The Best Fairs & Fall Festivals Near Me & You – You Didn’t Know About!

[clickToTweet tweet=”It’s officially fall, and we’re all asking, ‘Where are the best fairs and fall festivals near me?’ #thehowtoguru #familytravel #fallsandfairs #fallevents” quote=”It’s officially fall, and we’re all asking, ‘Where are the best fairs and fall festivals near me?’ “]

Am I right?  I’ve researched the most outstanding fairs, festivals, and events to do this fall and I can’t wait to share these fall family travel ideas with you! This post was originally written for 2018 fall festival events and state fall festivals, but you’ll find 2019 dates right below them!! 

FALL FESTIVALS NEAR ME

I’m sharing secrets of where to find the best fall festivals near me (Southern U.S.) and you this month.  If you’re like us, you can take several weekends to visit them all.

 GREATER GULF STATE FAIR AND FESTIVAL

Named after the Mobile County, South Alabama, Northwest Florida and Southeast Mississippi areas, this fair is spectacular!  Now the 90-acre site lasts for ten days and includes an area that boasts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.  You can also find incredible fair food, a petting zoo, midway rides, thrill shows, character meet-and-greets, a rodeo, and a tractor pull.  The Greater Gulf State Fair is open in Mobile, Alabama from October 26th to November 4, 2018. The 2019 dates are October 25th through November 3, 2019.

CALVARY LIONS MULE DAY FALL FESTIVAL

This HUGE festival has over 350 arts & crafts exhibitions and concessions.  Enjoy the mule, horse, and antique tractor parade, and the overall credit to mules as an important piece of agriculture in these parts.  See all of the contests, entertainment, cane grinding, petting zoo, country store, and more.  The Calvary Lions Mule Day in Calgary, Georgia happens on November 2nd and 3rd of 2018. In 2019, this event starts on Friday, November 1st with a Chicken “Pilau” Dinner and entertainment. Saturday, November 2nd 2019 will start with a sunrise breakfast, National Anthem, parade, and mule show. And will be followed up with all the family-friendly activities listed above!

CLEVELAND APPLE FESTIVAL

The Cleveland Apple Festival is held every fall in Downtown Cleveland, Tennessee and is a joyful, family fall festival that delights those of all ages.  Don’t miss the arts and craft show, the live entertainment, food booths, pony rides, children’s fall activities, and many more activities.  Amazingly, all of the activities at this Tennessee fall festival that are within the Trailhead Bicycle Kid’s Zone are free to children 12 and under – including the pony rides! This festival will happen on Saturday, October 19th, 2019!

PECAN FESTIVAL

Visitors enjoy strolling the city park to enjoy this festival’s local school bands, singers, dancers, and a performance show choir.  Don’t miss this the classic car show, games, craft vendors, food vendors, and the Georgia State Pecan Pie contest. Thomas the Train will be there to greet the kids. US Representative-Buddy Carter, Georgia Senator-Tyler Harper, Georgia Representative-Chad Nimmer and a representative from Georgia Grown will kick off the opening ceremonies. The Pecan FestivalofGeorgia is found on November 3rd, 2018 in Blackshear, Georgia. This year’s Pecan Festival on October 26, 2019 in the Downtown City Park will start with the opening ceremonies of prayer, presentation of colors, and national anthem. Entertainment will be presented all day and into the evening!

COLONIAL TIMES FALL FESTIVAL

There will be an event to remember at this hands-on experience at the Colonial Times “A Day to Remember” Fall Festival in North Augusta, South Carolina.  A look back at the colonial life from 1735-1785, there will be blacksmithing, open-fire cooking, goldsmithing, spinning and musket firing. There will also be a working smokehouse and a beehive bake oven. The Colonial Times Festival is October 20th and 21st, 2018 in North Augusta, South Carolina. The dates for 2019 are Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th.

NATIVE RHYTHMS FALL FESTIVAL

Come join this remarkable celebration of the culture of the indigenous people of the United States and is a three-day event.  You can expect to enjoy Native American World Cultural music with drums and workshops.  Also check out the jewelry, food, concerts, and arts & crafts.  The Native Rhythms Festival will be held November 9th-11th, 2018 in Melbourne, Florida. This year’s event will be November 8th through November 10th, 2019.

HARMONY JUBILEE

A unique festival with a unique blend of history AND harmony.  Now is your chance to ride a hot air balloon!  You’ll also find a 5-k color run, 1-mile fun run, Artisan Market, and games.  Don’t miss the Civil War reenactment, kayaks, fishing demo, and the pet fashion show!  The Harmony Jubilee will be held August 10th and 11th, 2018 in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The 2019 dates for Harmony Jubilee will be September 27th and 28th this year!

NATIONAL VETERANS DAY FALL FESTIVAL & PARADE

I am over the moon about the FULL weekend that gives honor to our Nation’s heroes.  The weekend begins with a special Memorial service for Raymond Weeks, known as The Father of Veterans Day.  There are luncheons, dinners, and another Memorial service for all the Veterans that passed away this year.  On November 12th, 2019, there will be a grand Veterans Day Parade & fireworks display in Birmingham, Alabama.

THE CELEBRATION OF SEAGROVE POTTERS

A festival that speaks to the collectors and those who appreciate true art.  The festivities include a Gala, live auction, Potters Market, and jazz entertainment.  The rest of the weekend is filled with children’s activities, demonstrations, and food trucks.  The Celebration of Seagrove Potters Festival will be November 16th-18th, 2018 in Seagrove, North Carolina. 2019 events will be Friday, November 22nd through Sunday, November 24th.

TREME’ CREOLE GUMBO FALL FESTIVAL

An extraordinary festival is happening that showcases the best brass bands and gumbo too!  The finest traditional and contemporary brass jazz bands will be on display. Rebirth Brass Band, a Grammy-winning band, will headline the festival.  This festival will be paying tribute to the culture and tradition of Tremé Creole with great food, music, and fun.  The Treme’ Creole Gumbo Festival will take place November 17th -18th, 2018 in New Orleans Louisiana. This year’s music event will be November 16th through November 17th, 2019. 

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM

Autumn at the Arboretum Video

You won’t believe the beauty you’ll find at this festival celebrating fall and all of its gorgeous colors!  Here you’ll see a pumpkin village filled with pumpkin houses.  Also, there are award-winning plants and gardens.  Autumn at the Arboretum Festival will be held from September 22 – November 21, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. In its 14th year, Autumn in the Arboretum Festival will be help from September 21st, 2019 through October 31st, 2019.

Where are great fall festivals near me?  They are all around!

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I LOVE them all!  Which of the fairs fall festivals near me and you are your top pick?  Let me hear from you in the comments!

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