With the first day of fall arriving on Sept. 22, travelers across much of the United States are looking forward to crisp air, colorful leaves and all things pumpkin spice. To fully embrace the season, don’t miss these popular autumn events around the country — from West Virginia’s Bridge Day to Idaho’s Trailing of the Sheep.
The Sonoma Harvest Fair is held Sept. 30–Oct. 2 and is a must for wine lovers. With more than 100 participating vineyards, the three-day event offers abundant tasting opportunities, food pairings and wine education. One of the festival’s highlights is the World Championship Grape Stomp, a lively, crowd-pleasing tradition.
Hood River, Ore., is a scenic destination for fall, and its October Hood River County Harvest Fest showcases the region’s best. Expect local produce, craft foods, regional wines and beers, handmade goods, live music and family-friendly entertainment — a relaxed way to enjoy the season and local culture.
If pumpkins are your thing, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival delivers a joyful, imaginative display of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Carving contests, creative displays and pumpkin-themed foods make this festival an ideal lead-up to Halloween.
The Trailing of the Sheep in Idaho offers a unique rural tradition: the annual relocation of hundreds of sheep to winter pastures. In early October, town streets are filled with the sights and sounds of the flock, accompanied by cultural events celebrating the region’s shepherding heritage.
For an early taste of cranberry season, visit Wareham, Mass., for the Cranberry Harvest Celebration. The family-oriented event includes cooking demonstrations that show how to prepare fresh cranberries beyond the canned sauce, plus activities such as helicopter tours of nearby cranberry bogs and educational exhibits about the harvest.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most photographed fall events in the country. Each year hundreds of multi-colored hot air balloons lift off and fill the sky in a spectacular display that draws visitors and photographers from around the world. Dawn mass ascensions and evening glow events are particular crowd favorites.
West Virginia’s Bridge Day, held Oct. 15 at the New River Gorge Bridge, is a one-day celebration known for its extreme-sports atmosphere. As the world’s largest event of its kind, it attracts hundreds of base jumpers and thousands of spectators who gather to watch daring leaps from the nearly 900-foot span and to enjoy the festival atmosphere below.
These events highlight autumn’s variety — from food and wine to rural traditions and high-flying spectacles. Whether you prefer cozy small-town celebrations or large outdoor festivals, fall offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the season.