As the leaves turn and crisp air sets in, fall is the perfect time to travel. iTrip has you covered with a collection of fall festivals across the U.S. that combine food, music, art, and unforgettable local experiences. From seafood feasts on the coast to hot air balloons in the mountains, here are the top events on our radar for 2025.

1. Pagosa Springs Colorfest Weekend – Pagosa Springs, CO

Dates: September 19–21, 2025

The San Juan Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the Pagosa Springs Colorfest, a vibrant weekend celebration. Guests enjoy hot air balloon ascensions, evening balloon glows, food and wine tastings, craft beer, live music, and even a colorful 5K run.

Why Visit: A picture-perfect mountain festival where food, music, and hot air balloons light up the fall skies.

Where to stay in Pagosa Springs

2. Destin Seafood Festival – Destin, FL

Dates: September 26–28, 2025

Spread across 1.5 miles along the scenic Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the free Destin Seafood Festival celebrates the best Gulf seafood, live music, and family fun. A beloved tradition since 1978, it kicks off Destin’s month-long Fishing Rodeo.

Why Visit: Fresh seafood, waterfront ambiance, and festival favorites — perfect for foodies and families alike.

Where to stay in Destin

3. Bend Fall Festival – Bend, OR

Dates: October 3–5, 2025

Downtown Bend comes alive for the Bend Fall Festival with a harvest market, arts & crafts, family zones, live music, and pumpkin painting—spanning six city blocks with an attendance of over 40,000.

Why Visit: A vibrant, all ages fall festival in the heart of Oregon’s scenic high desert.

Where to stay in Bend

4. Candler Park Fall Fest – Atlanta, GA

Dates: October 4–5, 2025

Experience the charm of Atlanta’s Candler Park at the Candler Park Fall Fest, a beloved community event that draws thousands each year. Held in the heart of the Candler Park neighborhood, this free festival offers a weekend of music, art, food, and family-friendly activities.

Why Visit: The Candler Park Fall Fest is a vibrant celebration of community spirit, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and family fun in one of Atlanta’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

Where to stay in Atlanta

5. NC Oyster Festival – Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Dates: October 18–19, 2025

The NC Oyster Festival is coastal tradition highlights everything oyster: steamed, fried, and raw. Pair your plate with live music, local vendors, and fun for the whole family at Town Center Park.

Why Visit: Celebrate North Carolina’s seafood heritage at one of the state’s most beloved fall events.

Where to stay in Oak Island

6. Sunfest – Ocean City, MD

Dates: October 23–26, 2025

One of the East Coast’s largest outdoor events, Sunfest offers arts and crafts, music, food vendors, beer and wine tents, and family-friendly entertainment—set right on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Why Visit: A festive beachfront tradition blending community, culture, and fun.

Where to stay in Ocean City

7. La Quinta Art Celebration (Encore) – La Quinta, CA

Dates: November 13–16, 2025

Encore La Quinta Art Celebration, an upscale fine art festival, brings together top artists from around the country in a stunning desert setting. Guests also enjoy gourmet food, premium wine, and live entertainment.

Why Visit: A refined cultural event perfect for art lovers and collectors.

Where to stay in La Quinta

8. Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Siesta Key, FL

Dates: November 14–17, 2025

Master sculptors turn Siesta Beach’s sugar-white sand into massive works of art at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic. Guests also enjoy live music, a vendor village, and one of the nation’s top-rated beaches.

Why Visit: A rare mix of artistry and coastal beauty in an unforgettable setting.

Where to stay in Siesta Key

9. Wurstfest – New Braunfels, TX

Dates: November 7–16, 2025

Experience “the best ten days in sausage history” at Wurstfest, New Braunfels’ iconic German-Texas festival held along the Comal River. Since its founding in 1961, Wurstfest has grown into a sprawling autumn celebration that draws over 200,000 guests with its unique blend of Bavarian heritage and Texan spirit.

Why Visit: From lively polka to cold steins and savory sausage, Wurstfest delivers a vibrant dose of German Americana with unmatched Hill Country charm.

Where to stay in New Braunfels

10. Whistler Cornucopia – Whistler, BC

Dates: November 6–16, 2025

Indulge your senses at Whistler Cornucopia, an 11-day gourmet celebration nestled in the majestic mountains of Whistler, British Columbia.

Where to stay in Whistler

Plan Your Fall Getaway with iTrip

From seafood and oysters on the coast to fine art in the desert and hot air balloons in the Rockies, these fall festivals make the season shine. No matter where you choose to go, iTrip helps you find the perfect vacation rental nearby so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.

Explore more iTrip destinations

Looking for more ideas of where to go this fall? Check out this post for 2025 travel suggestions for fall and winter.