A Guide to Fall in Murray
There’s nothing quite like autumn in a small town! With festive treats, friendly faces and local events straight out of your favorite Hallmark movie, fall in the MKY can’t be beat! We’ve compiled all of the best parts of the season into a series of recommendations, featuring our favorite activities, sweet treats and big celebrations.
The Perfect Fall Day in the MKY
Browse the Murray Downtown Farmers Market
October is the final month of the Murray Downtown Farmers Market’s regular season. One of the largest markets in the region, the Downtown Farmers Market brings together high-quality products, fresh produce and stunning artisanal works all on Murray’s Court Square. Open every Saturday in October from 7 a.m. to noon, the market is the perfect place to start your day! Throw on your favorite sweater, get your body moving, pick up fresh fall produce and grab a local sweet treat while you browse! Featuring home-grown mums, colorful gourds and artisan decor, the Downtown Farmer’s Market has all the festive essentials in one spot! Be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market while you have the chance; the last market of the season is Saturday, October 31. Don’t forget to stay in touch with Murray Downtown Farmer’s Market on social media to see what spooky surprises might be in store for the market's closing day!
It's not fall without some pumpkins, and it’s not fall in the MKY without our local pumpkin patches! Just outside of city limits, Calloway County is home to five locally owned and operated pumpkin patches brimming with small-town charm and classic fall finds. Spend an evening browsing locally grown gourds and pumpkins, and maybe run into a fun event while you’re out! Many of the patches in Calloway County, like Jay’s and Penny Pumpkin Patch, host community days with activities and photo ops to bring you all the fall vibes. For more details on Calloway County’s pumpkin patches, check out this blog updated annually!
Explore a local pumpkin patch
Celebrate Homecoming Weekend at Murray State University
Clear the track and your weekend on October 16-18; it's Murray State Homecoming! Homecoming weekend is a time-honored tradition that brings together students, community and alumni alike to celebrate Racer pride! Beginning with department-wide alumni reunions on Friday, Homecoming Weekend is jam-packed. Start your Saturday early and head downtown to Main Street to watch the annual Homecoming parade. Featuring extravagant, colorfully pomped floats made by Murray State student organizations as well as live performances from the Racer Band, the Homecoming parade brings MSU student culture to the community with plenty of fanfare. Don’t forget to grab a grocery bag on the way out the door for your little ones, as the students love to pass out candy along the route!
After an exciting morning, head over to Rudolph Family Field at Roy Stewart Stadium and get ready for a tailgate the MKY way! Tent City is a beloved homecoming tradition at Murray State, where decorated tents from student organizations and campus departments fill the outside of the football field for an epic tailgate. Stop by your favorite organization’s tent, socialize with community members and pick up some MSU swag while waiting to watch some Racer Football! Tent City is quite the extravagant tailgate, so be prepared to see lots of students and alumni in their blue and gold Sunday best. Finally, after socializing at Tent City, head to the stands to watch the Murray State Football team take on the South Dakota Coyotes, and be sure to stick around for the Racer Band halftime show! For a full list of Homecoming events hosted by the University, check out this calendar.
Participate in a Halloween event around town
This year, Halloweekend in the MKY is packed full of activities for kids and adults alike. From spooky-themed live music shows to trunk-or treats galore, we recommend you get your costumes ready for a busy weekend of festivities. Keep up with our social media for a full list of kid-friendly trick-or-treats, as well as adult Halloween events in preparation for the holiday weekend
If you or your organization is hosting a public event this Halloweekend and would like to be included on our events calendar, please email tourmurray@gmail.com with your event details and a flyer or social media graphic
Find a cozy spot around town and get lost in a good book
Murray is filled with stunning views and cozy nooks, especially in autumn, and what better way to spend a crisp, chilly day than with a good book! For those who need some caffeine and people watching while they read, Future Grounds Coffee and Tea, Shaffer Coffee Co. and the Blend by Avery have you covered. Featuring a variety of comfy couches and chairs and an even wider variety of tasty drinks, our local cafes are a great spot to take some self-care time outside of your home.
