When fall arrives, the air gets cooler, the leaves start changing colors, and fall festivals in the US start bringing people together. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of Halloween haunts, the joy of pumpkin picking, or the warmth of harvest celebrations, 2025 promises an array of unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top fall festivals to mark on your calendar this year.

1. Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival – Austin, Texas

Dates: October 3 – 5 & October 10 – 12, 2025

ACL Fest takes place right in the heart of Texas and has become one of the biggest music events around. This year, ACL Fest is bringing huge acts like Hozier, Luke Combs, The Strokes, and The Killers. But the festival isn’t only about the concerts, you can eat some really good food, check out cool art, and even find fun things for the whole family to do.

2. West Side Nut Club Fall Festival – Evansville, Indiana

Dates: October 5 – 11, 2025

Known as one of the largest street festivals in the U.S., this event attracts over 200,000 visitors with its carnival rides, food booths, and live entertainment. It’s a quintessential autumn experience in the Midwest. You can find more details about this festival and other top fall events in Indiana for 2025 to help plan your visit.

3. Goombay Festival – Asheville, North Carolina

Dates: September 5 – 7, 2025

Celebrating African and Caribbean cultures, Goombay Festival offers a good mix of music, dance, and cuisine. Held in Pack Square Park, it’s a family friendly event which captures the spirit of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can find more information and plan your visit on Explore Asheville’s guide to fall festivals.

4. State Fair of Virginia – Doswell, Virginia

Dates: September 26 – October 5, 2025

This fall festival has all the classics, deep-fried snacks, fun rides, and farm exhibits. It’s a mix of Virginia’s country traditions and modern-day entertainment which makes it a great spot for all ages. If you’re planning a trip, you can check out this and other fall festivals in Virginia.

5. Vintage Market Days – Kansas City, Missouri

Dates: September 26 – 28, 2025

An artisan market showcasing vintage and vintage inspired furniture, art, decor, clothing, and more. It’s a perfect blend of shopping and seasonal fun with live music and food vendors. You can check the KCUR guide for more details on this and other Kansas City fall festivals in 2025.

6. Wurstfest – New Braunfels, Texas

Dates: November 7 – 16, 2025

A 10 day celebration of German heritage featuring over 40 bands, authentic German food, and cultural performances. It’s a must visit for people who are looking to experience Bavarian traditions in the heart of Texas. You can find more information on Wurstfest 2025 events and tickets to plan your visit.

7. Linvilla Orchards’ Pumpkinland – Media, Pennsylvania

Dates: September 6 – November 2, 2025

A family-friendly destination offering larger-than-life scarecrows, homemade cider donuts, and, of course, a vast selection of pumpkins. It’s a perfect spot for autumn photo ops and seasonal treats. You can explore more details and other fall festivals in Pennsylvania to plan your visit.

This is a great spot for the whole family, with giant scarecrows, fresh cider donuts, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from. It’s perfect for snapping some fall photos and enjoying seasonal treats. You can also check out more details and other fall festivals in Pennsylvania to help plan your visit.

8. National Apple Harvest Festival – Arendtsville, Pennsylvania

Dates: October 4 – 5 & October 11 – 12, 2025

This festival is all about apples. You can pick fresh apples, watch cider being made an enjoy varieties of apple-themed foods and crafts. It’s a fun way for you to dive into the harvest season. For more information on this and other autumn festivals across the U.S. in 2025, check out the comprehensive guide.

9. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dates: October 4 – 12, 2025

It may be best known for its hot air balloons, but the fiesta also has cultural shows, plenty of food, and live music, making it a fun and different kind of fall festival.

10. Cox Farms Fall Festival – Centreville, Virginia

Dates: September 20 – November 9, 2025

A quintessential fall experience with hayrides, slides, rope swings, and a petting farm. It’s a great destination for families looking to enjoy the autumn season.

Conclusion

In the autumn, the US has a lot of festivals that commemorate the harvest, the changing leaves, and the sense of community. From music and food to cultural traditions and family fun, there’s something for everyone. when you plan for fall 2025, think about adding a few of these festivals to your list. From live music and tasty seasonal treats to cultural celebrations and family fun, each one has something special to enjoy. If you’re also looking for ideas beyond festivals, our guide to the Best Solo Travel Destinations for Fall 2025 highlights incredible spots to explore on your own.

Note: Always check the official festival websites for the most up-to-date information on dates, tickets, and health and safety guidelines.