Editor’s Note: Some annual events or fall festivals may have been impacted by or canceled due to unforeseen events. Verify the event dates before making your travel plans.

As the leaves turn vibrant shades and the air grows crisp, fall festivals across the United States unite communities with their distinctive traditions, quirky activities, and lively celebrations. Here’s a roundup of seven of the most exciting and unusual fall festivals you can discover. From pumpkin-smashing fun to caterpillar races, these unique events capture the creativity and charm that make autumn in the U.S. truly unforgettable. 

Pumpkin Destruction Day - Meridianville, Alabama 🎃

Pumpkin Destruction Day at Tate Farms in Alabama is an annual event where visitors can unleash their inner demolition expert by smashing, crushing and obliterating pumpkins in creative ways. This family-friendly event provides a fun and messy way to wrap up the fall season. Guests can use tools like baseball bats and sledgehammers or even watch pumpkins being dropped from high points for a truly explosive experience. There are also monster truck shows and rides, fireworks, hayrides and more.  It's a one-of-a-kind way to say goodbye to autumn, with plenty of laughs and excitement for all ages. 

Color Cruise & Island Festival – Grand Ledge, Michigan

The Color Cruise and Island Festival in Grand Ledge, Michigan, is a vibrant celebration of autumn's beauty and local heritage. Held each October, this family-friendly event takes place on the scenic Grand River, where visitors can enjoy riverboat rides to admire the stunning fall foliage. The festival also features pioneer-era demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, wood carving, and weaving, alongside horse-drawn wagon rides and local crafts. With a lively mix of history, hands-on activities, and delicious seasonal treats, the Color Cruise and Island Festival captures the essence of small-town charm and the splendor of Michigan’s fall season. 

Woolly Worm Festival – Banner Elk, North Carolina

The Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is a beloved fall tradition set against the backdrop of the stunning Appalachian Mountains. At the heart of the festival is the unique woolly worm race, where participants enter fuzzy caterpillars—known as woolly worms—into a spirited competition to see which can climb a string the fastest. According to local legend, the color pattern of each woolly worm's bands can predict the severity of the upcoming winter, with darker bands indicating colder weather and lighter bands suggesting milder conditions. This charming tradition adds an element of folklore to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the woolly worm races, the festival features a variety of live entertainment, including music and dance performances that showcase local talent and add to the festive ambiance. 

Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Hudson Valley, New York

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze transforms the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley into a dazzling display of over 7,000 intricately hand-carved pumpkins. Artfully arranged into awe-inspiring scenes such as massive fire-breathing dragons, towering medieval castles, haunted landscapes and even a working pumpkin carousel, the event is a visual and artistic masterpiece. As visitors stroll through the illuminated, glowing landscape, synchronized lighting effects and atmospheric music enhance the enchanting ambiance. The attention to detail in the designs, ranging from spooky Halloween motifs to whimsical family-friendly creations. Additionally, the Blaze offers a chance to explore the 18th-century estate's grounds, with special exhibits highlighting local legends and lore. 

Florida Seafood Festival – Apalachicola, Florida

For seafood lovers, the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola is a must-attend event. Held on the first weekend of November, this festival celebrates its 61st year as the state’s oldest maritime event. Set against the picturesque Battery Park, it features a mouthwatering array of local seafood, including fresh oysters, shrimp, crab, and fish. Beyond the delicious fare, the festival offers a lively mix of oyster-shucking contests, crab races, parades, arts and crafts, and live music. It’s a vibrant and delicious way to experience Florida’s rich maritime culture.

Coffin Races at Emma Crawford Festival – Manitou Springs, Colorado

The Emma Crawford Festival in Manitou Springs is a unique and spirited event that celebrates the town’s most famous resident, Emma Crawford. Legend has it that Emma’s remains were discovered after her coffin was swept down the mountain during a storm, which has since become the foundation for this quirky festival. The festival's centerpiece is the thrilling coffin races, where teams of “pallbearers” race coffins—complete with a rider—through a challenging obstacle course. This event combines a mix of athleticism and eerie fun, as teams navigate the course with both speed and style. Beyond the races, the festival features a vibrant parade showcasing elaborate costumes, a variety of costume contests and an array of other fall festival games and Halloween-themed activities. The lively atmosphere, filled with ghostly humor and community spirit, makes the Emma Crawford Festival a standout fall favorite that brings both locals and visitors together for a memorable and delightfully unusual celebration. 

Salem Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts

No list of exciting fall festivals would be complete without Salem’s Haunted Happenings. Salem’s deep-rooted history adds a unique dimension to the event. Known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, the town’s eerie past draws people from all over the world who want to experience its haunted charm firsthand. Taking place throughout the entire month of October, this iconic event transforms the historic town of Salem into a Halloween lover’s paradise. Visitors can explore haunted houses, go on guided ghost tours through centuries-old streets, and attend festive street fairs that celebrate the spooky season. The town also hosts elaborate costume parades, where participants showcase creative, eerie, and often extravagant Halloween attire.