Where are the best fall festivals in the US

September 4, 2026 - Vacations - by Austin Fido

Whether you're taking advantage of last-minute travel deals or planning a bucket-list vacation, America's fall festivals are reliably among the year's best travel options. This selection includes food festivals, regional highlights, and even a sample festival road trip.

Fall Food Fests

Seasonal festivals are often centered around seasonal foods. Fall festivals do not disappoint in this regard. Here are three classic autumnal festivals that'll give you a delicious taste of the season.

Circleville Pumpkin Show | Circleville, Ohio

Considered Ohio's oldest festival, the Circleville Pumpkin Show is billed as the 'Greatest Free Show on Earth." Held annually on the third Wednesday through Saturday of October, the festival features parades, beauty pageants, live music, and a wide selection of pumpkin-based treats and activities, including the giant pumpkin weigh-in.

Helen Oktoberfest | Helen, Georgia

The USA's longest-running Oktoberfest is in a small town (population: 531) in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Helen is famous for its Alpine architecture and German shops and restaurants. From mid-September through early November, the town's Oktoberfest serves hearty helpings of German food, beer, and music.

AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain | Princeton, Massachusetts

For two weekends in October, New England's Wachusett Mountain hosts a crafter's market, live music, daily magic and circus shows, and an abundance of apple-related dishes and delights. While visiting AppleFest, take in the incredible views of fall foliage from the SkyRide, Wachusett Mountain's scenic chairlift.

Regional Stars

The range of fall festivals reaches far beyond seasonal celebrations of food and drink. If you're scanning for last-minute travel deals, consider whether your options align with one of these special events from around the USA.

Northeast: Head of the Charles Regatta | Boston, Massachusetts

On the third weekend in October, the rowing world turns its attention to Boston for the world's largest three-day rowing event. The Head of the Charles Regatta attracts more than 12,000 elite rowers and 300,000 spectators to a three-mile stretch of the Charles River, connecting Boston and Cambridge.

Midwest: Parke County Covered Bridge Festival | Parke County, Indiana

Billed as Indiana's largest festival, the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival celebrates Parke County's 31 historic covered bridges with a county-wide series of celebrations across 10 locations. The festival is spread over 10 days in October, which is an ideal excuse to explore Indiana in the fall.

South: Austin City Limits | Austin, Texas

Split across two three-day weekends in October, Austin City Limits has ballooned into one of the USA's most significant music festivals. The festival attracts around 75,000 people per day for a top-tier music and arts extravaganza. 

West: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, New Mexico

From magical sunrise ascensions to stunning glowing night flights, the world's largest hot-air balloon festival is an annual sensation in Albuquerque. Held every year in October. 

Take a Fall Festivals Road Trip

For the truly committed fall festival connoisseur, it's possible to plan a road trip encompassing multiple festivals. For example, here's an itinerary for a tour of Northeastern November festivals:

Early November: New York City Marathon | New York, New York

NYC typically starts November with its annual festival of running, the famous New York City Marathon.

Mid-November: Longwood Gardens Chrysanthemum Festival | Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

An outstanding display of floral artistry at Pennsylvania's Longwood Gardens. 

Late November: Thanksgiving Parades | Plymouth, Massachusetts and New York City, New York

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, witness America's only historically accurate Thanksgiving parade, starting at Plymouth Rock. Then head to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.