14 Neat Fall Events Around The U.S. That Are Worth Visiting

Put that ~wanderlust~ concept to good use.

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Albuquerque, NM)

YouTube / Via youtube.com

Dates: October 7-15

Entry fee: $10 per session

This annual festival is a nine-day event, featuring around 500 hot air balloons, is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Events are broken down into sessions taking place each morning and some evenings. The event includes competitions like America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Learn more here.

2. Harvest on the Harbor Festival (Portland, ME)

visitportland.com / Via visitportland.com

Dates: October 17-22

Entry fee: Varies by event

This food and drink festival celebrates local cuisine with events like Flavors of Maine and the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition. Spirit and beer aficionados can revel in the selections provided by local distilleries at the Harvest Happy Hour and Harvest Crawl events. Learn more here.

3. Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville, OH)

pumpkinshow.com / Via pumpkinshow.com

Dates: October 18-21

Entry fee: Free of charge

Often billed as The Greatest Free Show On Earth, this annual event features all things pumpkin themed. Their schedule includes a giant pumpkin weigh-in, parades, concerts, and beauty pageants. Learn more here.

4. Trailing of the Sheep Festival (Idaho)

trailingofthesheep.org

Dates: October 4-8

Entry fee: Varies by event; parade is free of charge

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival takes place over a span of five days in Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey, Idaho. It features a fair, workshops, and classes among other events. The gem of the festival is the Big Sheep Parade during which spectators can watch roughly 1,500 sheep trail down picturesque Ketchum. Learn more here.

5. National Apple Harvest Festival (Arendtsville, PA)

appleharvest.com / Via appleharvest.com

Dates: October 7-8, 14-15

Entry fee: $10 General Admission; $9 Seniors/Military ID; Kids 12 + under FREE

Located just northwest of Gettysburg, this festival features all things fall, from a pie baking contest to hayrides. The majority of the funds raised go back to the local community, state, and national charitable organizations. Learn more here.

6. Epcot Food and Wine Festival (Orlando, FL)

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Dates: August 31- November 13

Entry fee: $99+

This annual festival takes place inside Disney World's Epcot Theme Park. There are several packages available which include celebrity chef appearances, cheese and beverage seminars, and tasting events. Learn more here.

7. Great American Beer Festival (Denver, CO)

greatamericanbeerfestival.com / Via greatamericanbeerfestival.com

Dates: October 5-7

Entry fee: $30+

What is more American than beer and competitions? This event features both, showcasing 3,800 craft beer selections provided by brewers from across the nation. The schedule also includes presentations, exhibitions, and home brewing marketplace. Learn more here.

8. State Fair of Texas (Dallas, TX)

Flickr / Via flickr.com

Dates: September 29 - October 22

Entry fee: $12.50+

All kinds of fried foods can be found at the State Fair of Texas. It also features the Texas Auto Show, concerts at the Chevrolet Main Stage, and plenty of food and drink options. Did we mention there are wine and beer gardens? Learn more here.

9. Texas Renaissance Festival (Todd Mission, TX)

blogs.thegreensheet.com / Via blogs.thegreensheet.com

Dates: September 30 - November 26

Entry fee: $25 individual adult pass; Prices vary per package

The Texas Renaissance Festival comes complete with themed weekends such as Oktoberfest, All Hallows Eve, and Heroes and Villains. The festival also features a wine tasting, a feast, nightlife events, and wedding packages. Learn more here.

10. National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores, AL)

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Dates: October 12-15

Entry fee: Free of charge

This year marks the 46th anniversary of the National Shrimp Festival. The event includes dozens of shrimp selections, a restaurant challenge, live performances, and even a 5K and 10K race. Learn more here.

11. Harvest Fair of Sonoma County (Sonoma, CA)

Via sonomauncorked.com

Dates: October 6-8

Entry fee: $5+

The Harvest Fair of Sonoma County celebrates the annual harvest of the area, featuring grape stomping, workshops, and wine tasting from over 100 wineries. Other events include the Classic Car Show, Spooky Corner, and Easy Bake pumpkin pie baking. Learn more here.

12. The Barbecue Festival (Lexington, NC)

Via blogger.com

Date: October 28

Entry fee: Free of charge

This one-day event is centered around all things barbecue-themed. It features the Tour de Pig bike race, the Hogway Speedway, and a giant, pig-themed sand sculpture, among other attractions. Learn more here.

13. Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade (New York, NY)

Via cdn.newsday.com!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen

Date: October 21

Entry fee: Free of charge

The East Vilage's Tompkins Square Park is home to the annual Halloween Dog Parade where spectators can see hundreds of dogs in costumes participate in competitions. Learn more here.

14. Village Halloween Parade (New York, NY)

Via media.timeout.com

Date: October 31

Entry fee: Free of charge; only those in costume are allowed to participate

New York's Village Halloween Parade is known for participants' creative, over-the-top costumes. It runs up Sixth Avenue and includes giant puppets, bands, dancers, and a costume contest. Learn more here.

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