The thing about October is it’s cozy and dreamy and downright wonderful, but it’s also confusing. How on earth do we dress for it? How do we dress the children? The temps are sub-50 in the mornings and can reach up to 70 in the afternoon. And, by that time, we’re not in the mood for warm sun. We’re eager for a cup of tea and a date with Gilmore Girls! Alas, it’s all worth it because even if October kind of jerks us around, it’s too beautiful to be mad at—changing leaves, Halloween decorations, steaming soups, and lingering hugs. 

Yeah, October is pretty much the best. And it’s even better in Edmonds. 

Pause for a minute to open your calendar of choice so you can be ready to write down some key dates for our favorite fall month. You, our sweet Pacific Northwest pumpkin, are about to have an Edmonds kind of October absolutely abundant in music, celebrations, and especially scenic views.  

Celebrations

Edmonds Scarecrow Festival, All October

Vote on dozens of scarecrows outside of Downtown Edmonds businesses this month. Hosted by The Edmonds Historical Museum, the 12th annual event is always a conversation starter with locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to grab a seasonal drink from one of the many coffee shops dotting the blocks, either. Just make sure you add a dash of cinnamon to stay in the spirit. 

Find out more about the festival and vote here.

Art Walk Edmonds, October 17 

Come see local artists all around Downtown every third Thursday of the month. But, pro tip: If you miss the main event, you can pop into any participating shop any day to check out their displays. Check out the October lineup and plan your stroll here.  

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Night, October 31

Don your cutest or creepiest costume and congregate Downtown—rain or shine—from 5-7pm to trick-or-treat, pet cute pups, and fill up your soul along with your candy bags! There will be costume contests for everyone, so go off with your spooktacular self. 

More information here. 

Music and Entertainment

Engel’s Pub, All Month Long

Stop by your favorite local watering hole for live music AND karaoke all month long. Check the schedule here and start planning your spooky season shenanigans accordingly. Most of the pub’s live music is on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. 

Vinbero, All Month Long

Cin cin to the sound of music all of October at Vinbero! Here’s a sampling: Ian Skavdahl on October 16th, Luiggi and Company on October 19th, BecLynn on October 23rd, John Paynich on October 25th, E. Pruitt on October 30th, and Jazz Brunches throughout the month. All music is free and starts at 7pm unless otherwise listed on Vinbero’s website. 

Moms Unhinged Comedy Show, October 21

Settle in with a beverage of choice (including alcohol!) at Edmonds Theater as you listen to Jody Carroll, Mandy Simonson, Meaghan Elwood, and headliner Stephanie McHugh wax comedic about motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate them. These shows often sell out. Join the fun here.

Poem of Ecstasy, October 28

In Cascade Symphony Orchestra’s Poem of Ecstasy, you’ll hear an Overture to Beethoven’s heroic Opera Fidelio, followed by the charming Joyous Youth Suite by Eric Coates, and the mystic Poem of Ecstasy by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. Leonardo Zhou will be the soloist in Camille Saint-Saëns’ virtuosic Second Piano Concerto. For a night of the classics you won’t soon forget, reserve your seats here. 

Something New To Try This Month

Graphite Arts Center, TOMBSTONE Exhibit Through November 2, 2024

Take your art with a side of spooky? Check out local artists’ interpretations of prominent grave markers in the Graphite Arts Center Library area all month long. It’s open to the public Fridays from 1-5pm and Saturdays from 12-4pm. Learn more here.

Paints & Pints at EdWay Taphouse, October 21

Settle in with a brewski at EdWay Taphouse while Paints & Pints founder, Liz Harrington, instructs you in creating your own acrylic masterpiece. Cost is $35 which includes all supplies, instruction, and a scrumptious pint from one of Edway's many taps. Tickets here.

Brigid’s Bottleshop Annual Pumpkin Carving, October 23

This year, Brigid’s is teaming up with their friends at Fremont, Dru Bru, Georgetown, Crux, Deschutes, Boneyard, Schilling, and 2Towns to pour lots of delicious brews while you carve your gourds, provided by Brigid’s (they’re providing the tools, too!). This is an all-ages event, so bring the whole family. RSVP here.

Gayme Night at Edmonds Library, October 28

Break out the game boards in a safe space, which will include game mentors, on October 28th with Under The Rainbow Edmonds. You’ll have access to role-playing books and materials, board games, and tabletop strategy games. RSVP here.

Yoga In The Museum, October 29

Who wouldn’t want to be a pigeon in a museum surrounded by Pacific Northwest art? This monthly class explores both stillness and fluid movement. If you are looking for a way to compliment your stretching routine with balance, core strengthening, and posture exercises, bring your mat to Cascadia Art Museum on October 29th. Tickets and information here. 

Show Us How What You’re Harvesting This October

There’s so much fun to be had around town this month! Show us where your Edmonds October adventures, explorations, and celebrations take you. Tag us on social media (@exploreedmondswa) and we’ll double-tap all your adventures. 

 Photos by Matt Hulbert