Columbus Monthly Editors' Picks for the Best of the City This October

Columbus Italian Festival

Oct. 10 to 12

The 34th annual celebration of Italian culture in Cap City gets a significant addition this year: parking. No more scouring the neighborhood for a spot when those hot sausage cravings hit; the old Jeffrey Mining lot at the corner of Fourth Street and Neruda Avenue (two blocks north of host St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church) will be open to festival-goers for $7 per vehicle. And don't miss Saturday's parade, starting at Dennison and Buttles avenues at 11 a.m. sharp. columbusitalianfestival.com-Anthony Dominic

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Oct. 15 to 18

It's officially the season of pumpkin everything, and the best way to truly get in the spirit (or at least indulge all your pumpkin cravings, from beer to sweet treats) is to head to Circleville's annual celebration. The fest includes the weighing of the gourds (the record stands at more than 1,600 pounds), music and games, but this year's highlight is the Thursday night marching band parade. Ohio State-aka The Best Damn Band in the Land-will make an appearance along with nearly two dozen high school bands. pumpkinshow.com -Jenny Rogers

Fleetwood Mac

Oct. 19

Have you ever met anybody who doesn't like Fleetwood Mac? Maybe. But have you ever met anybody who doesn't like Rumours? No. The Fleetwood Mac of that classic album-Christine McVie included-is back and touring for the first time in 16 years. This tour is a big deal, and the opportunity to see the legendary, tumultuous, peak-of-success, Rumours Fleetwood Mac live in action should not be missed. (Who knows when the next chance will be?) Do what you must to get a ticket, but keep in mind everyone else is trying to go, too. nationwidearena.com -Tristan Eden

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls

Oct. 20

There's really just one reason this preseason game sold out in a flash in September: LeBron James. The chance to see King James on the court in Columbus was something several thousand people just couldn't pass up. No fear: Resale tickets popped up almost immediately. Sure, the price is precious, but for plenty of you it'll be worth it. Arrive early for a Cavaliers fan fest outside the Schottenstein Center complete with music, Cavalier Girls performances and family-friendly activities. Plus, we hear some guy named Derrick Rose is playing for the other team. schottensteincenter.com -Kristen Schmidt

Spirits of Olde: A Halloween Soiree

Oct. 30

Kick off Halloween weekend early at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Inspired by the Victorian-era Palm House, the conservatory will be transformed into a haunted Victorian house with dry-ice fountains, ghostly decor and themed food and entertainment. Guests (this is a 21 and older party) will enjoy the Scary Plants exhibition with dangerous plants from around the world, music by DJ Charles Erickson and Donnie Mossman of Damn Girl and performances by stilt-walkers, fire performers and aerial artists. Tickets are $15 and include one drink ticket; costumes are optional. fpconservatory.org -Emily Thompson