Fall Festivals

Arts and Culture

Ganesh Chaturthi

Submitted by Sana Aftab

Mumbai, India
This event is done in celebration of Lord Ganesha's appearance on earth. It is observed for 10 days. Celebrations include statues of Lord Ganesha being placed outside homes and throughout the city. People gather in the streets to pray to Ganesha, sing and dance.

National Apple Harvest

Submitted by Louise Risser

Arendtsville, PA
Held the first 2 weekends of October, this festival has lots of activities and entertainment. This year's lineup includes clowns, Native American dancers, ballet performances, a petting zoo, apple bobbing, pie-eating contests, karaoke, pottery making and a car show. An apple cider press is still used today, and there are plenty of apple desserts and products for sale.

Mansfield Covered Bridge Festival

Submitted by Amy Hunter

Mansfield, IN
This 10-day event is held each October to celebrate the 32 covered bridges in Indiana's Parke County. In Mansfield, visitors can get a taste of history with the Roller Mill and an old-fashioned covered bridge, both on the edge of Big Raccoon Creek. The bridge was built in 1867 and is the longest one in the county, spanning 247 feet. The festival includes food vendors and entertainment by singer John D. Baker.

Jack-o'-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo

Submitted by Jeff Midgley

Providence, RI
Thousands of pumpkins are displayed throughout the zoo at the Spectacular. Each jack-o-lantern is carved with images of people, places or scenes. This year's festival theme is "A Journey Around the World." It will include scenes from the 7 wonders of the world, as well as nations around the world. The event's famous centerpiece is the Laughing Tree made of glowing jack-o-lanterns. The pumpkins featured go from tiny sugar pumpkins to giant gourds that weigh up to 1,600 pounds.

Wurstfest

Submitted by Nichole Ritter

New Braunfels, TX
The 10-day festival is a celebration of German culture combined with Texas fun. The event has food, rides, special events and Alpine and Bavarian entertainment. Highlights include the sausage offerings along with the world's largest beer bottle collection.

St. James Court Art Show

Submitted by Jackie Fisher

Louisville, KY
This art show has been going on for 54 years. It started out as a way for 5 neighborhood associations to raise money, and has now become one of the biggest events in the art community. Artists apply and a jury selects those who can show in different categories. Visitors can purchase pieces, as well as participate in the entertainment and gala.

West Side Nut Club Fall Festival

Submitted by Emily Reynolds Sherfey

Evansville, IN
The Fall Festival is one of the largest events in the country. It includes parades, food, entertainment, amusement park rides, Queen Contest, Tug of War, an amateur hour and a Youth of the Day program to honor young people making a difference. The event is run by the West Side Nut Club, a civic-minded group that looks out for the interests of the town.