Fall is officially upon us and with it comes some of Paducah’s favorite local events. Mark your calendars for these fun and festive fall events in our creative city.

 

River City Ghost Tours
October 3-26, 2025

In the dark of the night, a man in all black with a top hat and cape gestures to the old Market House in downtown Paducah, which is reflected under the light of a full moon.
A ghostly guide tell stories about the historic Market House under the light of a full moon.

One of Paducah’s favorite annual fall events is the River City Ghost Tours. These immersive trips through downtown Paducah and Oak Grove Cemetery will get guests up close and personal with spectral stories from Paducah’s past. Tickets are on sale now at www.markethousetheatre.org. 

Stories include: 

  • The restless spectre of Morningstar Saloon
  • The haunted footprints of Popular Foot
  • The unsettling whispers in First National Bank
  • The eerie tale of Stella Cohen
  • And much more!

"River City Ghost Tours, Paducah's original walking ghost tours, runs every weekend in October. Our downtown tours take you on a three quarter mile trail around downtown, telling you historically based ghost stories with personal accounts of ghostly encounters. Our Oak Grove Cemetery tours take you on a one mile trek meeting those who reside in Oak Grove and their stories." – Caleb Buford, Director of Marketing for Market House Theatre

 

Paducah Zombie Crawl Cocktail Trail
October 11, 2025

Presented by Paducah Main Street and Beautiful Paducah, this favorite fall event combines Halloween fun with local flavor. Participants are invited to dress up in their spookiest attire and visit several downtown Paducah businesses to sample cocktails and trick-or-treat for candy! This event is for guests 21 and older. Tickets are available now at Beautiful Paducah’s website.

 

Oktoberfest
October 18, 2025

Two men play music outdoors at Oktoberfest in front of a large tent and a microphone. One is wearing a button-down white shirt and playing an upright bass and the other is wearing a cowboy hat and red Western shirt and playing an electric guitar.
The Solid Rock'it Boosters energize the crowd at Oktoberfest

Paducah’s annual Oktoberfest, presented by Maiden Alley Cinema, is a favorite fall event for visitors and locals alike. This family-friendly fall festival celebrates fall with beers and ciders from local and regional craft breweries, plus traditional Oktoberfest games and live music. New for 2025: A full menu of traditional German cuisine rounds out the festival. Tickets on sale at www.maidenalleycinema.org. 

“We’re excited to bring Oktoberfest back to downtown Paducah this year. This annual celebration is Maiden Alley Cinema’s biggest fundraiser and a favorite of Paducah locals.” –Caroline Few, Executive Director for Maiden Alley Cinema

 

Dial M for Murder
October 16-26, 2025

Market House Theatre presents a new version of Dial M for Murder, the celebrated mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece! This live theatre production is sure to thrill and delight audiences. Looking for an immersive twist on the theatrical experience? Check out the free, interactive Dial M for Murder scavenger hunt that takes visitors through several mysterious stops in downtown Paducah! 

 

Starship at The Carson Center
October 17, 2025

Carson Center - Request info
The Carson Center is our region's premier performing arts center

Fans of the 1970’s band Starship won’t want to miss this October event. For one night only, Starship will play their hit songs at The Carson Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.thecarsoncenter.org. 

 

Confluence Music Festival
October 25, 2025

Rounding out our October events is the brand-new Confluence Music Festival. This new fall festival brings together four musical acts — The Hooten Hallers, Gina Caturano, Wheelwright, and Dig Deep — in Market House Theatre’s beautiful Courtyard Theatre. Bring a lawnchair and a friend and meet us in downtown Paducah for this new event.

 

For a complete list of local events, check out our live Calendar of Events, which updates daily. You can even print a list of events for the month so you're always ready for what's happening in Paducah.