Fall in North America is a symphony of nature’s grand finale. As summer’s verdant heat surrenders to crisp air, a kaleidoscope of colors paints the landscapes. This transformation becomes the backdrop for a uniquely North American tradition: the fall festival.
These vibrant celebrations are more than just pumpkin spice lattes and hayrides; they’re a chance to revel in the harvest bounty, embrace autumnal traditions, and explore hidden corners of the continent in a blaze of fiery foliage.
Buckle up and crank up the autumn tunes, because we’re embarking on a road trip odyssey to some of the most captivating fall festivals in the United States and Canada.
Fall Festivals in New England
Our journey begins in the iconic Northeast, where New England boasts a reputation for fall foliage that’s as legendary as its lobster rolls.
Let’s start in Vermont, the undisputed champion of leaf-peeping. The quaint town of Newfane plays host to the Newfane Heritage Festival, a weekend extravaganza of homemade apple pie, arts and crafts, live music, and raffles, all set against spectacular fall foliage.
Looking for some classic Halloween fun? Then you’ll have to check out New Hampshire’s Laconia Pumpkin Festival. Featuring a 34-foot tall pumpkin tower, a pet costume parade, line dancing, and plenty of local treats to eat, this family-friendly festival is a good old-fashioned celebration of Halloween in beautiful lakeside Laconia.
Continuing our foliage tour, we arrive in Maine, the home of the popular Fryeburg Fair located in Fryeburg. This fair has celebrated Maine’s agricultural roots since 1851. From tractor pull competitions to livestock exhibits, carnival rides to specialty food vendors, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant festival.
KOAs nearby:
Brattleboro North KOA Journey
Lake Bomoseen KOA Holiday
Strafford / Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA Holiday
Lincoln / Woodstock KOA Holiday
Chocorua KOA Holiday
Naples KOA Holiday
Freeport / Durham KOA Holiday
Fall Festivals in New York
If you’re headed to the Empire State, consider heading to the Flaming Leaves Festival for a unique blend of spectacular fall foliage and incredible athleticism. This year, the Festival features the US Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships, meaning you can enjoy live music and local food as elite ski jumpers soar overhead.
Looking to sample frosty ales this fall? Then you should check out Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest tucked in the Catskills. For three weekends in October, enjoy incredible autumnal views while sipping craft beers and listening to live music. Don’t miss specialty contests like keg rolling and stein holding, as well as SkyRides to get an eagle-eye view on the all the fall foliage!
KOAs nearby:
Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday
Tupper Lake KOA Holiday
Catskill Mountains / Gilboa KOA Holiday
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
Fall Festivals in The Midwest
As we head west, the landscape transforms into rolling plains and patchwork fields. The spirit of the harvest takes center stage in the Midwest, where fall festivals often celebrate the bounty of the earth.
Journey to Ohio, where the Circleville Pumpkin Show takes the cake (or should we say, pie?) as the self-proclaimed “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” Witness the crowning of the Grand Pumpkin, marvel at intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns, and indulge in all things pumpkin, from delectable pies to savory soups.
Head next to Evansville, Indiana for the Westside Nut Club Fall Festival. This wacky and wonderful festival has plenty of your usual fair foods and rides, but also unique events like amateur talent shows and a pet parade.
And for all our vintage and thrift lovers, you’ll have to check out Junkstock in Waterloo, Nebraska. Set on a 170-acre historic farm, this twice-yearly festival is a fusion of secondhand treasures, live music, and delicious fall treats.
KOAs nearby:
Lake Logan KOA Journey
Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
Grayville / I-64 KOA Holiday
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Fall Festivals in The South
Heading south, we encounter a different kind of autumnal allure. The crisp mountain air and vibrant foliage of the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for fall festivals in the southern United States.
Nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina’s Apple Harvest Festival in Hendersonville offers a celebration of all things apple. Sample fresh apple cider, witness traditional cider pressing demonstrations, and indulge in delectable apple-based treats, from fritters to pies.
Further south in Hiawassee, Georgia hosts the Georgia Fall Festival. Snack on all your fair food favorites (funnel cake, anyone?) while exploring local vendors and Georgia history. Their Pioneer Village brings 19th century mountain town history to life with demonstrations in blacksmithing and moonshining.
