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7 Fall Festivals Celebrating America’s Bounty

Whether celebrating Oktoberfest, the annual harvest or purple mountain majesty, these fall festivals pay tribute to America’s greatness

a man rolls a barrel in front of a cheering crowd during a fall festival event
Each year Oktoberfest in Deadwood, South Dakota plays hosts to games, races, cooking contests, and a German-themed polka fest.
Liz Smith/Deadwood
By

Gary Garth,

 
AARP Experience Counts
Published September 21, 2023

Summer’s sizzling heat and wet-blanket humidity have faded. Winter has not yet crested the horizon. The wooded landscape is a kaleidoscope of color. Football season is in full swing. What’s not to love about October?

Well, if the weather and sports are not enough, check out these October festivals across America celebrating heritage and harvest. 

1. Oktoberfest, Deadwood, South Dakota

Oct. 6-7

No entry fee to attend, but some events require registration.

Many U.S. cities host the 213-year-old Oktoberfest tradition, which began as a royal wedding celebration in Bavaria. Deadwood’s Oktoberfest, built atop the town's Wild West, gold rush theme, is two days of music, food, beer, wine, cooking contests, a German-themed PolkaFest, games and races, including the Wiener Dog Race.

Add your name to Deadwood’s history of colorful characters, including James Butler (Wild Bill) Hickok and Martha Jane Canary (Calamity Jane), by attending this wild western take on German culture. This family-focused event is hugely popular and great fun.

2. Lantern and Lore Tour, Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, New York

Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28

General admission: Adults - $20; kids 6-12 - $12; age 5 and under -free

Anchored by the nearly 300-year-old stone “French Castle” (built in 1726) overlooking the point where the Niagara River enters Lake Ontario, Old Fort Niagara predates the founding of the United States. The fort has a long, sometimes dark and occasionally bloody history. It was established by the French and later occupied by Great Britain, the United States, Great Britain again via the war of 1812, then again by the United States via the Treaty of Ghent.

The Lantern and Lore Tour retrace some of this history with a mysterious and slightly spooky edge. Tours are held each Saturday in October at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tours include the buildings and grounds, but are not recommended for children younger than 10. The tours are popular. Tickets, which went on sale Sept. 5, are required. The fort is now a state historic site, the last military units having been withdrawn in 1963.

While in the Niagara area, don’t miss the Marble Orchard Ghost Walk in nearby Lewiston, New York. Held each Saturday in October, the walks are more history than spooky, and typically include little-known details about Lewiston’s historic stop on the Underground Railroad. Tickets are needed and cost $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, but reservations are not required. The walk takes about an hour.

3. Kentucky Wool Festival, Falmouth, Kentucky

Oct. 6-8 

General admission: Adults $10; Kids 7-18 - $5; age ​6 and under - free

Two days of sheep, sheep and more sheep with a mix of music and food. What could be ... woolier? Demonstrations include spinning, knitting, weaving, crocheting, needle felting, processing wool, sheep shearing and sheep herding.

4. The Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, New York

Oct. 21-22

Admission: Presale online tickets are $12 + convenience fee (=$13.50); or $15 at the gate,​Kids 11 and under - free​

Rhinebeck’s Sheep and Wool Festival is another October lodestone event for wool aficionados, their spouses and partners. It includes demonstrations, vendors, food, livestock displays, workshops and an auction of used and vintage gear.

5. Big BAM on the KATY, Clinton to St. Charles, Missouri

Oct. 9-14

This five-day, 228-mile bike ride on the KATY Trail State Park slices through central Missouri on a former rail line, which is good news for riders of all ages and abilities: no steep hills and a comfortable grade. The trail largely follows the Missouri River, and the rural scenery is stunning. The trip begins in Clinton and ends in St. Charles, with scheduled overnight stops in Boonville, Jefferson City, Hermann and Augusta. Riders can travel solo or with a group and ride one, two, three, four or five days. Participants can largely come and go as they please as there are numerous pickup points for this relaxed, rider-friendly event.

One-day tickets to participate in the ride cost $75. Three days of riding costs $285. The entire five-day trips costs $450. Group discounts are available. Shuttles, campgrounds or hotels and bicycles are available. Prices vary.

While you’re in Hermann, you can also attend the citywide Oktoberfest romp every Friday-Sunday in October.

6. Black Hills Powwow Rapid City, South Dakota

attendees at the black hills pow wow fall festival
The Black Hills Powow in Rapid City, South Dakota includes traditional dancers, singers, arts, and even a parade.
Steve Aicinena/Black Hills Powwow

Oct. 6-8 

The Black Hills Powwow is a Native-American themed event with dancers, singers, arts, music, hand games, archery and golf competition, a parade and more. An entertaining and informative three-day celebration of Native American people, history and culture, the event also is a talent competition for tribal members and offers large prize payouts.

The golf tournament and other contest entry fees vary.

7. Bayfield Apple Festival, Bayfield, Wisconsin

attendees at the bayfield apple festival examine apples and jarred products
Visitors of the Bayfield Apple festival can enjoy a carnival, beer garden, and apple peeling contest.
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau

Oct. 6-8

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in America and are a fall harvest windfall. Celebrate them at the Bayfield Apple Festival. While you’re at it, enjoy the food, drink, music, apple peeling contest, fish fry, beer garden, carnival, vendors, crowning of the Apple Festival Queen (and/or King), the Grand Parade and more. Started in 1962, this annual event has swelled the Bayfield population of 592 to 60,000 for this three-day celebration.

Spectators may attend for free. Applications and nominations for the parade and festival must be received in advance.

Share your experience: What's your favorite fall festival? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Gary Garth has four decades of editorial experience, primarily with newspapers and magazines and, more recently, online. He is a husband, father, traveler, observer, listener and mediocre but enthusiastic fly fisherman.

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