From Pumpkins to Cranberries: America’s Must-See Fall Festivals

There’s something magical about fall in America — crisp mornings, the scent of apple cider, and weekend adventures that mix local charm with big-time celebration. Across the country, towns large and small mark the season with festivals that celebrate harvest, heritage, and a healthy dose of pumpkin spice.
Here are 11 of the most festive, photo-worthy autumn gatherings to add to your 2025 travel list — and yes, they’re the perfect excuse to grab your favorite hand-painted tote for the road.

Photo Credit: Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley

🍎 East Coast Favorites

National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, Pennsylvania
When: October 4–5 & 11–12, 2025
What to Expect: Fresh apple pies, handmade crafts, classic cars, and hayrides in Pennsylvania’s orchard country.
Visit the official website ›

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Hudson Valley, New York
When: September 12 – November 16, 2025
What to Expect: More than 7,000 glowing pumpkins light up Van Cortlandt Manor in dazzling themed displays.
Visit the official website ›

Salem Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts
When: October 1 – 31, 2025
What to Expect: A month-long Halloween celebration with parades, haunted tours, and history in every cobblestone.
Visit the official website ›

Sea Witch Festival – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
When: October 25 – 27, 2025
What to Expect: A whimsical coastal twist on Halloween with costume parades (for people and pets), a “haunted” bonfire, and the Sea Witch Hunt scavenger game.
Visit the official website ›

Photo Credit: Visit San Antonio

🎃 Midwest Must-Sees

Circleville Pumpkin Show – Circleville, Ohio
When: October 15 – 18, 2025
What to Expect: Parades, contests, and towering pumpkin displays that draw more than 400,000 visitors each year.
Visit the official website ›

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival – Rockville, Indiana
When: October 10 – 19, 2025
What to Expect: Nineteen historic covered bridges, handmade crafts, and charming small-town hospitality.
Visit the official website ›

Louisiana Pecan Festival – Colfax, Louisiana
When: November 1 – 3, 2025
What to Expect: Parades, cooking contests, live music, carnival rides, and a fireworks show — all dedicated to the humble pecan.
Visit the official website ›

Photo Credit: Dallas Arboretum

🍇 Western Harvest Highlights

Oxtober Fall Festival on the Farm – Carnation, Washington
When: October 18 – 26, 2025
What to Expect: Hayrides, nature crafts, and live music surrounded by the beauty of the Snoqualmie Valley.
Visit the official website ›

Día de los Muertos (Muertos Fest) – San Antonio, Texas
When: October 26 – 27, 2025
What to Expect: Colorful altars, live music, and art vendors celebrating Mexican culture and remembrance.
Visit the official website ›

Autumn at the Arboretum – Dallas, Texas
When: September 21 – November 3, 2025
What to Expect: 66 acres of gardens transform into Pumpkin Village with thousands of gourds and a Texas-themed maze.
Visit the official website ›

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta – Tualatin, Oregon
When: October 19 – 20, 2025
What to Expect: Rowers race across the lake in hollowed-out giant pumpkins — yes, actual pumpkins! — in full costume.
Visit the official website ›

Wrap-Up

Whether your autumn adventures take you to a small-town pumpkin show or a vineyard harvest, America’s fall festivals are packed with creativity, color, and community — the same spirit that inspires every tote I paint. So pack your coziest sweater, grab a hand-painted bag, and hit the road for some seasonal joy.

🍁 Explore more one-of-a-kind, hand-painted totes for your fall adventures at www.DanasUncommonGlass.com.