5 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the U.S. You Shouldn’t Miss

Fall is here, and with it comes crisp air, colorful leaves, and an abundance of harvest festivals that celebrate the season. Whether you’re into pumpkin carving, apple cider, or cozying up by a bonfire, fall festivals across the United States offer fun for everyone. Here are the five best fall festivals you won’t want to miss this season, perfect for family adventures or just soaking up autumn vibes!

The National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, Pennsylvania

• When: First two weekends of October

• Cost: $12 for adults, free for kids under 12

• Family-Friendly Factor: Hayrides, apple bobbing, pony rides, and orchard tours provide endless family-friendly fun.

• Food Highlight: Hot, freshly fried apple fritters

• Getting There: Located 30 minutes from Gettysburg and 2 hours from Washington, D.C. If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is Harrisburg International Airport, which is an hour away.

• Distance from Major City: 140 miles from Washington, D.C.

Celebrate autumn in the heart of apple country at the National Apple Harvest Festival. Held in the beautiful hills of Biglerville, it’s filled with apple everything—delicious apple treats, crafts, live music, and tractor rides. It's the perfect place to enjoy small-town charm and crisp fall weather with family. Don’t forget to grab a warm apple dumpling or cider!

Pumpkin Show – Circleville, Ohio

• When: Mid-October

• Cost: Free admission

• Family-Friendly Factor: Kids will love the pumpkin pie-eating contest, the pet parade, and carnival rides.

• Food Highlight: Try the pumpkin chili for a savory twist on a classic dish.

• Getting There: Circleville is a 30-minute drive from Columbus, Ohio. If you’re flying, John Glenn Columbus International Airport is the closest airport.

• Distance from Major City: 30 miles from Columbus, Ohio

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is a pumpkin lover’s dream! This classic fall festival showcases everything from giant pumpkins to the tastiest pumpkin pies and sweets. With parades, carnival rides, and contests, it's a fun way to celebrate the season with a festive, community vibe. Plus, you’ll never forget the sight of the enormous pumpkin tower!

Harvest on the Harbor – Portland, Maine

• When: Late October

• Cost: Event tickets range from $50-$100 depending on the tasting or dinner you attend

• Family-Friendly Factor: While more adult-focused due to its culinary nature, some daytime events are suitable for families, with cooking demos and tastings available.

• Food Highlight: Don’t miss the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition.

• Getting There: Portland is about a 2-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts. Fly into Portland International Jetport, located just 10 minutes from the city center.

• Distance from Major City: 108 miles from Boston, Massachusetts

For foodies, Harvest on the Harbor in Portland is the ultimate fall getaway. Set on the beautiful Maine waterfront, this festival offers an unforgettable tasting experience of fresh local seafood, farm-to-table delights, craft brews, and wine. It’s a gourmet celebration of the region’s flavors, perfect for couples or friends who love good food and great views.

North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival – Whiteville, North Carolina

• When: Early November

• Cost: Free admission

• Family-Friendly Factor: Kids will enjoy the classic car show, carnival rides, and crafting booths.

• Food Highlight: Be sure to grab a slice of pecan pie and try the pecan pralines.

• Getting There: Whiteville is about an hour’s drive from Wilmington, North Carolina. The nearest major airport is Wilmington International Airport.

• Distance from Major City: 63 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina

Get a taste of Southern hospitality at the North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival in Whiteville. Celebrate all things pecan with local treats, a charming parade, live music, and a street fair. It's a fun, laid-back event for all ages, with that down-home feeling only small-town festivals can deliver.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Hudson Valley, New York

• When: September through November

• Cost: Tickets range from $24-$44, depending on the date and time. Kids under 2 are free.

• Family-Friendly Factor: Walk through illuminated pumpkin tunnels and marvel at the life-sized pumpkin dinosaurs, making it a perfect family adventure.

• Food Highlight: Enjoy pumpkin-themed snacks like pumpkin donuts and warm apple cider as you wander through the glowing grounds.

• Getting There: Located 40 miles north of New York City, this event is easily accessible by train (Metro-North Railroad) or car from the city. The nearest airport is Westchester County Airport, about 30 minutes away.

• Distance from Major City: 40 miles from New York City

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley is pure Halloween magic! Walk through stunning displays of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins glowing in intricate designs, from spooky scenes to seasonal artwork. It’s a mesmerizing experience for all ages, set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Hudson Valley. Perfect for a unique fall outing!

Ready to Plan Your Fall Adventure?

These festivals offer a perfect way to experience the magic of fall, from pumpkin patches to apple orchards, all while enjoying local food and seasonal activities. If you’re ready to plan your fall getaway, I’m here to help! Whether you’re looking for travel tips, accommodation recommendations, or detailed itineraries, let me help you make the most of your fall festival experience.