Top 3 Events in Your Midwest State: Fall Time Edition, September to October -

Top 3 Events in Your Midwest State: Fall Time Edition, September to October

The Midwest offers diverse fall events in 2025, celebrating culture and community. Enjoy festivals like Oktoberfests, pumpkin fests, and heritage celebrations across various states.

August 13, 2025

9–14 minutes

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Top 3 Events in Your Midwest State: Fall Time Edition, September to October

The Midwest is bursting with vibrant events this fall, offering something for everyone across its diverse states.

Below, you’ll find event details, including addresses, dates, attractions, and key information to help you plan your visit. Note that some dates are tentative based on previous years, so always check official websites for updates.

Illinois

Illinois offers a mix of cultural and seasonal events this fall, with plenty of family-friendly fun.

1. Morton Pumpkin Festival

Address: Downtown Morton, 111 S Main St, Morton, IL 61550
Dates: September 10–13, 2025
Attractions: Known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” Morton hosts this festival with a pumpkin fishing derby, pedal race, recipe challenge, and parade. Enjoy pumpkin-themed foods and family activities.
Important Information: Admission is free, but some activities may have fees. Expect crowds of 75,000. Free parking is available, but arrive early. Family-friendly with a kid’s zone.
Link: Morton Pumpkin Festival

2. Covered Bridge Festival

Address: Parke County Fairgrounds, 1472 N US Hwy 41, Rockville, IN 47872 (events span multiple towns)
Dates: October 10–19, 2025
Attractions: Explore 31 historic covered bridges with self-guided tours, plus enjoy food vendors, crafts, and antique shopping in Rockville and nearby towns.
Important Information: Free admission; maps available at the Rockville Visitors Center. Great for families and history buffs. Bring comfortable shoes for walking tours.
Link: Covered Bridge Festival

3. Tinner Hill Heritage Festival

Address: Lincoln Park, 600 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62703
Dates: September 12–13, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: This cultural festival celebrates African American history with storytelling, historical reenactments, art exhibits, and food vendors serving soul food.
Important Information: Free entry. Family-friendly with kid’s activities. Parking is limited; consider public transit. Check the official site for confirmed dates.
Link: Not available; check local Springfield event listings.

Indiana

Indiana’s fall events showcase its rich heritage and vibrant community spirit.

1. AppleJack Festival

Address: Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (events in nearby Indiana towns)
Dates: Weekends on September 19–28, 2025
Attractions: Celebrate the apple harvest with cider slushies, U-pick apples, a parade, bull-riding, and family-friendly activities at Arbor Day Farm.
Important Information: Admission varies by activity ($5–$15). Draws nearly 100,000 visitors. Free parking; book accommodations early due to high demand.
Link: AppleJack Festival

2. Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival

Address: Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, 127 N Chestnut St, Jefferson, OH 44047 (events span county)
Dates: October 11–12, 2025
Attractions: Features a self-guided tour of 19 covered bridges, including the longest in the U.S. (Smolen Gulf). Enjoy a parade, kids’ activities, and crafts.
Important Information: Free admission; parking is free. Family-friendly. Bring a map for bridge tours. One hour from Cleveland.
Link: Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival

3. Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest

Address: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47404
Dates: September 26–27, 2025
Attractions: Watch multiple hot air balloon launches, enjoy fireworks, a wine and beer garden, pyrotechnic skydivers, hayrides, and a costume parade.
Important Information: Tickets $10–$20; kids under 6 free. Family-friendly with free parking. Weather-dependent; check updates before attending.
Link: Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest

Iowa

Iowa’s fall festivals highlight small-town charm and cultural diversity.

1. Amana Colonies Oktoberfest

Address: Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
Dates: October 3–5, 2025
Attractions: Celebrate German heritage with beer tents, traditional foods like schnitzel, parades, and cultural demonstrations. Family-friendly with kids’ activities.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$15; kids under 12 free. Parking is $5. Book lodging early, as Amana fills up fast.
Link: Amana Colonies Oktoberfest

2. Scenic Drive Festival

Address: Villages of Van Buren County, Bentonsport, IA 52565
Dates: October 10–12, 2025
Attractions: A 110-mile drive along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway features craft vendors, parades, pancake feeds, and small-town charm across seven historic villages.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Bring cash for vendors; limited cell service in rural areas.
Link: Scenic Drive Festival

3. Anamosa Pumpkinfest

Address: Downtown Anamosa, 101 E Main St, Anamosa, IA 52205
Dates: October 4, 2025
Attractions: Features a giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin carving, games, and food vendors. Highlights include a pumpkin roll contest and kids’ activities.
Important Information: Free entry. Family-friendly. Limited parking; arrive early. Check weather, as some events are outdoors.
Link: Anamosa Pumpkinfest

Kansas

Kansas brings community spirit with unique festivals and celebrations.

