I know what you are thinking…it might seem a bit premature to be discussing the “Best Fall Festivals in the US” before September has even arrived. But I have a reason for doing so. As I contemplate the forecast of 102-degree weather next week, I can’t help but yearn for the refreshing chill of autumn, the sight of leaves changing color, and the joy of upcoming festivals. As you review these lists, you will see fall festivals are just around the corner. By sharing this post now, I hope to give you ample time to mark these dates on your calendars.
The 26 Best Fall Festivals in the U.S. for 2023
Fall brings relief from months of sweltering heat, as people are eager to don their flannel shirts and sweaters to greet the cooler temperatures and crisp air. The season also ushers in plenty of once-a-year activities from apple picking and pumpkin carving to cider sipping and leaf peeping.
With autumn traditionally known as a time to celebrate the harvesting of crops – including grapes, cranberries, apples, squash and pumpkins – people flock to farms and orchards across the country to pick their own produce and take family photos with farm animals and scarecrows. Though the season is short, with most events happening in October, this list is chock-full of entertaining fall festivals, events and activities to keep your weekends filled with fun.
Be sure to keep scrolling past the occasional ads, there truly are 26 festivals listed.
31 Best Fall Festivals and Fairs Across the United States
Here we have another list of festivals from across the country. Admittedly, some of these fests are popping up on multiple lists. That’s OK in my book, as it is reassuring that there is consensus around the entertainment value of the oft repeated festival.
Fall is one of the most magical times of the year! One of the fabulous things about autumn? You’re never without fun things to do! Whether it’s something as simple as a nature walk or adventurous as a haunted hayride, you’ll find countless exciting activities and fall festivals to get into solo or with a group of your nearest and dearest. With the shifting of weather from the sweltering summer heat to the easygoing cool temperatures of fall, cozy dinners and outdoorsy events comes with an influx of autumn-inspired events across the country, all dedicated to celebrating the season.
Whether you typically frequent October festivals close to home or want to branch out to something a little out of the ordinary, we’ve rounded up the best fall festivals happening across America. No matter which locale(s) you choose, prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of rich local foods, traditions, and cultures.
You can take in the work of artists who’ve created work from more than 7,000 carved pumpkins during the Great Jack o’Lantern Blaze in New York or get a bird’s eye view of the foliage during the Natchez Balloon Festival in Mississippi. Of course, there are also lots of unbeatable fall treats to be tried, from the signature fruit at the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania to craft brews at Wenatchee, Washington’s Projekt Bayern Oktoberfest. If you’re planning a leaf peeping trip, a last-minute vacation, or just want to stay close to home, these exciting fall festivals will inspire a special day out with friends or family to celebrate the beauty of fall. Read on to learn about 31 of the best fall festivals and fairs across America!
I see several recurring themes as I review these lists; pumpkins, apples, balloons and Oktoberfest. All are quite appealing to me, but the hot air balloon festivals are of special interest. I have never been in a hot air balloon, but it is on my bucket list.
10 American Fall Festivals Every Traveler Should Experience
Apples! Pumpkins! Corn mazes! It’s time for autumn fun in every corner of the U.S.
Sweater weather is finally here, time for apple picking, pumpkin carving and wandering through corn mazes — welcome to fall festival season. Here are our 10 picks for the best ones around the U.S.
This list was a surprise in that though some of those common themes popped up, I believe the list was comprised of all new entries. Of special note is that this list comes from budgettravel.com, which tells us these are worth traveling for.
29 Best Fall Festivals Across the U.S. to Celebrate Autumn
A few repeats, but quite a bit of new material as well:
Spending your autumn days surrounded by beautiful fall foliage is an absolute must, and what better way to experience the season than to enjoy a fall festival or two?
You might begin your journey by blasting some Halloween songs or Thanksgiving songs on your way to one of the events on our list — and depending on which one you pick, you could end up jumping in a pile of leaves to re-live your childhood, taking a few pics that rival a Norman Rockwell painting or walking amongst spooky jack-‘o-lanterns that set the night sky ablaze.
This selection of awe-inspiring adventures (which range from traditional harvest festivals and the best pumpkin patch near you to more out-of-the-box suggestions, like the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta), will keep you feeling grateful all season long. Keep reading for some seriously stunning spots to welcome the fall and all its splendid glory.
What is the Best Fall Festival for 2023?
Vote for your favorite fall festival!
Fall festivals are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons, celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun with friends and family. And there’s something magical about being surrounded by colorful leaves and pumpkins as the sounds of live music and laughter fill the crisp air.
These 20 festivals — nominated by an expert panel — deliver all of that and more during the fall season. Which one would you most like to attend?
Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, September 4 at noon ET. The winning festivals will be announced on Friday, September 15.
Additional festival information (Music & Arts) can be found here.