Fall brings relief from months of sweltering heat and ushers in plenty of once-a-year activities like apple picking, pumpkin carving 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. In warmer parts of the U.S., more traditional autumn festivities may be off the table, but you’ll find fascinating festivals celebrating local produce or customs, from Día de los Muertos in Texas to chiles in New Mexico.
Though the season is short, with most events happening in October, this list is full of entertaining fall festivals, events and activities to keep your weekends filled with fun.
Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota: Sept. 14 to Oct. 27
Courtesy of Sever’s Fall Festival
Having taken place for more than 25 years, this event is held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall, with tickets ranging from $14 to $26 depending on timing. Located about 35 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Sever’s Fall Festival is home to one of the country’s most original corn stalk mazes – a creation that continues to be one of its most popular autumn attractions, featuring an intricate new design that’s cut by hand every year. Participants who successfully complete the annual Corn Maze Challenge are entered into a draw for cash prizes.
Other unique attractions and activities include a corn pit playground, straw sculptures, zip lines and a petting zoo. For an additional fee you can also play with a pumpkin blaster (imagine a cannon, but with pumpkins) and take a ride on a pony. A full schedule of live shows and entertainment is also offered, ranging from pig races and kids dance parties to magic shows and live music. Ample concessions provide harvest-inspired refreshments like kettle corn, funnel cakes, apple fritters, wood-fired pizzas and bratwurst. Visitors will also have their pick of farm-fresh, chemical-free apple varieties like Honeycrisp and SnowSweet at the on-site farm stand.
To wind down after all the excitement, consider a stay at the Hampton Inn Minneapolis/Shakopee, located around 10 miles northeast of the event site near downtown Shakopee.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati: Sept. 19-22
Courtesy of Leigh Taylor
More than 700,000 people descend on downtown Cincinnati each year for the country’s largest Oktoberfest. Ongoing since 1976 and now occupying six city blocks near the banks of the Ohio River, this free festival typically features fun such as the Running of the Wieners, where around 100 dachshunds race each other in hot dog costumes. Other entertaining activities include the World’s Largest Chicken Dance and plenty of live music running the gamut from polka to rock. Since 2023, you have an extra day to soak up the German vibes, with the festival kicking off on a Thursday evening.
After working up an appetite, eat your fill of tasty German specialties like potato pancakes, sausages, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, strudel, cream puffs and pickled pigs feet. Wash it all down with a stein of German-style suds from an array of breweries large and small, including craft options from locals such as Taft’s Brewing Co, Moerlein Lager House and Rhinegeist Brewery.
Parking is available at numerous nearby paid public parking lots and garages, or you can book a room at the AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks, located just around the corner from the event site and right by the river.
National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, Pennsylvania: Oct. 5-6 and 12-13
Courtesy of The National Apple Harvest Festival
Held on the first two full weekends of October, this celebration of fall’s favorite fruit features all things apple, from tasty foodstuffs to funky memorabilia. Apple art, apple jellies and apple syrup making all await festivalgoers who pay the admission fee, at just $10 for adults. At a fairground near Gettysburg, patrons can also browse more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, watch chainsaw carving demonstrations, enjoy live entertainment such as puppet shows, view collections of classic cars and antique farm equipment, and more.
In between activities, guests can nosh on theme-appropriate snacks like apple pastries, candied apples, or even apple pizza and sausage. Don’t miss the crowning of the Pennsylvania Apple Queen or the scenic tours of the surrounding orchards.
The nearby town of Gettysburg (less than 10 miles south) has a full range of amenities for travelers, including the Gettysburg Hotel, a historic property with upscale suites and an on-site restaurant.
Salem Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts: Oct. 1-31
John Andrews|Courtesy of Destination Salem
Haunted by a dark history that earned it the nickname “Witch City,” Salem tends to celebrate its spookiness year-round – but even more so during the month of October, when hundreds of thousands of people arrive in town for the Salem Haunted Happenings celebration. This annual fall festival kicks off at the start of October and pays homage to the harvest season and accompanying pagan holiday of Samhain.
Special family-friendly events like costume parties, ghost hunts and movie nights occur around town throughout the month. Those fascinated by the occult will also find thrills in the form of psychic readings and reenactments of the infamous witch trials – but make sure to plan ahead, as some events require tickets. Salem Haunted Happenings also includes events like the free Salem Zombie Walk for all ages. The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, set for Oct. 3, will feature a stream of performers and floats around the downtown district.
