PRELUDE: EVENTS

Dallas
State Fair of Texas
October 1-23

The State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas is North America’s largest exposition, attracting around 3.5 million visitors every year. In addition to the agricultural shows and famous Starlight Parade, expect a big welcome from 52-foot mascot Big Tex, a ride on the massive Texas Star Ferris and betting all of your money on a racing piglet. www.bigtex.com

San Francisco
The SF Jazz Festival
October 19—November 6

What started out as just a small-scale event within the local community has grown to feature a dazzling array of some of the most creative contemporary jazz performers on the circuit. Now in its 23rd year, the San Fran Jazz Festival is renowned for its dedication to the growth of jazz. Highlights of this year’s event will include a “Jazz on Film” showcase and the performers Don Byron (pictured), Barbara Cook, Abbey Lincoln and Yusef Latif, plus many, many more. www.sfjazz.org

Fort Lauderdale
International Film Festival
October 14 – November 20

Now in its 20th year, this film festival invites industry types and film fans alike to view the latest reels from independent filmmakers across the globe. The festival screens over 100 films and is fast becoming one of the most important regional festivals in the US. www.fliff.com

New York City
Village Halloween Parade
October 31

Everyone is welcome to take part in this massive Halloween street parade—as long as they dress up! Look forward to wicked and wild costumed revelers plus numerous dancers and artists adding to the horror of the day. If you want to be in the parade, lineup begins at 6.30pm. www.halloween-nyc.com

Baltimore
Architecture Week
October 15-22

This event, hosted by the AIA Baltimore Gallery, takes a look at the history and future of Baltimore’s built environment. The schedule includes an exploration into the role of local artisans and a tour of the largest straw bale construction in the world. Open discussions and walking tours make sure this event gets all those with an interest in architecture involved. www.aiabalt.com

Atlanta
October Scarecrow Festival
October 1-30

This month-long festival taking place in the beautifully landscaped Atlanta Botanical Garden has a Halloween theme and includes plenty of activities for kids and families. The highlight of this year’s event is the “Goblins in the Garden” costume party and a display of weird and wonderful scarecrows created by local businesses and organizations. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org