Celebrate the Season with the Best Fall Festivals in Every State

By Amelia Woolard

Looking to amp up your fall festivities? No doubt about it, autumn is the perfect time of year to get involved in your community or play tourist in a neighboring state. The weather is cool, the colors are changing, and it’s officially comfort food season, which means it’s high time to celebrate this time of year with a fun fall event—or three. That’s why uCribs has compiled a handy list of the best fall festivals in all 50 states. Check out the events, round up your squad, and jumpstart the new school year in the best way possible!

• Alabama – There’s something unique about a seafood festival in October, wouldn’t you say? Witness one of the best in the Gulf South at Alabama’s Annual National Shrimp Festival. Now in its 47^th year, this fest features all the seafood, Southern, and Cajun eats you can handle, plus three days of live entertainment, coastal-inspired art markets, and beachside fun. (October 11-14, 2018, in Gulf Shores.)
• Alaska – Did you know that America’s Last Frontier used to be considered Russian territory? Alaska Day Festival celebrates this transition and much more during this week-long fest, which involves plenty of food, Alaska Native dancing, kayaking, and croquet games – just to name a few. (October 10-18, 2018, in Sitka.)
• Arizona – If you’re looking to experience authentic southwestern flavor, it doesn’t get much more local than Arizona Fall Fest. At this festival, vendors, merchants, volunteers and more come from all over to show off the best of The Grand Canyon State. Known as the only exclusively Arizona festival of its size, attendees can look forward to an incredible array of local food, beer, music, children’s activities, and games with prize winnings. (November 3, 2018, in Phoenix.)
• Arkansas – We guarantee you’ve never seen anything like Timberfest. Celebrating its 35^th year, this Arkansas fest find hosts a bevy of awesome events, including a pageant, a parade, a car and motorcycle show, a run, a derby, and more. The particularly burly can even compete in lumberjack competitions! (October 5-6, 2018, in Sheridan.)
• California – If you’re the type who adds a side of guacamole to their meal no matter the cost, this festival has got your name written all over it! Golden State residents and tourists come out in droves to support California Avocado Festival, a three-day fest committed to “peace, love and guacamole.” This environmentally-friendly festival not only offers the best avocado-laced food around, but it also supports local scholarship and non-profit funds. (October 5-7, 2018, in Carpinteria.)
• Colorado – You’ve heard of Oktoberfest, but what about Choctoberfest? That’s right, Choctoberfest is a chocolate lover’s dream destination for all things cacao. Now in its fifth year, this festival features costume contests, endless tastings, and chocolate and beverage pairings. Best of all, proceeds benefit The Action Center, a nonprofit that provides at-risk Coloradans with resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency. (October 13, 2018, in Aurora.)
• Connecticut – Immerse yourself in seasonal bliss when you attend Connecticut’s Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival. Regularly hosting tens of thousands of locals and tourists, this event is the epitome of fall fun, offering amusement rides, face painting, plenty of food and drink, live music, and a 5K run. (October 12-14, 2018, in Glastonbury.)
• Delaware – Enjoy Halloween festivities on the beach during Delaware’s Sea Witch Festival. This annual award-winning festival features a ton of seasonal fun and costuming. Catch parades, bike races, train rides, and a trick-or-treat trail for children— all while enjoying live entertainment, beach games, and much more. (October 26-28, 2018, at Rehoboth Beach.)
• Florida – Given the state’s tropical atmosphere, you may be surprised how many pumpkins are on display at Florida’s Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival! Chock full of fall fun, the Pumpkin Patch Festival features pumpkins ripe for the picking, pumpkin decorating, carnival rides, mazes, and food courts. Before you leave, don’t forget to capture memories with friends at the fall photo vignette station! (October 13-14, 2018, in Miami.)

• Georgia – This rain-or-shine event pays tribute to one of the season’s most recognizable figures: the scarecrow. At Scarecrow Harvest, take in over 100 scarecrows in downtown Alpharetta. Here, you’ll also find hay rides, face painting, story-telling, plenty of delicious food, and lively music. Best of all, this festival is totally free! (September 29, 2018, in Alpharetta.)
