Fall festivals 2025 across the U.S. celebrate everything from pecans to pumpkins, highlighting local produce, music and art. From harvest celebrations to music events, autumn brings thousands of gatherings celebrating the season’s bounty, culture, and community. Whether you’re searching for free events nearby or planning a trip to experience iconic regional celebrations, this guide covers must-visit autumn festivals from Georgia to New York. Here’s your complete guide to the best fall festivals in the US and seasonal events.
Why Autumn Festivals Are America’s Favorite Seasonal Tradition
Apple-picking, jack-o-lanterns, artisan foods, whatever the theme, nothing says fall like a local festival. These seasonal celebrations combine traditions with regional culture, offering families and travelers unique experiences that showcase local flavors, crafts, and entertainment. From October harvest celebrations to September music events, these gatherings bring communities together and attract visitors from across the country.
Top Fall Music Festivals 2025
Music festivals offer cooler temperatures and incredible lineups without summer’s crowds. Here are the top events to add to your calendar:
Austin City Limits Music Festival (Austin, Texas) October 3-5 & 10-12, 2025. One of America’s premier autumn music events, featuring rock, indie, country, and electronic acts across Zilker Park.
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (New Orleans, Louisiana) Late October 2025. This Halloween weekend festival combines music, art, and New Orleans culture with top headliners.
Louder Than Life (Louisville, Kentucky) September 25-28, 2025. The world’s largest rock festival showcases hard rock and metal acts alongside bourbon and culinary experiences.
Desert Daze (Lake Perris, California) October 9-12, 2025. A psychedelic music and arts festival featuring indie, rock, and electronic artists in a stunning outdoor setting.
Regional Autumn Celebrations Worth Traveling For
Fall Festivals Georgia
A big list of 95-plus fairs and festivals in Georgia. The peach state comes alive with festivities beginning in September and running through November.
Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay) October 11-12 & 18-19, 2025. Georgia’s official apple festival features apple products, crafts, and mountain entertainment.
Georgia National Fair (Perry) October 2-12, 2025. One of the largest events Georgia hosts, with rides, livestock shows, concerts, and agricultural exhibits.
Fall Festivals Atlanta Area
Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade (Atlanta) October 18, 2025. A highlight featuring costume contests, live music, and quirky vendors.
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival September-October 2025. Family-friendly event with pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and seasonal activities.
Fall Festivals New York City
Kick off autumn at these NYC celebrations, including Corn Fest, the Feast of San Gennaro, Atlantic Antic, and more.
Feast of San Gennaro (Manhattan) September 11-21, 2025. New York’s most famous street festival celebrates Italian-American heritage with food, music, and entertainment.
Atlantic Antic Street Festival (Brooklyn) September 28, 2025. Brooklyn’s largest one-day street festival spans a mile along Atlantic Avenue.
Fall Festivals Chicago
Oktoberfest Chicago (Lincoln Avenue) September 19-21, 2025. Chicago’s largest Oktoberfest features authentic German beer, food, and live music.
Chicago Gourmet (Millennium Park) September 26-28, 2025. A premier food and wine festival showcasing Chicago’s culinary excellence.
Fall Festivals Philadelphia
Looking for the biggest and best events and festivals in Philadelphia this season and beyond?
Philly Beer Week October 3-12, 2025. Ten days celebrating Philadelphia’s craft beer scene with tastings, special releases, and events.
Philadelphia Folk Festival August 14-17, 2025. While technically late summer, this music festival kicks off the season.
Fall Festivals Houston
Circle these dates for 75+ of this season’s biggest events coming to Greater Houston, showcasing music, art, food, cultures, and more.
Texas Renaissance Festival (Todd Mission) October 4-December 1, 2025 (weekends). America’s largest Renaissance festival near Houston features jousting, entertainment, and period vendors.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo While primarily a spring event, rodeo events occur throughout Harris County.
Fall Festivals Massachusetts
The Big E (West Springfield) September 12-28, 2025. New England’s Great State Fair features all six New England states with rides, shows, and regional foods.
Topsfield Fair October 3-13, 2025. America’s oldest county fair celebrates agricultural heritage with livestock shows and traditional fair attractions.
