8 Fall Festivals Worth Traveling For

Everyone loves summer, the smell of sunscreen, fresh cut grass, staying up late to watch fireworks, and long summer days. There is so much to love about summer. But there is something special and cozy about seeing the leaves change colors and pulling out the crewnecks from last year. Whether you're excited about fall crafting, eating everything with a little bit of pumpkin in it, or the cooler weather, there is really no wrong way to welcome in the cozy season.

Here is a guide to help you and your family make choosing the right fall festivals super easy. Some are more tailored to fall fruit, and leaves changing colors, while others zero in on Halloween and some ghouly fun!

We've found a wide range of festivals that are worth the travel for you and your family. Plus, using your CultureMiles can help give you discounts on hotels/airbnbs in the area.

1. International Balloon Fiesta

   • Where: Albuquerqe, New Mexico

   • When: October 3rd-11th 2026

   • What To Expect: A nine day experience full of massive morning and evening balloon events. The Dawn Patrol features pilots flying in the dark right before sunrise around 6:00 AM to check wind and weather. Mass ascension is hundreds of the colorful hot air balloons launch in coordinated waves starting around 7AM, completely filling the morning sky. The evening sessions feature balloons lighting up burners against the dark sky, followed by fireworks and laser or drone shows. A great festival for families, but keep in mind that Tuesday-Thursday will have smaller crowds.

2. Circleville Pumpkin Show

   • Where: Circleville, Ohio

   • When: October 21st-24th 2026

   • What To Expect: Giant pumpkins, hundreds of pumpkin-themed food booths, parades, contests, and dozens of carnival rides and games.

3. National Apple Harvest Festival

   • Where: Biglerville, PA

   • When: October 3-4 & 10-11, 2026

   • What To Expect: Hay rides, apple art, 300+ arts and crafts vendors, free live entertainment, scarecrow making, old fashioned game, magic shows, and so much more.

4. Pumpkin Nights/Fall Harvest Festivals

   • Many cities/towns have local pumpkin nights/fall festivals. Find something close to you, or within a few hour drive to do something fun during fall! This is a great way to be a "tourist" in your own town!

5. Austin City Limits Music Festival

   • Where: Austin Texas

   • When: October 2-4 & 9-11, 2026

   • What To Expect: A two week music festival starting at 12pm until 10pm everyday of the festival, featuring Twenty One Pilots, Charli XCX, Lorde, Geese, Kings of Leon, and many more artists!

6. New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

   • Where: Loon Mountain Resort, New Hampshire

   • When: September 18-20, 2026

   • What To Expect: "Our 3-day festival includes live music, Highland Dance, heavy athletics competitions, sheep dog trials, demonstrations, pageantry, massed bands and more. Try-It classes all day long in street curling, stone lifting, and more. Sign up for a seminar and explore topics ranging from Scottish cooking to genealogy. Fun for all ages with special kids programming and opportunities to shop in Vendor Village."

7. Cranberry Harvest Festivals

   • There are many cranberry harvest festivals around the US. Just to name a few, theres one in Bandon, Oregon (September 12-13), Warrens, Wisconsin (September 25-27), Eagle River, Wisconsin (October 3-4), and Wareham/Cape Cod, Massachusetts (October 10-11). Each of these festivals have fun cranberry-themed events, contests, and activities the whole family would love!

8. Oktoberfest

   • This is another popular event with multiple locations around the United States. The most popular few Oktoberfest celebrations are Cincinnati, Ohio; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Helen, Georgia; Mt. Angel, Oregon; and Denver Colorado. All of these festival locations feature authentic food, German music, and dancing.

Travel isn't just about where you go. It's about what you experience when you get there. From local food and music to centuries-old traditions and new family memories, fall festivals offer a chance to experience something different-and CultureMiles makes it easier for employees to make those experiences part of their lives.