Autumn brings incredible beauty and fantastic events to the Sandpoint region. A seasonal favorite is Oktoberfest -- downtown Sandpoint's annual fall fest happening from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the old Granary at Fifth and Oak Street. There's the beer, of course - featuring local brews from MickDuff's and Laughing Dog, plus wine from Pend d'Oreille Winery, but that's not all. Catch live entertainment with Nu Jack City, savory local food, arts and crafts vendors, kids' activities, plus, new this year: An International Chef Cook-off Competition between our own Reese Warren and Amanda Skidmore from our sister city of Nelson, B.C. There will other "foodie" fun too - so come on out for a delicious taste of good-natured competition and a fun way to celebrate fall!

    Start the day at the Sandpoint Farmers Market, which closes out for the season with its annual Harvest Fest event, starting at 9 a.m. in Farmin Park. There will be entertainment, food booths, activities and displays.

    For an outing that the entire family will enjoy, check out the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch at Hickey Farms. It's Sandpoint's only U-Pick Pumpkin Patch, located at 674 Hickey Rd. - just five miles from Sandpoint on Highway 200 - and it's open every weekend in October. Hours are 3 p.m. 'til dusk Fridays, and 10 a.m. 'til dusk Saturdays and Sundays. Make old-fashioned harvest memories!

- Go to the Visit Sandpoint Events Calendar for details on all autumn festivities.

   Silverwood Theme Park transforms into Scarywood during the month of October, and haunted attractions such as 3Dementia and the Zombiewood Express are sure to get your heart pounding! Take a ride on the Timber Terror roller coaster - backwards! And the Spincycle ride takes on a whole new dimension in the dark! Scarywood is open Thursdays through Saturdays in October -- check ScarywoodHaunt.com for specific dates and ticket information.

    View Sandpoint's earthy splendor at its full peak with a fall outing. Several roadways traverse the lake and the mountains -- offering up gorgeous vistas of northern Idaho's autumn beauty. The Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway offers more than 30 miles of spectacular water views on Highway 200, meandering east to the Montana state line along the rocky shores of Lake Pend Oreille. And the International Selkirk Loop runs through Sandpoint, allowing motorists the option of taking the full 280-mile drive through the majestic Selkirks of Idaho, Washington and British Columbia, Canada - or just drive a portion around the local area.

    Goblins, ghosts, zombies ... they're all welcome to check out Sandpoint's numerous Halloween fun Friday, Oct. 31. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein - a brilliant and highly acclaimed tale - comes to life in a visual and auditory feast for the senses in the perfect location, The Eureka Institute's Warehouse at the Granary, 513 Oak St. Presented by Sandpoint Onstage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 (with more performances Oct. 24, 25 and 30), prepare for a highly-charged production complete with original musical score and accompaniment by bassist Eddie McDonnell.

    For a safe, fun and friendly way to spend Halloween, check out Trick-or-Treat at the Museum. It's hosted by the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wander through the haunted museum, 611 S. Ella, while gathering treats from costumed characters! BonnerCountyHistory.com.

    Late-night Halloween fun gets cranking at 9 p.m. with The Hive Halloween Bash and Costume Contest with Sir Mix-A-Lot. The party takes place in the newly renovated space called The Hive at 207 N. First Ave. in downtown Sandpoint. Visit LiveFromTheHive.com for ticket information.