The Best Food Festivals Happening in Every State This Fall

Fall food festivals are coming, and it's up to you to experience everything they have to offer. Across the country, fall weekends are packed with community events that locals are proud of, inviting tourists and visitors to experience what makes their city or town special. These gatherings have it all, and we've got your guide to where you should go this fall if you're looking for culinary celebrations.

247 Tempo has rounded up your must-visit food festivals happening in every single state this fall. Each of these events brings its own regional twist, tailor-made for road trips, weekend detours, and anyone who likes their travel plans to involve delicious food. Here's one event per state, complete with when it's scheduled, where you need to go, and what you need to eat.

Sources for this slideshow include U.S. state tourism offices, festival organizers’ official websites, regional travel boards, and media outlets covering local events and food culture, including Food & Wine, Southern Living, Midwest Living, and numerous local newspapers.

• City: Dothan
• Dates: Oct 31–Nov 9, 2025

The country’s largest and most beloved peanut celebration piles on boiled peanuts, fried pies, and cook‑off samples alongside a big midway and nightly music. Come hungry for classic Southern fair food, then catch the peanut parade and agricultural exhibits.

• City: Cordova
• Dates: Sep 19–21, 2025

Wild mushroom walks, chef demos, and a fungi‑forward community potluck make this remote gathering a forager’s dream. Between tastings, join guided ID classes and film nights that celebrate Alaska's culinary and oft-forgotten bounty.

• City: Tucson
• Dates: Oct 17–19, 2025

This heritage festival turns downtown Tucson into a global tasting hall, where community groups serve family recipes from dozens of cultures. Work your way through Sonoran hot dogs and Filipino lumpia and O’odham staples while live music and dance fill the streets for hours.

• City: Little Rock
• Dates: Oct 10–19, 2025

The Arkansas State Fair is the best place in the state to sample new carnival creations; think inventive fried sweets, smoked meats, and giant tacos. Plan extra time for the livestock barns and concerts, then circle back to the food court for an Arkansas‑style catfish plate. It's a whole day of fun for the whole family.

• City: Los Angeles (Long Beach)
• Dates: Sep 5–7, 2025

Steam pots loaded with Maine lobster anchor the menu of this California favorite, with chowders, shrimp plates, and live music rounding out the day. Upgrade to a VIP meal for quicker service, or wander the booths for sweets and cocktails between sets. It isn't just Maine where you can get fantastic lobster dinners!

• City: Denver
• Dates: Oct 9–11, 2025

Yes, this event is beer‑centric, but the cheese, barbecue, and chef pairings inside the tasting halls make this a serious Denver food stop. Book your tickets soon, then you're free to chase medal‑winning pours with bites from Colorado food trucks parked just outside.

• City: Bethlehem
• Dates: Oct 11–12, 2025

Roasted garlic spreads, garlic pizza, and garlicky pickles headline two fragrant days of harvest in the Litchfield Hills. Catch chef demos and stock up on garlic bulbs so you can bring the magic home with you, then be sure to nibble your way through the dessert tent.

• City: Bridgeville
• Dates: Oct 10–11, 2025

This small‑town classic celebrates two Delmarva staples: apple orchards and pork scrapple. While bizarre, the food is delicious, with fritter stands and scrapple sandwiches under our must-try list. Expect a homey parade, craft competitions, and plenty of chances to compare favorite local recipes.

• City: Lake Buena Vista (Walt Disney World)
• Dates: Aug 28–Nov 22, 2025

Dozens of global marketplaces line Epcot's World Showcase with tasting plates and pairings you can graze on in between rides. Time your visit for a concert in the Eat to the Beat series and consider a tasting seminar if you’re a serious sipper. This event gets expensive, given that it's at Disney World, but it's a must-try if you're already planning a trip.

• City: Ellijay
• Dates: Oct 11–12 & 18–19, 2025

Cider doughnuts, apple fritters, and kettle‑cooked apple butter fuel two harvest weekends in the North Georgia mountains. Pick up freshly picked and baked orchard pies and craft goods, then detour to plentiful nearby wineries or Amicalola Falls for foliage views.

