Fall in the U.S. offers the perfect backdrop for some of the country’s most captivating festivals. These seasonal celebrations highlight everything from local harvests to cultural traditions, drawing travelers from near and far.
With a mix of food, music, art, and entertainment, each festival offers a unique way to experience the magic of autumn.
Whether you prefer cozy small-town vibes or a lively city event, travelers and locals say these eight fall festivals are well worth the trip.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
September 13 – November 17, 2024; Croton-on-Hudson, New York
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a spectacular Halloween event in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. It features more than 7,000 intricately carved pumpkins arranged in elaborate displays, creating a mesmerizing light show.
The event is set on the historic grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor, adding a touch of history to the festive atmosphere. This year, it will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a giant birthday cake.
“The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley of NY is a family tradition for us. We love to see thousands of Jack O’ Lanterns carved like skeletons, flowers, cartoon characters, buildings and more,” says Alicia Richards of Travels with the Crew.
“There is nothing as large and as all encompassing as “the Blaze.” If you want to go you need to get tickets in early September because they sell out every year,” she says.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
September 19 – 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States, drawing inspiration from the traditional German festival. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, it features authentic German music, food, and plenty of beer.
The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Typically held downtown, this year, it will be held at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove on the riverfront.
I had the chance to attend Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, and it was a fantastic experience. While it may not rival Munich’s Oktoberfest, it’s a great tribute to the tradition and culture.
Cincinnati comes alive with crowds enjoying German beers and sausages, vendors offering games, and live music setting the scene. It’s an all-around good time.
Salem Haunted Happenings
October 1 – 31, 2024, Salem, Massachusetts
Salem Haunted Happenings is an annual celebration in Salem, Massachusetts, centered around Halloween and the town’s spooky history. The festival includes haunted houses, ghost tours, and a parade.
It also delves into the history of the Salem witch trials, offering educational and entertaining events.
“While Salem, Massachusetts, is a popular year-round destination, October gives travelers the full experience with even more Halloween decorations, parties, and events with its month-long celebration, Salem Haunted Happenings,” says travel writer Scott McConkey.
“Julie and I attended last year’s event and had a blast. We enjoyed visiting various Hocus Pocus filming sites and tasting sweets from America’s oldest candy company. Of course, there is plenty of opportunity to learn about the region’s infamous witch trials of 1692. Appreciating all the crazy costumes is an event in its own right,” he says.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
October 4-6, 2024; San Francisco, California
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free annual music festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. Originally focused on bluegrass, the festival has expanded to include different genres and draws more than 750,000 people annually.
It’s known for its relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere and its commitment to keeping the event free and accessible to all.
“This free music festival in Golden Gate Park has incredible acts that could charge a fortune for tickets if they wanted to. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience listening to childhood heroes Elvis Costello and Robert Plant of Led Zepplin belt out folk songs with bluegrass alum Alison Krauss,” says Hannah Healy of Healy Eats Real.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 4-6 & 11-13, 2024; Austin, Texas
Austin City Limits Music Festival is a major music event held annually in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It spans two weekends and features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres, attracting music lovers from around the world.
The festival also showcases local food, art, and culture, embodying the vibrant spirit of Austin.
“For many locals, the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival marks the unofficial start of fall with a two-weekend kickoff that turns Zilker Park into a musical wonderland,” says Brian Thorp, CEO of Wealthtender based in Austin.
“Simply referred to as ‘ACL’ by Austinites, locals and visitors alike descend on the sprawling lawn for three days of musical acts encompassing every genre imaginable,” he says.
“Arrive early to mix and mingle with families of all ages and sample food from some of Austin’s favorite restaurants with outposts at ACL. As day turns to night, it’s likely best to leave the kids at home, assuming you can find a babysitter who’s not at the festival, too,” Thorp recommends.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 5-13, 2024; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hundreds of colorful balloons fill the sky during mass ascensions, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
The fiesta also includes nighttime balloon glows, competitions, and other family-friendly activities.
“The event is mesmerizing, whether you’re a spectator watching from the ground or lucky enough to soar above the landscape in one of the balloons. With special events like balloon glows in the evening and mass ascensions, the Balloon Fiesta is an international celebration and an experience that stays with you long after the balloons have landed,” says Jessica Lynn of Jessica Lynn Writes.
National Apple Harvest Festival
October 5-6 and 12-13, 2024; Biglerville, Pennsylvania
The National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, is a celebration of all things apple, held over two weekends in October. It features apple-related activities, including cider pressing, apple pie contests, apple-themed crafts, and foods.
The festival includes live music, antique car displays, and arts and crafts vendors, making it a beloved fall tradition.
“When I attended, there were more than 300 vendors who’d set up their arts and crafts stands, and each of them had spectacular offerings. Perfect for families as well, there were orchard tours and steam engine displays in addition to puppet shows and petting zoos. Worth a visit as all proceeds go back to the community,” says Lavina Dsouza of Continent Hop.
“The National Apple Harvest Festival is a fun way to spend a fall day. Of course, there are endless Apple treats – pies, cider, pancakes, and whiskey. We enjoyed the live music, and our kids loved watching the old-school mechanical apple-peeling machine,” says Jon Dunlin of Smart Money Guides.
Texas Renaissance Festival
October 12 – December 1, 2024; Todd Mission, Texas
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance fair in the United States, held annually in Todd Mission, Texas. Its medieval-themed village offers visitors a chance to step back in time, with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and artisan shops.
The festival runs several weekends in the fall and will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
“For the many years I lived in Houston, the Texas Renaissance Festival was one of my favorite things to do during the Fall. It’s so much fun; I loved being able to dress in costume, which allows you to be a part of the medieval experience,” says Lisa Soots of Follow Soots.
“The performers, entertainment, and rides keep the excitement high and will keep you rolling in laughter. Plus, there is the outstanding fireworks show if you stay till dark. The Texas Renaissance Festival is a magical way to spend the day with friends and family,” she says.
U.S. Fall Festivals Worth the Trip
Attending a fall festival is an excellent way to dive into local traditions, savor seasonal treats, and enjoy colorful autumn landscapes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, these festivals offer visitors a chance to embrace the charm and festivities of the fall season.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.
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