Autumn in New England is the place to be, with family fall festivals across Connecticut. It's the time of year for harvest and pumpkin festivals and fall fairs. These fall events for families are packed with kid-friendly activities, like rides, eats, games and entertainment. And they happen nearly every weekend. In September, celebrate with local town fairs like the Goshen Fair, Four Town Fair, or the Durham Fair. In October, celebrate the harvest at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival or the South Windsor Apple Fest.
Remember to explore our complete Fall Fun Guide. We have great autumn ideas from recipes to campgrounds and Halloween thrills. And keep an eye on our Event Calendar for the latest things to do in Connecticut throughout the fall.
Tips for Visiting Fall Festivals With Kids
- Go early to avoid crowds
- Bring cash for food vendors and rides
- Check for online tickets or reservation requirements
- Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and water
- Be ready for photo ops (pumpkin patches, hay bales, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: When do fall festivals in Connecticut take place?
A: Connecticut's fall festivals typically run from mid-September through late October, although there are some in early November.
Q: Are Connecticut's fall festivals stroller-friendly?
A: It really depends on the festival, but many are. You'll probably find that orchards and farms may have less stroller-friendly terrain.
Q: Do we need to purchase festival tickets in advance?
A: Always check the official event website. Many of CT's fairs and festivals offer free admission, but some charge for entry.
Q: What age is best for fall festivals in Connecticut?
A: Thankfully, CT's events have activities for toddlers to tweens (and grown-ups, too!) with hayrides, corn mazes, games, crafts, and plenty of food options for everyone.
Latest Videos

Best Fall Festivals in Connecticut - September
Aug. 30- September 1, 2025
A great country fair with loads of animals, food, entertainment, and rides. Enjoy this Litchfield County Labor Day tradition that features fireworks, pie eating contests, a draft horse show, and a lumber jack contest. Read More
Aug. 30- October 19, 2025
Step back to the past at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. It's a time to play and unwind, to feast and drink, and a time to celebrate the old-fashioned way. Read More
September 4-7, 2025
One of the largest fairs in Connecticut, the Hebron Harvest Fair is an agricultural event that features animal displays, various food, animal pulls, truck pulls, country music, carnival midway, and something to do for the entire family. Read More
September 4-7, 2025
The annual North Haven Fair features lawn mower racing, kid's entertainment, a petting zoo, magic shows, and more. There will also be rides and games by Rockwell Amusements. Read More
September 5-7, 2025
The beloved annual Oyster Festival features live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages, as well as festival entertainment and attraction for the whole family. Read More
September 11-14, 2025
This annual event operated by the Berlin Lions Club features concerts, a rodeo, contests, juggling shows, animal shows, livestock competitions, tractor, and truck pulls, and more. Read More
September 11-14, 2025
Music, entertainment and fun for the whole family at the annual Four Town Fair in Somers where you will find various agricultural contests, livestock competitions, music, jugglers, a midway and more. Read More
September 13, 2025
The Latin Festival is the perfect family-friendly, community event filled with fun activities for children and adults alike. Bring your family and friends to enjoy games, dominoes, food trucks, and live music performances. Read More
September 14, 2025
The annual Trumbull Arts Festival will take place on the Trumbull Town Hall Green.The festival draws artists and crafters from around the state. There is something for everyone: handmade purses, artisan soaps, jewelry, birdhouses, pottery and pet accessories just to name a few. Read More
September 18, 2025
Fun for kids of all ages at the Discover Boating® Norwalk Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®. Kid-friendly activities include Touch Tanks with live tidepool creatures, paddle boating in a mini pool, toy boat-building workshops and more. Read More
September 19-20, 2025
Join the Irish Heritage Society for a celebration of Irish Heritage. Live music, Irish culture, food, wine/beer tent, raffles, local vendors, & children activities! Read More
September 19-21, 2025
Come to The Guilford Fair, Connecticut’s 2nd oldest agricultural fair. Read More
September 20, 2025
This festival will feature unique crafts, direct sales vendors, local businesses, flea market, delicious food, great entertainment and more. Read More
September 20 , 2025
Each September, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum celebrates the Harvest Moon with a day of cultural connection, storytelling, and seasonal traditions. Guests are invited to enjoy family-friendly activities, Native foods, and artisan demonstrations that honor the importance of the harvest season in Indigenous communities. Read More
September 20-21, 2025
