October in Puerto Rico is a vibrant celebration of culture, flavor, and tradition. As the weather cools just enough for breezy coastal evenings and sunny mountain days, the island lights up with festivals from every corner. From salsa tributes and cassava feasts to coconut celebrations and craft beer fests, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the heart of Puerto Rican life. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply seeking local flavor, these October festivals in Puerto Rico offer the perfect reason to explore, dance, and indulge.
Quick Look: October Festivals in Puerto Rico
| Date | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Throughout October | Haunted Houses | Various Locations |
| October 2 - 5 | Fiestas Patronales de Aguada | Plaza de Festivales Carlos Ruiz, Aguada |
| October 4–5 | Festival Nacional del Cabro | El Malecón de Cataño, Cataño |
| October 5 | 41st Día Nacional de la Zalsa | Plaza de la Independencia, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan |
| October 11–12 | Festival del Coco | Plaza Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón, Luquillo |
| October 12 | Festival Tito Rojas | Tito Rojas Street & Coliseo Marcelo Trujillo Panisse, Humacao |
| October 18 | Aguadilla Beer Fest | Paseo Real Marina, Aguadilla |
| October 18–19 | Festival de la Yuca | Plaza Manuel María Corchado y Juarbe, Isabela. |
Throughout October: Halloween Haunted Houses & More
- Haunted House Nightmares Reborn 2025 @ Fort Buchanan
- I Dare U Haunted Attraction @ Parque de las Ciencias Bayamónm Bayamón
- Soul Screams Haunted House @ Caguas Botanical Gardens
- House of Phobia @ Plaza Las Americas
- HILTONWEEN Halloween Party 2025 @ Caribe Hilton
- The Haunted Manor III @ Castillo Serrallés in Ponce
- Haunted House Nightmares Reborn 2025 @ Fort Buchanan
- La Finca Embrujada (Haunted Farm), Yauco
Full details in our Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Puerto Rico
October 2 – 5: Fiestas Patronales de Aguada 2025: Music, Tradition, and Coastal Celebration
Location: Plaza de Festivales Carlos Ruiz, Aguada, Puerto Rico
It’s time to celebrate one of Aguada’s most cherished traditions, the Patron Saint Festival! This four-day celebration brings the town’s plaza to life with live music, food, rides, and cultural pride. Expect an exciting lineup and a true community vibe near the coast.
Must?See Highlights: Live music performances: Popular local and national artists take the stage nightly. Artisan market and food kiosks: Enjoy traditional Puerto Rican street food and handmade crafts. Family-friendly attractions: Carnival rides, games, and plenty of activities for the kids.
Perfect For: Culture lovers looking for an authentic patron saint celebration. Families in search of festive weekend fun. Foodies craving classic Puerto Rican flavors
Insider Tip: Plan to arrive before sunset for easier parking and to catch the early food vendors before the evening crowds roll in. Bonus: the nearby Malecón de Aguada is perfect for a pre-festival stroll.
More Info: Municipio de Aguada
October 4–5: Festival Nacional del Cabro 2025: A Celebration of Goats, Culture, and Flavor in Cataño
Location: El Malecón de Cataño, Cataño
Cataño’s boardwalk transforms into a lively hub of tradition, flavor, and family fun during the National Goat Festival. This two-day event celebrates the island’s agricultural roots with music, local food, crafts, and a unique nod to the humble goat; an icon of rural Puerto Rico.
Must?See Highlights: Goat-themed culinary delights: Taste dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. Live Puerto Rican folk music: Enjoy plena, bomba, and trova performances all weekend. Cultural and artisan exhibitions: Learn about Puerto Rico’s indigenous roots and browse handmade crafts.
Perfect For: Food lovers interested in traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Families looking for an educational and fun weekend outing. Culture buffs exploring agricultural and indigenous heritage.
Insider Tip: Get there early to secure a good parking spot and catch the morning cooking demos before the main crowds arrive. Don’t leave without trying one of the goat-stew specialties, many vendors sell out quickly!
More Info: Festival Nacional del Cabro
October 5: 41st Día Nacional de la Zalsa: Puerto Rico’s Biggest Salsa Celebration Returns to San Juan
Location: Plaza de la Independencia, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan
Puerto Rico’s ultimate salsa celebration is back for its 41st edition! Though traditionally held in March, Día Nacional de la Zalsa 2025 moves to October 5 due to renovations at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Hosted by Zeta 93 FM, this iconic one-day event brings legendary salsa artists, thousands of fans, and a full day of music and cultural pride to San Juan.
