October starts with plenty of reasons to get out across the Region of Murcia. This weekend brings Oktoberfest in Murcia city, a food fair in Águilas, the opening of Alhama de Murcia’s feria, a wine-themed market in Bullas and a medieval market in Puerto Lumbreras.
We have picked seven places to visit between Friday 2 and Sunday 4 October, with food, markets, local traditions and a restored historic church to explore.
1. Enjoy Oktoberfest in Murcia city
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Jardín Chino, Paseo de Garay · Free entry.
Murcia’s Paulaner Oktoberfest runs from 1–12 October 2026, making this its opening weekend. German beer, games and live music are on the programme, with music advertised from 20:00.
Friday’s opening hours are 18:30–01:00, while Saturday and Sunday open earlier, from 12:30–01:00. That leaves the choice of an afternoon visit or an evening out after exploring the city centre.
Entry is free, with food and drink paid for separately. This is the Murcia-city event; San Javier’s separate Oktoberfest takes place the following weekend.
Read our full Oktoberfest guide.
2. Browse Cartagena’s outlet fair
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Plaza Juan XXIII.
Cartagena’s Feria Outlet brings 34 local businesses together across 40 stands, with clothing, footwear, accessories and homewares discounted by at least 20%. Aim for 10:00–14:30 or 16:30–21:00; individual stalls may choose to remain open through lunchtime.
Check the outlet fair details.
Submarine update, 30 September: all listed afternoon visits aboard the S-81 Isaac Peral on Saturday 3 October are fully booked. Only plan to board if you already have a confirmed reservation. The submarine is moored opposite Héroes de Cavite; children under six, pushchairs and bags cannot enter. Ladders and narrow passages make the route unsuitable for people with mobility difficulties, and photography, video and audio recording are prohibited.
3. Make a lunch or evening of Águilas’ Mar & Huerta food fair
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Plaza Antonio Cortijos · 12:00–17:00 and 20:00–00:00.
If your ideal weekend involves trying a few different things to eat, Águilas has a straightforward answer. The Mar & Huerta food fair brings together a tapas area, live music, cooking demonstrations and prize draws over all three days.
It opens at midday on Friday, with separate lunchtime and evening sessions throughout the weekend. Make it the main reason for a trip or leave time for a walk around town before heading over for something to eat.
Entry to the fair is free, with food and drink paid for separately.
Check the food fair information.
4. Catch the opening weekend of Alhama’s feria
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Several locations in Alhama de Murcia.
Alhama’s feria gets going on Friday, with rides and food stalls opening at the Nueva Espuña fairground from 19:00. There is also a fair market in Plaza de las Américas: Friday 17:00–21:00 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–21:00.
For an afternoon visit, the Feria de Día on Calle Paraguay runs from 13:00–20:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s official opening speech and chupinazo take place at 21:00 in Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a folklore display at 21:45.
English-speaking visitors can also join Saturday’s Tour the City guided walk at 10:00. It costs €3 for adults and €2 for children aged 3–12, with advance registration required through the tourist office or online.
This is a practical choice if you want several things to do in one town. Allow separately for rides, food and drink.
5. See traditional grape treading at El Zacatín in Bullas
Sunday 4 October · 09:00–14:00 · Plaza Vieja and Plaza del Castillo.
Bullas’ monthly craft market has a fitting October theme: the grape harvest and the town’s winemaking traditions.
Alongside the regular artisan and local food stalls, this edition includes a live demonstration of traditional grape treading, plus tastings of grape must and local wines. The D.O.P. Bullas wine body will also have a central space representing wines from its member wineries.
It is one of the most appealing Sunday-morning options on this week’s list, especially if you enjoy markets with a strong local identity. The market also coincides with the town’s patronal festivities, so expect more activity around the centre than on an ordinary Sunday.
6. Spend an afternoon at Puerto Lumbreras’ fiestas
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Parque de San Rafael and other town-centre venues.
Puerto Lumbreras has a medieval market, a float parade and a new setting for its Feria de Día this weekend. The market opens at 19:00 on Friday in Parque de San Rafael and runs until Sunday. On Saturday at 17:00, the float parade takes to Avenida Juan Carlos I.
The Feria de Día is on Avenida Región Murciana, opening from midday with food, tables and music from 15:00–20:00. It is an easy way to make an afternoon of the fiestas before heading to the market or parade. Food and drink are paid for separately.
7. Look inside Caravaca’s restored San José church
Friday 2–Sunday 4 October · Former Convent of San José, Caravaca de la Cruz.
Caravaca de la Cruz has a quieter option for anyone interested in historic buildings. Following restoration work, the church of the former Convent of San José is holding open days over the weekend.
The work has included its façades, roofs, painted interiors and altarpieces, giving visitors a chance to see the first stage of the building’s recovery. The reopening also falls in the 450th anniversary year of the convent’s foundation by Saint Teresa of Jesus.
Visiting hours are Friday 16:30–19:30, Saturday 10:30–14:00 and 16:30–19:30, and Sunday 10:30–14:00. For a longer trip, make this one stop in a day exploring Caravaca’s old town.
Details checked on 30 September 2026. Event programmes can change; check official organiser information before setting off, particularly for anything requiring a reservation.
