Fall within the U.S. provides the proper backdrop for a number of the nation’s most charming festivals. These seasonal celebrations spotlight every little thing from native harvests to cultural traditions, drawing vacationers from close to and much.
With a mixture of meals, music, artwork, and leisure, every pageant provides a singular technique to expertise the magic of autumn.
Whether or not you favor cozy small-town vibes or a energetic metropolis occasion, vacationers and locals say these eight fall festivals are properly well worth the journey.
The Nice Jack O’Lantern Blaze
September 12 – November 16, 2025; Croton-on-Hudson, New York
The Nice Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a spectacular Halloween occasion in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. It options greater than 7,000 intricately carved pumpkins organized in elaborate shows, making a mesmerizing mild present.
The occasion is ready on the historic grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor, including a contact of historical past to the festive ambiance. This yr, it would have a good time its twentieth anniversary with a large birthday cake.
“The Nice Jack O’ Lantern Blaze within the Hudson Valley of NY is a household custom for us. We like to see 1000’s of Jack O’ Lanterns carved like skeletons, flowers, cartoon characters, buildings and extra,” says Alicia Richards of Travels with the Crew.
“There’s nothing as massive and as all encompassing as “the Blaze.” If you wish to go it’s worthwhile to get tickets in early September as a result of they promote out yearly,” she says.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
September 18 – 21, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the US, drawing inspiration from the standard German pageant. Situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, it options genuine German music, meals, and loads of beer.
The occasion attracts lots of of 1000’s of tourists annually. Usually held downtown, this yr, it is going to be held at Sawyer Level and Yeatman’s Cove on the riverfront.
I had the possibility to attend Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, and it was a implausible expertise. Whereas it could not rival Munich’s Oktoberfest, it’s an ideal tribute to the custom and tradition.
Cincinnati comes alive with crowds having fun with German beers and sausages, distributors providing video games, and stay music setting the scene. It’s an all-around good time.
Salem Haunted Happenings
October 1 – 31, 2025, Salem, Massachusetts
Salem Haunted Happenings is an annual celebration in Salem, Massachusetts, centered round Halloween and the city’s spooky historical past. The pageant consists of haunted homes, ghost excursions, and a parade.
It additionally delves into the historical past of the Salem witch trials, providing academic and entertaining occasions.
“Whereas Salem, Massachusetts, is a well-liked year-round vacation spot, October provides vacationers the total expertise with much more Halloween decorations, events, and occasions with its month-long celebration, Salem Haunted Happenings,” says journey author Scott McConkey.
“Julie and I attended final yr’s occasion and had a blast. We loved visiting numerous Hocus Pocus filming websites and tasting sweets from America’s oldest sweet firm. After all, there may be loads of alternative to be taught concerning the area’s notorious witch trials of 1692. Appreciating all of the loopy costumes is an occasion in its personal proper,” he says.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
October 3-5, 2025; San Francisco, California
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free annual music pageant in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. Initially targeted on bluegrass, the pageant has expanded to incorporate completely different genres and attracts greater than 750,000 folks yearly.
It’s recognized for its relaxed, community-oriented ambiance and its dedication to preserving the occasion free and accessible to all.
“This free music pageant in Golden Gate Park has unimaginable acts that might cost a fortune for tickets in the event that they wished to. It was a once-in-a-lifetime expertise listening to childhood heroes Elvis Costello and Robert Plant of Led Zepplin belt out folks songs with bluegrass alum Alison Krauss,” says Hannah Healy of Healy Eats Actual.
Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant
October 3-5 & 10-12, 2025; Austin, Texas
Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant is a significant music occasion held yearly in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It spans two weekends and includes a numerous lineup of artists throughout a number of genres, attracting music lovers from world wide.
The pageant additionally showcases native meals, artwork, and tradition, embodying the colourful spirit of Austin.
“For a lot of locals, the annual Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant marks the unofficial begin of fall with a two-weekend kickoff that turns Zilker Park right into a musical wonderland,” says Brian Thorp, CEO of Wealthtender based mostly in Austin.
“Merely known as ‘ACL’ by Austinites, locals and guests alike descend on the sprawling garden for 3 days of musical acts encompassing each style possible,” he says.
“Arrive early to combine and mingle with households of all ages and pattern meals from a few of Austin’s favourite eating places with outposts at ACL. As day turns to nighttime, it’s possible greatest to go away the youngsters at dwelling, assuming you’ll find a babysitter who’s not on the pageant, too,” Thorp recommends.
Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta
October 4-12, 2025; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot-air balloon pageant, held yearly in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lots of of colourful balloons fill the sky throughout mass ascensions, creating a wide ranging visible spectacle.
The fiesta additionally consists of nighttime balloon glows, competitions, and different family-friendly actions.
“The occasion is mesmerizing, whether or not you’re a spectator watching from the bottom or fortunate sufficient to soar above the panorama in one of many balloons. With particular occasions like balloon glows within the night and mass ascensions, the Balloon Fiesta is a world celebration and an expertise that stays with you lengthy after the balloons have landed,” says Jessica Lynn of Jessica Lynn Writes.
Nationwide Apple Harvest Pageant
October 5-6 and 12-13, 2024; Biglerville, Pennsylvania
The Nationwide Apple Harvest Pageant in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, is a celebration of all issues apple, held over two weekends in October. It options apple-related actions, together with cider urgent, apple pie contests, apple-themed crafts, and meals.
The pageant consists of stay music, vintage automobile shows, and humanities and crafts distributors, making it a beloved fall custom.
“After I attended, there have been greater than 300 distributors who’d arrange their arts and crafts stands, and every of them had spectacular choices. Good for households as properly, there have been orchard excursions and steam engine shows along with puppet exhibits and petting zoos. Price a go to as all proceeds return to the group,” says Lavina Dsouza of Continent Hop.
“The Nationwide Apple Harvest Pageant is a enjoyable technique to spend a fall day. After all, there are countless Apple treats – pies, cider, pancakes, and whiskey. We loved the stay music, and our youngsters liked watching the old-school mechanical apple-peeling machine,” says Jon Dunlin of Sensible Cash Guides.
Texas Renaissance Pageant
October 11 – November 30, 2025; Todd Mission, Texas
The Texas Renaissance Pageant is the biggest Renaissance truthful in the US, held yearly in Todd Mission, Texas. Its medieval-themed village provides guests an opportunity to step again in time, with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and artisan outlets.
The pageant runs a number of weekends within the fall and can have a good time its fiftieth anniversary this yr.
“For the various years I lived in Houston, the Texas Renaissance Pageant was certainly one of my favourite issues to do through the Fall. It’s a lot enjoyable; I liked with the ability to costume in costume, which lets you be part of the medieval expertise,” says Lisa Soots of Comply with Soots.
“The performers, leisure, and rides preserve the thrill excessive and can preserve you rolling in laughter. Plus, there may be the excellent fireworks present in case you keep until darkish. The Texas Renaissance Pageant is a magical technique to spend the day with family and friends,” she says.
U.S. Fall Festivals Definitely worth the Journey
Attending a fall pageant is a wonderful technique to dive into native traditions, savor seasonal treats, and revel in colourful autumn landscapes. Whether or not you’re planning a weekend getaway or an prolonged keep, these festivals provide guests an opportunity to embrace the allure and festivities of the autumn season.
Wander Worthy
Wander Worthy is a digital journey publication fueled by curiosity and a ardour for exploring the world. We share inspiring experiences, trip guides, and journey information. A member of the Society of American Journey Writers and the North American Journey Journalist Affiliation, you’ll find our tales on Yahoo!, MSN, NewsBreak, and different media shops throughout the nation.