As the days get shorter, soak in the fleeting daylight and crisp breezes while enjoying Murray’s stunning outdoor views. Stop by the Doran Arboretum and settle into one of its many benches overlooking the lush greenery and colorful leaves. If you’re looking for an extra beautiful spot, head up to the top of the small hill on the arboretum walking loop and watch as the sun sets over the sparkling fountain.
The MKY has more than just cute reading locations; the city also has two locally owned bookstores for all your reading needs. The Book Rack, located on the South side of town, and Bolin Books, off the Court Square, feature a variety of new and used books spanning various genres. If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the Western Kentucky book community, check out this list of mystery and true crime novels set right here in the MKY! These novels and even more works are all available to borrow through the newly renovated Calloway County Public Library, located on Main Street.
Enjoy the Third Street Beerfest
For the over-21 crowd, this fall Murray Mainstreet is excited to host their 5th annual November Third Street Beerfest! Third Street Beerfest brings together specialty brews, local talents and hidden gem foods in Murray’s Historic Downtown. Beginning at noon and lasting until 6 p.m., Beerfest is a jam-packed day of great music, local food and elite sips. Experience the community come together for an afternoon of fun right in Downtown Murray. Early bird tickets are available at a discounted rate until the day of the festival. Designated driver tickets, including unlimited water and soft drinks, are also available.
Fall Treats and Festive Eats
Future Grounds Coffee and Tea
If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up to get you in the autumnal spirit, Future Grounds is the place. Featuring a drive-thru as well as a cozy and efficient indoor space, this is a go-to whether you have 10 minutes or two hours. Future Grounds specializes in creative seasonal drink menus with festive twists on classic coffee and tea drinks. We recommend their pumpkin pie chai or salted maple latte for those with a bit less of a sweet tooth. Be sure to snag one of their locally loved pumpkin muffins while you’re there!
No matter the weather outside, an ice cream craving always seems to call during the cooler months. Here in Murray, our Dairy Queen features both the original recipe full-fat ice cream and the seasonal blizzard flavors of DQ chains across the U.S. This year, the fall menu features tasty brown sugar cookie dough blizzards and a classic caramel apple cheesecake blizzard. For the pumpkin fans, the sweet and creamy pumpkin pie blizzard is back again this fall. If you feel an ice cream craving coming on, we don’t blame you, but make sure you get your ice cream fix before DQ closes for the season on October 31.
Dairy Queen
Shaffer Coffee Co. is a one-stop shop for homemade, artisan coffee and pastries. Featuring a rustic, charming lobby and a menu full of fresh housemade flavors, Shaffer is the perfect stop on a crisp fall morning. Their signature autumn drink, the butterbeer latte, will instantly transport you to a cozy castle brimming with seasonal magic. If you’re feeling adventurous, give their caramel “chaider” a try and take a sip of comforting spiced cinnamon and caramel apple flavors.
Shaffer Coffee Co.
One of the newest additions to Murray’s cafe line-up is the Blend by Avery! With a modern, comforting lobby space, The Blend is a great choice for a long haul study session or morning debrief. Their new pumpkin cheesecake latte brings a decadent twist on a classic seasonal favorite, and their caramel apple oatmeal bowl is a hearty way to start a fall day.
The Blend by Avery
The Downtown Farmers Market is a great stop for fall treats that lie off the beaten path. Featuring on average over 50 vendors each Saturday, the market is full of fall flavors during its final month. Stop by the Well Mobile Coffee and check out their adorably designed chalkboard to see what fresh autumnal specials they’re serving up each week. If you’re a fan of Future Grounds pumpkin muffins, be sure to stock up straight from the source, or try one of their other excellent pastries at Morning Star Farms Bakery. The Well and Morning Star Farms are some of our office's favorite vendors at the market, but the market features a rotation of over 80 other farmers, artisans and butchers. Be sure to stop by booths you haven’t seen before this fall. You never know which spot could have your next favorite!
The Downtown Farmers Market
