Every time a new month rolls around in the fall I get so excited because who doesn't love the Holiday season? October is the time when the weather (hopefully) starts to get cooler, the leaves change colors, and the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) trend hits. Halloween and picking the perfect costume for the parties that come along with it seem to consume our thoughts all month. Being a senior has inspired me to make this October the best one yet. That being said, I thought I'd share some fun events that Bryan-College Station has to offer during this pumpkin spice latte-filled month so that you too, can make the most of your October.
(This is actually THIS year's maze. How cool is this?)
1. Brazos Valley Maize Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Brenham, Tx
Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend a weekend or to take that special someone on a fun date, this is the place to do it. There's plenty of things to do and see such as a Cow Train, Corn Cannon, Hay Rides, Color Maze, Bounce Horse races, and the new event: PIG RACES. This event is held October 11th-November 16th and is $10 for General Admission. If you feel like being extra adventurous one weekend, you can even camp out at one of the events campsites! Check out http://www.brazosvalleymaize.com/ for more info
2. Brazos Valley Fair & Expo Bryan, Tx
We Texas folks love our Fairs and Rodeos so why not get the best of both worlds and experience that right here close to home? The Brazos Valley Fair & Expo includes rodeo events, fair attractions, live music, a 5k, contests, and livestock events. This event is held October 17-19 and costs $10 to get in the fairgrounds with FREE parking. You can purchase presale tickets online right now for a discounted price or when you arrive at the event. Check out the website http://www.brazosvalleyfair.com/tickets-and-deals.... for directions and events happening! You don't want to miss this one. Grab your friends and your favorite boots and get on over to the Brazos Valley Fair & Expo.
3. First Friday Bryan, Tx
First Friday is an event held in Downtown Bryan every first friday of the month. First fridays always feature a wide variety of vendors, activities, musical performances and fun for everyone! If you've never been you should spend a Friday at this event and explore Downtown Bryan. The best part about First Friday? It's FREE. The next event will be held November 7. Check out http://www.downtownbryan.com/play/1stfriday/ for details!
4. Ballpark Boo Fest Bryan, Tx
With a family fun atmosphere, the Brazos Valley Bomber's Boo Fest sounds like something to check out. This event offers free games, costume contests, trick or treating and FREE CANDY. Who doesn't love free candy? Boo Fest will be held on Sunday, October 26th from 6-9 pm and admission is free. Rock your best costume and show up ready for a good time! See http://ballparkboofest.com/ for further details.
5. Texas Renaissance Festival Plantersville, Tx
ALthough its a long drive (45 min) this event is one of the most unique things Texas has to offer. The Texas Renaissance Festival features costumes, music, food and more! It is the Nation's largest, most acclaimed Renaissance theme park. Take a step back in time into this 55-acre "enchanted" village that features 200 daily performances, 400 shops featuring unique arts and crafts, and even Firework shows at night over the lake. The event is held October 11th- November 30th every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The Texas Renaissance Festival features weekly "themes" so you can choose which one appeals to you the most! October's themed weekends include "Oktoberfest" (October 11th & 12th), "1001 Dreams" (October 18th & 19th), and "All Hallows Eve" (October 25th & 26th). Tickets can be purchased online for $25 and $27 at the gate. So get on your best costume and get ready for a flashback to the Renaissance Era at the Texas Renaissance Festival. You definitely don't want to miss out on this event! Check out http://www.texrenfest.com/ for information on themed weekends and more details about ticket pricing and parking!
6. Kappa Sigma's Wicked Woods College Station, Tx
Halloween is right around the corner and the scariest 15 minutes of your life is right down the road. Wicked Wood's is one of the largest Haunted Trails/Houses in the State of Texas and won't fail to give you a good scream. The event dates have not been set yet but this annual event typically occurs starting the weekend before and the weekend of Halloween. The price is $10 to get in and $9 if you bring a canned good. This event is not only a fun way to spend your weekend, but it also is for a good cause. Kappa Sigma has raised money for The Military Heroes Campaign and Brazos Valley Foodbank along with several other organizations. Help out your fellow Greek and spend a night out at the Wicked Woods for the scariest 15 minutes of your life. Ladies can help out Kappa Sig and by volunteering to work the haunted trail! Make sure to check http://www.aggiekappasig.com/wicked-woods for more information on event dates as they are released, ticket pricing, and ways you can help out.
7. Fright Nights Downtown Bryan, Tx
Friday Nights Downtown is an annual Haunted House and Fundraiser put on in Historic Downtown Bryan, Texas. This event features a horrifying haunted house in The Palace Theatre and will make for a fun spooky way to spend your weekend. The event is held October 23-25 & October 30-November 1 from 8 p.m.- midnight. This year, the event will cost $10 to enter and the money raised will be donated to local animal shelters. There are also "Fright Night" t-shirts available for purchase in various restaurants in Bryan that will reduce the admission cost to $5 if worn the night you attend. Come in your Fright Night t-shirt or best Halloween costume and get ready for a spooky night featuring ghost stories and thrills. You can find more information about the event on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thefrightnights .
8. Homicide on Halloween: A Daunting Night of Monsters and & Murder at Messina Hoff Bryan, Tx
If you love the board game Clue, then you are sure to love this event. Come to Messina Hoff October 31st at 7 p.m. for a murder mystery dinner filled with delicious food, award-winning wine and a eerie murder mystery sure to shock you! Wear your favorite costume and prepare for a night filled with good drinks, mystery and friends. The admission and registration details can be found online at http://messinahof.com/events/post/homicide-on-hall...
9. Habitat for Humanity Pumpkin Patch College Station, Tx
Aggieland's Habitat for Humanity is hosting their annual "Habitat Pumpkin Patch" that helps provide money for those in poverty. The pumpkin patch is available Monday-Wednesday 12 p.m.-sundown, Saturday 8 a.m.-sundown & Sunday 10 a.m.-sundown starting September 27 through the first week in November. Go get yourself a pumpkin and throw a carving party while you drink pumpkin spice lattes while pumpkin scented candles are lit, because it's October and YOU CAN.
Don't let your October be consumed by Starbucks and old Disney Halloween movies. Get out and do something fun with your friends. College only lasts 4 (& some victory laps) years so make the most of your time here! Hope your October is filled with pumpkins, costumes, candy, friends, and fun.