October sets the stage for a month of cinematic thrills and chills on college campuses! Check out themes, movies, and event ideas for October below!

October 10th 

Collaborate with campus counseling services to provide mental health workshops, stress relief activities and mindfulness exercises. Screen films that address mental health issues and host a panel discussion with mental health professionals. View our recommended movies here. 

"For Mental Health Awareness Week, we invited students to the campus center to watch ‘Inside Out’ and engage with clinicians’ in post-show discussions. The first 10 attendees received ‘#MentalHealth Matters’ shirts as door prizes, and we provided food and refreshments for everyone.”

- University of Maryland, Baltimore

October 11th 

Create a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ students by showcasing resources support groups on campus, and include a discussion panel with LGBTQ+ activists and allies. View our movie recommendations here. 

“We screened ‘Rocketman’ during our campus’ Coming Out Week celebration. No matter the crowd size, every event creates value. Even with small numbers, you can still have a strong and thoughtful conversation, and that makes it worth it. It gives us a starting point for a conversation about things that are really difficult to talk about otherwise.”

- Sonoma State University

October 31st

Organize a Halloween costume contest, with categories like "Most Creative Costume" or "Best Group Costume." Set up haunted houses or horror movie marathons and offer trick-or-treat stations with themed snacks and candy.

"To gear up for Spooky Season, we hosted a ‘Cereal’ Killer Movie Night, where we ate cereal and watched the new ‘Scream.’ We had someone from the Criminal Justice Department on campus come speak to the students before the movie to talk about their program and even gave information about serial murderers. I wanted to get students involved, but also outreach with other departments on campus.”

- Navarro College

International Music Day: October 1st

Mean Girls Day: October 3rd

James Bond Day: October 5th

Indigenous Peoples' Day: October 14th 

Back to the Future Day: October 21st

International Animation Day: October 28th

Check out November or view the full academic year calendar below!