Events: Fall Festival + 11 October Event Ideas
Fall Harvest Festival
Host a Harvest Festival on any budget with a mix of easy, festive activities that are simple to set up and fun for all ages. Whether you’re planning an outdoor gathering or bringing the celebration indoors, you can create a full event with just a few supplies—or invite local restaurants and businesses to join in by setting up tables to share or sell their goods.
Event Activity Ideas
Poke a Pumpkin (Balloons with prizes inside)
Tic-Tac-Toe (yard version or candy)
Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Pumpkin Bowling or Pong
Mini Pumpkin Patch
Cornhole
Sack Races
Spark Resources:
11 More Ideas for Event Inspo
[Designs exclusive to RESIDENT RETENTION and ALL-ACCESS MEMBERS]
#1 Autumn Field Day
Get residents outside for a little fall fun and friendly competition with a Field Day that’s sure to be a gourd time. How to host:
Set up activity stations featuring cornhole, ring toss, horseshoes, football toss, sack races, jump rope, hula hoops, and pumpkin bowling.
Let residents rotate
Give the space an autumn feel.
#2 Fall Movie Nights
Fall Flicks Watch Party:
Turn your community into Stars Hollow for a weeklong Gilmore Girls viewing marathon.
Autumn Movie Night:
A cozy night of fall favorites and film-worthy fun, giving residents a chance to settle in, socialize, and enjoy a classic movie without ever leaving the community.
#3 Life is Sweet Candy Bar
This October, celebrate just how sweet life at your community really is. Think warm fall colors—burnt orange, deep maroon, golden caramel—and plenty of candy. Set up a full-scale candy bar in your clubhouse or common area decked out in fall hues.
#4 Pumpkin Decorating
Pumpkin decorating doesn’t have to mean messy carving! From decoupage and painting to glitter and glow-in-the-dark designs, these creative alternatives are perfect for residents of all ages to get festive without the cleanup.
#5 Fall Door Decorating Contests
1. Classic Fall Door Décor Contest
2. Pumpkin Patch Doors
3. Thankful Doors in November: Distribute blank leafs to write what residents are thankful for.
4. Hallway Harvest Walk: Each floor or building picks a theme.
5. Pink Your Space: Breast Cancer Awareness
#6 A Very Slice Pizza Party
Is there anyone on this planet who doesn't love pizza? Host a pizza party at your community where residents can grab some pizza to-go.
What's great about pizza is that there are so many ways to do it. You can partner with a local pizza shop, cook up some pizza bagel bites, or have frozen pizza!
#7 Rockstar Karaoke
Turn the volume up and let residents channel their inner rock legend with a totally rad 80s karaoke night. From big hair to bigger vocals, this throwback event is sure to strike the right chord and have your community singing like nobody’s watching.
#8 Costume Party
Perfect for October or any time of year, these costume and masquerade events add instant fun, creativity, and community connection.
Classic Costume Party & Contest
Pet Costume Contest
Superhero Dress-Up Day
Masked Masquerade Party
Costume Karaoke Night
#9 Fall Spice Happy Hour
Residents will appreciate the opportunity to unwind and socialize in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere as they sip on their favorite fall drinks.
Offer a curated selection of fall-themed cocktails, mocktails, and light bites. Set the mood with comfortable seating, fall décor, and string lights to create an inviting ambiance.
#10 Chili Cook Off
As the weather cools down, heat things up with this fun-filled event featuring hearty bowls of chili, great company, and a little friendly competition! A chili cook-off is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of comfort food, creativity, and community, making it a popular event for people of all ages to enjoy!
#11 Sweet Treat Candy Bar
Set up a festive candy bar in your clubroom for residents and/or in your leasing office for tours. Keep it simple with a grab-and-go candy station, or turn it into a fun activity with a Build Your Own Candy Bag where guests can scoop, mix, and create their own sweet treat.
