By Annette Morejon, Owner of Traveler’s Caffé
Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy sweaters – it’s no wonder fall is the favorite season for so many. While Pumpkin Spice Lattes may steal the spotlight, autumn has far more to offer. From vibrant harvest festivals to charming small-town celebrations, this is the time of year when communities across the country come alive with traditions, flavors, and festivities that make the season unforgettable.
One of my favorite things about fall is visiting some of the great festivals that take place every year in towns across the U.S. Fall brings colorful landscapes, much-awaited cooler temperatures, and harvest season, when apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal favorites become the stars of festivals throughout the country.
September through November can also be wonderful months to travel. Temperatures are often more comfortable for outdoor activities, summer crowds have diminished in many destinations, and you may find better shoulder-season airfares and hotel rates.
My recommendation this fall? Plan a weekend getaway around a festival! Discover a new town, enjoy the fall foliage, sample seasonal foods, and make the festival itself part of the experience. Here are a few to consider in 2026 that are not too far from home:
Dollywood Harvest Festival
September 14 – October 31 • Pigeon Forge, TN
Close to home, Dollywood celebrates fall with seasonal foods, live music, and thousands of glowing pumpkins during Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Pair it with a scenic drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a perfect East Tennessee fall getaway.
Unicoi County Apple Festival
October 2-3 • Erwin, TN
One of East Tennessee’s favorite fall celebrations fills downtown Erwin with hundreds of vendors, arts & crafts, food, and live entertainment. Make a weekend of it by exploring Northeast Tennessee and nearby historic Jonesborough.
Georgia Apple Festival
October 10-11 & 17-18 • Ellijay, GA
Head into the North Georgia mountains for a celebration featuring more than 250 vendors, handmade crafts, festival foods and, of course, plenty of apples. Add a visit to a local orchard, nearby Blue Ridge or one of North Georgia’s wineries.
Carolina BalloonFest
October 16-18 • Statesville, NC
Watch the autumn sky fill with colorful hot-air balloons during one of North Carolina’s most popular fall events. The weekend includes mass balloon ascensions, a spectacular evening balloon glow, live entertainment, food, local wine, and craft beer. It’s a completely different way to experience fall and an easy addition to a North Carolina weekend getaway.
Woolly Worm Festival
October 17-18 • Banner Elk, NC
This quirky North Carolina tradition has been going strong for nearly 50 years. Woolly worms race throughout the weekend, with the winning caterpillar earning the honor of “predicting” the coming winter weather. Combine it with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak fall-color season.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
October 21-24 • Circleville, OH
One of Ohio’s oldest and largest festivals turns downtown Circleville into a celebration of all things pumpkin, with giant pumpkin displays, parades, rides, contests, crafts, and plenty of pumpkin-flavored treats. More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds are displayed throughout the festival! Make a weekend of it by adding nearby Columbus, just 25 miles away.
And I haven’t even included Oktoberfests – simply because there are too many good ones around the country to name! If you’re traveling somewhere this fall, do a quick search before you leave. You may discover an Oktoberfest, apple festival, harvest celebration, or other local event happening during your visit.
If you’d rather head overseas, fall offers plenty of possibilities there as well. In Alba, Italy, the International Alba White Truffle Fair runs from October 10 through December 6, celebrating one of Italy’s most prized culinary treasures with truffles, wine, food, and special events. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, late October and early November bring colorful traditions surrounding All Saints’ Day and Día de los Muertos, with celebrations centered around November 1 and 2.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway close to home or an excuse for a bigger vacation, fall is one of the best times of year to explore. Follow the foliage, find a festival, taste something seasonal, and enjoy everything this fabulous season has to offer!