21 Great Fall Festivals

After months of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic, the world is opening up again. As the temperatures drop, the leaves turn brilliant colors and apples and pumpkins ripen, we're ready to have some fun again. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling (shown here at the Billings Farm and Museum Harvest Celebration), hop on a hayride, shop for arts and antiques or quaff a foamy beer at an Oktoberfest. Fall festivals around the country are waiting for you.

Before you go, confirm dates and times to be sure there are no changes or cancellations.

Whether you sail through the clear blue sky or float in a glowing balloon at twilight, the International Balloon Fiesta will make your spirits soar. It lifts off in Albuquerque, "The Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World," in early October. Watch the Dawn Patrol pilots launch their balloons as the first rays of sunlight streak the sky, root for your favorite special-shaped balloon in the rodeo or catch a spirited flying competition. Don't miss the chainsaw carving demos and spectacular fireworks.

Put on your lederhosen and kick up your polka heels on the weekend after Labor Day at the Schmit Oktoberfest in Columbus, Ohio. Then stop to feast on pillowy cream puffs, delicious brats, goulash with spaetzle, frankfurters and sauerkraut and other German delights. Wash everything down with a fine wine or a mug of ale, lager or craft beer. Dozens of arts and crafts vendors will sell their wares in the eclectic Marktplatz; let the kids cavort in the free Kinderplatz area and catch live entertainers performing on three stages. How's your voice? Find out at the yodeling contest.

Bring the kids to the Sea Witch Festival on Halloween weekend and let them fill up their goodie bags along the Trick-or-Treating Trail. This for-all-ages fest runs from downtown Rehoboth Beach into the town of Dewey Beach, onto the coastal highway and into the surrounding resort area. Dress yourself and your pup in costumes and join in a parade, play horseshoes, take a hayride, compete in a broom toss, see magic shows and enjoy other games and live entertainment.