PC Guide: Fall Festivals to Put on Your List

And just like that—pool days are winding down, the kids are heading back to school, and the evenings are carrying a lingering, crisp chill—or not quite yet, depending where you are. Though summer went as fast as it came, there’s no denying the thrill of watching the leaves change, spotting bright orange pumpkins in grocery store parking lots, and best of all, fall festivals.

From locals living right around the corner to travelers passing through, fall festivals are the perfect way to spend your weekends and welcome the changing seasons. These gatherings are all about coming together and celebrating different cuisines, craftsmanship, and cultures as the year winds down.  

Whether you’re looking to toast with a cold beer, indulge in some BBQ, or experience something entirely unique, we’ve rounded up some of the most notable fall festivals across the country. 

Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival

September 12 - September 13 | Temple, TX

The inaugural Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival will bring together world-class country music and award-winning barbecue. Alongside performances from Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers Band, The Wilder Blue, Jack Ingram, and more, the festival will showcase over a dozen elite pitmasters—including eight recently honored on Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50 BBQ List. From Texas brisket to Carolina pork and Kansas City burnt ends, fans can savor a true cross-country BBQ experience. Tickets and exclusive BBQ experiences are on sale now

at www.TanglefootTX.com

The Great American Beer Festival 

October 9 - October 11 | Denver, CO

Often described as the “Super Bowl of beer,” The Great American Beer Festival, or GABF—as the locals say—has been a long standing tradition for beer lovers since 1982. The festival features thousands of craft beers from breweries from all over the map. If you’re a beer enthusiast looking to branch out—or confirm your favorite beverage—this is a must-try. And if beer isn’t your go-to, GABF is offering a new Distilling Experience to showcase a special selection of spirits that’s new this year. 

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 

October 4 - October 12 | Albuquerque, NM

Most fall festivals usually revolve around good food, tasty drinks, and live tunes—but Albuquerque's most notable festival is taking things to new heights. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest and most renowned hot-air balloon festival in the world, drapes the sky in hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons for hundreds of thousands of attendees. Beyond the balloons, there’s live music, artisan vendors, drone light shows, and more. There’s a party on the ground while there’s a show in the sky. 

Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival

October 17- October 19  | Glastonbury, CT

If you’re around the area—or up for the drive—and love all things apples, the Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival is a must-see. This beloved fall celebration brings in both locals and tourists, centering on everything apple, while still serving up ferris wheels, lively crowds, colorful lights, and that cozy fall-festival spirit. But it’s about more than just the fruit—this festival echoes Glastonbury’s deep Connecticut Valley roots, with local history and rustic charm.  

Oktoberfest

October weekends  | Leavenworth, WA

You don’t have to travel to Germany to experience classic Bavarian charm—just head to Leavenworth, Washington. This town transforms into a festive Bavarian village each fall to celebrate one of the most well-known beer celebrations. For three weekends in October, enjoy local brews, bratwurst, and live music in a lively blend of German tradition and alpine charm. With the Cascade Mountains as a stunning backdrop, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is a must-visit destination this fall. 

Austin City Limits 

First two weekends of October | Austin, TX

ACL—or Austin City Limits Music Festival—launched in the early 2000s, but has grown into one of the country’s most recognized festivals. Picture a pulsating crowd under a vibrant Austin sky, grooving to chart-topping artists all weekend long. From pop and electronic to rock–and everything in between—ACL is the perfect way to kick off your fall festivities. And ACL features local food, drinks, and sweets to give you a little slice of the city. 

West Tisbury Farmers Market 

Until October 25  | West Tisbury, MA

Known as Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest open air market, the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market is brimming with charm, class, and a ton of history. The market was originally organized by Island farmers because of the Great Depression. 40 years later it was revived by an eclectic group of free spirits, Yankees, and a couple of English teachers. Today, you can stroll through the brightly colored tents overflowing with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more—either to get a few things or to just take in the village-fair vibe. 

Bentonville Farmers Market 

Until October 25  | Bentonville, AR

If you’re after local produce, homemade treats, and a healthy dose of small-town charm, the Bentonville Farmers Market in Arkansas delivers. Held right in the heart of Downtown Bentonville Square, this market transforms the streets into a lively hub of color and conversation. Stalls have everything from sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant to fresh-baked bread and handcrafted jewelry. Every vendor is local, which means every bite, bloom, and hand-made good is one-of-a-kind. 

Oregon Shakespeare Festival 

Until October 26  | Ashland, OR

If you’re asking, ‘Wherefore art thou, Romeo?’—chances are he’s in Ashland at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Well… probably not, but you could be. This long-running festival is famous for their dramatic performances of Shakespearean classics and contemporary works across three distinct stages. With shows running nearly year-round, it’s the perfect mix of culture, history, and a show. And yes, they also picked up a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre back in 1983, a testament to their excellence and impact. 

Fayetteville Farmers Market

Until November 22  | Fayetteville, AK

Known as the “Crown Jewel of Fayetteville,” the Fayetteville Farmers Market is consistently ranked among the top small-town markets in the country. It’s all about celebrating local vendors, an outdoorsy spirit, and that unmistakable front-porch friendliness. With more than 100 producers spanning 60 miles of Fayetteville, you can browse fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and homemade crafts—buying straight from the hands that made or grew it. 

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About the Author

Chloe Castain is a dynamic writer and content creator who recently earned her degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina. During her time at USC, she honed her reporting and storytelling skills, contributing to both student publications and professional outlets. Chloe has made an impact as a news journalist while also flourishing as a content creator within the high-speed world of NASCAR. Her versatile portfolio spans in-depth reporting, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling. Chloe is also a respected contributor to Palomino County magazine, where her insightful pieces reflect her passion for community-focused storytelling and her evolving voice in contemporary journalism.