-11 Stanley Cup Championship banner before playing the Flyers, the only team that didn’t take Boston to seven games in last spring’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. The event is sold out, but you may still be able to find (expensive) seats on the secondary market.
Halloween events

Click here for a complete listing of area Halloween events to enjoy throughout the month.

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus
Oct. 12-16, 2011, $15-$160
The circus makes its annual October visit to Causeway St., with five nights at the TD Garden. Check Ticketmaster for ticket information.

Boston Book Festival
Oct. 15, 2011
The highlight of this year’s festival is a kickoff event featuring creators and stars of “The Wire.” Festival organizers will post a complete list of attending authors by the beginning of October.

Peter Pan
Begins Oct. 18, $50-$90
This unique re-telling of Peter Pan will be at City Hall Plaza in a state-of-the art 360-degree theater pavilion. Not recommended for children under five.
Head of the Charles
Oct. 22-23, 2011
The world’s largest two-day regatta attracting more than 8,500 rowers and 300,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River. Check our guide to the Head of the Charles for more information.

Vegetarian Food Festival
Oct. 29-30, 2011, Free admission
Vegetarians, vegans, and those just interested in the health and social benefits of a meat-free diet can enjoy free food samples at the 15th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. This 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.

Eric Wilbur
Boston Guide