KOAs nearby:
Asheville West KOA Holiday
Asheville East KOA Holiday
Hiawassee KOA Holiday
Blue Ridge / Toccoa River KOA Holiday
Fall Festivals in The Southwest
While autumn may look a little different in the Southwest, there’s still plenty of activities and events to plan a trip around! As summer turns to fall and the heat begins to lessen, it’s the perfect time to visit an outdoor festival.
For a taste of the New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, head to Santa Fe for the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. This vibrant celebration blends the region’s renowned chile peppers with the burgeoning wine industry, offering flavorful food pairings, cooking demonstrations, and lively music.
For a fall festival with a local focus, visit the Arizona Fall Festival in Phoenix. Showcasing local businesses from across the Grand Canyon State, this festival is a great way to learn more about Arizona’s multi-faceted community. Bring the pups to this one – well behaved dogs are more than welcome!
KOAs nearby:
Santa Fe KOA Holiday
Las Vegas, New Mexico KOA Journey
Albuquerque North / Bernalillo KOA Journey
Mesa/Apache Junction KOA Journey
Fall Festivals in The Pacific Northwest
For a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s harvest bounty, head to Washington state’s Bellingham Seafest. This two-day festival celebrates the maritime history and culture of Bellingham in late September. While the incredible seafood bounty is a major attraction for foodies, the festival’s boat tours, maritime demonstrations, and live music draws thousands of attendees to Squalicum Harbor.
Pumpkin fans don’t want to miss the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin, Oregon. This unique fall weekend is all about that beautiful winter squash. Costumed competitors attempt to paddle around a lake in giant, hollowed-out gourds. On land, there’s pumpkin bowling, face painting, pumpkin painting, and a kid’s costume parade. This family-friendly event is a can’t-miss!
KOAs nearby:
Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey
Burlington / Anacortes KOA Holiday
Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA Holiday
Albany / Corvallis KOA Journey
Fall Festivals Across The U.S.
Thrill-seekers can get their fix at the Halloween Horror Nights at various Universal Studios theme parks across the US. Here, elaborately themed haunted houses, scare zones populated by costumed characters, and thrilling live shows provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for those who crave a good scare.
Fall Festivals in Canada
Our road trip wouldn’t be complete without venturing north of the border. Canada offers a unique blend of European traditions and North American exuberance, making its fall festivals a delightful exploration.
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is Canada’s largest wine festival. While wine tasting is a large part of this festival’s activities (over 100 Niagara-area wines are offered!), other fun events include grape stomping, a parade, and live music. This spirited festival is a celebration of the area’s well-known grape production.
For a taste of French Canadian culture, head to Montreal for the Fête des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival). This lively celebration in the historic district of Old Montreal features wine tastings, live music, and street performers, all set against the backdrop of the city’s enchanting European architecture.
KOAs nearby:
Niagara Falls KOA Holiday
Niagara Falls North / Lewiston KOA Journey
Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday
Montreal South KOA Journey
Beyond the Festivals: Embracing the Fall Spirit
While the festivals are the stars of the show, the true magic of a fall road trip lies in the journey itself.
Take detours on scenic byways, stopping at charming roadside farm stands overflowing with fresh produce. Hike through vibrant forests, the crunch of leaves underfoot a symphony of autumn. Cozy up in historic inns adorned with festive decorations and savor seasonal dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
Planning Your Perfect Fall Festival Road Trip
With so many festivals and destinations to choose from, planning your fall festival road trip can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable adventure:
- Pick your theme: Are you seeking a quintessential New England foliage experience or a celebration of regional cuisine? Choosing a theme will help narrow down your choices and create a cohesive itinerary.
- Research dates and locations: Fall festivals are spread out over several weekends throughout the autumn season. Research festival dates and locations to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Embrace spontaneity: Leave room for unexpected discoveries! Detour down a scenic byway, or stop at a roadside pumpkin patch for a spontaneous dose of fall fun.
- Pack for the weather: Fall weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to pack layers of clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain jacket to adapt to any conditions.
Also keep in mind that hundreds of KOAs across the U.S. and Canada offer their own selection of fall events and activities you’ll definitely want to check out. No matter where or how you camp, there’s sure to be a KOA with fun things planned along the way.
A fall festival road trip is more than just checking destinations off a list. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, celebrate the harvest season, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
As you navigate winding roads adorned with fiery foliage, savor the crisp autumn air, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of fall festivals, you’ll discover that the journey itself is just as rewarding as the final stop.
So, pack your car, crank up the tunes, and get ready to chase the colors and embrace the spirit of fall on an unforgettable road trip odyssey.
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
