The Best Fall Festivals Across America

There’s nothing quite as rejuvenating after a long, hot, and humid summer like the arrival of fall. Not only does the season invite pleasant weather and gorgeous scenery but it also signals the beginning of the food and craft festival season. From pumpkins and apples to freshly caught oysters, there are themed events for virtually everyone’s taste and preferences in just about every region of the country. These are the five absolute best fall festivals across America you won’t want to miss.

Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival – Miami, Florida

While Miami’s seasonal changes are virtually nonexistent, the annual Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival brings a taste of fall to the beachfront city. The family-friendly festival occurs the last weekend of October, offering a plethora of autumn-themed activities for visitors of all ages. The pumpkin patch is one of the biggest draws, featuring thousands of pumpkins to choose from. Once you’ve picked out the right one, head to the decorating tent to give it some personality.

The theme also extends to the many other attractions at the festival. There’s a food court featuring a variety of pies, curries, funnel cakes, and pizza — all using pumpkin. There’s also a scarecrow village, corn maze, and carnival with a selection of rides. After the kids wear you out, head to one of the site’s many pumpkin beer bars to cool off and relax.

Oktoberfest – Leavenworth, Washington

The Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA, is undoubtedly one of the best fall festivals across America. Spanning the first three weekends of October, the Bavarian-style village brings Munich’s traditional Oktoberfest to the U.S. Each day of the festival features live music, polka dancing, and of course authentic German food and drinks.

Regardless of which weekend you attend, don’t miss the parade at noon on Saturday, followed by the beloved Keg Tapping Ceremony. While Oktoberfest caters to adults, it’s also a family-friendly event. The Kinderplatz area offers kid-focused activities, including a professional clown and climbing wall. Before you polka out, grab a bratwurst, a beer, and hit the vendor stands to get your hands on some traditional German crafts, artwork, and attire.

Harvest on the Harbor – Portland, Maine

If your idea of a festival revolves around food and drinks, then head to Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, ME. The annual event is a foodie haven, showcasing the region’s rich culinary scene. It also features local spirits, craft beer, and wine. Set for the middle of October, the festival is composed of multiple special events. While each provides a unique offering, you won’t want to miss the Chef + Farmer Harvest Dinner, the Oysterfest, or the Market Brunch.

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival – Laconia, New Hampshire

The quaint, idyllic town of Laconia, NH, attracts guests year-round for its mesmerizing lake scenery and lush forests. Yet, its fall festival brings in the biggest crowds — over 40,000 people. The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is a well-rounded event, offering something for all ages. It’s also one of the few pet-friendly fall festivals in the U.S.

Spanning numerous blocks in downtown Laconia, the greatest challenge is making sure you catch all the must-see attractions. The Tower of Jack-o-Lanterns is an icon of the festival, and while it’s eye-catching during the day, it’s truly breathtaking at night. The larger-than-life structure stands over 30 feet tall and features thousands of carved pumpkins. Other popular festival landmarks include the beer garden and Jumpin’ Jack Car Show. There are also numerous food and craft vendors, kid-friendly carnival rides, and horse-drawn hayrides.

Ellicottville Fall Festival – Ellicottville, New York

Ellicottville, NY, offers some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country. The hilly countryside surrounding the village is transformed into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow to provide the ideal picturesque background for an autumn-themed event. Even though the town is only home to 1,500 residents, it hosts the oldest and largest festival in the state.

Typically held the second weekend in October, the Ellicottville Fall Festival ticks all the boxes of a perfect small-town fair. There are numerous street vendors offerings crafts, art, and food. There are also carnival rides, live performances, a 5K run, and even a mountain bike race. While all these events are excellent from the ground, they’re even better from the sky as there are ski lift rides available throughout the weekend.

Fall Into Autumn With Affordable Bus Travel

Autumn doesn’t truly begin until you’ve made it to a festival. Fortunately, traveling affordably to the best fall festivals across America is a breeze with BusTickets.com. With our user-friendly price comparison tool, you find the most affordable rates for your needs every time. The crisp air of fall is right around the corner, so what are you waiting for? Book your fall festival bus tickets today!

References

https://www.coconutgrovepumpkinpatch.com/
https://www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com/
https://harvestontheharbor.com/
https://www.nhpumpkinfestival.com/
https://www.ellicottvilleny.com/events/2019/10/fall-festival