• City: Kailua‑Kona (Island of Hawai‘i)
• Dates: Nov 7–16, 2025

Taste single‑estate coffee brews at farm tours, cupping competitions, and a lantern parade that lights up Ali‘i Drive for the Kona Coffee Fest. Vendors pour cold brew and sell local pastries so you can sip and snack your way through coffee country, learning about Hawaii's history at the same time.

• City: Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey
• Dates: Oct 8–12, 2025

Beyond the famous sheep parade of this event, chefs and food artisans craft lamb dishes, Basque flavors, and ranch‑to‑table dinners. Workshops and storytelling sessions add rich context to every bite, as this event is significant to Idaho's history and agricultural roots.

• City: Chicago
• Dates: Sep 19–21, 2025

Millennium Park becomes a tasting pavilion during Chicago's Gourmet Food Fest, with chef‑curated bites, wine seminars, and themed late‑night parties. Score a session that matches your palate; burger competitions, BBQ throwdowns, and pastry showcases all taste delicious.

• City: Valparaiso
• Dates: Sep 6, 2025

Popcorn season pops off in Indiana with flavored kernels, kettle corn, and creative popcorn‑based treats across Valparaiso's downtown streets. A lively parade and 5K run bring the crowds, while food trucks add savory balance if you’ve had your fill of sweet.

• City: Des Moines
• Dates: Sep 19–21, 2025

International food vendors take over Des Moines' Western Gateway Park, serving up everything from pierogi to pupusas. Catch cooking demos and passport‑style tasting challenges to sample widely without over‑ordering; it's the perfect date idea for sharing bites of unforgettable flavor.

• City: Lenexa (Kansas City area)
• Dates: Oct 10–11, 2025

Hundreds of chili-making teams simmer red, green, and classic salsa entries for public tastings on Friday night. One important note: arrive early for the spoon line. Saturday’s competitions keep things spicy, and nearby breweries make for an easy warm‑up stop. Just come hungry, and don't be afraid of getting spicy.

• City: London (Southeast KY)
• Dates: Sep 25–28, 2025

Honor this state’s fried chicken history by sampling from a giant skillet turning out fresh‑fried bites. Live music and carnival rides round out the weekend while vendors sling pies, lemonade, and, of course, more delicious chicken.

• City: New Orleans
• Dates: Nov 15, 2025

Powdered sugar drifts over City Park as vendors riff on the beignet, changing up the classics for savory versions and beyond. Proceeds support programs for children with developmental delays, and the music lineup keeps the party rolling. At the end of the day, nothing tastes better than a freshly made beignet!

• City: Portland
• Dates: Oct 30–Nov 1, 2025

Local chefs showcase the joy that is Gulf of Maine seafood, craft spirits, and artisan cheeses at these waterfront tasting events. Look for an oyster‑centric session and a marketplace perfect for edible souvenirs to take home with you.

• City: Leonardtown (St. Mary’s County)
• Dates: Oct 18–19, 2025

Home of the National Oyster Shucking Championship, this bay‑country classic serves raw, fried, and stewed oysters by the tray. Stroll vendor tents between contests and pair plates with regional beers, a surprisingly fantastic pairing for these salty snacks.

• City: Wellfleet (Cape Cod)
• Dates: Oct 18–19, 2025

Shellfish lovers can continue to converge in Massachusetts for briny raw bars, chowders, and a famous shuck‑off in this tidy Cape village. Book lodging early, as parking and rooms fill fast during peak foliage months, regardless of the festival.

• City: Grand Rapids
• Dates: Nov 20–22, 2025

Tasting pavilions pour regional wines and craft beer at this Grand Rapids event, while chefs demo plenty of pairings and small‑plate menus. VIP experiences and pairing dinners make it an easy anchor for a downtown weekend in one of Michigan's finest cities.

• City: Minneapolis
• Dates: Sep 14, 2025

Plant‑based chefs, bakers, and makers roll out creative menus at this Minneapolis veggie lovers' dream. Sample dairy‑free ice cream, global street food, and alt‑protein bites while catching cooking talks and sustainability lectures.

