25 of the Best Fall Festivals to Celebrate the Season​

Holiday guides

America’s national parks offer visitors inspiring and affordable ways to unplug and reconnect with nature. Although not every state has a national park, the National Park Service also oversees national monuments, national historic sites, and national rivers, among other areas. Some parks are iconic, such as Yellowstone and Yosemite, and others are underrated and lightly visited. This list highlights 50 must-see destinations — the best the country has to offer. National parks often charge an entrance fee that grants seven days of access and costs up to $35 a vehicle. An interagency annual pass provides access to all the national parks and other federal fee areas for $80. Seniors 62 or older can buy a lifetime passes for $80 and annual passes for $20. Members of the military are eligible for free annual passes. Fee-free days also are offered occasionally during the year, including Sept. 22 for National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
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Slide 1 of 26: We rounded up the best autumn-inspired events happening across America that celebrate local foods, traditions, and cultures. Whether you’re planning a leaf peeping trip, last-minute vacation, or want to stay close to home these fall festivals will inspire a special day out with friends or family.
Slide 2 of 26: Where: Duluth, Georgia When: September 29-30, 2018 What to expect: Established to promote fellowship and raise funds for their historic community, the Duluth Fall Festival is a town-wide celebration. Get ready for concerts, carnival rides, parades, plenty of shopping-and the real star of the show-the local fare. For more information, visit duluthfallfestival.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 3 of 26: Where: Ellicottville, New York When: October 6-7, 2018 What to expect: Timed perfectly to western New York’s peak foliage, this festival, which also features food, live entertainment, and carnival rides, is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and take in the autumnal vistas. For more information, visit ellicottvilleny.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 4 of 26: Where: Shakopee, Minnesota When: September 7-October 28, 2018 What to expect: Bring the whole family to this annual event to see incredible pumpkin sculptures and art installations, live music, and their 2018 “Under the Sea corn maze. For more information, visit seversfallfestival.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP RELATED: The Best Corn Mazes Across America
Slide 5 of 26: Where: Leavenworth, Washington When: October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20, 2018 What to expect: Throughout the month of October, this quaint, Bavarian-style small town in Washington offers Oktoberfest activities, food, and live music in tents and outdoor spaces around town. For more information, visit leavenworthoktoberfest.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 6 of 26: Where: Laconia, New Hampshire When: October 12-13, 2018 What to expect: This epic weekend typically attracts 40,000+ visitors who come for the live music, beer garden, kid-friendly activities, and iconic jack-o'-lantern tower. For more information, visit nhpumpkinfestival.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP RELATED: The Best Pumpkin Farms to Visit This Fall
Slide 7 of 26: Where: Breckenridge, Colorado When: September 7-9, 2018 What to expect: A Munich-style street party in the mountains complete with "oompah" dancers, schnitzel, and traditional polka music. For more information, visit gobreck.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 8 of 26: Where: Circleville, Ohio When: October 17-20, 2018 What to expect: Parades and delicious fall treats. Plus, more than 10,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds beautifying the streets! For more information, visit pumpkinshow.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 9 of 26: What to expect: Our Country Living Fair continues this fall in two great locations featuring local vendors (like Berries in the Meadow shown here), seminars and demonstrations, delicious food, and a chance to meet our editors. COLUMBUS, OHIO Where: Ohio Village When: September 14-16, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day For more information, visit countryliving.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP ATLANTA, GEORGIA Where: Stone Mountain Park When: October 26-28, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit countryliving.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 10 of 26: Where: Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey, Idaho When: October 10-14, 2018 What to expect: This town has turned its annual relocation of livestock from the mountains to their winter pasture into a reason to celebrate. Watch on as the streets fill with sheep! For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 11 of 26: Where: Glens Falls, New York When: September 20-23, 2018 What to expect: Ride in a hot air balloon, or watch from below as bright colors light up the Adirondacks. For more information, visit adirondackballoonfest.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 12 of 26: Where: Wareham, Massachusetts When: October 6-7, 2018 What to expect: A bright and colorful harvest on display, helicopter rides or tours of the surrounding bogs, cooking demonstrations, a farmers' market, and activities for the whole family. For more information, visit cranberries.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 13 of 26: Where: Dallas, Texas When: September 22-October 31, 2018 What to expect: The highlight of this ongoing event is the pumpkin village, made out of 75,000 pumpkins, squash, and gourds. For more information, visit dallasarboretum.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 14 of 26: Where: Winterset, Iowa When: October 14-15, 2018 What to expect: Celebrate the cultural heritage of Madison County's six covered bridges-five of which are on the National Register of Historic Places-with a parade, games, and entertainment. For more information, visit mccoveredbridgefestival.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 15 of 26: Where: Sonoma, California When: October 6-7, 2018 What to expect: Award-winning wines, winery competitions, cow-milking contests, and best of all, the World Championship Grape Stomp, where participants of all ages can join in. For more information, visit harvestfair.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 16 of 26: Where: St. Charles, Illinois When: October 5-7, 2018 What to expect: Vote for your favorite hand-crafted scarecrow while enjoying live music, a crafts show, carnival, and petting zoo. For more information, visit scarecrowfest.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 17 of 26: Where: Whiteville, North Carolina When: October 26-November 3, 2018 What to expect: Parades, musical entertaining, and house tours abound in the town known as one of the top pecan producers in the state. For more information, visit ncpecanfestival.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP RELATED: Pecan Pie Recipes That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away
Slide 18 of 26: Where: Kona, Hawaii When: November 9-18, 2018 What to expect: The oldest food festival in Hawaii celebrates the state's coffee pioneers, farmers, and artisans with farm tours, art shows, and a coffee cupping competition. For more information, visit konacoffeefest.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 19 of 26: Where: Hood River, Oregon When: October 12-14, 2018 What to expect: Seasonal food, local arts, live music, and family-friendly activities. For more information, visit hoodriver.org. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 20 of 26: Where: Cincinnati, Ohio When: September 21-23, 2018 What to expect: Experience southwest Ohio's rich German heritage with authentic food, music, and beer at the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S. For more information, visit oktoberfestzinzinnati.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 21 of 26: Where: Arendtsville, Pennsylvania When: October 6-7 and 13-14, 2018 What to expect: This festival is a total dream come true for anyone who loves apple picking season. For more information, visit appleharvest.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP RELATED: Absolutely Delicious Apple Desserts
Slide 22 of 26: Where: Warrens, Wisconsin When: September 28-30, 2018 What to expect: The world's largest cranberry fest has become an international event with over 100,000 yearly visitors, thanks to marsh tours, local shopping, contests, seasonal treats and a parade. For more information, visit cranfest.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 23 of 26: Where: Monticello, Virginia When: September 22, 2018 What to expect: Garden tours, fruit and vegetable tastings, and gardening lessons to celebrate Thomas Jefferson's legacy as America's "first foodie." For more information, visit heritageharvestfestival.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 24 of 26: Where: Stowe, Vermont When: September 30, 2018 What to expect: Three rounds of competitive "pumpkin chucking" where people of all ages launch pumpkins as far as they can using trebuchets. For more information, visit vtpumpkinchuckin.blogspot.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 25 of 26: Where: Greenville, South Carolina When: October 12-14, 2018 What to expect: A selection of dishes from over 40 of Greenville's restaurants, which can be enjoyed while listening to live music. For more information, visit fallforgreenville.net. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Slide 26 of 26: Where: Acadia National Park, Maine When: September 5-9, 2018 What to expect: Ever look up at night in search of stars? This unique festival celebrates the park's starry night skies with events such as kayaking tours and photography workshops. For more information, visit acadianightskyfestival.com. PLAN YOUR TRIP

