As the year winds down, October is a month in which the Mother City really comes to life, beckoning the approach of summer, hosting fun festivals and yes, celebrating Halloween too, here are some October events not to be missed:

1 - Cape Town Fringe is back to infect the Mother City (22 September - 8 October)

Photo Credit : www.capetownfringe.co.za/ The Cape Town Fringe Festival, which kicked off on September 22, will be on until October 8. Catch an assortment of local (and a touch of international ones too) dance, theatre, performance and music acts, thanks largely to the wonderful folks behind the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Tickets (though some events are free) can be accessed from Capetownfringe.co.za.

2 - Rocking the Daisies Festival (6 - 9 October)

Photo credit: www.capetownmyloveo.com Then of course, there’s the Superbalist is Rocking the Daisies Festival (6 - 9 October), held annually in Darling. Now in its eleventh year, the line-up for this year is particularly great for music lovers as, to name just a few artists and groups, Foster the People, Mac Miller and AKA will all be performing. Book fast because avid Daisy fans will snap them up and prepare to descend on the West Coast in their droves. (Book your spot via www.nutickets.co.za.)

3 - Robertson Wine on the River (14 - 16 October)

The Breede River Valley, and the Western Cape town, Robertson in particular, is famous for its wine. Join locals, vino lovers and connoisseurs for some fun times and fine vintages alongside the beautiful Breede River’s banks. With over 40 participating local estates, expect to get your fill of some of the region’s best wines. You can even take a river cruise. See www.webtickets.co.za for more information and pricing.

4 - 23rd annual Cape Town Gun Run (16 October)

Photo credit: www.capetownmagazine.co.za This popular annual event sees speed walkers, runners and everyone in between lacing up for the Gun Run, which kicks off at Cape Town Stadium, Green Point. Now in its 23^rd year, this athletics event allows participants to experience the Mother City in a fun way. Try out the 21km half-marathon, 10km or 5km fun run and join in on the fun and fitness. Afterwards, relax at Sea Point Promenade where a music stage will be set up. Entry costs vary, please see http://thegunrun.co.za for more info.

5 - Season of Sauvignon in the delightful Durbanville Wine Valley (29 - 30 October)

Photo credit: www.durbanvillewine.co.za Who says you need to trek to the Cape Winelands to enjoy excellent wine tasting or to experience Cape wine farms up-close-and personal? Celebrate white wine and the approach of summer at the annual Season of Sauvignon in the Durbanville Wine Valley. The area’s 12 wine farms come together to form this fabulous festival. Wine lovers can enjoy some quality wine as they farm hop from one top estate to the next, all the while enjoying the great, wine-themed events. There will be good food, live music, vineyard bike tours and so much more at this year’s two-day weekend event.

6 - Test your fear threshold at the SA Horrorfest (26 October – 4 November)

Photo credit: www.capetownmagazine.com Thriller, horror and scary movie fans and cinema aficionados alike will love this film festival, set to take place at the iconic Labia Theatre. The rarest, most horrifying flicks will be screened in time for and after Halloween so test your nerves (and your courage) by going to watch some. Aside from the film screenings, there will be other fun activities like a Halloween costume contest, a live soundtrack performance courtesy of the Makabra Ensemble, a book launch and much more. See here for more information and ticket releases.

7 - Soar high with the Cape Town International Kite Festival

Photo Credit : www.capetown.travel To be held in the False Bay suburb and surfers’ haven of Muizenberg, the annual Cape Town International Kite Festival will take place over two days on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October at the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. Hosted by the Cape Mental Health Organisation, this annual event raises funds and creates awareness as it celebrates some truly amazing kites and kite-flying fun, and simultaneously attracts some 20,000 festivalgoers each year. What’s more, this popular festival draws some of the biggest names (both locally and internationally) in kiting and is Africa’s biggest annual kite festival. There will also be great, family-friendly activities and other good fun in store for the kids, with the likes of kite-making, stunt kiting and a market and food stalls. You can book tickets online from Capementalhealth.co.za or purchase at the entrance to the venue on the day. Conclusion: So this October, don’t miss out on an awesome selection of varied events (ensuring there’s something for everyone) – and many others besides!