1. Neewollah Festival

Address: Downtown Independence, 112 E Myrtle St, Independence, KS 67301
Dates: October 17–25, 2025
Attractions: Kansas’ largest festival (Halloween spelled backward) features three parades, a carnival, fun run, pumpkin decorating, and scarecrow contests.
Important Information: Free admission; some activities have fees. Family-friendly. Parking is free but limited. Expect 30+ food vendors.
Link: Neewollah Festival

2. Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Address: 633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Dates: September 6–October 19, 2025 (weekends only)
Attractions: Step into the 16th century with jousting, artisan markets, costume contests, and themed food like turkey legs.
Important Information: Tickets $15–$25; kids under 5 free. Family-friendly. Parking is $5. Costumes encouraged but optional.
Link: Kansas City Renaissance Festival

3. Maple Leaf Festival

Address: Downtown Baldwin City, 800 High St, Baldwin City, KS 66006
Dates: October 18–19, 2025
Attractions: Enjoy a parade, craft vendors, quilt show, car show, and kids’ activities in a charming college town.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Free parking; bring cash for vendors. Expect moderate crowds.
Link: Maple Leaf Festival

Michigan

Michigan’s fall events highlight its cultural and historical charm.

1. Holland Fall Fest

Address: Downtown Holland, 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
Dates: October 3–4, 2025
Attractions: Features a pumpkin carving contest, Dutch costume exhibits, art fairs, and food vendors serving local treats.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Free parking downtown; arrive early for spots. Check for weather updates.
Link: Holland Fall Fest

2. Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

Address: Harvey Kern Pavilion, 601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Dates: September 18–21, 2025
Attractions: The first U.S. Oktoberfest sanctioned by Munich features German beer, bratwurst, polka dancing, and a wiener dog race.
Important Information: Tickets $10–$20; kids under 12 free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking. Book lodging early.
Link: Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

3. Motor City Comic Con

Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
Dates: October 17–19, 2025
Attractions: A pop culture extravaganza with celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay contests, comic artists, and vendor booths.
Important Information: Tickets $20–$80; kids under 12 free on Sunday. Parking $10. Family-friendly; costumes encouraged.
Link: Motor City Comic Con

Minnesota

Minnesota’s fall events blend cultural heritage with family-friendly fun.

1. Twin Cities Oktoberfest

Address: CHS Field, 360 Broadway St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates: October 3–4, 2025
Attractions: Enjoy German beer, bratwurst, stein-holding contests, and cultural demonstrations. Family-friendly with kids’ games during the day.
Important Information: Tickets $10–$25; kids free during daytime. 21+ for evening beer tents. Free parking nearby.
Link: Twin Cities Oktoberfest

2. Moose Madness Family Festival

Address: Downtown Grand Marais, 15 N Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Dates: October 17–18, 2025
Attractions: A quirky festival with moose-themed scavenger hunts, fun runs, arts and crafts, and guided “moose safaris” to spot wildlife.
Important Information: Free admission; some activities have small fees. Family-friendly. Limited parking; book lodging early.
Link: Moose Madness Family Festival

3. Meander Art Crawl

Address: Upper Minnesota River Valley, Montevideo, MN 56265 (multiple locations)
Dates: October 3–5, 2025
Attractions: A self-guided tour of 40+ artist studios featuring wood carvings, textiles, and paintings across scenic rural towns.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Bring a map and cash for purchases. Limited cell service in some areas.
Link: Meander Art Crawl

Missouri

Missouri’s events offer a mix of history, sports, and seasonal fun.

1. Kansas City Royals vs. Los Angeles Angels

Address: Kauffman Stadium, 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129
Dates: September 2–4, 2025
Attractions: Watch the Royals take on the Angels in a thrilling MLB series with tailgating, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities.
Important Information: Tickets $4–$100; VIP packages available. Games start at 6:40 PM. Family-friendly with kid zones. Parking $15.
Link: Kansas City Royals

2. St. Louis Oktoberfest

Address: Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery, 4465 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Dates: September 26–28, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Features German beer, pretzels, bratwurst, and cultural displays. Family-friendly with games and a dachshund race.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$15; kids free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking; public transit recommended.
Link: St. Louis Oktoberfest

3. Hannibal Folklife Festival

Address: Downtown Hannibal, 100 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401
Dates: October 18–19, 2025
Attractions: Celebrate Mark Twain’s hometown with artisan crafts, storytelling, historical reenactments, and local food vendors.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Free parking; arrive early for spots. Outdoor event; check weather.
Link: Hannibal Folklife Festival

Nebraska

Nebraska’s events highlight its agricultural roots and community spirit.

1. Junkstock at Sycamore Farms

Address: Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Rd, Waterloo, NE 68069
Dates: September 26–28 & October 3–5, 2025
Attractions: A vintage festival with 200+ vendors, food trucks, pumpkin photo ops, and kids’ activities like face painting.
Important Information: Tickets $10–$15; kids under 12 free. Free parking. Family-friendly; bring cash for vendors.
Link: Junkstock

2. Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival

Address: Coventry Campus, 204th St & Q St, Omaha, NE 68135
Dates: September 12–13, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Features hot air balloon launches, wine tastings, food vendors, and kids’ activities like bounce houses.
Important Information: Tickets $15–$25; kids under 5 free. 21+ for wine tastings. Parking $5. Weather-dependent.
Link: Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival

3. Lincoln Oktoberfest

Address: Downtown Lincoln, 1415 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Dates: September 26–27, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Enjoy German beer, traditional foods, stein-holding contests, and family-friendly games like pretzel toss.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$20; kids free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking nearby. Check for confirmed dates.
Link: Not available; check local Lincoln event listings.

