Fall festivals in 2025 are set to be colorful, cozy, and packed with autumn charm. Across the U.S., we’ll find pumpkin festivals, Oktoberfest 2025 celebrations, and harvest festivals that bring communities together in the crisp autumn air. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-on road trip, the best autumn festivals in the USA can be found from coast to coast. 

Sonoma County Harvest Fair | California

Wine country shines in October at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Beyond tastings of award-winning wines, visitors can join grape stomping contests, meet local growers, and explore food pairings that celebrate the season’s bounty. It’s a harvest festival with a California twist.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival | California

The coastline gets a harvest glow each October with the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. This event is famous for its giant gourd contest, with pumpkins tipping the scales at over a ton. Add in local art vendors, music stages, and the salty Pacific breeze, and it’s a West Coast tradition worth the trip.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | New Mexico

This October event is one of the most photographed autumn festivals in the USA. Each morning, hundreds of balloons take to the sky over Albuquerque, painting the desert sunrise in the most brilliant array of colors. Evening “balloon glows” light up the night sky, creating a magical experience that will make you feel like you're worlds away from everyday life.

Circleville Pumpkin Show | Ohio

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the oldest pumpkin festivals in the country. It’s been running since 1903 and takes over downtown Circleville with parades, giant pumpkin weigh-offs, and every pumpkin-themed food you can imagine. From pumpkin donuts to pumpkin pizza, it’s a sweet and savory way to welcome the fall.

Keene Pumpkin Festival | New Hampshire

Few autumn festivals in the States can rival the glow of Keene’s Pumpkin Festival. Thousands of jack-o-lanterns line the town square, creating an atmosphere that feels both festive and magical. Families love to stroll among the displays while enjoying seasonal treats and local performances.

National Apple Harvest Festival | Pennsylvania

Located in Biglerville, just outside Gettysburg, this harvest festival celebrates the apple in every form. Visitors can sip fresh cider, watch apple butter be made over open fires, and browse craft stalls filled with local goods. It’s the kind of festival that feels like stepping into a storybook version of autumn – one filled with apple cider donuts. 

Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival | Pennsylvania

Set in the Pocono Mountains, the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival combines live music, craft vendors, and outdoor adventures. The historic town’s Victorian streets fill with visitors enjoying autumn leaves, scenic train rides, and plenty of seasonal snacks. It’s a festival that highlights culture and the natural beauty of the area.

Autumn Glory Festival | Deep Creek, Maryland

Western Maryland puts on a show each year with the Autumn Glory Festival. The event blends small-town parades, craft shows, and scenic drives through peak foliage season in the Allegheny Mountains. It’s a wonderful harvest festival that captures the beauty of an Appalachian autumn.

Fall for Greenville | South Carolina

This lively street festival fills downtown Greenville every October with music stages, food vendors, and local craft beer. It’s one of the largest autumn festivals in the USA, drawing thousands of people together to sample everything from barbecue to global street food while enjoying those crisp Carolina evenings.

Helen Oktoberfest | Georgia

In the Bavarian-style town of Helen, Georgia, Oktoberfest runs for weeks on end. Guests gather in the riverside festhalle to enjoy German beer, bratwurst, and lively folk dancing. With mountain foliage as the backdrop, it’s a southern spin on Oktoberfest 2025 that combines alpine style with Southern hospitality – and, for a moment, you might even feel like you’ve actually made it to Germany!

Fall Festivals in 2025: A Season to Celebrate

From pumpkin festivals in New England to Oktoberfest 2025 in the South, these colorful events always bring people together with food, music, and tradition. No matter where you go, these fall festivals in 2025 promise golden leaves, warm drinks, and the simple joy of gathering with a community of friends and family.