Have you ever noticed that there tend to be two types of people when autumn rolls around? For some of us, fall is the spooky season, a time to embrace our love of all things Halloween. For others, autumn is the most enchanting time of the year as we make plans to go leaf-peeping, pick pumpkins, and cozy up in front of roaring bonfires. Regardless of what autumn means to you, you might want to add the best fall festivals in the Midwest to your to-do list.
1. Harvest Festival & Pumpkins In The City – September 13 – October 26
A popular summer attraction, Silver Dollar City transforms into an enchanting autumn destination that promises a full menu of family-friendly fun. Treat yourself to delicious autumn eats. Marvel at gigantic pumpkins, and check out the visiting craftsmen. Find a full schedule of events and purchase tickets on the official website of Silver Dollar City.
2. Liberty Fall Fest – September 27-29
Celebrate the end of September with a visit to the annual Liberty Fall Fest, a beloved Kansas City area tradition for nearly five decades and definitely one of the best fall festivals in the Midwest. The two-day festival will host a carnival, more than 200 vendors, and plenty of good food. Learn more on the official website of Liberty Fall Fest.
3. Hermann Oktoberfest – Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October
Earmark every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October for a visit to the darling town of Hermann for its epic celebration of Oktoberfest. Dig into authentic German food, sip a pint, and tap your feet to the live music. And don't forget to bring your friends because it is a rockin' good time! Find more information on the official website of Visit Hermann.
4. Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival – October 5-6
Autumn's all about apples, with many of us heading to our favorite orchard to go apple picking. The charming town of Versailles also hosts the Old Tyme Apple Festival, a family-friendly event that features a parade, competitions including a cornhole tournament, live music, and countless vendors. It's a must for your fall bucket list. Learn more on the official website of Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival.
5. Maple Leaf Festival – October 19
"There's no place like home" is the theme for the annual Maple Leaf Festival, a Carthage tradition since 1966. The beloved fall festival in Carthage boasts the largest parade in Southwest Missouri and features a ton of family-friendly events, including live music, vendors, good food, and more. Head over to the official website of the Maple Leaf Festival for more information. If you're looking for one of the best fall festivals near me, you've just found it.
6. Louisiana Colorfest – October 19-20
Add even more color to autumn with a visit to the annual Louisiana Colorfest, an epic fall festival near St. Louis, Missouri. Pike County's largest festival, the Louisiana Colorfest promises two days jam-packed with fun, including a parade with floats, countless vendors, delicious food, and a baby contest. Get more information on the official Facebook page of Louisiana Colorfest.
7. Apple Butter Festival – October 26-27
If you're on the hunt for a "fall festival near me," look no further than the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, slated for the final weekend in October. A classic fall festival in Missouri that consistently draws more than 100,000 visitors, this autumn favorite features more than 500 vendors, a full menu of live entertainment, activities for the kiddos, and plenty of apple butter. Learn more on the official website of Go Kimmswick, Missouri. to learn more about this fall festival near St. Louis, Missouri.
Your turn! What do you think are the best fall festivals in Missouri? What is your favorite Missouri fall festival? In general, how do you like to spend fall in Missouri? Let us know in the comments!
When you're not checking out these fall festivals, how about setting off on one of the prettiest fall hikes in Missouri? Be sure to wear a cozy jacket and comfy shoes on your autumn adventures, too.
Thinking about taking a Show Me State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
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