The Annual Mistick Garlic Festival with over 40 vendors, food for the whole family and lots of fun. An amazing variety of garlic will be for sale from local farmers. You can also buy local honey and other tasty treats. Read More
September 21, 2025
This annual Festival will take place (rain or shine) at French Memorial Park and offers carnival rides & games, entertainment, petting zoo, children’s contests, arts & craft vendors, and food booths run by local civic, school, and non-profit organizations. Read More
September 25-28, 2025
In 1916, the Durham Fair began a tradition. That tradition continues today during the last full weekend in September when the fairgrounds come alive and magically transform into Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair. Read More
September 26-28, 2025
The Bristol Mum Festival is an annual community tradition. Free to attend with lots of food, fun, and music. The Bristol Blues will also feature their Blues & Brew Fest & Garden. Read More
September 27, 2025
Celebrate Fall in Historic New London. Bring the whole family to one of New London’s most treasured historic sites for a festive autumn celebration. The 2025 New London Harvest Festival at the Old Town Mill is a free public event filled with music, food, fun, and fall activities. Read More
September 28, 2025
The main draw of this popular event is an incredible group of artist and artisan vendors representing a mix of mediums, products and styles. There will be fine art photographers, a diverse mix of jewelry designers, and painters ranging from abstract to landscapes, mixed media to three dimensional and more. There will also be artisan-made textiles, glass, hand-poured candles, stationary, paper products and ornaments. There's a complete range of sizes and price points, so it's a great place to look for original artwork for your home as well as special one-of-a-kind gifts. Read More

Best Harvest and Pumpkin Festivals in Connecticut - October
Weekends, October 3-12, 2025
One of Connecticut’s largest and longest-running events, the Apple Harvest Festival draws over 100,000 attendees each year for six days of unforgettable fall fun. This year’s theme—Engagement & Experience—invites guests to dive deeper into the heart of the festival through interactive attractions, community connections, and immersive entertainment. Read More
Oct. 3 - Oct. 5, 2025
This annual event features rides, amusements, great food and merchandise, live music, draft horse displays, wood chopping competitions, performing dogs, magic shows, and much more! Read More
October 3 - 5, 2025
Three-day fair features rides, games, animal exhibits, a truck pull, talent show, live music, crafts, and much more! Read More
October 4, 2025
Enjoy South Windsor's signature apple pie, 100 vendors & food trucks, free pony rides (11am-1pm), dunk tank, bounce house, live music/dancers, electric car showcase, free kids' activities & more. Read More
October 5, 2025
Join Earthplace for a full day of family fun, featuring a variety of activities and food trucks! Admission includes access to a corn pool, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling, nature exploration, the all-new Earthplace Adventure Course, hayrides, an apple slingshot, games, and more! Read More
October 5, 2025
Whether you're grooving to live music, savoring fall flavors, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, there's something here for everyone. Mark your calendar and make unforgettable memories with us. Last year we had 2,000+ attendees. Read More
October 10-12, 2025
Join the New Canaan Nature Center for three days of traditional family fun at their Annual Fall Fair. Read More
October 10 - 12, 2025
Often referred to as the last country fair of the season, this old-fashioned event on the scenic Farmington River features exhibits, animals, vendors, food, midway rides, music, wood chopping events, and more. Read More
Oct0ber 10 - 12, 2025
Enjoy garlic cooking demonstrations, live band performances, and many garlic dips, spreads, cheeses, and oils that will be free to sample. Visit the produce stands for fresh garlic and a variety of other fall produce. Read More
October 10-12, 2025
Join the New Canaan Nature Center for three days of traditional family fun at their Annual Fall Fair. Read More
October 17 - 19, 2025
Each year the Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival is rated as one of the best annual events in the entire state that includes a full midway of amusement rides, food trucks, live music, an expanded Harvest Pub, and the 5k Road Race on Sunday. Read More
October 18, 2025
Join Putnam’s Great Pumpkin Festival — brought to you by the Town of Putnam, Putnam Business Association, and CT Visit. Enjoy a craft fair, food, GREAT pumpkins & more! Read More
October 18, 2025
Join Olde Mistick Village on October 18 & 19 for their fourth annual Mystic Apple Festival. This festival celebrates everything fall, and will host vendors with arts and crafts, specialty hand-knit products, and everyone’s favorite seasonal foods with maple, pumpkin, apple, and caramel flavors! Read More
October 25, 2025
The Annual Ivoryton Village Pumpkin Festival offers all the best parts of fall. The Historic Downtown attracts more than 1500 visitors to the town green to celebrate the season. Pumpkin carvers are invited to a pumpkin carving party from 10am to noon at Bushyton Nature Center. All attendees are invited to come in costume. Read More