For many people, autumn is the last hurrah of RV season. It’s a time to get in those last-minute trips, admire the changing leaves, and possibly head for warmer climates. But there’s another element that makes this season ideal for travel: the wide variety of fall festivals you can visit!
All across the country, this is the time for fairs, festivals, carnivals, competitions, and other unique events. Harvest season brings people together and it’s a great chance for vendors to show off their skills and handiwork. And for visitors, there are endless opportunities for food, entertainment, and fun!
Nearly every town in the nation has some kind of seasonal event in the fall. We all know about hot-air balloons, haunted houses, and flea markets. But to help showcase some of the best lesser-known events (plus one familiar favorite) for RVers, we’ve compiled a list of our top six fall festivals. we’re confident that least one of these will make the cut for your future autumn plans.
Sever’s Fall Festival
- 2025 Dates: September 13–October 26
- Location: Shakopee, Minnesota
- Website: seversfestivals.com
If you’re traveling through Minnesota in autumn, you may want to swing by Sever’s fall festival. This venue is open for business every Saturday and Sunday between September 13- October 26 so you’ll have plenty of chances to visit. This place is fantastic for families who are looking for fall fun!
Corn is the focus at Sever’s and they really go all out. This location is home to the largest corn maze in the state (and one of the biggest in the country). They also have a massive corn kernel pit for kiddos to play in, popcorn, corn on the cob, corn corn corn!
Of course, there’s some variety to keep things interesting as well. Other activities at this festival include pumpkin launching games, giant slides, a petting zoo, BMX stunt shows, and all the fair food you could want. Stop by anytime and treat the family to a day of fun.
Where to Stay
Dakotah Meadows RV Park
If you want a great place to go walking, biking, canoeing/kayaking or play golf, check out Cleary Lake Regional Park. It’s a short drive from the park. The trails are paved and wide. The area is really nice, too. Also, check out the Prior Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays (open at 8am). — Pamela_647
State Fair of Texas
- 2025 Dates: September 26–October 19
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Website: bigtex.com
Many states, towns, and counties host their annual fairs during the fall season. But as they say, everything is bigger in Texas! By far the most famous festival on our list, the State Fair of Texas is one of the biggest and best fall festivals in the entire country. It also lasts longer than many fairs, stretching across three whole weeks. In fact, you’ll probably need to take several days just to see everything this fair has to offer!
This fair has everything you could hope for from a major state fair: carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, and food stalls as far as the eye can see. Live concerts are also included in the ticket price, so you can kick back and enjoy musical artists of all genres here.
Additional events include rodeos, car shows, art displays, live demonstrations, and homemade goods from local vendors. It’s hard to even list everything that’s going on here, so you’ll have to stop by and see for yourself!
Where to Stay
Cedar Hill State Park
The Dungeness Crab Festival
- 2025 Dates: October 10–12
- Location: Port Angeles, Washington
- Website: crabfestival.org
If you’re tired of apple cider and pumpkin pie, you might be ready for a change of pace. That’s where the Dungeness Crab Festival comes to the rescue! Fall festivals are always a foodie paradise, but this one specifically caters to those who love seafood.
This event is completely free to visit and it’s located right on the Washington coast. A beach, wharf, and city pier are all included in the layout, so even those who don’t want to tuck into the food can enjoy the lovely beach-side market. The star of the show is the festival crab dinner, cooked fresh every day.
But plenty of other fishermen and local businesses make an appearance here, so even if one dish doesn’t catch your fancy, another one is certain to. Take a break from fall-flavored sweets and dig into some delicious seafood!
Where to Stay
RV@Olympic
Excellent new RV park close to the Visitor Center and northern entrances to Olympic NP. Clean and well kept. All new facilities. Quiet. We had a great stay! — KellyTravel
Junkstock
- 2025 Dates: October 3–5, October 10–12
- Location: Waterloo, Nebraska
- Website: junkstock.com
Although the name might not sound appealing at first, Junkstock is one of the most fun and varied fall festivals of the year. This is a massive open-air market for antiques, crafts, and all manner of collectibles. If you’re looking for the perfect accent piece for your RV decor, you can probably find it here.
In addition to the vendors, this event is also home to live music (honoring the “Woodstock” callback in its name). 18 bands are scheduled to perform here, each one bringing their unique sound to the festival.
And don’t go hungry when you visit! There are food trucks galore here. Quirky drinks are also a staple of Junkstock, helping everyone broaden their palette and have a good time while they explore. This is a fun, colorful showcase that brings in visitors from miles around. Any RVers traveling through Nebraska in autumn should definitely give it a chance!
Where to Stay
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Going to Ashland and enjoy the downtown and small businesses. Go to the Holy Family Shrine as it is a very interesting stop. There is also the outlet mall, Mahoney State Park, SAC museum And eat at Around the bend steakhouse. Dont forget to stop at Glacier Till for some great Hard Cider. — Karen_302
Circleville Pumpkin Show
- 2025 Dates: October 15–18
- Location: Circleville, Ohio
- Website: pumpkinshow.com
Trying something new is fine, but sometimes you just want to cozy up with the classics. In this case, it’s the Circleville Pumpkin Show! This is one of the most famous fall festivals in the country and it centers around the seasonal staple – pumpkins! Of course, these vegetables are features in nearly every autumn celebration to some degree, but Circleville takes it to a new level.
Titans battle for the top prize during the giant pumpkin weigh-in, gourds are craved and sculpted into fantastic designs, and all manner of sweet and savory dishes are put up for sale. Art projects from all ages and disciplines are displayed as well, showing this town’s enthusiasm for the season.
A parade and carnival take everything over the top, making this the perfect one-stop-shop for all things autumn. If you’re looking for a place where nostalgia and fun take center stage, then this festival is a must-visit!
Where to Stay
Sun Valley Campground
Expect to pay cash. If time permits, visit nearby Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. The National Park Service visitor center and park grounds have extensive displays of earthworks and burial mounds from the Hopewell culture (i.e., Indigenous peoples who flourished from about 200 BC to 500 AD). — Kona Boy
Krewe of Boo
- 2025 Dates: October 25–26
- Location: French Quarter, New Orleans
- Website: kreweofboo.com
Finally, let’s wrap up with a Halloween extravaganza from one of the most haunted places in America: New Orleans! If you missed Mardi Gras at the start of the year but still want to experience a true New Orleans party, then head over to attend Krewe of Boo.
This festival always occurs on the weekend before Halloween and its a chance for everyone to show their spooky spirit. Some of the most popular events include a zombie run through the Warehouse District, a huge costume parade/contest, and a scary fun afterparty!
And in true New Orleans fashion, jazz, booze, and soul food is around every corner during this weekend of fun. There are plenty of places to celebrate Halloween, but Krewe of Boo has a flavor all its own.
Festival Favorites
As you can see, there’s a huge variety when it comes to fall festivals. Whether you’re looking for delicious local food, a new vintage decoration for your RV, or a fun activity for the family, this list should have something for everyone. Feel free to share some of your own favorite autumn events in the comments below.
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