Attendees are encouraged to use the free satellite parking and shuttles provided on certain weekends to access festival events. Or, you can book a stay at the historic Hawthorne Hotel and park in its complimentary lots. The hotel hosts a coveted costume ball on Halloween weekend, but beware: Hawthorne’s rooms, many of which overlook the Salem Common, can fill up very early for Haunted Happenings, so the hotel recommends planning your October visit far in advance.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley, New York: Sept. 13 to Nov. 17
Courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley
Now in its 20th year, this spooky spectacle showcases more than 7,000 handcarved pumpkins across the grounds of the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-On-Hudson. It takes about 45 to 90 minutes to walk the half-mile path, lined with illuminated gourds that are creatively arranged in themed designs and displays, such as a New York City streetscape.
Moody music plays throughout The Blaze, as part of an original soundtrack created just for this autumn attraction. Proceeds from this event, hosted by Historic Hudson Valley, benefit the nonprofit’s educational programs. Visitors must purchase tickets online in advance for entry on select nights from September through November; pricing starts at $20. The Blaze is also held annually at a second historic New York location: Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Long Island, from Oct. 4 to Nov. 3.
Round out your Halloween-themed trip to Hudson Valley with a stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, located in the neighboring Tarrytown. This town inspired Washington Irving’s novel “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” It’s also easily accessible by Metro-North trains from New York City.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Sept. 25 to 29
Courtesy of Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
For more than three decades, gourmands have gathered in Santa Fe – the capital city of the “Land of Enchantment” – for this Southwestern celebration of wine, food and the state’s most famous crop: the New Mexico green chile. Cooking demonstrations, wine classes, brunch, luncheons and even a scenic wine tour by train are among the various culinary activities scheduled at venues throughout the city during the five-day event, which coincides with the harvest season for both grapes and green chiles.
Some of the biggest names in the wine industry make an appearance to showcase their finest offerings – including Caymus Vineyards, Gruet Winery and La Vieille Ferme. This festival also features the region’s top restaurants and chefs, as well as expert speakers from across the culinary field. The main event is the Grand Tasting, where attendees can sip from a selection of 100 wines and sample offerings from more than 55 restaurants, accompanied by live music – with a $200 admission fee, it’s a serious event.
Around 1 mile from the festivities, the Native American-owned Hotel Santa Fe is situated in the heart of downtown for easy access to the events and a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the Pueblo people.
Día de los Muertos (Muertos Fest) in San Antonio: Oct. 26-27
Courtesy of visitsanantonio.com
San Antonio is home to one of the country’s largest celebrations of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead: a Mexican holiday to honor deceased loved ones that occurs around Halloween. This free, two-day event at the end of October is held at Hemisfair in San Antonio – the site of the 1968 World’s Fair that’s now being transformed into an urban neighborhood.
The festival showcases elaborate altars, live music, art vendors and other activities highlighting Mexican heritage. Don’t miss the colorful processions filled with dancers, puppets and even mobile altars. A handy phone app puts the event schedule and map at your fingertips and allows you to vote for your favorite altar.
During October and November the city hosts an array of cultural events and live entertainment to mark the holiday, so you may want to stick around San Antonio for a bit. On Oct. 25, watch the Day of the Dead River Parade, which is part of a different festival in San Antonio. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk hotel offers sophisticated accommodations in the heart of the action, within easy walking distance from the main event at Hemisfair.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho: Oct. 2-6
Carol Waller|Courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival
This truly unique festival celebrates the ranching roots of Ketchum – once one of the largest sheep shipping centers in the world – with various events. Offerings include farm-to-table dinners, wool workshops, the Sheepdog Trials and the Folklife Fair, which hosts plenty of demonstrations, live entertainment and hearty food.
An event called For the Love of Lamb allows attendees who have purchased a “passport” in advance to sample lamb-based dishes from participating local restaurants. The namesake festivity is an authentic sheep “trailing” parade that herds some 1,500 sheep down Main Street to their winter fields. Visitors can even sponsor a sheep – just be sure to leave your dog at home.
The Sun Valley area’s hillsides of golden-hued aspen trees are a hot spot for leaf peeping and provide a stunning backdrop for this one-of-a-kind fall festival and for your stay in the area. The hotel Limelight Ketchum boasts boutique lodging with pools and hot tubs and offers a discount to festivalgoers.
Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: Oct. 25-27
Courtesy of Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
The seaside town of Rehoboth Beach, known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” will celebrate the spooky season with the 34th annual Sea Witch Festival at the end of October. The event typically features Halloween activities with a few nautical twists, such as a costume parade for people and their pups, a “haunted” beach bonfire, a broom tossing competition, and the townwide Sea Witch Hunt, where participants follow clues to find the Sea Witch for a prize.
The specialized kids area also boasts offerings like magic shows, face painting, trick-or-treat bag making and more for little ones. Local artisan and vendor booths surround the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and fill the Convention Center, providing plenty of options for dining or shopping for handmade products and official Sea Witch Festival merchandise.
