15 Best Fall Festivals to Celebrate Harvest Season
Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and Oktoberfests galore.
While there's plenty to do all year long, there's just something about the first day of fall that makes many of us want to head outside and enjoy everything about harvest season. You can certainly pick one fall activity, but why not go all out and attend one of the best fall festivals happening around the country this year? There are so many across the United States that no matter what you love about fall, there's one that's perfect for the family.
For instance, if you like apple picking, go to the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania. Are pumpkin patches more your thing? Visit Dallas to see 100,000 of them artfully displayed or see the locals in Maine race in giant hollowed-out gourds on the water. There are beer festivals, cranberry festivals, and even a sheep festival in Idaho to help bring the herds to winter pastures.
Of course, there's plenty of spooktacular Halloween-themed festivals, too. Take a trip to historic Salem, Massachusetts or see jack-o'-lanterns ablaze in New York. There's so much this great nation has to offer that you'll surely find something to celebrate the season near you. Need help narrowing it down? Start with this itinerary and prepare to get autumnally inspired!
Head out to your next adventure:
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The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson, NY
For going on 20 years, the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze comes to the 18th century Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley. It is set ablaze with thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Walk around to see larger-than-life sculptures with special effects set to a unique soundtrack. And now you can attend a second event in Long Island, too!
Dates: September 13 to November 17, 2024
Sever's Fall Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota
Corn maze, anyone? Well, be prepared for the most epic version if you travel to Sever’s Fall Festival! It's touted as the Midwest’s original fall festival, and along with the fan-favorite maze, you'll find a giant slide, corn pit, petting zoo, and more.
Dates: September 14 to October 27, 2024
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio
You don't have to fly to Germany to enjoy a classic beer festival. Nope, just head over to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati for plenty of pints (over 20 different brand booths) and tons of entertainment. There will be over 30 performances, the Stein Hoisting competition, and the ever-popular Running of the Wieners. Who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of pups dressed like hot dogs run a race?
Dates: September 19 to 22, 2024
Autumn at the Arboretum in Dallas, Texas
Where can you find 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash and 150,000 blooming plants all in one place? Why, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, that's where! Among the stunning displays, you can enjoy live entertainment, a craft fair, Family Fun Weekend, and even some adults-only events like Pumpkins & Pints Nights.
Dates: September 21 to November 3, 2024
Warrens Cranberry Festival in Warrens, WI
Did you know that Wisconsin is the top producing state for cranberries? It should be no wonder then that the Warrens Cranberry Festival has been celebrating the little tart jewels for over 50 years. With over 800 craft vendors and 100 food booths, you'll never run out of places to visit. Check out the annual parade and the biggest berry contest!
Dates: September 27 to 29, 2024
Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is spooktacular all year long, but it really gets into the spirit (get it?) come October. All month long, Haunted Happenings sees upwards of a million visitors attending the various parties, parades, fairs, walking tours, museums, and special events. Costumes are optional but highly encouraged!
Dates: September 26 to October 31, 2024
Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival in Stowe, Vermont
What's that now? Yes, you read that right. For 15 years, visitors from near and far gather to witness the annual Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival. Behold the magnificent hand-built contraptions fling gourds in a distance contest. Then stay for the live band and chili cookoff!
Date: September 29, 2024
Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho
With a mission to celebrate and preserve the culture of sheepherding, everyone is invited to attend the annual Trailing of the Sheep as they make their way through the streets and up to their fields for the winter. Along the way, you'll find events through Ketchum, Hailey, and Sun Valley like the Folklore Fair and Wool Fest.
Dates: October 2 to 6, 2024
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Look up to the sky. Birds? Planes? Nope, it's the largest hot air balloon festival in the world! For nine days, over a million people flock to New Mexico for the enchanted world of balloon-filled skies, plus rodeos and other events like chainsaw carving and fireworks. There are morning and afternoon/evening balloon launches, so there's always something to watch above.
Dates: October 5 to 13, 2024
National Apple Harvest Festival in Arendtsville, Pennsylvania
The National Apple Harvest Festival is celebrating its 60th year, just a few miles from historic Gettysburg. Come for the crafts, food, and entertainment and stay to browse the steam engine displays and antique cars. Don't forget to go on an orchard tours and a pony ride!
Dates: October 5 to 13, 2024
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Damariscotta, Maine
There are several reasons to love giant pumpkins, and the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest gives you two of the best. Each year, local artists come out to paint and decorate enormous gourds to display, while other giant pumpkins are turned into pumpkin boats to race in a regatta. There's also a pie eating content, a parade, and so much more.
Dates: October 12 to 14, 2024
California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, California
With the slogan "Peace, Love and Guacamole," it feels impossible to resist the California Avocado Festival if you love the green stuff. It also happens to be a free music festival, featuring 60 bands, 50 arts and craft vendors, and tons of food options. And yes, avocados are the main highlight, of course.
Dates: October 4 to 6, 2024
Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles, Illinois
For nearly 40 years, Scarecrow Weekend fills up downtown St. Charles with over 100 handmade scarecrows on display. There's a Family Zone with live entertainment and activities like pumpkin decorating, the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show, and plenty of spots for a perfect photo op.
Dates: October 11 to 13, 2024
Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa
If you know the novel or movie The Bridges of Madison County, then you know the bridges that are at the heart of the Covered Bridge Festival. Take a bus tour of all the picturesque bridges and then return to the Winterset courthouse square for the food, arts and crafts, live music, and lots of activities for kids.
Dates: October 12 to 13, 2024
Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival in Boca Raton, Florida
Even balmy Florida gets into the fall spirit! Each year, the Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival hosts a three-day event featuring thousands of pumpkins browse and bring home, a carnival, a scarecrow village, and a cornstalk maze. You can buy your tickets in advance and come during a scheduled time, so you don't have to worry about getting in and the crowd size.
Dates: October 19 to 20, 2024
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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