October is one of the richest months in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and 2026 is no exception. From the headline Halloween event (October 31, 5:00 PM–midnight) and the final Fishing Tourney of the year (October 8) to new spooky DIYs, mushroom crafting, and seasonal shop refreshes, there’s something to do every day. Northern players move deeper into autumn with pumpkins, mushrooms and maple previews, while Southern players enjoy cherry blossom season and a springtime rotation of sakura DIYs. This guide rounds up must‑play events, where to find new critters and seasonal items, key crafting recipes, and all the dates you need to plan a perfect October on your island.