There’s something about fall that makes it an ideal time for festivals. Maybe it’s because so many people, myself included, appreciate the mild temperatures and the fiery foliage. Unfortunately, not every region of the United States gets to experience the change of seasons that makes fall so wonderful, but the fact that festivals paying tribute to the season are held all around the country means that people will still do whatever they can to celebrate all the comforts and joys this season represents. Here are six idyllic fall festivals held throughout the United States. If you happen to live near to live near one of them, you should be sure to check it out, and if you don’t, find one in your area- there’s bound to be one nearby!
Fall Foliage Festival- Jim Thorpe, PA
If you live anywhere near the charming riverfront town of Jim Thorpe and are interested in a visit, you’re in luck because the town’s Fall Foliage Festival is held the first three weekends of October, giving you plenty of time to plan a trip. The festival features live entertainment, a scarecrow contest, an arts and crafts fair, children’s activities, and scenic train rides to take in the splendorous fall foliage.
The National Apple Harvest Festival- Biglerville, PA
Do you like apples? Do like them enough to attend a festival dedicated to them? For a lot of people, the answer to that question is a definitive yes. The festival may be held in the tiny rural Pennsylvania town of Biglerville just outside of Gettysburg, but it has the word “national” in its name for a reason. People travel from all around the country to visit this festival to pay homage to the apple with plenty of apple food and drinks to consume, and apple-themed (and non-apple themed) arts and crafts to purchase.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati- Cincinnati, OH
If you can’t make it all the way to Germany for an Oktoberfest, then America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration held in Cincinnati, Ohio is the next best thing. The event features authentic polka music and German dancing, plenty of food and bee to go around, and even a “running of the wieners” dachshund race that demands to be seen in person.
Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival- Stowe, VT
What better way to celebrate your love of fall than to hurl pumpkins through the air with giant trebuchets in a little friendly competition, as you watch them splatter their gooey orange guts onto the ground? The one-day event, in its ninth year, may not be heavily publicized (its website is a blog), but it is growing every year and promises loads of fun with a chili cook off, live music, and kids activities. Admission is $10.00 and proceeds benefit a local charity, the Lamoille Restorative Center.
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest- Hood River, OR
Most people tend to think of the east coast when they think of fall, but Oregon knows how to celebrate the season in style with this old-fashioned fall festival in its 35th season, held this year October 13-15. The event features seasonal food, crafts from local artists, live music, and activities the whole family can enjoy.
North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival- Whiteville, NC
Southerners love their pecan pies, so much so that one North Carolina town has a festival dedicated to the nut. With several events leading up to it, the festival will be held Saturday, November 4. In addition to all the pecan food you can purchase, the event will also feature a parade, pecan cooking contest, kids activities, car show, pecan growers educational stations, art show, and tractor, RV, and boat show.