Festivals are a great way to get together for fun activities, tasty food, and seasonal merriment. These annual events are designated times to come together as a community and celebrate. Festivals can be a great way to embrace the changing of the seasons. As we say goodbye to summer, we say hello to fall and winter with festivals. The fall and winter months are full of fun-filled festivals. Keep reading to find out more about some of the most unique festivals in the U.S. this fall and winter.
Ohio Renaissance Festival in Warren County, Ohio
Huzzah! Royalty and peasants alike are invited to partake in the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Warren County, Ohio!
The festival takes place on 30-acres of land curated into a 16th century English village. The immersive experience includes over 150 costumed characters, 63 shows, 169 daily performances, 24 stages, 112 shoppes, and 9 themed weekends. The shows are sure to thrill and entertain with dueling swordsmen, daring fire jugglers, and jousting. The food is savory and plentiful, including the very popular turkey leg. The sprawling village of shoppes is full of creative artisans and charming handmade pieces.
Huzzah! Now is the time to join in the fun! Request your free print and downloadable Warren County Visitors Guide today!
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Westchester County, New York
Where can you view more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins? The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson!
This popular pumpkin event is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip to Westchester County! Celebrating its 20th year, this spooktacular event runs from September 12 through November 17. The event takes place on the grounds of an 18th-century estate on the banks of the Croton River. Guests can meander down the half-mile path lined with hand-carved jack o’lanterns creatively arranged in jaw-dropping displays. Some favorites include the Headless Horseman, Statue of Liberty, pumpkin planetarium, and the pumpkin bridge. There is even a creatively designed New York City streetscape.
Start planning your trip to the gourd-geous Westchester County! Request your free print and downloadable Westchester County Official Travel Guide today!
Sea Witch® Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Mark your calendar for the 34th annual Sea Witch® Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware! The festival runs from October 25 through October 27 this year. It celebrates all things spooky with some creative, nautical twists. Visitors (and their pups) are welcome to take part in a costume parade, a “haunted” beach bonfire, and a broom tossing competition. There is also a town-wide Sea Witch Hunt with clues leading to the elusive Sea Witch.
This festival is kid-friendly and even has a special kids area. At the kids area, young guests can enjoy magic shows, face painting, trick-or-treat bag making, and more! Visitors are also encouraged to shop the local artisan and vendor booths for handmade crafts and official Sea Witch Festival merchandise.
Don’t wait for the (sea) witching hour! Request your free print and downloadable guide to Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach and plan your trip today!
Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County, Maryland
Autumn is alive in Garrett County, Maryland– especially during the annual Autumn Glory Festival. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the celebration of autumn and it runs from October 9 through October 13.
What exactly is the Autumn Glory Festival? It is a five-day celebration that honors the changing of the seasons and the beauty of the area’s fall foliage. This festival has been touted as one of the best fall festivals in the world! It has countless events that are featured on an event calendar as well as an Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade and a Turkey Trail.
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Garrett County is by enjoying a Fall Foliage Driving Tour. The tours feature some of the area’s best spots to enjoy breathtaking views and dazzling autumn leaves.
Fall is the perfect time to experience the beauty of Maryland! Request your free print and downloadable Visitors Guide of Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake today!
Celebration of Shadows Fall Festival on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Fall on the Olympic Peninsula is magical. Even though the days are shorter there is still plenty to celebrate, including the Celebration of Shadows Fall Festival on October 19! The festival is the perfect time to embrace all things fall!
If you are feeling creative, then we recommend registering for a pumpkin carving workshop and entering the pumpkin carving contest. There are a number of categories and prizes celebrating the creativity of the contestants.
Visitors are also encouraged to take part in the evening festivities which include a pumpkin walk through Webster’s Woods and a visit to the gallery. The gallery includes an autumn exhibition, shadow-based performances, and art activity stations. Visitors can also enjoy the local vendors that will be offering warm, fall beverages and tasty snacks.
Now is the time to plan your trip to the Olympic Peninsula! Request your free print and downloadable guide today!
Saint Paul Winter Carnival in Minnesota
Did you know that the oldest winter carnival in the United States dates back to 1886?
The first winter festival in the United States was held in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1886. It actually originated thanks to a little bad press. During that time several Eastern newspaper correspondents had visited Saint Paul and returned home to report that the area was unfit for human habitation. Instead of letting the remarks stand, a group of local business owners retaliated by creating a wintertime festival. The festival celebrates and showcases the beauty of Minnesota winters.
The festival has continued on as an annual event that visitors both near and far look forward to attending. Most events are free and open to the public. Guests can look forward to celebrating in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
King Boreas Grande Day Parade typically kicks off the carnival festivities! Visitors are encouraged to check out the detailed and beautiful ice sculptures created by local artists. If you are looking for more entertainment, check out Klondike Kate. For more than 50 years, the sassy and sweet personality has been bringing smiles to the faces of Winter Carnival guests. The Winter Carnival wraps up with the celebratory overthrow of King Boreas to bring the warmth back to Minnesota!
From ice sculptures to mazes and so much more—start planning your trip to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival by requesting your free Saint Paul Insider’s Guide today!
Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival in Anchorage, Alaska
The Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, or more fondly known as Fur Rondy or simply Rondy, is a festival dating back to the mid-1930’s. During that time a 3-day winter festival was established. Over the past 90 years, the celebration has grown to include visitors near and far and is now a 12-day festival.
Fur Rondy is a celebration of Alaska’s diverse history and many of the events call back to the area’s unique heritage. The Official Rondy Fur Auction has been around since the beginning. The Blanket Toss, curling, and the World Championship Sled Dog Race are all part of the makeup of this amazing festival. The festival also features the Great Alaska Talent Competition, Rondy Fireworks Extravaganza, Rondy Carnival, Frostbite Footrace, Grand Parade, Miners and Trappers Country Jam, Rondy Melodrama, CJ Native Arts Market, Running of the Reindeer, and Rondy Fest.
The Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival kicks off on February 20, 2025. Order your free print and downloadable guide to Anchorage, Alaska and start planning your trip today!
Festivals are Fun!
Festivals are fun and a great way to celebrate the seasons! Festivals are also a great way to experience what makes an area special. No two cities are alike and no two festivals are alike. This fall and winter, make time to experience a new and unique festival! Request your free travel guides for inspiration. Start planning your perfect festival getaway today!