Must?See Highlights: Live performances by salsa legends (artist lineup to be announced). Open-air festival energy in a spacious outdoor venue. Massive crowd of salsa lovers dancing, singing, and waving flags all day.
Perfect For: Salsa music fans and dancers. Visitors seeking an iconic cultural event in Puerto Rico. Anyone who wants to feel the heartbeat of the island through rhythm.
Insider Tip: Although the event has a new venue this year, parking remains in the same lot as in past editions, arrive early to avoid long walks or traffic delays. Bring a folding chair, wear light clothes, and stay hydrated, it’s a full-day dance party under the sun.
More Info: LaMusica
October 11–12: Festival del Coco 2025: Celebrate Coconut Culture in Luquillo
Location: Plaza Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón, Luquillo
Get ready for the sweetest weekend of the season! The 18th edition of Festival del Coco brings coconut culture to the forefront in Luquillo. From crafts and food to music and family fun, it’s a full two-day celebration packed with tropical flavor and community spirit.
Must?See Highlights: Coconut-inspired food and drinks: From dulce de coco to refreshing coconut water. Local artisans and crafts: Handmade coconut-themed gifts and decor. Live music and kids’ activities: A family-friendly stage plus games and surprises all day.
Perfect For: Families looking for a fun weekend near the beach. Foodies interested in traditional Puerto Rican sweets and snacks. Artisan market lovers and cultural explorers.
Insider Tip: Head over early to beat the crowd and claim parking close to the plaza. Then, make time for a walk down to Luquillo Beach, it’s just minutes away and perfect for a tropical detour between festival eats.
More Info: Festival del Coco Luquillo
October 12: Festival Tito Rojas 2025: Honoring “El Gallo Salsero” in Humacao
Location: Tito Rojas Street & Coliseo Marcelo Trujillo Panisse, Humacao
Humacao comes alive with rhythm and pride as it hosts the Festival Tito Rojas, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Gallo Salsero. Held in Tito’s hometown, this cultural celebration brings together music lovers, families, and fans to honor his legacy through salsa, tradition, and community.
Must?See Highlights: Salsa performances and tributes: Celebrate Tito’s legacy with live music and special guests. Tour of Tito’s life: Explore memorabilia and storytelling from the community and family. Artisan market and local food kiosks: Handcrafted goods and traditional eats.
Perfect For: Salsa fans and music history lovers. Locals and visitors seeking authentic cultural connection. Families enjoying a Sunday of rhythm and pride.
Insider Tip: Get there early to enjoy the full tribute and secure a shaded spot near the main stage. Don’t forget to check out the memorabilia displays and grab a limited edition Tito Rojas souvenir.
More Info: Humacao, Capital del Este
October 18: Aguadilla Beer Fest 2025: Craft Beer, Ocean Breezes, and Island Vibes
Location: Paseo Real Marina, Aguadilla
Back for its fourth edition, the Aguadilla Beer Fest is one of the west coast’s most beloved craft beer events. Set against the stunning backdrop of Paseo Real Marina, this one-day festival promises great brews, live music, tasty eats, and a lively crowd ready to toast the island’s growing beer culture.
Must?See Highlights: Dozens of beers to try: Local Puerto Rican breweries and international selections. Live music performances: Dance, sing, and sip to the rhythm of the island. Food vendors and beer pairings: Creative bites that complement every pour.
Perfect For: Craft beer fans exploring the west coast. Music lovers and foodies. Groups of friends looking for a fun night by the sea.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid lines at the most popular breweries. Stay for sunset, the ocean views from Paseo Real Marina are unreal.
More Info: Municipio de Aguadilla
October 18–19: Festival de la Yuca: Isabela’s Tasty Tribute to Cassava
Location: Plaza Manuel María Corchado y Juarbe, Isabela.
One of Puerto Rico’s most flavorful traditions returns! The Festival de la Yuca (Cassava Festival) celebrates Isabela’s cultural roots with food, music, and artisan flair. For two delicious days, visitors can enjoy yuca-based dishes, local crafts, and a festive atmosphere in the town plaza.
Must?See Highlights: Yuca-focused food kiosks: Try everything from alcapurrias and empanadas to cassava desserts. Traditional music performances: Live bomba, plena, and jíbara rhythms. Artisan vendors: Handmade goods from across Puerto Rico.
Perfect For: Food lovers eager to explore traditional cassava recipes. Culture enthusiasts and fans of small-town festivals. Families looking for a fun and tasty weekend activity.
Insider Tip: Want the best bites? Head to the kiosks early before the most popular yuca dishes sell out. Many vendors also offer vegan and vegetarian options made with cassava.
More Info: Municipio de Isabela
