From apple picking to leaves changing, fall means a lot of things. It’s not all about pumpkins and trick or treating. It’s a time to visit a festival and enjoy the new season. If you are ready to head outdoors, check out our top picks of great fall festivals around the U.S.
Jazz Festival, Boston, September 26
This free jazz festival draws in thousands of people each year. This year’s theme is “Jazz: The Voice of the People”. The event spans across six blocks and features music on three stages, arts, crafts, concessions and activities for the kids. The festivities kick off at noon on September 26 and end at 6 p.m.
National Apple Harvest Festival, Arendtsville, October 3-4 and 10-11
This is the 51st year Arendtsville, Pennsylvania has been hosting the National Apple Harvest Festival. Almost everything about this festival is themed around apples including orchard tours, apple related contests and food. There’s also a petting zoo, antique cars and steam engines. This event is suitable for the whole family.
Harvest On The Harbor, Portland, October 21-25
Each year Harvest On The Harbor takes place in Maine. It’s a time of food, fun and a lot of wine! Visitors can sample some of their favorite bubbly and take in an epicurean presentation. Some of the top chefs in Maine will be on hand to cook up some dishes that feature locally grown ingredients.
Wine & Chile Fiesta, Santa Fe, September 23-27
This festival features food and wine samplings from some of the area’s top restaurants. One of the bigger events is actually the finally to this festival, The Grand Tasting. It occurs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on September 27 and sells out every year.
Trailing Of The Sheep, Ketchum and Hailey, October 7-11
If you find yourself in Idaho in the beginning of October, this is one festival that you should definitely try to attend. It celebrates the sheep herding history of the West in quite a fun way. There are so many things to do here including watching the dance and music performances, the big sheep parade or the many weaving and spinning demonstrations. There are also many local artisans on hand selling a variety of goods, including one of a kind quilts.
Do you have any fall festivals that you love? With the weather starting to cool down, it’s a great time to head outdoors and enjoy a festival near you! Trips are sold out for this year, but keep in mind there are some amazing fall foliage tours and cruises available throughout New England.
