The spookiest month of the year, October is best known for the holiday that falls upon its last day--Halloween. However, there is so much fun to be had before then! While the weather may be cooling throughout most parts of the country, there are still plenty of hot and happening music festivals and events. Here are HillTop Records' picks for your best bets this October:The first of the month, the 2011 installment of the annual Lakeville Arts&Music Festival (10/1/2011) will kick off October in Lakeville, Massachusetts. The line-up is set to feature American blues/rock band Wicked Blue, Starry Night, the Shane Wood Jazz Trio, and Game Shows To Go! There will also be a pie baking contest, arts and crafts exhibits, and a variety of activities for children.
At the same time, the annual Woodstock Tribute Show (10/1/2011 - 10/2/2011) will surely be drawing crowds to Fort Worth, Texas. With performances celebrating the works of Jimi Hendrix, Arlo Guthrie, Santana and Janis Joplin, the two-day concert is sure to be a success.
In Florida, the weather is likely to remain warm throughout the month of October. Take advantage of the friendly climate by attending the Daytona Blues Festival (10/6/2011 - 10/9/2011) in Daytona Beach, Florida or the Fall Palataka Bluegrass Festival (10/6/2011 - 10/8/2011) in Palatka, Florida.
An extension of the ever-popular Pioneer Ag Expo, the 4th Rural Roots Music Gathering (10/7/2011 - 10/9/2011) is a beloved pastime in Fremont, Nebraska. The annual event includes great food and plenty of live music.
The BayFest Music Festival (10/7/2011 - 10/9/2011) in Mobile, Alabama is also worth checking out if you happen to be in that area. Always promising great fun for the whole family, the kid-friendly event will host over 125 local, regional and national artists this year. The musical genres and other activities vary greatly, so there is something for everyone.
The Shrimp and Jazz Fest (10/8/2011 - 10/9/2011) combines two local favorites in Little River, South Carolina. Each year, it features fantastic food, live entertainment, and local arts and crafts vendors.
If you love jazz but won't be in the South, consider checking out the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree (10/12/2011 - 10/16/2011) in Sun Valley, Idaho instead. Eleven venues around the beautiful Sun Valley Resort will play host to over 200 performers, with 300 shows over five days.
A completely different genre is being celebrated at the Las Vegas Shakedown Rock & Roll Weekend (10/13/2011 - 10/15/2011) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here you can experience the best in live punk, garage and psychobilly. There will also be a poster art convention, various vendors, burlesque performances, and screenings of b-movie trailers throughout the weekend.
Other great music festivals to keep an eye out for in October:
- the Mountain Music Jamboree (10/14/2011 - 10/15/2011) in Maggie Valley, North Carolina
- the Treasure Island Music Festival (10/15/2011 - 10/16/2011) in San Francisco, California
- the Jazz-By-the-Bay Festival (10/21/2011 - 10/22/2011) in Panama City, Florida
- the Pocono Mountains Elvis Festival (10/21/2011 - 10/23/2011) in Bushkill, Pennsylvania
- the Texas Jazz Festival (10/21/2011 - 10/23/2011) in Corpus Christi, Texas
- the Annual Americana Jazz Festival (10/22/2011) in New York, New York
- the Houston Womens Music Festival (10/22/2011) in Houston, Texas
- the Sankusem African Music & Dance Festival (10/28/2011 - 10/30/2011) in Leavenworth, Washington
For more information on upcoming music festivals and events around the country, check out Festivals.com. Also be sure to keep checking back with us here at HillTop Records as we continue to highlight the best of the best!
