Roundup: 5 Lesser-Known Fall Festivals in the U.S.
As the temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn golden, fall festivals across the U.S. bring communities together for celebrations of local culture, history, and the season’s bounty. While events like Oktoberfest and state fairs attract large crowds, many lesser-known fall festivals offer unique experiences and a more intimate atmosphere. Here are five hidden gems in South Dakota, Maine, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Oregon that are worth checking out this fall.
South Dakota: Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival
Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is home to one of the most exhilarating fall traditions in the country: the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival. Held annually at the end of September, the event sees cowboys, cowgirls, and park officials herd nearly 1,400 wild buffalo through the park in an effort to manage the size of the herd. This thrilling spectacle offers visitors the chance to witness a real-life Old West tradition in action.
In addition to the roundup itself, the Arts Festival showcases local artisans, musicians, and food vendors. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy regional crafts, foods like bison burgers, and live performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage and rolling plains.
Maine: Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
While Maine is known for its beautiful coastline and lobster, the town of Damariscotta offers a quirky, fall-inspired celebration that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, held every October, is a festival that takes pumpkin appreciation to a whole new level.
The highlight of the festival is the regatta, where locals carve out giant pumpkins and race them across the Damariscotta River. The event also includes a pumpkin parade, pumpkin catapult contests, and an impressive display of pumpkin art scattered throughout the town. It's a whimsical festival that showcases the creativity and community spirit of this charming New England town.
image: Mike Kane Photography|Boothbay Register
West Virginia: Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
Located in the historic town of Martinsburg, the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival has been a staple of West Virginia's fall calendar since 1979. Held in mid-October, this festival celebrates the region’s rich apple-growing tradition with a weekend of apple-themed events.
Visitors can enjoy everything from a grand parade to an apple pie baking contest, live music, and an old-fashioned apple butter-making demonstration. The coronation of the Apple Harvest Queen adds a touch of small-town charm to the proceedings, while craft vendors and a car show provide entertainment for the whole family. For anyone with a love for apples, this festival is a must-see.
Nebraska: AppleJack Festival
Every September, the town of Nebraska City, Nebraska, plays host to the AppleJack Festival, one of the state's oldest and most beloved fall traditions. Celebrating the region’s apple harvest, this festival offers a full weekend of family-friendly activities.
Festival-goers can enjoy everything from carnival rides and parades to a farmers’ market featuring locally grown apples and other seasonal produce. One of the highlights is the wide variety of apple treats, including apple cider, apple pie, caramel apples, and more. There's also live entertainment, a classic car show, and even a fun run. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the simple joys of the harvest season.
image: Nebraska Tourism
Oregon: Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
In the heart of Oregon’s stunning Columbia River Gorge, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is a celebration of the bountiful agricultural produce of the region. Held every October, the festival brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors to create a vibrant, family-friendly event.
Visitors can sample fresh apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits, as well as locally made wines and ciders. There are also arts and crafts booths, live music, and kid-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating. With the Cascade Mountains in the background and the vibrant colors of the fall harvest all around, this festival offers a picturesque and delicious way to welcome the autumn season.
Image: Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
These lesser-known festivals each offer something unique, whether it’s herding buffalo in South Dakota or racing pumpkins in Maine. They showcase the rich diversity of American fall traditions, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast and beyond. Whether you're an apple enthusiast, a fan of local crafts, or simply looking for a new fall adventure, these festivals are worth adding to your autumn bucket list!
