October is now one of the hottest months for short-term hiring in the United States, as job postings climb sharply in key industries. Listings for extra staff range from haunted attractions and festival grounds to retailers gearing up for the holiday rush. The surge reflects how seasonal work is no longer just a side hustle, but a key part of how Americans earn and the way businesses expand their workforce before year’s end.
This demand for side gigs is closely connected to cultural events and spending patterns that businesses are racing to keep up with. Major apparel retailers bring in temporary staff to handle shopping surges, while extra workers step in wherever people gather and shop.
Seasonal hiring trends
Seasonal work, or short-term jobs tied to specific times of the year, often aligns with holidays, festivals or peak business seasons. Postings for temporary workers increase in October, signaling the busy months that lie ahead as the holidays near.
In 2024, seasonal job searches accounted for a record share of total job seeker activity, 18% higher than the previous year. Retail led the way, with postings 8% points above last year. That surge created a competitive hiring field where applicants line up quickly, with momentum expected to carry into 2025 as employers prepare for another strong holiday season.
Haunted house actors
Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the United States, with nearly 90% of households with children taking part in at least one activity. That scale fuels a surge in seasonal hiring, making haunted attractions one of the most visible places needing extra staff, especially this October.
Haunted houses thrive on atmosphere and rely on actors who can turn fright into fun. Job listings from attractions such as The Hill Has Eyes in Wisconsin and Dark Corner Haunted House in South Carolina show how venues rely on local talent to bring the scares to life.
Festival staff
From Oktoberfests to harvest fairs, many U.S. fall festivals depend on short-term workers to keep celebrations running smoothly. These jobs give locals a chance to step into roles that combine work with the joy of community traditions.
Recent hiring posts from events such as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival highlight how organizers recruit seasonal workers, from technical to administrative staff. Barnstorm Event Production and Management also posts positions that keep their large-scale festivals staffed and running smoothly, turning each shift into a celebration as spirited as the event itself.
Holiday retail rush
Seasonal work surges in retail each October, as stores expand their teams to handle costumes, decorations and the rush of holiday shoppers. Hiring posts from major retailers like Target and Kohl’s show how chains recruit thousands of temporary employees to meet seasonal demand.
Old Navy also advertises short-term roles, calling for sales associates and stock team members to support their busiest months. Macy’s posts similar openings, ensuring their stores remain staffed and festive throughout the holiday shopping season.
Hospitality and food gigs
Restaurants and hotels also look to seasonal help in the fall, though the pace isn’t always as sharp as retail. Some years bring thousands of new openings, while others see only modest growth, as in October 2024. Even so, job boards still fill with posts for line cooks, dishwashers, hosts and prep staff, keeping food service a steady option for short-term work.
Resorts and family destinations often add staff ahead of the holidays, while local eateries rely on part-timers to cover busier nights out. For workers, these jobs remain a practical way to earn quickly while staying connected to the season’s social side.
Seasonal snapshot
October’s hiring boom shows how seasonal jobs support local traditions and keep the season full of momentum. From haunted houses to retail counters and festival grounds, these roles intertwine with your holidays and help entire communities thrive. Seasonal gigs may last only a short time, but their impact continues in the way they shape your yearly routines and memories.
Zuzana Paar is the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional and eco-friendly living. With a global perspective shaped by years abroad, she shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines and creative ways to live more sustainably, without the overwhelm.
The post Seasonal work surges as Americans take on October gigs appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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