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A perfect fall festival blends crisp, cool air, comforting seasonal food and activities for all ages. While many top autumn events have passed, several standout festivals remain on the calendar for the next few weeks. Below are seven fall festivals worth visiting before the season ends. © Larysa Dubinska | Dreamstime.com -
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival (Newport, Rhode Island) – If you’re within driving distance of Boston or New York, plan a trip to Newport for an extensive seafood celebration. Local vendors serve everything from fresh shellfish to prepared specialties. Enjoy live music, stroll the wharf and sample seasonal treats from the shops and restaurants lining the waterfront. Photo: Trixie B. Wadson
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Leavenworth Oktoberfest (Leavenworth, Washington) – Missed Oktoberfest earlier in the season? Many towns host late celebrations focused on Bavarian food, beer and music. Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest features traditional fare like brats and pretzels, lively polka bands and an enthusiastic crowd celebrating German heritage. © William Perry | Dreamstime.com
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Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville, Ohio) – Held in mid to late October, this long-running event showcases thousands of pounds of pumpkins, squash and gourds alongside parades, vendor booths and family-friendly entertainment. It’s a true celebration of autumn’s harvest and community spirit. © Julie Feinstein | Dreamstime.com
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North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival (Whiteville, North Carolina) – For nut lovers and food-focused visitors, this late-October festival celebrates the pecan with parades, live music and local traditions. Whiteville is a major pecan producer, and the event highlights regional foodways and community history. © Kolotype | Dreamstime.com
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Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Kona, Hawai’i) – Prefer a warmer escape? Kona hosts Hawai’i’s oldest food festival in November, celebrating coffee culture with plantation tours, tastings and cultural events. It’s an appealing option for travelers seeking tropical weather and a deep dive into regional agriculture. © Lisa Anderson | Dreamstime.com
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Mule Day (Calvary, Georgia) – This unique festival transforms a tiny town into a bustling fairground in early November. Mule Day celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with mule exhibitions, hundreds of vendors, Southern cuisine and a lively parade. It’s a distinctive slice of rural Americana. © Sjankauskas | Dreamstime.com
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Maine Harvest Festival (Bangor, Maine) – In mid-November, Bangor’s harvest celebration highlights local producers, artisans and seasonal foods. The festival focuses on the best local offerings, giving visitors a chance to taste and purchase regional specialties while enjoying a lively community atmosphere. © Nelson P. Jewell | Dreamstime.com
