Best Fall Food Festivals Happening in October
Fall is here, and you know what that means—pumpkin spice everything! From the cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg to the savory treats of harvest season, October is the ultimate month for food lovers. And what better way to celebrate the season than by exploring fall food festivals across the country? Whether you’re a fan of apple cider donuts, rich pumpkin pies, or hearty autumn stews, there’s a tasty event waiting for you. So grab your favorite sweater and head out for some delicious adventures! And don’t worry about where to stay—Motel 6 has you covered with comfy, affordable rooms to recharge after indulging in all the best fall flavors.
Here’s our roundup of the best fall food events to hit in October!
1. National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, PA
Love apples? Then the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania is your perfect fall destination! This charming festival, held every weekend in October, celebrates all things apple—from cider to apple butter, pies, and everything in between. Enjoy live music, hayrides, and craft vendors while munching on apple-infused treats. Plus, you can even watch apple pie contests and see how the pros bake the perfect fall dessert.
Where to Stay: After a day of apple overload, cozy up at Motel 6 in York, PA, just a short drive away from the festival. You’ll have a comfy place to rest while you plan your next food adventure.
2. Pumpkin Show – Circleville, OH
If you’re a pumpkin spice fan (and who isn’t?), you won’t want to miss the Circleville Pumpkin Show, one of the biggest fall festivals dedicated entirely to pumpkins. Running in mid-October, this event features pumpkin-flavored everything—pumpkin pie, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin ice cream, and even pumpkin burgers! You’ll also get to see giant pumpkins that weigh over 1,000 pounds, along with parades, live music, and a pumpkin-flavored extravaganza.
Where to Stay: After all that pumpkin goodness, head back to Motel 6 in Grove City, OH, for a relaxing, budget-friendly stay. Rest up and get ready for even more fall fun!
3. Harvest on the Harbor – Portland, ME
For foodies looking for an upscale fall experience, Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, Maine, is the place to be. This multi-day event, held in late October, celebrates the best of Maine’s fall bounty with lobster, oysters, and farm-to-table dishes featuring local ingredients. Don’t forget to sip on some craft beer and seasonal cocktails as you explore the artisan food scene. From chowder cook-offs to gourmet tastings, Harvest on the Harbor brings the flavors of fall to life.
Where to Stay: Motel 6 in Portland, ME, is the perfect place to rest after a day of indulging in all the deliciousness Maine has to offer. Affordable and cozy, it’s the ideal home base for your foodie adventure.
4. Texas Mushroom Festival – Madisonville, TX
Ready for something a little different? The Texas Mushroom Festival in Madisonville is all about celebrating fungi! Held in mid-October, this festival features a mushroom cook-off where chefs showcase the best mushroom-inspired dishes. From grilled mushrooms to mushroom pizza, the creative dishes will have your taste buds dancing. There’s also live music, wine tastings, and a mushroom market where you can pick up fresh, locally grown mushrooms.
Where to Stay: After a day of discovering the magic of mushrooms, head to Motel 6 in Navasota, TX, for a comfy, budget-friendly stay near the festival fun.
5. Sonoma County Harvest Fair – Santa Rosa, CA
If you’re looking for a fall food event with a side of wine, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is calling your name. Held in early October, this fair celebrates the rich flavors of California’s wine country, offering tastings of local wines, craft beers, and gourmet dishes. You can even try your hand at grape stomping! With cooking demos, live entertainment, and plenty of fall flavors to enjoy, this event is a must for anyone who loves pairing their food with a good glass of wine.
Where to Stay: After a day of sipping and savoring, relax at Motel 6 in Rohnert Park, CA, located just minutes away from all the harvest festivities.
6. North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival – Whiteville, NC
Pecans are a Southern fall favorite, and the North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival is the ultimate celebration of this delicious nut. Held in late October, the festival features a pecan cook-off, where local chefs whip up pecan pies, pralines, and even savory pecan dishes. You’ll also find food vendors, craft booths, and live entertainment to keep you entertained while you snack on all things pecan.
Where to Stay: After indulging in pecan treats, unwind at Motel 6 in Lumberton, NC, offering a budget-friendly, comfortable stay close to the festival.
7. Cranberry Harvest Celebration – Wareham, MA
For something truly unique, check out the Cranberry Harvest Celebration in Wareham, Massachusetts. This festival, held in mid-October, offers a behind-the-scenes look at cranberry farming, complete with bog tours and cranberry tastings. You’ll get to try cranberry jams, sauces, and baked goods, and even watch a cranberry harvest in action! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the tart, tangy flavors of fall.
Where to Stay: After a fun-filled day of cranberry-themed activities, relax at Motel 6 in Seekonk, MA, and enjoy a comfortable stay that won’t break the bank.
Why Motel 6 is Your Perfect Fall Getaway
Whether you’re indulging in pumpkin spice treats, sipping cider at a harvest fair, or tasting gourmet dishes, Motel 6 is the perfect place to stay during your fall food adventures. With affordable, cozy rooms near some of the best food festivals in the country, we make it easy for you to focus on enjoying the flavors of fall—without worrying about your budget.
We’ll always leave the light on for you, whether you’re coming back from a day of apple picking or a night of pumpkin pie tastings. So go ahead, plan your foodie road trip, and make this October the tastiest one yet!
Happy Fall and Bon Appétit!