• Hawaii – No offense to Grandma, but her garden’s got nothing on Hawaii’s annual Floral Parade. Now in its 72^nd year, the Floral Parade presents a grand procession of native culture and beautiful buds. Visitors can look forward to spectacular floral floats, traditional Pau Riding and Hawaiian music, and the royal court of Aloha Festivals, a parade which marks the festival’s conclusion. If you’re looking for something totally Insta-worthy, this event is where it’s at! (September 29, 2018, in Honolulu.)
• Idaho – You may take it for granted now, but sheep ranching has been integral to American life since our country’s early days. Celebrate this rich history during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. With sheep being the focal point of this unique fest, you’ll get to experience one-of-a-kind activities and exhibits, including a sheep parade, wool weaving classes, farm-to-table cooking demonstrations, and much more. There’s even a championship sheepdog trial on-site. (October 10-14, 2018, in Ketchum.)
• Illinois – Incorporating plenty of crafts, food, antique tractors, classic cars, and more, the 48^th annual Autumn on Parade event is a true catch-all fall experience! This beloved local festival is situated around the historic, 125-year-old Ogle County Courthouse and boasts over 175 craft booths, endless family-friendly games, and even an on-site Olde English Faire. With this year’s theme being “Music Then and Now,” the 2018 event promises to host an array of music acts and live performances! (October 6-7, 2018, in Oregon.)
• Indiana – If you’re the type of person who starts planning your Halloween costume months in advance, Indiana’s Wickedly Whiting festival is one you won’t want to miss! As the area’s only all-Halloween event, Wickedly Whiting draws quite a crowd to the otherwise sleepy Lake Michigan town, and for good reason. When you attend, you’ll get to experience a costumed Monster Dash 5K, costume contests for humans and pets, live music, a Halloween-themed marketplace, reptile and magic shows, and more. You may even score a coveted reservation to eat breakfast with a monster! (October 13, 2018, in Whiting.)
• Iowa – When fall foliage begins to change colors, it’s hard to stay away from the great outdoors. That’s why the Scenic Drive Festival is such a treat. Held in various towns across Van Buren County, this event encourages you to take – you guessed it – a scenic drive to each location. You’ll be able to take historical barn tours, check out local museums, and enjoy art shows, cookoffs, and more while relaxing in the area’s several state parks or along the Des Moines River. (October 12-14, 2018, in Van Buren County.)
• Kansas – This fall, take the yellow brick road to OZtoberfest, which is Kansas’s Wizard of Oz-themed fall festival! A must-do for any classic film fan, this October event is packed with “OZsome” activities and contests, including a costume contest, Toto look-a-like contest, classic car show, BBQ cook-off, farmer’s market, and more. There’s even film-appropriate areas like Munchkinland, Tin Man’s Garage, and Auntie Em’s Boutique for stylish fest apparel. (October 6, 2018, in Wamego.)
• Kentucky – “Ham” it up at Kentucky’s quirkiest fall festival! At this year’s Ham Festival, you’ll get to pay your respects to one of the state’s most prized delicacies with a number of ham-themed activities, contests, and – of course – all the meat you can “ham”-dle. Enjoy carnival rides, a petting zoo, car and truck show, and pig races. And don’t forget to take home a Trigg County Country Ham—it’s the perfect way to gear up for all the oven roasted ham you’ll enjoy over the holiday season! (October 12-13, 2018, in Cadiz.)
• Louisiana – Playing with alligators is probably one of the last things you’d think to do this fall, but at Louisiana’s Alligator Festival, you can hang out with reptilian friends while enjoying authentic Cajun eats, listening to live music, and more! Alligator Festival does a great job of staying true to Southern Louisiana roots, offering a multitude of carnival rides, daiquiris and Hurricanes for legal adults, and baby alligator playpens. Sponsored by the local Rotary Club, this event is not only wonderfully community-focused, but also helps fund scholarships. (September 28-30, 2018, in Luling.)
• Maine – Love a good cider? What about a hot apple pie? If so, you’ll love Great Maine Apple Day! Celebrate the history and tradition associated with crisp Maine apples at this festival. Kitchen workshops, cider pressing, apple tastings, and more are the hallmarks of this event. Not to mention, you can enjoy incredible apple treats, ranging from sweet to savory. (October 14, 2018, in Unity.)
