These 8 Harvest Festivals In Kentucky Are A Great Way To Celebrate Autumn

While we all love a good summer festival, fall is the ideal time to get outside and celebrate this time of harvest and good fortune. The state of Kentucky is known for its festivals and this time of year does not disappoint. Some of the best gatherings of the year take place in the fall, so be sure to check out the best harvest festivals in Kentucky that are a great way to celebrate autumn.

1. Casey County Apple Festival - Liberty, KY

As one of Kentucky's best street festivals, you'll have a sweet time at this one-of-a-kind gathering in Liberty. This year's festival is September 26-28, and includes 200 arts and crafts vendors, food and flea market booths, as well as pageants and a car show. It's a can't miss fall event! For more information, visit its website here.

2. Country Pumpkins - Dry Ridge, KY

Visit a working family farm in Dry Ridge, September 7th through October 31st. Country Pumpkins hosts their Fall Festival each year and it's a one-stop-shop for fall family fun. Take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, ride farm-themed rides and taste some of their yummy treats. It's a classic fall experience that everyone will love. Learn more about one of the best family-friendly fall events in Kentucky here. Address: 1835 Sherman Mount Zion, Dry Ridge, KY 41035

3. Marion County Country Ham Days - Lebanon, KY

Join 40,000 of your closest Kentucky friends at one of the state's most popular festivals. Marion County Country Ham Days takes place September 27-29 and the highlights include a carnival, an epic country ham breakfast, a charming parade and a beautiful hot air balloon glow. This year they will celebrate their 50th anniversary! Find out more on the event's page here.

4. Bear Wallow Farm - Nancy, KY

Enjoy the cool, fall air and an old-fashioned farm festival at Bear Wallow Farm. Open weekends (Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 1pm - 6pm) September 15th through the end of October, there's a wide variety of harvest time fun to experience. Try your way through their infamous corn maze, relax on a tire swing, and pick the perfect pumpkin. Find out more information on the farm's website here. Address:

1225 Piney Grove Road, Nancy, KY 42544

5. Court Days - Mt. Sterling, KY

Kentucky's oldest festival will be held October 18 - 21 this year and will celebrate the historic tradition of trading in this area of Kentucky. Specializing in many different arts and crafts, food and music, over 140,000 visitors will come from all over to celebrate fall and this standing Kentucky pastime. See more of this impressive fall festival in Kentucky here.

6. Crittendon County Pumpkin Festival - Crittendon County, KY

This small Kentucky town comes to life with colorful pumpkins for the annual Crittendon County Pumpkin Festival on September 28th. Enjoy the town that will be filled with vendors, food, music, entertainment, and a classic car show. Get all of the current information on the festival's Facebook page here.

7. Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival - Vine Grove, KY

If you'd like to celebrate harvest season with some classic Bluegrass music, then head to Vine Grove September 26 - 28. Bring your lawn chair - or you can even camp on site! - and relax to the colorful sounds of the bluegrass, along with plenty of good food and company. Get all the details on the festival's website here.

8. Turning of the Leaves Festival - Augusta, KY

On October 12th, visit the Turning of the Leaves Festival in the charming town of Augusta. Lower Main Street will be lined with local and regional crafters and shops and restaurants will be ready to greet you. There will also be live entertainment and free trolley rides. For more information, visit the event's page here.

Fall is a great time to explore Kentucky and its small town gatherings. Have you been to any of the best harvest festivals in Kentucky? Any others we should be sure to include next time? Share your favorites in the comments!

And for the best time to view fall foliage in Kentucky this year, be sure to check out our recent article here.