Fall Festivals New Jersey
New Jersey State Fair at Sussex County Farm & Horse Show August 1-10, 2025. While starting in summer, this festival bridges into the season.
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival October 11-12, 2025. Celebrating New Jersey’s cranberry heritage in the Pine Barrens.
Fall Festivals Maryland
Maryland Renaissance Festival (Annapolis area) August 23-October 19, 2025 (weekends). One of the nation’s largest Renaissance festivals features entertainment, crafts, and medieval revelry.
Autumn Glory Festival (Oakland) October 9-12, 2025. Western Maryland’s premier celebration of mountain heritage and foliage.
Fall Festivals Long Island
Long Island Harvest Events (Huntington) October weekends 2025. Multiple harvest celebrations across Long Island with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides.
Oyster Bay Oyster Festival October 18-19, 2025. Celebrating Long Island’s maritime heritage with seafood, music, and entertainment.
Fall Festivals Orlando
There will be free park & ride and admission. Central Florida hosts numerous events despite warm weather.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival July 31-November 22, 2025. One of Orlando’s longest-running events celebrates global cuisine.
Mount Dora Arts Festival October 25-26, 2025. Fine arts festival in historic downtown Mount Dora near Orlando.
Fall Festivals Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Arts Festival September 2025. Celebrating Pittsburgh’s artistic community with local artisans and performers.
Deutschtown Music Festival July into season 2025. Free outdoor music festival in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood.
Fall Festivals Tampa
Tampa Bay Harvest Festival October 2025. Celebrating autumn with family activities, food vendors, and entertainment.
Guavaween (Ybor City) October 25, 2025. Tampa’s Halloween street festival features costumes, live music, and Latin-inspired celebrations.
Fall Festivals Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jazz Festival Late September/Early October 2025. Free downtown festival celebrating jazz and American music heritage.
Riverside Arts Market Every Saturday through the season under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Fall Festivals Kansas City
American Royal World Series of Barbecue September 2025. The world’s largest barbecue competition attracts competitors and food enthusiasts to Kansas City.
Plaza Art Fair September 26-28, 2025. One of the nation’s premier outdoor art fairs on the Country Club Plaza.
Finding Free Events Near You
Many celebrations offer free admission or free-to-attend components. Check local tourism websites, community calendars, and social media for nearby free events. Many small-town harvest celebrations, pumpkin patches with free entry, and community gatherings offer affordable family entertainment throughout autumn.
Store Your Bags with Radical Storage During Autumn Festivals
Traveling to seasonal events across the US? Don’t let luggage slow you down. Radical Storage offers secure, affordable bag storage in major cities hosting top celebrations. Whether you’re attending events in NYC, Chicago, or exploring Atlanta, store your bags for just $7.90 per day with up to $4,500 coverage.
Find Radical Storage locations nationwide in cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, and more. Explore celebrations hands-free and enjoy autumn without worrying about your belongings.
Planning Your Seasonal Event Trip
Book accommodations early: Popular events sell out hotels quickly, especially during peak foliage season in New England and mountain regions.
Check weather: Autumn weather varies dramatically across the US. Pack layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Purchase tickets in advance: Many music events offer early-bird pricing and sell out before the event.
Plan transportation: Large celebrations may have parking challenges. Consider rideshares or public transit.
Bring cash: Many vendors prefer cash, though card options are increasingly common.
What to Expect at Autumn Celebrations
Seasonal events typically feature foods like apple cider, pumpkin treats, and regional specialties. Live music ranges from local bands to major headliners at music events. Arts and crafts vendors showcase handmade goods, while children’s activities include pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and corn mazes. Many incorporate agricultural demonstrations, livestock shows, and harvest celebrations reflecting regional traditions.
Top Tips for Enjoying Seasonal Events
Arrive early to beat crowds and secure parking. Wear comfortable walking shoes as events often span large outdoor areas. Bring reusable water bottles and sunscreen even in autumn weather. Download event apps or maps to navigate efficiently. Support local vendors and artisans who make these community gatherings special.
Autumn brings unforgettable experiences celebrating America’s diverse regional cultures and traditions. From music events to harvest celebrations and cultural gatherings, there’s a perfect celebration waiting for you this season.