• Maryland – Again, while fall may seem like a strange time to celebrate seafood, any real oyster aficionado knows that the best months for them end in “R.” Maryland’s S. Oyster Festival pumps out the best of the best in the Northeast, and when you attend, you’ll not only witness shucking and cooking competitions, but you’ll also have the opportunity to sample delectable oysters served raw, fried, charbroiled, grilled, scalded… well, you get the idea. (October 20-21, 2018, in Leonardtown.)
• Massachusetts – For many, fall may be synonymous with heady meats, but the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival is doing its part to provide meatless meals even the biggest burger fiends would love. The fest also highlights natural and organic food providers and presents information about animal welfare among other topics of interest. Plus, it’s all free! (October 20-21, 2018, in Boston.)
• Michigan – All pumpkin-ed out? Why not enjoy a seasonal activity that’s a bit off the beaten path? Michigan’s ypsiGLOW turns downtown Ypsilanti into a wacky wonderland of art installations, glow in the dark displays and costumes, dancing, street performances, and more. Staying true to the goal of shared expression, this unique art festival encourages people from all backgrounds to take part in a vibrant community culture. (October 26, 2018, in Ypsilanti.)
• Minnesota – There’s a moose on the loose! Moose Madness Festival serves up a quirky celebration of all things moose-related. Play fun games, rack up Moose Bucks and spend them on awesome prizes at Moose Headquarters, or participate in a scavenger hunt to win the coveted Medallion. (October 19-21, 2018, in Grand Marais.)
• Mississippi – Staying true to Southern traditions, Mississippi’s Delta Hot Tamale Festival celebrates art, music, literature, and – of course – the incredible hot tamale. Enjoy wonderful home cooked tamales prepared in a variety of ways, in addition to the highly-anticipated hot tamale eating competition and the Hot Tamale Pageant. There will also be a literary and culinary mash-up on site for those who can’t get enough of either! (October 18-20, 2018, in Greenville.)
• Missouri – A testament to Missouri’s long history of apple harvesting, Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival offers visitors plenty of good old-fashioned fun. Dedicated to what used to be one of the area’s leading apple orchards, the festival hosts multiple stages of live entertainment, parades, market vending, and prizes awarded to the best baked apple pie as well as the best fiddler. (October 6, 2018, in Versailles.)
• Montana – A true blue fall festival, Montana’s Townsend Fall Fest serves up just about everything associated with fall fairs: car shows, a military parade, tons of arts and crafts, live music, and children’s games. Despite being located in a smaller area, the Townsend Fall Fest has been known to draw crowds in the tens of thousands, proving you cannot size a good fest up based on its city’s population. (October 5-7, 2018, in Townsend.)
• Nebraska – While most of us are enjoying the peak of autumn weather, we know there’s plenty of you out there who are ready for the holiday season. Get a head start on your holiday shopping when you hit the inaugural Autumn Festival: An Arts & Crafts Affair. A hit with industry insiders, this indoor event boasts thousands of one-of-a-kind gifts, live entertainment, concessions, and more. You can even chat with the artist who created your new purchase and learn the special story of each handcrafted piece! (November 1-4, 2018, in Ralston.)
• Nevada – You’ve got the pumpkin latte, the pumpkin candle, and enough pumpkin pie ingredients to last until next fall. Now, the only logical next step is to take your love of pumpkin to Sparks, Nevada for the town’s Pumpkin Palooza! At this festival, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of seasonal activities with a pumpkin twist, like a pumpkin derby, a pumpkin seed spitting contest, and a pumpkin pie eating contest. It will definitely give you “pumpkin” to talk about for years to come! (October 21, 2018, in Sparks.)
• New Hampshire – When a festival has been around for 71 years, it’s pretty safe to say that it’s hit the nail on the head when it comes to fall fun. Since 1947, Warner Fall Foliage Festival has celebrated rural New Hampshire and its many delights. At this festival, you’ll not only listen to live music and peruse various art and farmer’s markets, but you’ll also get the chance to enjoy fresh lobster and chicken barbecue, in addition to oxen and woodsmen’s contests—yeah, that’s totally a thing. (October 5-7, 2018, in Warner.)
