4 Jacksonville Events to Check Out This October

October is one of the best months to get out and enjoy Northeast Florida, and there’s no shortage of events happening around Jacksonville and the Beaches. From Halloween fun and hockey to Oktoberfest and one of the biggest air shows of the year, here are a few events to add to your calendar this month.

Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo

Spooktacular is back at the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens for another year of Halloween fun. This year's event features glowing pathways, interactive displays, trick-or-treat stations, a 400-foot light tunnel, the Witches of Trout River and an all-new Skeleton Disco.

Spooktacular takes place on select nights throughout October, including October 10, 15–18, 22–25 and 29–31, from 6–10 p.m. There are also timed entry windows and a sensory-friendly night on October 11.

It's a fun option for families, friends or anyone who wants to get into the Halloween spirit without leaving Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Icemen Opening Night

Hockey season is back! The Jacksonville Icemen kick off their 10th Anniversary Season on October 16 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Opening night will feature a White Out, with fans encouraged to wear white as the Icemen take on the South Carolina Stingrays. The Icemen also have a full lineup of themed nights and promotions planned throughout the season.

Whether you're a longtime hockey fan or just looking for a fun night out, an Icemen game is a great way to spend an evening downtown.

Beaches Oktoberfest

Prost! Beaches Oktoberfest returns to Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach on October 16–17.

The two-day festival features live music, German food, beer, and plenty of Oktoberfest-style festivities right by the beach. This year's musical lineup includes Sister Hazel, The Hip Abduction, Coyote Island and more. The event is free to attend, with VIP and beverage experience upgrades available.

It's one of those events that really captures what we love about living at the Beaches — good food, live music, friends, and the ocean just steps away.

NAS Jax Air Show

One of the biggest events on the October calendar is the 2026 NAS Jacksonville Air Show, happening October 17–18 at NAS Jacksonville.

The show is free to attend, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and the show beginning at 11 a.m. The Blue Angels are scheduled to headline the weekend with their performance at approximately 3 p.m. There will also be military and civilian aircraft displays, food and beverage vendors, and a Kids Zone.

If you've never been to the NAS Jax Air Show, it's definitely worth experiencing. Just remember that all spectators 18 and older must present a physical photo ID to enter the base.

Make the Most of October in Jacksonville

Between Halloween events, hockey, festivals and the air show, October is packed with ways to get out and enjoy Jacksonville. Whether you're spending the weekend at the Beaches or heading downtown, there's always something happening around Northeast Florida this time of year.