October is generally a slow month here in Puerto Rico. We’re at the lowest point of our “low season” for tourists, and we are still in hurricane season. So many businesses that depend on tourism cut back their hours either to take their own vacations, or to do their “annual maintenance” that they can’t get accomplished during the busy times of year. There are still plenty of things to do this month, including town festivals, Halloween Hauntings, and Oktoberfest fun. But maybe the best thing of all is to enjoy some quiet time on one of our many beautiful beaches.

While there is always something fun happening somewhere in Puerto Rico, there are a few special events each month that deserve a mention. Here are some highlights for October 2024.

October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 : Deadwoods Penitentiary Nights

Enter the terrifying penitentiary, filled with mazes and scare zones, where the live performers bring your nightmares to life! Open to the public (with ID) at Fort Buchanan, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Ages 10 and up. More info and ticket sales on their event page.

October 4 to November 3: House of Phobia

This annual Halloween haunted house attraction will be at The Mall of San Juan (the old Nordstrom location), full of horror and scares! Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus Halloween night. Ages 11 and up. More info on their Facebook page. Tickets at PRTicket.

Other Haunted Events

If you are into getting scared, some other ideas are

• Temple of Terror at District T-Mobile in San Juan (Convention area). Weekends. More info on their Facebook page. Tickets on sale Ticketera.com.
• Soul Screams Haunted House at the Jardin Botanico in Caguas. Weekends. More info on their Facebook page. Tickets on sale Ticketera.com.
• The Haunted Manor II at Castillo Serralles in Ponce. Last 2 weekends of October. You can get more information on their Facebook page. Tickets available at Ticketera.com.

October 5: Día Nacional de la Zalsa 2025

A big salsa dance party where you can enjoy loads of live music and meet new and interesting dance people! Held at Stadium Hiram Bithron in San Juan. Music starts at 9am! For more information and tickets, check prticket.com

October 4 to 6: Fiestas de Pueblo in Vega Baja

A weekend town celebration, with live music, food, artisans and other fun family events. More info on their Facebook page.

October 11 to 13: Festival La Loma del Tamarindo in Comerio

Enjoy a town festival with all sorts of fun for the whole family. There will be food and drinks, many tamarind-related. Browse the works of local artisans, and enjoy the live music. The fun starts at 5pm on Friday and continues each day with games and races, and live music in the evenings. In Comerio at the Complejo Deportivo Bario Dona Elena. More info on their Facebook page.

October 11 to 13: 38th Corona Pro-Surf Circuit in Isabela

Big surf competition at Playa Middles (Middles Beach). Come see the best of the best, competing for the title. Check their Facebook page for more info.

October 11 to 14 and 18 to 20: Casa Bavaria Oktoberfest

Annual Oktoberfest celebration, with live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. At the German restaurant Casa Bavaria in Morovis. Free admission. Come eat and drink with the live music, polkas, and costumed servers! More info on their Facebook page.

October 12 and 13: Festival de La Yuca in Isabela

Enjoy a celebration of the yucca with lots of music, food (all types), and drinks. Browse the works of local artisans, and enjoy the live music. In Plaza Recreo De Isabela. Admission is free. For more info and entertainment schedule check their Facebook page

October 31 to November 3: Orchid Show and Sale at UPR Río Piedras

An orchid show and sale, with educational talks, and displays. All at the beautiful UPR gardens in Rio Piedras. From 9am to 5pm daily. Entrance is $2 per person “donation”. For more information check out their Facebook page.

Other Events

This is just a small subset of activities occurring this month. As always, be sure to check our events calendar, Facebook page, or Twitter feed for other events happening this month and throughout the year all across the island.

Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →