October is a month of festivals, and not just one Oktoberfest after another. A family can literally attend a different type of festival every weekend.

One of my favorites is the Robbers Cave Fall Festival in Wilburton, October 20-22. It always offers an extensive arts and crafts show; this year they expect over 200 exhibitors. The festival offers live music, a carnival, and a quilt show. Saturday features a classic car show, but if the weather holds, the fall foliage at this beautiful state park will be enough to make the trip worthwhile. 918-465-3400.

Running each weekend all month, are a variety of spooky activities at The Castle in Muskogee. All 60 acres and the interior of the castle are transformed into a Halloween-themed park. Activities include a haunted hayride suitable for all ages and Casa Morte, a tour through the castle recommended for those 12 and older. Events are priced separately, but you can save a bundle by visiting their web site, www.okcastle.com and printing coupons.

Here are more great festivals for you and your family to enjoy.

October 7-8: Octoberoberfest-Ponca City, Marland Mansion Estate grounds. (580-767-0420 or www.marlandmansion.com)

October 7-8: King Arthur Faire, Stroud Lake. Reenacting the legend of King Arthur, live jousting, arts and crafts, music, kids activities, and games. Admission: $7.00 for 12 and up, $5 for 6-12, under 6 free. (918-968-0459)

October 7: Chouteau Days, Salina. This festival recreates, through living history, early fur trading culture. (918-434-5394)

October 13-14: Watonga Cheese Festival. One of the best festivals which features arts and crafts, a cheese recipe contest, a made in Oklahoma tent, carnival for the kids, and a street dance. (580-623-5452 or www.watonga.com)

October 7: Pumpkin Festival-Cordell. Start the day with a pumpkin pancake breakfast, then stay for the parade, crafts, and free games for the kids from 7am-6pm. (580-832-3538)

September 10: Shalom Fest-Tulsa. Held at the Temple Israel located at 2004 E 22nd Pl, just south of Utica Square, this festival offers tours of the temple, children's activities, and traditional Jewish food. (918-747-1309 or www.shalomfest.com)

October 15-21: Arbuckle Mountain Fall Bluegrass Jam-Wynnewood. Held in Arbuckle Mountain Park. the music lasts from 10am to midnight. (405-665-5226)

October 19-22: Octoberfest-Tulsa. Held at the Riverwest Festival Park, this festival features bands from Germany and Austria, children's activities, and a carnival. Admission: $3.00 per person, children under 12 free. (918-744-9700 or www.tulsaoktoberfest.org)

October 21-22: Car show and arts festival-Stigler. Arts and crafts and food concessions on 10/21-22; car show 10/22. (918-967-8681 or www.stiglerchamber.org)

October 21-22: An Affair of the Heart-OKC, State Fair Park. Arts, crafts, and food for the shop˜til you drop crowd. (632-2652 or www.aaoth.com)

Through October 30: Corn Maize - P Bar Farms - Weatherford. Farm education is their goal but the 12-acre cornfield maze is the challenge. Thursday & Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 1-6pm. (722-4401, www.PBarFarms.com)

Pam is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.