Club events
28 September | Rotary Club of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Wings of Change
The club is celebrating the 17th year of its annual auction of butterfly and dragonfly sculptures, which are made of metal in two sizes (“petite” and “garden-sized”) and painted by local artists. The works of art are revealed to the public 6 September at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. The auction is three weeks later at COS City Hub, where attendees can enjoy cocktails and appetizers before they place their bids. Online bids will be accepted through the event website.
28 September | Rotary Club of Harwich Dennis, Massachusetts
Last Call Before Fall
Held on the patio of Stonewood Products, the fundraiser will offer food, beverages, and entertainment, along with other festivities for guests to enjoy, including silent and live auctions. Proceeds go toward the club’s grants, community projects, and international nonprofits. With the help of sponsorships, auction items, and attendance, the club raises $60-80,000 annually.
4-5 October | Rotary Club of Kingman Route 66, Arizona
Brews and Brats Oktoberfest
The 16th annual Oktoberfest will feature craft beer from Black Bridge Brewery and a spread of traditional Bavarian cuisine, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and more. Attendees can enjoy live music and dancing, with a variety of vendors to explore. Admission is free, and proceeds will support the club’s community and international projects.
Tell us about your club’s upcoming event: Write to magazine@rotary.org and put “calendar” in the subject line.
6 October | Rotary Club of Cape Henry, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oyster Crush Fundraiser
This fundraiser marks its 40th year at the Ballyhoos Restaurant with an all-you-can-eat feast of raw or roasted oysters, steamed clams, BBQ, fried chicken, and refreshments. The celebration continues with music from local bands and DJs, keeping the party going all day. Since 2015, the club has raised over $340,000 for local charities and programs.
12 October | Rotary Club of Thornbury & Clarksburg, Ontario
Thornbury Turkey Trot
The fall foliage of Ontario’s Beaver Valley is a highlight of this race and fundraiser, held annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving in Canada. Participants can run a half-marathon or walk a 5K or 10K. There is also a free 1K fun run for kids. Winners are awarded gift certificates to a running store, and all finishers receive a medal.
12 October | Rotary Club of Black River Falls, Wisconsin
BBQ Cook-Off
For their 3rd annual BBQ Cookoff, the club will invite local chefs to showcase their BBQ skills with dishes like pulled pork and ribs. Attendees will vote for the winner, who receives a wrestler-style championship belt. Raffles will also be available at the event, with proceeds supporting local organizations.
12 October | Rotary Club of Grand Prairie, Texas
Lake Joe Pool Pumpkin Run
The Pumpkin Run returns for its 38th year, offering races for everyone — from a 1-mile fun run/walk to a more challenging 5k or 10k. The club will also provide a pancake breakfast, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a special challenge for local school groups. Since its inception, the run has raised over $700,000 to benefit local and regional charities.
12-13 October | Rotary Club of Newton Conover, North Carolina
Racing for Rotary
To commemorate 75 years of service, the club is partnering with Little Mountain Kart Club for a day at the racetrack. The family-friendly event will feature a new Championship Kart series and food trucks. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy the excitement while supporting local nonprofits and educational scholarships.
15 October | Rotary Club of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Oktoberfest
Inspired by Munich’s Oktoberfest, this event offers traditional German cuisine, lively music, games, prizes, and a beer garden with a wide selection of local and international brewers. Guests are invited to wear their lederhosen or dirndl and immerse themselves in the culture by raising a stein.
18 October | Rotary Club of Dinuba Sunrise, California
Hot Air Balloon Cash Drop
For this fundraiser, the club teams with other local organizations to sell tickets that are dropped from a hot air balloon during halftime of a football game at Dinuba High School. The buyers of the three tickets that fall closest to the center of a Rotary logo on the field share up to $6,500 in prize money. Proceeds go toward scholarships for students at the high school.
19 October | Rotary Club of Wilmington West, North Carolina
Oysters in October
Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for the annual Halloween-themed oyster roast at the gardens of the Burgwin-Wright House, a colonial-era residence operated as a museum. Attendees enjoy steamed oysters and shrimp, homemade sides, and local beer and wine. Prizes are awarded for the scariest, zaniest, and least traditional costumes.
19 October Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset Impact, Florida
Burgerfest in Paradise
At this food festival, restaurants and home chefs alike compete fpr a trophy and the title of “burgermaster.” Attendees can sample the burgers, which must be grilled over charcoal but can be made from a variety of ingredients. Meat- and plant-based recipes are eligible. Judges determine the winners through a blind taste test.
19 October | Rotary Cubs of Boise Sunrise and Eagle/Garden City, Idaho
LobsterFest
In its 16th year, this annual lobster dinner at the Riverside Hotel comes with a side of potatoes and philanthropy. The evening gets underway with live music, followed by dinner and live and silent auctions. Steak and vegetarian meals are also available. Over $400,000 was raised in 2023, with proceeds supporting local nonprofit youth programs.
19 October | Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Sunrise, California
BEERnardo Festival
This festival has become a prime destination for beer and wine enthusiasts. Held at Webb Lake Park, the event will feature more than 50 top-rated beers, regional wines, and craft spirits, complemented by gourmet food and live music from Southern California bands. More than 900 attendees are expected, and proceeds will support local and international nonprofit projects.
19 October | Rotary Club of Florham Park, New Jersey
Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest
The 4th annual Halloween event calls on all dog lovers to dress up their pups and join the festive parade. Dogs and their owners will strut their most creative costumes while dancing to music from the Florham Park club’s DJ and a local MC. Held at the Florham Park Gazebo, the event includes entertainment, prizes, giveaways, and refreshments for purchase.
19-20 October | Rotary Club of El Paso, Texas
El Paso Wine & Food Festival
In its 11th year, this two-day festival kicks off on Saturday with the Grand Tasting, featuring more than 400 wines from around the world and food from 25 of El Paso’s finest restaurants. On Sunday, chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants lead 12 teams of culinary school students competing to “create the perfect dish.” Attendees get to try the dishes and vote for their favorite.
20 October | Rotary Club of Tualatin, Oregon
Regatta 5K Run/Walk
With a route through parks and along scenic trails, the 5K offers a flat and easy course for runners, walkers, stroller riders, and four-legged friends. Kids can compete in a quarter-mile dash before the race and stay for trick or treating afterward. All participants are welcome to wear costumes. The event is held immediately before the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, a local tradition in which people carve enormous gourds into racing vessels and paddle them across a lake.
20 October | Rotary Club of Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Macaroni Dinner
The annual dinner is back for its fifth year, featuring adult- and child-sized meals of pasta, sausage, salad, dessert and more. The event also provides meals to those in need as well as to first responders as a token of appreciation. The meals are prepared and served by local Rotarians, and available for curbside pickup. Proceeds support community projects in Old Saybrook and neighboring towns.
24 October | Rotary Club of Grayling, Michigan
The Long Day Around
On World Polio Day, this one-day, 600-mile motorcycle ride along the northern coast of Michigan aims to raise awareness and donations for the End Polio Now campaign. Experienced riders are welcome to join for some or all of the route. The day starts with breakfast at 6 at the Grayling Restaurant, with kickstands up around 6:30. Celebratory burgers will be served at Spike’s Keg of Nails (the meeting place of the north) around 9 p.m.