What To Expect At Connecticut's Best Fall Festivals

Fall in Connecticut is the season that seems to have been designed by a postcard artist. Between the foliage, farm stands, and small-town celebrations, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and explore. Here are five fall festivals across the state that are worth the drive and don't forget the melt-in-your-mouth cider donuts.

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** The Apple Harvest Festival (Southington) - One of the state’s largest, drawing tens of thousands each year. You’ll find live music, arts and crafts, a carnival, fireworks, and — of course — just about every apple creation imaginable......Oct 10 (Fri) 5:00 pm–9:00 pm....Oct 11 (Sat) 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Oct 12 (Sun) 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

** Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival (Bethlehem) - Don’t let the vampires (or your date) stop you. This is a two-day ode to garlic, complete with food vendors, cooking demos, and live music. October 11-12, 2025....Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm....Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

** The Pumpkin Festival (Litchfield) - A fall staple with pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, and a parade. It’s family-friendly, scenic, and has enough pumpkin spice to power an entire Starbucks... Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

** 30th Annual Scarecrows Along Main (Wethersfield) - You'll see over 70 handmade scarecrows displayed along Main Street until October 31st. It's not too late to show off your creativity and join the fun by designing a scarecrow to display in Old Wethersfield. This event is open to everyone — families, youth groups, local businesses, and community organizations.

** 31st Annual Collinsville Halloween Parade (Collinsville) - On Saturday, October 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m., the main streets in Collinsville will close to traffic and open to all who are brave and daring enough to join in the 31st annual Collinsville Halloween Parade. At 7:00 p.m. the parade ritual begins on Main Street. The Phantom Organist’s haunting pipe organ sounds can be heard, and all those who are Halloween-donned follow the fog and music down Main Street and around The Green

Halloween in Danbury Is Summed Up in 3 Words: Deer Hill Avenue

Each year, a sea of Hat City residents descend on Deer Hill Avenue to celebrate Halloween. I don't know when it started but this tradition is one people wait for all year. This year, just like last and the one before, my wife Erica and I took our daughter Vida up and down the street to collect candy and memories.

Gallery Credit: Louis Milano