Consider a stay overnight at the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center, located on the beach and just around the corner from the festival’s main happenings.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Oct. 5-13
Missi Leonard|Courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Well known as the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, this annual autumn attraction has been around for more than half a century, with its latest edition drawing nearly a million people to New Mexico’s largest city. Revelers can eat, drink, photograph, dance, shop and otherwise enjoy everything Albuquerque has to offer – which includes fantastic fall weather. You will have to pay an admission fee per “session” of the fiesta; each day has a morning session and an afternoon/evening session.
A full schedule of events keeps spectators busy throughout each day, from the initial glowing launch at each dawn to a series of themed balloon “rodeos” and other coveted competitions. Additional activities include chainsaw carving demonstrations, live music, fireworks, and oodles of shopping and dining vendors.
On-site parking is available for an added fee, though to spare yourself the hassle you may opt to take advantage of the park-and-ride shuttles and the on-site bicycle valet service instead. Or, book a three-night stay within walking distance in a glamping tent at Balloon Fiesta Park, which includes parking and festival admission for all sessions. For more traditional accommodations, the boutique Hotel Chaco in the city’s historic district offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the festival, with a stunning property that integrates local designers and artists into its rooms and landscaping.
Autumn at the Arboretum in Dallas: Sept. 21 to Nov. 3
Courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
The top-rated Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden amplifies its usual colorful displays of flowers and foliage each fall with the addition of 100,000 locally sourced pumpkins, gourds and squash, creating one of the nation’s top autumn attractions. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the facility’s 66 acres of regular gardens and stunning seasonal exhibits, including the Pumpkin Village (with a Texas history theme for 2024) and a maze for kids.
Various special events and workshops are offered for all ages throughout the arboretum’s fall season, from squash art demonstrations to live music. Keep an eye out for the Family Fun Weekend, which mixes together events like trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt. The Dallas event runs from mid-September until just after Halloween. For a place to stay nearby, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East – Fair Park provides family-friendly accommodations with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast just 3 miles from the arboretum.
Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles, Illinois: Oct. 11-13
Courtesy of St. Charles Business Alliance
The 39th annual Scarecrow Weekend will take place this year in downtown St. Charles, about 45 miles west of Chicago. Around this time visitors will find more than 110 handmade scarecrows as well as entertainment, arts and crafts shows, and kids games throughout the city, which is bisected by the scenic Fox River. Guests are invited to stroll the streets and riverfront to see the scarecrows and vote for their favorite designs.
Other activities – located in Lincoln and Pottawatomie parks, along Riverside Avenue, and at 1st Street Plaza – include professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a photo op area, scarecrow-making kits and live music. The Family Zone is complete with a stilt walker, bubble art and more. For accommodations as charming as this fall attraction, consider the historic Hotel Baker, a property built in 1928 with a picturesque garden overlooking the Fox River in St. Charles.
Louisiana Pecan Festival in Colfax, Louisiana: Nov. 1-3
This celebration of one of the South’s top crops offers a unique autumn attraction for up to 75,000 attendees each year. Held on the first full weekend in November, the Louisiana Pecan Festival typically kicks off on Friday with Children’s Day, which features free family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, rock walls, games and more. Throughout the weekend festival attendees will enjoy a parade, live music, arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides and a fireworks show.
Visitors can sample and purchase pecan specialties including pies, pralines, jams and candies, as well as catch numerous live performances by the Louisiana Pecanettes dance team, composed of local high schoolers. This event is also a great place to gobble goodies like funnel cakes, fried chicken and many pecan-filled dishes – like pecan-stuffed jalapenos.
Given Colfax’s small size, most visitors will want to look to the neighboring city of Alexandria, Louisiana, for lodging options. The Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria sits about 20 miles southwest of the festival site.
Warrens Cranberry Festival in Warrens, Wisconsin: Sept. 27-29
Courtesy of Warrens Cranberry Festival
The rural town of Warrens, located about 110 miles northwest of Madison, is crazy for cranberries – and home to the world’s largest cranberry festival, which draws nearly 150,000 people each year. This free event, now more than 50 years old, features 3 miles of shopping, dining and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. More than 1,200 booths line up to sell crafts, antiques, souvenirs and artisan foodstuffs. Food vendors serve platefuls of macaroni and cheese, cheese curds, barbecue, and plenty of cranberry-centric food, from cranberry funnel cakes to cranberry kettle corn.
The Warrens Cranberry Festival wraps up with an impressive parade on Sunday, when people pack the streets to watch antique cars, marching bands, horses and sparkly floats on display. Every year this festival weekend also marks the kickoff for the local cranberry harvest, and visitors are invited to take a walking tour of a nearby cranberry marsh to learn about this unique industry.
Lodging in Warrens may be limited, but you can’t go wrong with Three Bears Resort only 2 miles from the festival. The property boasts family-friendly amenities like mini-golf, water parks and an arcade.
Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa: Oct. 12-13
Courtesy of Madison County Chamber of Commerce
What’s better than a scenic drive through the countryside on a crisp autumn day? Well, driving through a countryside known for its historic covered bridges adds bucolic charm and artistic interest to the mix. If the name of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival sounds familiar, perhaps it’s because you’ve seen the 1995 film “The Bridges of Madison County,” which was set in this picturesque region. The scenery comes alive in the fall when the heavily wooded area is ablaze with color, providing an even more charming backdrop for the rustic landmarks.
Originally founded in the 1970s to celebrate and promote the region’s history and heritage, the annual festival features a farmers market, antique tractor rides, a car show, a horseshoe tournament and a kids zone with special activities for the little ones. The event culminates with a Sunday afternoon parade through town.
The festival is held in the town of Winterset, less than 40 miles southwest of Des Moines. The Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Winterset offers easy access to this wonderful fall event and all the standard amenities from free breakfast to speedy Wi-Fi.
World Chicken Festival in London, Kentucky: Sept. 26-29
Courtesy of World Chicken Festival
Laurel County, home to the city of London in Kentucky, is the birthplace of Colonel Harland Sanders, so it’s only fitting that it plays host to this celebration of all things poultry. Stop by the world’s largest stainless steel skillet, where volunteers fry up to 600 quarter-chickens in some 300 gallons of oil. Festivalgoers can also head to one of the festival’s three stages for live music and entertainment (including a specialty all-gospel stage on Sunday) or check out plenty of crafty vendors lining the city streets.
There’s an array of wacky competitions, from a hot wing eating contest to chicken trivia to a chicken impersonation contest, complete with cash prizes. See if you can track down a Colonel Sanders lookalike while you’re there – there’s a contest for that, too.
London sits around 150 miles from Louisville. For a place to stay, there are a few chain hotels in town. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, London, KY – with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast – is less than 2 miles from downtown London.
California Avocado Festival (Avofest) in Carpinteria, California: Oct. 4-6
Southern California may not experience spectacular fall colors like in other parts of the country, but instead of vibrant reds and oranges, the region hosts this popular and oh-so-green festival dedicated to all things avocado. Billed as one of the biggest free festivals in the state, Avofest draws some 100,000 attendees with its focus on food and music.
Expect dozens of live musical acts spread across three stages, typically with a range of genres like rock, country, ska and reggae. There’s plenty of avocado-centric food, from avocado ice cream to the world’s largest vat of guacamole (but attendees who don’t eat avocados are looked after too). You can even show off your skills by entering the annual guacamole contest.
The festival takes place in Carpinteria, near Santa Barbara and about 85 miles from downtown Los Angeles, right on the Pacific Coast, so you can also squeeze in some time at the beach or check out the town’s seal sanctuary. For a place to stay, consider a vacation rental at Carpinteria Shores, overlooking the city beach.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, Oregon: Oct. 19-20
Courtesy of City of Tulatin
You’ve probably never seen pumpkins used like they are at this unique harvest festival on the edge of suburban Portland. The centerpiece of this weekendlong event is a series of rowing races – but replace the boats with enormous, partially hollowed-out pumpkins supplied by a local organization of farmers who specialize in gigantic vegetables. Oh, and many of the rowers are wearing costumes.
If you want to row, chances are slim, as most slots are reserved for local organizations, though there is a lottery for one race. You can channel your energy into all manner of other pumpkin-infused sports like pumpkin bowling, where a pumpkin serves as the ball, or pumpkin golf, where you’ll hit balls into floating pumpkins. There’s no shortage of other family-friendly activities from crafts to a selfie station with a giant pumpkin, all centered around the lake where the race happens. As a bonus, the event is totally free.
The festival mostly takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20, but visitors on Saturday can also stop by the Pumpkins and Pints event for craft beers and a weigh-off competition among giant vegetable farmers. For a front-row seat to the main event, book into the Century Hotel, with rooms facing the lake where the regatta takes place, in addition to relaxing amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub.
Junkstock in Waterloo, Nebraska: Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-6
Courtesy of Junkstock
If you combined a junkyard sale and a classic harvest festival, it would look like Junkstock, in the best possible way. Located on a historic farm 20 miles west of Omaha and spread over two weekends, the festival has become a hub for antique and vintage shoppers with 250-plus vendors selling all manner of clothes, furniture, decor, handicrafts and more. But it’s more than just a market: There’s plenty of live music and fall vibes with a giant pumpkin house, bonfires, apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice lattes and a plethora of food trucks.
Junkstock is a ticketed event; you can purchase either a one-day pass or a ticket for a full weekend. Visitors can also take advantage of the free parking on-site. If you’re staying overnight, there aren’t options right next to the festival site, but around 6 miles away is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Omaha, a no-fuss option with extras like a pool and complimentary breakfast.
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