5 Fun Fall Festivals Across America

Fall is a truly fun time of the year for travel, with both gorgeous leaves and typical travel prices dropping as the season changes.

When it comes to fall travel there are several different go-to trips people have in mind, from leaf-peeping road trips to ski lodge getaways. Some even prefer to go somewhere warm when the cold air kicks in. (Take me to the beach, please!) 

While all these travel options are fun, we highly suggest planning a fall vacation to visit an American classic fall festival! Practically every rural town and big city has a fall festival of some sort or another, celebrating the new season, the harvest, and the end of an agricultural year, so to speak.

Here are 5 Fun Fall Festivals Across America for your group to consider this Autumn travel season:

  1. National Apple Harvest Festival
    Biglerville, Pennsylvania

    If you love apple picking, apple eating, and apple-themed decor then you need to make a trip to the annual National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, Pennsylvania. Going on for more than 55 years now, this fun festival happens the first two weekends of October and is located just a few miles from historic Gettysburg. You can enjoy arts and crafts, demonstrations, contests, and entertainment while here, as well as view antique cars, steam engines, petting zoos, and orchards. 

     

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  2. Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival
    Miami, Florida

    You may not think of Miami Florida as the most fall-friendly place, but if you visit during the last weekend of October you will be immersed into a pumpkin paradise! Featuring over 2,500 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, this Florida festival also offers a carnival-like atmosphere, onsite corn maze, and extensive pumpkin food court. Visit the pumpkin decorating tent, Scarecrow Village, and the fall photo section while here!

     

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  3. Trailing of the Sheep 
    Ketchum, Idaho

    This is a highly unique fall festival that actually happens along the path of three different towns in Idaho; Ketchum, Sun Valley, and Hailey. During the event, you will see 1500 sheep relocated from the mountains to their winter pasture, a parade of the animals going through the town streets. The festival typically takes place the first weekend of October each year, with additional activities like the culinary fest, wool fest, and cultural fest! 

     

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  4. Harvest on the Harbor
    Portland, Maine

    What started as a showcase of local culinary talent has turned into a full-on fall festival in Portland, Maine. Harvest on the Harbor happens annually mid-October and is a celebration of the local food scene and farming community. Find locally sourced eats, ciders, and ales as you explore the festival, with some favorite activities being the Maine Oysterfest, Lobster Chef of the Year Ceremony, and Farmer Harvest Dinner.

     

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  5. Color Cruise and Island Festival
    Grand Ledge, Michigan

    Get ready for the ultimate fall sightseeing experience with the Color Cruise and Island Festival in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Leaf peep from the waters as you cruise along the river and admire the 60-foot sandstone ledges, then head to the island for fall-themed food, music, and entertainment. There will be dancers, singers, and storytellers all throughout the island area during this weekend festival!

     

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    Check out more from our 'Across America' blog series!