• New Jersey – Hey, not everyone necessarily likes autumn, and that’s okay. Hold on to summer just a bit longer when you hit up the South Jersey Wine and Food Festival. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Lenepe, this festival celebrates wine and food pairings from some of the best in the industry. Meet South Jersey’s most noted winemakers and indulge in delicious creations served up by the area’s best culinary personalities. Adults 21 and up can enjoy a multitude of locally-grown wine and purchase their favorite bottles on-site. (September 22-23, 2018, in Mays Landing.)
• New Mexico – Brush up on your dance skills and head to Albuquerque for a fall festival unlike any other! The Albuquerque Tango Festival brings this spirited dance to the masses, regardless of skill level or background. This completely inclusive event features three days of group classes held on one huge, 3,000 square foot dance floor as well as a tango shoe exchange and over 30 hours of “milongas,” or tango dance events. (October 18-21, 2018, in Albuquerque.)
• New York – You may have been to your fair share of Renaissance festivals, but have you experienced the mother of them all? Medieval Festival brings the Middle Ages to modern-day Manhattan and transforms Fort Tryon Park into a medieval market town packed with authentic music, dance, magic, and more. No need to offer up your family’s golden heirlooms – the festival is free to attend. (September 30, 2018, in Manhattan, NYC.)
• North Carolina – Did you know that Durham, North Carolina is home to one of the state’s oldest African American communities? Celebrate the Hayti community and the area’s African American heritage at the 17^th annual Phoenix Fest. This free festival takes place along Fayetteville Street and boasts plenty of live music, parades, food, vending, and, of course, a ton of family-friendly activities. (October 6, 2018, in Durham.)
• North Dakota – Sure, checking out fall foliage from your car is cool. But have you ever marveled at nature’s vibrancy from a bird’s eye view?! Do that and more at Applefest in Bismarck. The 35^th annual celebration will feature all the classic seasonal activities you know and love, plus a SkyRide that will take you on a foliage tour from thousands of feet in the air and a Giant Pumpkin contest. (October 13-14, 2018, in Bismarck.)
• Ohio – There’s “mum”-thing for everyone at the 60^th annual Tipp City Mum Festival! Dedicated to the beautiful chrysanthemum flower, this beloved neighborhood event features several pageants, a parade, arts and crafts, and the oldest car show in the state. Although mum’s the word on a good local festival, the word is definitely out on this festival. Don’t miss it! (September 28-30, 2018, in Tipp City.)
• Oklahoma – For years, Oklahoma has been home to Bigfoot, one of the world’s most debated creatures. Whether you’re a skeptic or true believer, the Honobia Bigfoot Festival and Conference is one to put on your list for this year. Designed as part festival, part research summit, attendees can hang out with a Bigfoot mascot, measure footprints, listen to spooky tales, and hear about the latest findings regarding this ever-evolving urban legend. (October 5-6, 2018, in Honobia.)

• Oregon – Beer, bratwurst and… yodeling? That’s right, the traditional Oktoberfest gets a bit of a Swiss makeover at Oregon’s Alpenfest, the only Swiss-Bavarian event hosted in the western United States. Held amongst the picturesque Wallowa Mountains, this unique festival offers polka music and dancing, authentic yodeling, folk music, and much more. (September 27-30, 2018, in Wallowa County.)
• Pennsylvania – Take a break from all the apple pie and turkey legs when you check out Pocono Food Truck and Art Festival. Featuring over 25 food trucks from the Pocono Mountains, Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia, this food and art fest makes it easy to try new foods and enjoy old favorites reimagined. As if that wasn’t reason enough to check out this fest, artists from across the region will showcase their work across two floors inside the Hope Lodge at Shawnee Mountain. (October 20-21, 2018, in East Stroudsburg.)
• Rhode Island – Autumn is literally the name of the game at AutumnFest, Rhode Island’s celebration of all things fall. Offering an incredible selection of entertainment options and shopping markets, AutumnFest is much more than just pumpkin pie and fall-oriented crafts—although you can certainly take your pick of the best of both, too. (October 5-8, 2018, in Woonsocket.)

