Fall is in full swing, and we’re loving every minute of it. The changing leaves, crisp air, and cozy sweater weather have made for some beautiful days around the Islands. October is also bringing plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season, from harvest festivals and Oktoberfest to haunted trails and Halloween fun. Here are a few local events to add to your October calendar.

CIFM Harvest Fest | Saturday, October 1

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market is celebrating the season with its annual Harvest Fest at Allenholm Farm in South Hero from 10 AM–3 PM. More than 52 local vendors will be there with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts, and more. Enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, family activities, and a free needle-felting workshop. Learn more about Harvest Fest here.

Emmons Island Haunted Trail | Saturday, October 10

Looking for a little Halloween excitement? Head to the Emmons Island Haunted Trail at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle from 4:30–10 PM. Tickets are $20 or 12 non-perishable food items, with all proceeds and donated food going directly to the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. Expect plenty of scares, surprises, and spooky fun. Visit their Facebook page for more info and updates. 

Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard | Sunday, October 11

Celebrate the 2026 grape harvest at Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery from 12–4 PM. The afternoon will feature wine, spirits, live music, more than a dozen local artisans, delicious food, specialty fall cocktails, campfires, and free wagon rides. If you’re up for a little adventure, take the short hike to Fox Hill Scenic Overlook for beautiful views of the fall foliage. Learn more about the Harvest Festival.

Two Heroes Oktoberfest | Saturday, October 24

Oktoberfest is coming to South Hero! Two Heroes Brewery is hosting its first-ever Oktoberfest with special menu items, friendly competitions, and live music from German band Inseldudler. You can even pre-order a custom Two Heroes stein to take home. Get the details here.

Trunk or Treat In the Islands | October 24 & 31

Halloween is almost here! Several communities around the Islands will be hosting family-friendly Trunk or Treat events, with costumes, decorated cars, and plenty of treats.

• Grand Isle: Saturday, October 24 at The Grand Isle Fish Hatchery. Learn more. 

• South Hero: Saturday, October 31 at Folsom Elementary School. Learn more. 

• Alburgh: Saturday, October 31 hosted by the Alburgh Fire Department. Learn more.

Halloween Weekend at The North Hero House | October 30 & 31

The North Hero House is getting into the Halloween spirit with a full weekend of fun. Friday night features a family-friendly costume contest and dancing, while Saturday brings a Murder Mystery interactive dinner experience. Add in gourmet food, cocktails, costumes, and special weekend room rates, and you have a festive way to celebrate Halloween in the Islands. Check out their facebook page for updates or visit their website for reservations and event details. 

Enjoy Fall in the Islands

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a little Halloween excitement, or simply a reason to get outside and enjoy the foliage, there’s plenty happening around the Champlain Islands this October. Grab a sweater, invite a friend, and make the most of the season!

October in the Lake Champlain Islands is a season of celebration. From harvest festivals filled with local food and artisan goods to family-friendly activities and even a spooky haunted trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to sip wine at a vineyard, cheer on marathon runners, or explore a festive market, the Islands offer plenty of ways to embrace the beauty and community spirit of fall in Vermont.

Kraemer & Kin’s Kintoberfest 

Kraemer & Kin kicks off the month with Kintoberfest on Saturday, October 4th, from 12–5 PM at Donaldson Park in Grand Isle. This festive celebration will feature craft beer from local breweries, wood-fired pizza, live music, and an artisan market. With games like cornhole, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Kintoberfest truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.

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Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market’s Harvest Fest

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market hosts its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 AM–3 PM at its new location, Allenholm Farm in South Hero. This annual celebration features 50+ local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts. Visitors can also enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, and family activities like games and a free needle-felting workshop.

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Emmons Island Haunted Trail  

Get ready for spooky fun at the Emmons Island Haunted Trail on Saturday, October 11th, from 5–10 PM at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle. Tickets are $20 or 12 perishable items. The trail promises plenty of scares and surprises, perfect for anyone embracing the Halloween spirit in the Islands!

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Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard

Head to South Hero for Snow Farm Vineyard’s Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 12th, from 12–4 PM. Celebrate the grape harvest with live music, wagon rides, grape stomping, wine tastings, food trucks, and more. With free admission and activities for all ages, it’s a fun-filled fall day for the whole family!

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Champlain Islands Marathon

Cheer on runners at the Champlain Islands Marathon on Saturday, October 19th. This annual fall event takes participants along scenic loops on West Shore Road, passing farms, orchards, cottages, and Lake Champlain. Runners can choose the full marathon with two loops or the half with one, making it a perfect way to enjoy Vermont’s autumn scenery.

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October is the perfect time to experience the Lake Champlain Islands. From local flavors and live music to festive markets and haunted fun, these events capture the best of autumn in Vermont. Mark your calendar and enjoy all that fall in the Islands has to offer!