• City: Biloxi
• Dates: Sep 13–14, 2025

Gulf shrimp and crab anchor the lineup at this Mississippi event, with gumbo samples and seafood platters served along the waterfront. Arts vendors and live music make it an easy family day between beach walks, if you aren't too full first.

• City: Maryland Heights (St. Louis area)
• Dates: Aug 22–24, 2025

Restaurants from across the St. Louis metro area serve their signature dishes in an outdoor tasting village that fills up fast. Plan a split strategy; share all of your plates so you can try toasted ravioli, BBQ, and gooey butter cake in one loop.

• City: Whitefish
• Dates: Oct 2–4 & 9–11, 2025

Steins, schnitzels, and pretzels fuel two full weekends under the big‑top tent at Whitefish's Depot Park. Polka bands, keg‑hurling, and hearty German plates make this a festive fall stop in the Flathead Valley, complete with plenty of food, not just beer.

• City: Nebraska City (Arbor Day Farm & around town)
• Dates: Sep 20–21 & 27–28, 2025

Pick‑your‑own orchards, cider doughnuts, and apple‑themed markets turn this whole town into your own personal harvest central. Catch car shows and parades, then hop between farm stands for fritters and caramel apples for the rest of the day.

• City: Las Vegas (Resorts World)
• Dates: Nov 15, 2025

Celebrity chefs and premium pours headline this one‑night tasting on the Strip, with VIP lounges worth booking for quicker access. Make a weekend of it with add‑on dinners and a self‑guided tour of classic Vegas eateries, as there's no shortage of delicious cuisine in Sin City.

• City: Hampton Beach
• Dates: Sep 5–7, 2025

Hampton Beach's Ocean Boulevard closes to traffic so you can roam the streets between bites of lobster rolls, fried clams, and fresh chowder. Two stages of music, fireworks, and chef demonstrations keep the energy up after sunset.

• City: Beach Haven (Long Beach Island)
• Dates: Oct 4–5, 2025

Taste your way through red and white chowders from shore‑town restaurants during a friendly cook‑off weekend. Shop the market, listen to live bands, and vote for your favorites with a tasting passport; nothing's better than New England chowder.

• City: Santa Fe
• Dates: Sep 24–28, 2025

Winery tastings meet New Mexican cuisine at this Santa Fe event. Expect plenty of green‑chile heat balanced by pours from top wine producers. There are plenty of chefs to learn from and competitive eating to be had in this city's iconic streets.

• City: New York City (Seaport)
• Dates: Oct 15–19, 2025

A five‑day blowout of tastings, master classes, and chef‑hosted parties takes over lower Manhattan during the middle of October. If you’re short on time but really want to experience this event, book a walk‑around session for maximum variety in just a few hours.

• City: Morehead City
• Dates: Oct 3–5, 2025

Shrimpburgers, she‑crab soup, and hushpuppies are coastal must‑tries at this North Carolina waterfront celebration. Carnival rides make it easy to spend a full day along the docks, even if you bring the kiddos along for the fest.

• City: Minot
• Dates: Sep 24–27, 2025

Sample exotic lefse, krumkake, and Viking‑style meatballs while touring cultural exhibits and big‑name concerts at this little-known North Dakota fest. The food court is massive, so be sure to pace yourself between performances in the halls.

• City: Cincinnati (Riverfront)
• Dates: Sep 18–21, 2025

America’s largest Oktoberfest means you get to take advantage of miles of brats, giant pretzels, and steins along the Ohio River. Time your visit for the Chicken Dance and schnitzel‑throwdowns on the main stage; not to be missed.

• City: Oklahoma City
• Dates: Sep 11–21, 2025

From smoked‑turkey legs to outrageous dessert creations, this state fair is a showcase of over‑the‑top midway eats. Hit Disney On Ice or the rodeo between food runs to break up the day, as you may just go nonstop otherwise.

• City: Hood River
• Dates: Oct 11–13, 2025

Fruit stands and food carts are piled high with pears, apples, and cider in Hood River's Columbia Gorge riverfront setting. Pair fresh‑pressed cider with bratwurst or wood‑fired pizza while browsing local crafts; just outside of Portland, Hood River sees a lot of delicious culinary influences.

