October 2026 Calendar

October 2026 has 31 days. October is one of seven months in the calendar year with 31 days. The name October comes from the Latin 'octo' meaning eight, as it was originally the eighth month in the ancient Roman calendar before January and February were added.

October 2026 starts on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. This means the month begins mid-week, with Halloween falling perfectly on Saturday, October 31st. Starting on Thursday provides a balanced distribution of weekdays and weekends throughout the month.

Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12th. This federal holiday is observed on the second Monday of October each year, creating a three-day weekend. It traditionally commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Many states, cities, and organizations now also celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date to honor Native American peoples, their cultures, and their contributions to history. Federal offices, banks, and post offices are closed on this day.

Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31st. This is ideal timing for Halloween celebrations! A Saturday Halloween means children can trick-or-treat without worrying about school the next day, adults can attend costume parties without work concerns, and families can enjoy extended festivities. Many neighborhoods see higher participation rates when Halloween falls on a weekend, making it especially festive and community-oriented.

Mid-October is typically peak fall foliage season across much of the United States. The second and third weeks of October (October 10-24, 2026) usually offer the most spectacular autumn colors. In New England and the northern states, peak colors often occur in early to mid-October. The Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions peak in mid-October, while the South and higher elevation areas in the West may peak in late October. Weather conditions like temperature and rainfall affect exact timing, so check local foliage reports for the best viewing times in your area.

October 2026 has 23 weekdays (Monday through Friday) and 8 weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays). With Columbus Day on Monday, October 12th as a federal holiday, there are effectively 22 working days for federal employees and businesses that observe this holiday. October provides excellent balance with a three-day weekend early in the month and Halloween falling on a Saturday at the end.

For Halloween 2026, the best strategy is to buy non-perishable candy in early to mid-October (October 5-15) when stores have full selections and good sales. Buy your final supply 2-3 days before Halloween (October 28-29) to ensure freshness. Buying too early risks eating it yourself before Halloween! Popular candy often sells out in the days right before Halloween, so don't wait until October 30th. If you have leftover candy, most stores accept returns of unopened bags, or you can save it for upcoming holidays.

October offers wonderful seasonal activities: visiting pumpkin patches and picking pumpkins for carving; exploring corn mazes and haunted attractions; attending fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations; apple picking and visiting cider mills; taking scenic drives to view fall foliage; hiking and camping in comfortable autumn weather; attending football games (NFL and college); planning and preparing Halloween costumes and decorations; hayrides and farm visits; and enjoying harvest dinners with seasonal ingredients like squash, apples, and root vegetables. The mild weather and beautiful scenery make October perfect for outdoor adventures.