• South Carolina – If you ask us, homestyle Italian food is the very definition of amore. Get your fill of the good stuff at South Carolina’s Irish Italian International Festival. There, you’ll enjoy incredible eats from local restaurants! Plus, you’ll be front and center for all the cultural dancing, street performances, live music, and even a spaghetti eating contest. (September 29, 2018, in North Myrtle Beach.)
• South Dakota – Ever wondered what it’d be like to experience a festival in the Wild West? This fall, do just that when you attend Deadwood Oktoberfest. There, you’ll enjoy classic Bavarian concessions and entertainment among other activities. Just keep in mind that in Deadwood, you may see a few more cow skulls than usual—but, hey, maybe you’re into that. (October 4-6, 2018, in Deadwood.)
• Tennessee – When you think of Nashville, you likely conjure up thoughts of cowboy boots and Johnny Cash over beer and bratwurst. But the Nashville Oktoberfest celebration is not one to be missed— and we’d like to think the Man in Black would agree. Held in the Germantown neighborhood, this Oktoberfest is the country’s largest, hosting over a quarter of a million people in 2017 alone. Come for the delicious food and drink, stay for the Dachshund Derby. (October 11-14, 2018, in Nashville.)
• Texas – Even as an adult, it’s fun to get a little messy, and there’s no better place to do it than at MuckFest. Held in multiple locations every year, MuckFest hosts a muddy fun run with crazy obstacles, including a Mount Muck-imanjaro and mega Spinner. Best of all, the nationwide events have raised over $30 million for the National MS Society. (September 29, 2018, in Dallas.)
• Utah – Take your pooch out on the town for the day during Strut Your Mutt Salt Lake City! This national event benefits homeless pets by donating funds to shelters, welfare groups, and more. A fun walk makes this event just as appealing to your fur baby as it is to you! (October 13, 2018, in Salt Lake City.)
• Vermont – Vermont’s most beloved fall festival is a smashing good time! The Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival offers up an interesting twist on the traditional fall fair. Think you’re the best pumpkin chucker around? Prove it by participating in a number of trebuchet contests. A chili cook off ensures you won’t be without plenty of chuckin’ fuel, and affordable admission makes this fest ideal for spectators, too. (September 30, 2018, in Stowe.)
• Virginia – Experience the true roots of Virginia at Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. There, you’ll take a step back in time to western Virginia’s early days. Stories, music, old-timey crafts and vendors, and over two dozen unique Blue Ridge food offerings will be up for grabs at this one-of-a-kind event. (October 27, 2018, in Ferrum.)
• Washington – While Tennessee’s Oktoberfest fest may be the hostess with the most-ess attendees, the Leavenworth Oktoberfest is arguably the most authentic Oktoberfest found in the States. For starters, it’s hosted in a quaint town of just 2,000 people in the mountains. Even better? The town itself is largely modeled after Bavarian architecture – even the gas stations are utterly adorable. (October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2018, in Leavenworth.)
• West Virginia – Like to live life on the edge? West Virginia’s Bridge Day is perfect for you! Every year since 1980, locals and tourists celebrate the New River Gorge Bridge, the second-longest single arch bridge in the world, by B.A.S.E. jumping off of it—because what else do you do when celebrating a bridge, am I right? Even if you’re not into flying high, you can still join the thousands of onlookers watching the brave few and enjoy some food, music, and on-site shopping while you’re at it. (October 20, 2018, in Fayetteville.)
• Wisconsin – Join over 100,000 fun-seekers at Wisconsin’s Warrens Cranberry Festival, one of the world’s largest cranberry festivals. With more than one hundred food booths, over one thousand arts and vending booths, marsh tours, parades, and plenty of entertainment, this event is one for the books! (September 28-30, 2018, in Warrens.)
• Wyoming – Rounding out our list is an event that offers over a full month of fall fun. It’s the Green Acres Corn Maze, and if you think a simple corn maze won’t do it for you, you will rethink that once you get lost in this 10-acre masterpiece. After you make it through, enjoy a bounty of cool autumnal festivities, including gemstone mining, apple blasting, train and tractor rides, and a petting farm. (September 22-October 31, 2018, in Casper.)

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