• City: Kennett Square (Brandywine Valley)
• Dates: Sep 6–7, 2025

This self‑proclaimed Mushroom Capital hosts tastings, growing tips, and a soup‑and‑stew cook‑off. Stroll the street fair for truffle oils, grow kits, and mushroom‑themed gifts for the whole family.

• City: Newport
• Dates: Oct 18–19, 2025

Gilded Age lawns set the scene for the grand tastings, seminars, and chef lunches held at this Newport festival. Make time for ample mansion tours before or after your session for the full Newport experience.

• City: Beaufort
• Dates: Oct 3–4, 2025

South Carolina chefs compete for the Golden Shrimp Award alongside vendors serving baskets of fried shrimp and creamy grits. The outcome for you? Plenty of delicious eats, all day long. Music on the waterfront keeps the evening lively once the sun drops over the marsh.

• City: Deadwood (Black Hills)
• Dates: Oct 3–4, 2025

Polka bands, beer‑barrel games, and hearty Bavarian plates turn this gold‑rush town into a mini‑Munich. Families love the wiener‑dog races, while adults can compete in stein-holding competitions, which are much harder than you think.

• City: Centerville (Nashville area)
• Dates: Oct 4–5, 2025

Sample spoonfuls of banana pudding from competing church and community teams at the ‘Puddin’ Path’ before voting for your favorite Centerville bite. Food trucks, music, and a meringue‑topped bake‑off make it pure small‑town fun.

• City: Dallas (Fair Park)
• Dates: Sep 26–Oct 19, 2025

Fried creativity peaks at the Texas State Fair, with past hits including fried bacon‑wrapped treats, elote‑style snacks, and over‑the‑top desserts. Check the Big Tex Choice Awards list, then hunt down the winners across the fairgrounds.

• City: Salt Lake City
• Dates: Sep 5–7, 2025

Gyros, souvlaki, loukoumades, and baklava come straight from parish kitchens at this beloved community fest. Live dancing and church tours add culture between plates, which you won't be able to stop at just one.

• City: Statewide (multiple towns)
• Dates: Sep–Oct 2025 (approx. 9/13–10/20)

Sugarhouses, restaurants, and breweries host special maple menus, tours, and tastings across the state of Vermont during mid-September to mid-October. Use the event map to link your favorite foliage drive with pancakes, creemees, and barrel‑aged syrups.

• City: Urbanna (Middle Peninsula)
• Dates: Nov 7–8, 2025

Raw bars, oyster roasts, and a shucking championship draw tens of thousands to this river town each fall. Arrive early for parking and plan on at least one riverside roast plate with butter and hot sauce; if you haven't had enough of oyster festivals yet, we've got you covered.

• City: Port Angeles (Olympic Peninsula)
• Dates: Oct 10–12, 2025

Fresh‑caught Dungeness crab dinners headline this iconic Washington weekend, alongside chowders, salmon, and cooking demos on harborfront stages. Pre‑order a crab feast to skip the lines, then browse maritime exhibits between bites.

• City: Marlinton (Pocahontas County)
• Dates: Sep 27, 2025

Despite the name, cooks for this West Virginia festival use store‑bought meats to mimic Appalachian roadkill; think venison chili and rabbit stews. Parades, fun, and craft booths make it a quirky, only‑in‑WV crowd‑pleaser. Just don't be afraid to dig in!

• City: Warrens (Tomah area)
• Dates: Sep 26–28, 2025

Check out cranberry marshes at harvest, then sample everything from cranberry bratwurst to cobblers and cream puffs. This Wisconsin festival is huge; plan a morning start to beat crowds and find parking near the shuttle stops.

• City: Teton Village (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort)
• Dates: Sep 20, 2025

Bavarian food tents, local breweries, and alpine views make this a scenic fall tasting day at the base of the Tetons. Live music and stein‑holding contests give it a festive, mountain‑town spin, and Jackson Hole is worth visiting no matter the season.