As October rolls in, we're greeted with a mix of many favorite traditions and celebrations. This month is also special to many of us because it marks the shift into cooler weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and the chance to cook our favorite fall soups autumn dishes.
But there's more to October than soups, costumes, and pumpkin spice. It's a month packed with meaningful observances, causes, and fun holidays, from Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week to National Gumbo Day and Halloween.
Here are ten events, holidays, and celebrations happening in October:
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1. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1-31
October is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, the most common cancer among American women with about 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Breast Cancer Awareness Month acts as a reminder to prioritize breast health and support those affected.
This is the monthly to proudly wear you pink and find ways to get involved in the community to support those families who may be battling this disease. The Lydia Cancer Association is planning an event this month to bring support and awareness to this cause. The 2023 Love, Cure, Awareness Ride is planned for Saturday, October 28 in New Iberia. The community is invited to get their vehicle and outfits decked out in pink and join the ride to local nursing homes to treat residents to soft candy, cakes, or drinks.
 Image via Louisiana 4H / LSU Ag |
2. National 4H Week
October 1-7
Your local 4H club offers a great opportunity for your children to learn more about community involvement, grow their leadership skills, learn about agriculture, science and other STEM related activities, health and nutrition, and so much more! Parents and adults can also get involved as a volunteer to support these efforts in the community.
This is the week to join, volunteer, or donate and become part of the 4H tradition. Get the information for the clubs in Iberia, Vermilion, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes in Head, Heart, Hands, and Health: Celebrating National 4H Week!
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3. Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 1-7
Mental health matters. Dial “988” to reach trained crisis counselors anywhere in the United States if you need help in a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis.
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4. National Do Something Nice Day
October 5
Whether you find a project that aligns with your family's values and volunteer or simply pay for the customer behind you at a local drive-thru, this is the day to make an extra effort to do something nice for another person.
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5. Fire Prevention Week
October 8-14
Safety first! As the daughter of a firefighter, I love having my dad show up to give presentations at my school about fire prevention. Use this week to discuss fire safety with your family and ensure your home is prepared for emergencies. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families.
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6. International Day of the Girl
October 11
On this day, we champion the rights of girls worldwide, emphasizing education, healthcare, and equality. Learn about UNICEF's initiatives to support girls' rights.
 Image via Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce |
7. National Gumbo Day
October 12
Cool weather means one thing in Acadiana: gumbo season is here! And no, we don't put tomatoes in our gumbo!
You can get busy cooking your own gumbo at home but if you want to get a taste of some of the best gumbo around town, then be sure to get to New Iberia this October for the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off in Downtown New Iberia happening on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15, 2023.
On Saturday, the cookoff will feature a Cajun Creole Fest and Mean Beans Cook-Off as well as a 5K Roux Run, children's activities, and a Youth Gumbo Cook-Off. Come back Sunday for the gumbo cookoff and tasting of over 75 different gumbos, live music, dancing, and children's activities.
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8. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
October 15
Today marks a day for families to come together to remember and honor the little ones who left us too soon. This is a time for support, understanding, and healing. The entire month of October is also recognized as a time to bring awareness to this cause. Get support and resources from organizations like March of Dimes as well as find opportunities to volunteer and keep up with the latest events in Louisiana.
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9. National Chocolate Day
October 28
This is the day for chocolate lover's to unite! Find out about the history of chocolate and celebrate this day with your favorite chocolate treat. You can also make a chocolate treat at home with the kids. We have two great recipes for you to try:
Bananas Turning Brown? Make This Easy Chocolate Banana Bread
Avocado Chocolate Mousse! Yep, It's a Thing and It's Delicious
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10. Halloween
October 31
Halloween has become one of the fall favorites for families in New Iberia! Dressing up in fun costumes, giving and receiving treats and candy... what's not to love?
New Iberia has started one of my favorite Halloween traditions! The annual Halloween Parade and downtown celebration on Main Street takes place on Saturday, October 28, 2023. The parade kicks off at 4:00 pm, followed by a free concert at the Steamboat Warehouse Pavilion with The Chee-Weez at 6:00 pm.
If you are searching for other fun, local events to enjoy with your family this October, make sure to get all the details on local trunk-or-treats and other events in our 2023 Macaroni KID New Iberia Presents: Halloween & Fall Family Fun Guide. We have the list of events for you covered from Morgan City to New Iberia all in one place.
Celebrate this October with Macaroni KID New Iberia! |
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events, and local celebrations that include all families from Morgan City to New Iberia!
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or upcoming holiday to advertise your products and/or services, please reach out to us for more information on our advertising packages.
You can also submit your local free or low cost events for review directly on our events calendar.
If our subscribers have celebrations or events that are recognized in your family for the upcoming months that you would like to see featured, please email your suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
We'd love to hear from you!
