Love Fall? Visit These Fall Festivals Across the U.S.
Though we’re a little more of a month into the fall season, leaves are already covering the ground, and those that remain on trees are giving off bright, vibrant shades of red and orange.
Pumpkins are growing, pumpkin-spice recipes are flowing, and football season is in full swing. There’s no denying that fall is here.
Depending on where you live, a fall festival may be a normal part of your community’s annual autumn celebration. However, not every town in the US has a fall festival, which means you may need to be willing to travel.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of some of the best fall festivals for you to visit this year. Even if you can’t make it to all of them, and most people probably can’t, making a stop at even one can help you embrace fall and create some memories that will last a lifetime, along with a new fall tradition.
Oktoberfest
Yes, we’re talking about the best fall festivals in the United States, so it may seem a little odd to see the first entry on the list being based in Munich, Germany.
However, this makes an appearance on our list because there are dozens of towns and cities across the country that replicate Oktoberfest as much as possible. This is especially true in areas that have a strong German heritage, such as Frankenmuth, Michigan, which was the first city outside of Munich to host Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is a celebration filled with loud music, celebrations, and beer. In addition to Frankenmuth, you can find celebrations in Denver, Colorado, which is known as one of the brewing centers of the United States, along with Cincinnati, Ohio.
Virtually every Oktoberfest celebration includes polka dancing, which was created in Germany, along with arts and crafts, fun competitions like stein holding, and more. If you’ve never been to an Oktoberfest celebration, you need to find the one closest to you and make a trip.
The Great Pumpkin Festival: Moultonborough, New Hampshire
Nothing is more synonymous with fall than pumpkins, which is why the Great Pumpkin Festival, held each year in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, is one of the most popular fall festivals in the US. In addition to the hayrides, this festival includes incredible competitions involving pumpkin carving, as well as live music from local and national artists.
Local vendors also set up during the Great Pumpkin Festival, offering delicious treats that reflect the season and the area’s food heritage.
You can get some of the best handcrafted apple cider at the Great Pumpkin Festival, along with some pumpkin donuts that will make the mouth of any fall-flavor enthusiast water. The festival is largely family-friendly, so if you’re looking for a fun weekend activity for the kids, this is a great spot.
New Mexico State Fair: Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the largest, most anticipated events in the Southwestern United States, the New Mexico State Fair is an 11-day event that includes live music from popular names in the industry, hayrides, livestock exhibitions, and livestock competitions, competitions, and some of the best fair food that you’ll find anywhere in the US.
One of the highlights of the New Mexico State Fair, held each year in the state’s capital of Albuquerque, is the rodeo which is not only an exciting event, but is also a great glimpse into the cultural history of the region.
With the fair lasting for 11 days, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to stay for the whole thing unless you live close by. You can check out the fair’s official website for a schedule to be sure that you attend on days with events that appeal to you.
National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, Pennsylvania
Apple lovers from all around the world converge on Biglerville, Pennsylvania every year for the National Apple Harvest Festival.
Unlike some of the other festivals on our list, this one is held on consecutive weekends and involves showcasing everything apple-related that you can think of. From fresh-baked apple pies to some of the best apple cider in the world, you can find something to satisfy your apple cravings at this festival.
One of the hallmark events at the National Apple Harvest Festival is the pumpkin decorating contest. There’s something for everyone, including the kids since the contest focuses more on decorating than carving.
In addition to food and contests, this festival also highlights some local musicians with hours of live music on multiple stages.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Albuquerque, New Mexico
The people of Albuquerque really love fall, which is why they host the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta just a couple of weeks after the state fair. This event is not limited to Americans, as hot air balloon enthusiasts from around the globe come together to fly alongside one another, turning the sky over New Mexico into a colorful masterpiece.
Visitors to the fiesta can even go up in a hot air balloon themselves, in addition to enjoying various live music acts and some delicious foods.
The highlight of the event is the “Mass Ascension,” which sees hundreds of hot air balloons lift off at the same time, creating one of the most unforgettable photo ops that you’ll ever run across.
Falling in Love With Fall Festivals
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year across the United States.
Attending one or more of these festivals can not only put you in the fall spirit but also help you get a better understanding of some of the local cultures that make our nation so wonderful.