TRAVEL CALENDAR

October festivals in the West and beyond

By Avital Binshtock, Special to The Los Angeles Times
10:29 AM PDT, September 30, 2008

If you're a fall season traveler and heading out in October, you may want to drop in on one of these festivals in the West and beyond.

Minot, North Dakota

September 30-October 4

Norsk Høstfest

North America's biggest Scandinavian festival, in its 30th year, will feature the Beach Boys and Kenny Rogers, plus Nordic crafts, costumes, entertainment, art and food. www.hostfest.com

Nong Khai, Thailand

October

The Naga fireballs

An annual natural phenomenon during which hundreds of small, colorful fireballs rise out of the Mekong River and disappear into the air. Also: light-and-sound shows and a long-boat race.

Niagara Falls, New York

October 2-5

Niagara International Kite Festival

Kites from around the world fly over the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls while 30,000 spectators watch in awe. www.niagarakite.com

Albuquerque, New Mexico

October 4-12

The International Balloon Fiesta

Myriad colorful balloons in a renowned mass ascension. www.balloonfiesta.com

Denver, Colorado

October 9-11

Great American Beer Festival

Described as the Super Bowl of beer, this annual event doles out more than 1,800 types of beers from 450 breweries. www.beertown.org/events/gabf

Santarém, Portugal

Mid-October to mid-November

National Gastronomy Festival. The country's main fair showcases the flavors of the nation's different regions. Go to the website for more information.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

October 17-19

Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival

A celebration of local, organic and eco-friendly foods; chefs, sommeliers and artisan food producers lead classes, demonstrations and tastings. www.mvfoodandwine.com

Half Moon Bay, California

October 18-19

Where am I?

Should we take offense, order a drink, or what? That depends, of course, on where you think these words turned up.


National World War II Museum

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans dedicates its latest building.

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