10 Midwest Festivals to Celebrate Fall

Fall in the Midwest is more than just colorful leaves and cozy sweaters—it’s a season of celebration! From apple festivals and Oktoberfests to pumpkin patches and harvest fairs, there’s no better way to embrace autumn than by attending a local festival. Whether you’re in Minnesota or road-tripping around the Midwest, here are 10 fall festivals worth adding to your calendar.

🍎 1. Bayfield Apple Festival – Bayfield, Wisconsin

Every October, this charming Lake Superior town celebrates all things apple. Expect apple pie contests, orchard tours, craft vendors, and a grand parade. It’s been named one of the “Top 10 Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation.”

Scenic Lake Superior views + endless apple treats.

🍻 2. New Ulm Oktoberfest – New Ulm, Minnesota

Known as the “most German town in America,” New Ulm hosts one of the best Oktoberfests in the Midwest. Enjoy authentic German beer, food, polka music, and dancing in historic downtown and at Schell’s Brewery (the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the U.S.).

True Bavarian vibes without leaving Minnesota.

🎃 3. Sever’s Fall Festival – Shakopee, Minnesota

A Minnesota classic, Sever’s is more than a pumpkin patch—it’s a full-on fall extravaganza. With one of the largest corn mazes in the country, live music, pig races, a giant slide, and tons of food vendors, it’s a must for families.

Huge variety of activities in one spot.

🥧 4. La Crescent Applefest – La Crescent, Minnesota

Located along the Mississippi River, La Crescent—nicknamed “Apple Capital of Minnesota”—celebrates its apple heritage every September. Highlights include a torchlight parade, apple pie contests, carnival rides, and live music.

Small-town charm + apple treats galore.

🎶 5. Warrens Cranberry Festival – Warrens, Wisconsin

Known as the world’s largest cranberry festival, this event draws over 100,000 visitors each fall. Festival-goers can take cranberry marsh tours, browse over 1,000 vendors, and sample every cranberry treat imaginable (yes, even cranberry wine!).

Unique Wisconsin flavor + cranberry everything.

🍏 6. Excelsior Apple Days – Excelsior, Minnesota

Set on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior Apple Days is a fun family-friendly festival. Visitors can enjoy apple tastings, food trucks, art vendors, and live music in a charming small-town setting.

Scenic lakeside location + perfect for families.

🥨 7. Oktoberfest USA – La Crosse, Wisconsin

La Crosse’s Oktoberfest is one of the Midwest’s most iconic celebrations, running since 1961. The event features parades, music tents, German food, and stein-holding contests. The Mississippi River backdrop makes it especially picturesque.

Iconic Oktoberfest with river views.

The Midwest knows how to celebrate fall in style! From Oktoberfest beers and apple orchards to pumpkin patches and cranberry marshes, these festivals are the perfect way to embrace the season. Whether you stay close to home in Minnesota or road trip across the Midwest, you’ll find plenty of festive fun to fill your fall weekends.

So grab your sweater, your favorite fall drink, and your family (or furry friend)—because autumn festivals in the Midwest are waiting! 🍂🍻🎃