This Apple Festival In Southington, Connecticut Has Been Going Strong For 54 Years
The Southington Apple Harvest Festival in Connecticut is a long-running, family-friendly fall event featuring live music, crafts, and various entertainment.
It's hard to believe that we'll be in the full swing of fall before you know it! Is it just me, or is the year flying by? One of the best parts about fall in Connecticut is how many amazing festivals there are. From our cities to our smallest towns, it feels like the pumpkin spice flavors everything, the apple cider keeps flowing, and the fun never ends. One of the longest-running fall festivals in Connecticut is the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington, CT. This year's event is scheduled for September 29-October 1 and October 6-8, 2023. It's a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy. Check it out:
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This year's event marks the 54th annual festival. It's quite the fan favorite, with more than 100,000 people attending each year from all over New England.
This year's parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, but there's other entertainment like fireworks and magic shows scheduled for each day of the festival.
Doesn't this look like such a fun event? The 2023 Southington Apple Harvest Festival is scheduled for September 29-October 1 and October 6-8. You can get more information from the Town of Southington website or the Southington Apple Harvest Festival Facebook page.
Fall in Connecticut is such a magical time, and every year when this season rolls around, I find myself wondering "What are some of the best fall festivals near me?" There are so many ways to celebrate autumn, and it's truly a season when some of the best fall festivals in Connecticut take place all over the state. Here are a few of our favorite Connecticut fall festivals in the Nutmeg State:
The Norwalk Oyster Festival is one of the most popular seafood festivals in Connecticut. This year's edition is the 45th and it's sure to be a blast, with tons of live entertainment, a beer tent, and a special Kids Cove area for the little ones. Of course, there will be plenty of oysters to enjoy! This festival takes place Sept. 6-8, 2024.
The Harvest Moon Festival in Naugatuck is one of the best fall events near New Haven, CT. This fun-filled weekend has tons of events taking place on the Naugatuck Town Green. There are local vendors selling their wares, plus food, concerts, and more. It's such a fun time to get out and enjoy the chillier weather and sense of community that Naugatuck offers. The festivities will happen Sept. 20-21, 2024.
While many of the fall festivals on this list last for a whole weekend, don't let the fact that the Watertown Fall Festival is only a one-day event scare you off. This Saturday event is a blast, with live music, plenty of craft vendors, and lots of food making it one of the best family-friendly fall events near Litchfield County. Look forward to it on Sept. 14, 2024.
We love the South Windsor Apple Festival! This outdoor fall festival near Hartford, CT features more than 100 vendors, live music, a dunk tank, train rides, hot air balloon rides, and, of course, tons of delicious apples. Best of all, the event is free and even has free parking. This year the event will happen on Oct. 5, 2024.
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5. Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival (Bethlehem)
Are you the type that just can't get enough garlic? Then this fall event near Litchfield County is for you. The 2024 edition is the 19th time this event has been held, and each year manages to get increasingly delicious! An impressive array of garlic dishes will be available for sale, but there's also entertainment, crafts, and more. There are fun activities for kids and cooking demonstrations and garlic growing lectures that adults looking to learn some new skills will love. Look forward to it on Oct. 12-13, 2024.
6. Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival (Glastonbury)
The Glastonbury Apple Harvest and Music Festival is another must-attend fall event. This one is full of local musicians and also has a 5K race and plenty of carnival rides that you'll want to check out. Lots of food vendors will be on-site, and you can expect to find plenty of apple dishes that are perfect for celebrating the season. This festival takes place Oct. 18-20, 2024.
Okay, so the Riverton Fair isn't technically a festival, but it's one of the best fall events in Litchfield County, CT, so we had to mention it! This is one of the last major fairs of the season, and it's always such a fun time for the whole family. Don't you just love an old-fashioned fair with rides, carnival games, and more? There's so much for the entire family to enjoy here. Join in on the fun Oct. 11-13, 2024.
Mark your calendars, as these are all sure to be so much fun! Have you been to any of these fall festivals in Connecticut? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Fall in Connecticut is a great time for a lovely hike. Check out some of these magnificent hiking trails:
For me, transitioning from summer to fall can be a little rough. Many summer festivals are scheduled for the dog days of June or July, but fall festivals often don't happen until October, so there's sometimes not a lot going on in late August and September. One great early fall festival in Connecticut that you won't want to miss is the Oyster Festival at Norwalk's Veteran's Memorial Park. Considered one of the best festivals in CT, it takes place over one full weekend in the beginning of September every year.
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The park spans 35 acres, and this annual fall festival in Connecticut has grown quite a bit over its more than 40-year history. Admission prices vary based on age.
One of the most delicious fall festivals in CT, there's plenty of food to enjoy here. The International Food Court has an array of choices from all over the globe, with, of course, a special focus on fresh oysters and other New England fare.
You'll find local artisans selling their wares, with all kinds of crafts and handmade items available. More than 100 vendors will be on site at the New England Village.
Another great aspect of this fall festival in CT, the Kid's Cove area features amazing canine athletes strutting their stuff in fun sports like Frisbee catching and dock diving.
As a New Englander, it's practically a requirement that you love seafood, but even if you aren't a fan of oysters, the Oyster Festival in Connecticut is still a fantastic family-friendly event that everyone should experience. Be sure to check out this Connecticut fall festival!