We rounded up the best autumn-inspired events happening across America that celebrate local foods, traditions, and cultures. Whether you’re planning a leaf peeping trip, last-minute vacation, or want to stay close to home these fall festivals will inspire a special day out with friends or family.

1) Duluth Fall Festival

Where: Duluth, Georgia

When: September 29-30, 2018

What to expect: Established to promote fellowship and raise funds for their historic community, the Duluth Fall Festival is a town-wide celebration. Get ready for concerts, carnival rides, parades, plenty of shopping-and the real star of the show-the local fare.

For more information, visit duluthfallfestival.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

2) Ellicottville Fall Festival

Where: Ellicottville, New York

When: October 6-7, 2018

What to expect: Timed perfectly to western New York’s peak foliage, this festival, which also features food, live entertainment, and carnival rides, is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and take in the autumnal vistas.

For more information, visit ellicottvilleny.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

3) Sever’s Corn Maze and Fall Festival

Where: Shakopee, Minnesota

When: September 7-October 28, 2018

What to expect: Bring the whole family to this annual event to see incredible pumpkin sculptures and art installations, live music, and their 2018 “Under the Sea corn maze.

For more information, visit seversfallfestival.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RELATED: The Best Corn Mazes Across America

4) Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Where: Leavenworth, Washington

When: October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20, 2018

What to expect: Throughout the month of October, this quaint, Bavarian-style small town in Washington offers Oktoberfest activities, food, and live music in tents and outdoor spaces around town.

For more information, visit leavenworthoktoberfest.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

5) New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

Where: Laconia, New Hampshire

When: October 12-13, 2018

What to expect: This epic weekend typically attracts 40,000+ visitors who come for the live music, beer garden, kid-friendly activities, and iconic jack-o’-lantern tower.

For more information, visit nhpumpkinfestival.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RELATED: The Best Pumpkin Farms to Visit This Fall

6) Breckenridge Oktoberfest

Where: Breckenridge, Colorado

When: September 7-9, 2018

What to expect: A Munich-style street party in the mountains complete with “oompah” dancers, schnitzel, and traditional polka music.

For more information, visit gobreck.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

7) Circleville Pumpkin Show

Where: Circleville, Ohio

When: October 17-20, 2018

What to expect: Parades and delicious fall treats. Plus, more than 10,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds beautifying the streets!

