Happy Monday, Oct. 1: holidays and a bunch of things to do!

Happy Monday and welcome first day of October! October is an awesome month: fall sports, cool temps, colorful leaves, and lots of things to celebrate. If you need an excuse for one, here are some special days in October to remember:

• Oct. 8: Columbus Day (some lucky ones get the day off!) If you live in Japan, it’s also National Sports and Health Day. 私は日本の食べ物が大好き！
• Oct. 12: National Holiday for Argentina, Belgium, and Spain
• Oct. 16: National Boss Day (If you don’t like your boss, I suggest you celebrate YOU. After all, aren't YOU the boss of YOU? Cheers!)
• Oct. 22: National Holiday for New Zealand. Cheers, mate!
• Oct. 26: United Nations Day
• Oct. 31: Halloween!

Photo: Mickey Pullen

October also is a busy time for harvest and festivals--there's everything from pumpkin throwing to pie eating contests to wine stompin'. Get out there, eat pie, drink pumpkin beer, pick your own apples, sip a glass of local vino, and enjoy it!

• Looking for something local and low-key? Check out the DC calendar for October, Virginia calendar,  and Maryland.

 By the way, there’s only 91 days left in 2012!