articles

10 October Events, Holidays You'll Want to Know More About

This month is so much more than Halloween!

By Amber Nevin, Macaroni Kid Wilkes-Barre Publisher October 4, 2021

Publisher note: Each of these holidays and events below include localization ideas marked in red. Make sure to remove before publishing.

October brings with it all sorts of annual celebrations and traditions, from fall football games to carving pumpkins. We love this month — it's a time when the weather cools, the leaves change, and we can take our favorite cozy sweaters out of storage and sip on warmed apple cider. 

But that's not all. There are important events to take note of in October, along with fun holidays to celebrate. Here are 10 events and holidays our Macaroni KID families will be marking this month:



Getty Images Pro via Canva

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Oct. 1-31

Breast cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 250,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Each of the women and men diagnosed has their own story. Read Angela Duncan's life story here. We are proud to have her as the Apollo Beach - Ruskin - Wimauma and St. Petersburg, Fla. Macaroni KID publisher.

Check out this great local article from Time Leader about the annual Paint Pittston Pink Event



 Getty Images Pro via Canva

Homemade Cookie Day

Oct. 1

Kick-off October by making some cookies on Homemade Cookie Day. Check out this fun fall recipe for Caramel Apple Cookies. Yum! 

Here are some of our family's favorites: Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies



Macaroni KID

International Frugal Fun Day

Oct. 2

Today is the day to find inexpensive fun! Guess what?! We have you covered with our Macaroni KID event calendar  — you'll find it filled with free or low-cost local family-friendly events.

Macaroni Kid Wilkes-Barre Events Calendar



Getty Images Pro via Canva

Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 3-9

Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to talk about fire safety with our families, and also to ensure our home and children are prepared in the case of an emergency. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families.



Getty Images Pro via Canva

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Oct. 3-9

One in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). That number has only grown during the stresses associated with the pandemic. How can you help? By working to end the stigma around those affected by mental illness. The national NAMI organization writes: "Whether you are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional, getting to know a person and treating them with kindness and empathy means far more than just knowing what they are going through."

NAMI offers free mental health resources for our community: NAMI Luzerne- Wyoming Counties PA



 Pamela J Peters via Canva

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Oct. 11

Did you know 14 states and the District of Columbia, along with more than 130 cities across the United States, now observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day? It's a way to acknowledge and honor the people native to our lands. Find out the Native American tribes that called your area home on this map.

Check out Heritage Day at Frances Slocum this Sunday October 10th!
🌳 Frances Slocum Heritage Day



 Getty Images Signature via Canva

International Day of the Girl

Oct. 11

This year's theme identified by UNICEF is "Digital generation," and UNICEF and other organizations are using the platform to talk about gender inequality in technology and highlight girl tech trailblazers, like Nina, who lives in Brazil and teaches computer science on her YouTube channel and interviews female scientists from both Brazil and the African continent on her podcast.



Getty Images Signature via Canva

National Coming Out Day

Oct. 11

When someone "comes out" to you, it shows a deep trust. How can you support your loved one during this act of bravery? Tell them you love them. Still have questions? PFLAG offers tips, tools, and ideas for PFLAG members looking to support LGBTQ+ individuals planning to come out and new (and potential) allies who want to demonstrate their acceptance of LGBTQ folks in their lives. Find a PFLAG chapter near you.

PFLAG Danville is our nearest chapter.



Getty Images via Canva

Make a Difference Day

Oct. 23

The fourth Saturday in October is devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. Find a project you and the kids can volunteer for and make a difference today!





 Getty Images Signature via Canva

Halloween

Oct. 31

One of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many kids! Dressing up in fun costumes, fun treats, and candy... what's not to love? Be sure to check the Macaroni KID event calendar to find all of the great local Halloween activities and events happening today!

Check out our local Fall and Halloween Fun in the Wilkes-Barre and Surrounding Areas