For more information, visit pumpkinshow.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

8) Country Living Fair

What to expect: Our Country Living Fair continues this fall in two great locations featuring local vendors (like Berries in the Meadow shown here), seminars and demonstrations, delicious food, and a chance to meet our editors.

COLUMBUS, OHIO

Where: Ohio Village

When: September 14-16, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day

For more information, visit countryliving.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Where: Stone Mountain Park

When: October 26-28, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

For more information, visit countryliving.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

9) Trailing of the Sheep Festival

Where: Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey, Idaho

When: October 10-14, 2018

What to expect: This town has turned its annual relocation of livestock from the mountains to their winter pasture into a reason to celebrate. Watch on as the streets fill with sheep!

For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

10) Adirondack Balloon Festival

Where: Glens Falls, New York

When: September 20-23, 2018

What to expect: Ride in a hot air balloon, or watch from below as bright colors light up the Adirondacks.

For more information, visit adirondackballoonfest.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

11) Cranberry Harvest Fest

Where: Wareham, Massachusetts

When: October 6-7, 2018

What to expect: A bright and colorful harvest on display, helicopter rides or tours of the surrounding bogs, cooking demonstrations, a farmers’ market, and activities for the whole family.

For more information, visit cranberries.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

12) Autumn at the Arboretum

Where: Dallas, Texas

When: September 22-October 31, 2018

What to expect: The highlight of this ongoing event is the pumpkin village, made out of 75,000 pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

For more information, visit dallasarboretum.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

13) Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Where: Winterset, Iowa

When: October 14-15, 2018

What to expect: Celebrate the cultural heritage of Madison County’s six covered bridges-five of which are on the National Register of Historic Places-with a parade, games, and entertainment.

For more information, visit mccoveredbridgefestival.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

14) Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Where: Sonoma, California

When: October 6-7, 2018

What to expect: Award-winning wines, winery competitions, cow-milking contests, and best of all, the World Championship Grape Stomp, where participants of all ages can join in.

For more information, visit harvestfair.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

15) Scarecrow Festival

Where: St. Charles, Illinois

When: October 5-7, 2018

What to expect: Vote for your favorite hand-crafted scarecrow while enjoying live music, a crafts show, carnival, and petting zoo.

For more information, visit scarecrowfest.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

16) North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival

Where: Whiteville, North Carolina

When: October 26-November 3, 2018

What to expect: Parades, musical entertaining, and house tours abound in the town known as one of the top pecan producers in the state.

For more information, visit ncpecanfestival.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RELATED: Pecan Pie Recipes That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away

17) Kona Coffee Cultural Fest

Where: Kona, Hawaii

When: November 9-18, 2018

What to expect: The oldest food festival in Hawaii celebrates the state’s coffee pioneers, farmers, and artisans with farm tours, art shows, and a coffee cupping competition.

For more information, visit konacoffeefest.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

18) Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

Where: Hood River, Oregon

When: October 12-14, 2018

What to expect: Seasonal food, local arts, live music, and family-friendly activities.

For more information, visit hoodriver.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

19) Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio

When: September 21-23, 2018

What to expect: Experience southwest Ohio’s rich German heritage with authentic food, music, and beer at the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S.

For more information, visit oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

20) National Apple Harvest Festival

Where: Arendtsville, Pennsylvania

When: October 6-7 and 13-14, 2018

What to expect: This festival is a total dream come true for anyone who loves apple picking season.

For more information, visit appleharvest.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RELATED: Absolutely Delicious Apple Desserts

21) Warrens Cranberry Festival

Where: Warrens, Wisconsin

When: September 28-30, 2018

What to expect: The world’s largest cranberry fest has become an international event with over 100,000 yearly visitors, thanks to marsh tours, local shopping, contests, seasonal treats and a parade.

For more information, visit cranfest.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

22) Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello

Where: Monticello, Virginia

When: September 22, 2018

What to expect: Garden tours, fruit and vegetable tastings, and gardening lessons to celebrate Thomas Jefferson’s legacy as America’s “first foodie.”

For more information, visit heritageharvestfestival.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

23) Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival

Where: Stowe, Vermont

When: September 30, 2018

What to expect: Three rounds of competitive “pumpkin chucking” where people of all ages launch pumpkins as far as they can using trebuchets.

For more information, visit vtpumpkinchuckin.blogspot.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

24) Fall for Greenville

Where: Greenville, South Carolina

When: October 12-14, 2018

What to expect: A selection of dishes from over 40 of Greenville’s restaurants, which can be enjoyed while listening to live music.

For more information, visit fallforgreenville.net.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

25) Acadia Night Sky Festival

Where: Acadia National Park, Maine

When: September 5-9, 2018

What to expect: Ever look up at night in search of stars? This unique festival celebrates the park’s starry night skies with events such as kayaking tours and photography workshops.

For more information, visit acadianightskyfestival.com.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

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