Four Extraordinary Fall Festivals

The end of summer marks a period of transition, when you turn your attention to back-to-school preparations and cool days ahead.
But the season’s exhilarating energy doesn’t have to end—instead, greet autumn with joy at one of the many popular festivals across the country. Here are four noteworthy ones that offer satisfying merriment to send you off into the cooler months on a high note.

New York Renaissance Faire

(Weekends from August 16–October 5 and Labor Day)

Located outside the New York City metro area in the town of Tuxedo, this annual event bridges summer and fall with eight weekends of historical fun. Step back in time with your loved ones—and your imagination—to visit the age of Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare in a forested fantasyland and quaint English village. Shop for handmade goods, behold intricate period costumes (or wear your own!), and take in spirited events like jousting and fire-whipping demonstrations. Adults can also partake in a pub crawl through the village taverns, while children are invited to the Court of Queen Elizabeth for a one-of-a-kind knighting ceremony that will make them feel like heroes for the day.

For more info, visit renfair.com/ny

Bumbershoot

(August 30–August 31)

Those who seek alternatives to typical Labor Day celebrations like backyard barbecues and pool parties need look no further than Bumbershoot. Held annually in the heart of Seattle, this electrifying arts and music festival invites music-lovers to gather before its massive stage and relish performances from artists across various genres. In celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s characteristically eccentric culture, you can expect to witness other escapades on full display as well, from wrestling and performance art to car shows and a cat circus.

For more info, visit bumbershoot.com

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off

(August 30–September 1)

Every Labor Day weekend, the skies above the Rocky Mountains become speckled with inflatable artwork during this enormous hot-air balloon festival. Here, you can lay out your picnic blanket or stroll among food vendors while marveling at the inflatable vessels. Look out for classic balloons and quirky ones alike—past highlights include a giant Pepsi-branded football and a flying Darth Vader helmet. If you’re brave enough, you can even climb into a balloon basket and enjoy a nearly hour-long ride. Then be sure to stick around after dusk to witness the vessels illuminating the night sky. “With early morning balloon launches, a 5K run, live entertainment, skydiving demonstrations, and evening balloon glows, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss,” writes Colorado Springs’ tourism board.

For more info, visit coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com

State Fair of Texas

(September 26–October 19)

Pack your sunscreen, cowboy hat, and appetite for this romp known as “the most Texan place on earth.” For twenty-four days, Dallas’s Fair Park explodes into a celebration filled with carnival rides, live music, a much-anticipated college football game known as the Red River Rivalry, and—perhaps most famously—deepfried everything. Concessionaires roll up their sleeves to compete for Big Tex Choice Awards, whipping up decadent treats ranging from old reliables like “corny dogs” to must-try innovations, including cookie butter nachos and Oktoberfest pizza. This event may take place in autumn, but the Texas heat and indulgent eats will make you feel like summer is still in full swing.

For more info, visit bigtex.com

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