As we enter October, it occurs to me… with 25 Pride flags recorded by The Human Rights Campaign, where is the Pride candy corn?!

Autumn’s voice is officially calling with the sounds of dry leaves crackling, crickets chirping and the occasional pitter-patter of rain. Sunday crockpots come out of hibernation while anticipation for spooky nights and disguises builds and queer-themed happenings are abundant. Here are some ideas for getting “Out and About.”

Score yourself a couple of nights Thursday, October 3 and 17 at 7 pm with the no-commitment Pride Bowling Drop-In League at Bowlero Shrewsbury. Bowl three black-lit games at $16 per person, per week which includes shoe rental. Bowlero also offers a full bar, snacks and more than 20 arcade games. Spare the trouble of coordinating a social outing, approach the group, strike up a conversation, and make your mark! 

Explore history and the power of femininity in Maggie Cee’s solo production “Ladies at a Gay Girls’ Bar: 1938-1969” Saturday, October 5 at the Unitarian Church in Hudson at 7 pm. Performing in her hometown, Cee recounts the history of 20^th century American lesbian bars, highlighting the lesser-known stories of feminine women who played powerful roles in the progression of the gay rights movement. The 60-minute performance will be followed by a Q&A with the audience. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to Safe Homes Worcester. 

Drag Gauntlet Worcester All-Stars returned to Electric Haze in September. Hosted by Victoria Obvious, the throwdown series features eight fierce performers battling for the title of Worcester Drag Gauntlet All-Star. Round two on October 11 at 9 pm will showcase stunning performances, dazzling costumes and epic lip-sync battles. 

Craving more of the stage? Six shows radiating with queer appeal will grace The Hanover Theater during the 2024-2025 season. Purchase a Broadway ticket subscription by October 15 with prices starting at $50 per month for early access and special pricing to “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical,” “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Cher Show,” “Clue: A New Comedy,” and “Come From Away.” The experience is sure to lead to an encore 2025-2026 ticket subscription.

Things will get a little cheesy at Femme Bar on October 15 when Charcuterie by Cherise hosts a “Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus Charcuterie Workshop.” Participants will curate their own charcuterie boards while enjoying Hocus Pocus 1 and 2 and a beverage of choice. Plan to dress on theme, of course. There will be plenty of street parking for mops, broomsticks, and vacuums. 

The “Holla, Queen!” Halloween drag party is back for a second year, Friday, October 25 at deadhorse hill where there’s only one rule: everyone wears drag. Creator Josh Croke promises fierce looks and killer beats from a live DJ. Drag elegant or eerie, but drag you must! The slaying begins at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Find them on IG by following @queerforcities and @deadhorsehill.

Saturday, October 26 screams for a Halloween celebration at Femme Bar. The main bar opens at 5 pm with an outdoor dance party starting at 8 pm. Take advantage of what may be the last chance to revel outside for some time at Worcester’s only sapphic spot. 

The annual Halloween Party at MB Lounge is Saturday, October 26. Risqué, funny, paired, group or unusual, start planning those looks, as the yearly costume contest is known to bring heaps of wild flair!

With a bustling LGBTQ+ community, Worcester will be bountiful with additional events throughout October. Stay in the know by following @queerworcester on IG to know what’s happening “Out and About!”

Julie Walker (she/her), M.Ed., is a parent, school counselor, GSA Advisor, board member of Love Your Labels, and the creator and manager of @queerworcester (IG).