This week I was on the lookout for fun festivals that only occur in the fall season. This list is perfect for anyone wanting to celebrate a variety of fall holidays and traditions, or for those who need to get their minds off of the fact that summer has passed. For your enjoyment, I have compiled a list of some well-known and classic celebrations that occur both in North America and in other parts of the world. I hope that these places or traditions can land a spot on your bucket list, or at least become a part your 'cool facts' repertoire for sharing at your next party ;).

1. Halloween: October 31

This is the obvious holiday that many people think of when October rolls around. This day is highly anticipated by children and adults alike, likely because it gives you a great chance to assume the identity of someone (or something) else for a change. It's also known for the scary haunted houses and amounts of candy plentiful enough to last until next year's halloween celebrations.

2. Thanksgiving: (Canadian and American)

This joyous tradition gives us all a chance to bring our loved ones together and reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives. Many people give thanks for the friends and family they have, the things that they accomplished in the past year, and for the lovely feast that they happily fasted for (and the chefs who prepared the wondrous meal, of course).

3. Remembrance Day (or Veteran's Day): November 11

This is another day of reflection that has a solemn aura. Though it is not a particularly joyous celebration, it is an important day that aims to recognize the men and women who represented their country in order to put an end to World War I. Veteran's Day allows us to reflect on the many sacrifices, unfathomable to us, that our soldiers have made.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders field.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be your to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.” ~ John McCrae

Okay.. as promised, here are a few festivities that happen abroad, many of which you may never have heard of:

4. Matchmaking Festival: last Friday in August to first Sunday in October

Legend says that an 18th-century surgeon once discovered a source of curative mineral water in Lisdoonvara, Ireland. The water supposedly possessed healing properties capable of relieving symptoms of certain diseases. As more people heard about their water and were drawn to the area, Lisdoonvara became a popular tourist destination. Eventually, Lisdoonvara also developed a tradition of matchmaking; this tradition of finding love eventually evolved into Europe’s largest singles event. Visitors may not go with the intention of finding a spouse in mind, but certainly will have a good time.

5. Bridge Day: Third Sunday in October

For extreme sport junkies here is something that you may seriously be interested in. Bridge Day is the world’s largest extreme sports event--It involves base jumpers taking a leap off of a 265m high bridge in New River George, West Virginia. In the past there have been up to 200,000 spectators watching about 450 jumpers take their free fall before deploying their parachutes. For readers at home, I do not suggest that you try this without proper training--with any extreme sporting activities there are always some risks: landing in the rapid water nicknamed the “River of Death” or landing on trees, boulders and even spectators…so watch out!

6. Oktoberfest: September 19 – October 4, 2015

Last but not least on the list is Oktoberfest, a well-known festival that takes place in Munich, Germany. Each year the mayor of Munich taps the first keg for the opening ceremony. This initiates the festivities and allows all the visitors to start on the 16-day celebration. Even though beer is the main attraction, people of all ages are welcome to join in on the fun. There are carnival rides and games to make it a family affair.