North Dakota

North Dakota’s fall events celebrate its Scandinavian heritage and community pride.

1. Norsk Høstfest

Address: North Dakota State Fair Center, 2005 E Burdick Expy, Minot, ND 58701
Dates: September 24–27, 2025
Attractions: The largest Scandinavian festival in North America features lutefisk eating contests, bunad (costume) shows, and artisan crafts.
Important Information: Tickets $10–$30; kids under 10 free. Family-friendly. Parking $5. Book lodging early.
Link: Norsk Høstfest

2. Bismarck Oktoberfest

Address: Downtown Bismarck, 301 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Dates: September 19–20, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Features German beer, food vendors, stein-holding contests, and kids’ activities like face painting.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$15; kids free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking. Check for confirmed dates.
Link: Not available; check local Bismarck event listings.

3. Downtown Fall Festival

Address: Downtown Fargo, 51 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
Dates: September 27, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: A family-friendly event with craft vendors, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, and kids’ games.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Free parking; arrive early. Outdoor event; dress for weather.
Link: Not available; check local Fargo event listings.

Ohio

Ohio’s fall events blend history, culture, and family fun.

1. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Address: 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Dates: September 18–21, 2025
Attractions: The largest Oktoberfest in the U.S. features German beer, bratwurst, and the quirky Running of the Wieners dachshund race.
Important Information: Free admission; food and drinks extra. Family-friendly. Public transit recommended; parking limited.
Link: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

2. Ohio Renaissance Festival

Address: 10542 E State Route 73, Waynesville, OH 45068
Dates: September 6–October 26, 2025 (weekends only)
Attractions: Features jousting, artisan markets, medieval food, and costume contests in a 16th-century village setting.
Important Information: Tickets $20–$30; kids under 5 free. Family-friendly. Parking $5. Costumes encouraged.
Link: Ohio Renaissance Festival

3. Great Mohican Pow-Wow

Address: Mohican Reservation, 23270 Wally Rd, Loudonville, OH 44842
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Attractions: Celebrate Native American culture with traditional dances, crafts, storytelling, and food vendors.
Important Information: Tickets $8–$15; kids under 6 free. Family-friendly. Free parking; camping available.
Link: Great Mohican Pow-Wow

South Dakota

South Dakota’s events showcase its rugged beauty and cultural heritage.

1. Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival

Address: Custer State Park, 13329 US Hwy 16A, Custer, SD 57730
Dates: September 25–27, 2025
Attractions: Watch cowboys herd 1,300 buffalo, plus enjoy an arts festival with bison-themed art, crafts, and food vendors.
Important Information: Free admission; arts festival has fees. Family-friendly. Parking $20; arrive early for viewing spots.
Link: Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

2. Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival

Address: Downtown Rapid City, 600 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Dates: September 20, 2025
Attractions: Features a pumpkin catapult competition, pumpkin weigh-off, scavenger hunts, and kids’ activities.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Free parking downtown; arrive early. Outdoor event; check weather.
visitrapidcity.events

3. Deadwood Oktoberfest

Address: Downtown Deadwood, 501 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Dates: October 3–4, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Enjoy German beer, bratwurst, stein-holding contests, and a wiener dog race in a historic Wild West town.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$15; kids free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking; book lodging early.
Link: Deadwood Oktoberfest

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s fall events celebrate its agricultural and cultural roots.

1. Warrens Cranberry Festival

Address: Downtown Warrens, 200 Main St, Warrens, WI 54666
Dates: September 26–28, 2025
Attractions: Features cranberry marsh tours, deep-fried cranberries, a parade, and craft vendors. Visit the Cranberry Discovery Center.
Important Information: Free admission; some activities have fees. Family-friendly. Parking $5. Expect large crowds.
Link: Warrens Cranberry Festival

2. Bayfield Apple Festival

Address: Downtown Bayfield, 42 S Broad St, Bayfield, WI 54814
Dates: October 3–5, 2025
Attractions: Celebrate the apple harvest with orchard tours, apple peeling contests, food vendors, and a grand parade.
Important Information: Free admission. Family-friendly. Parking $5–$10; book lodging early. Outdoor event; dress for weather.
Link: Bayfield Apple Festival

3. Milwaukee Oktoberfest

Address: Heidelberg Park, 700 W Lexington Blvd, Glendale, WI 53217
Dates: September 26–28, 2025 (tentative)
Attractions: Features German beer, bratwurst, stein-holding contests, and family-friendly games like pretzel toss.
Important Information: Tickets $5–$15; kids free. 21+ for beer tents. Free parking; public transit recommended.
Link: Not available; check local Milwaukee event listings.

Plan Your Midwest Fall Adventure

From Oktoberfests to pumpkin festivals, the Midwest in fall 2025 is packed with unique events that celebrate culture, history, and community.

Whether you’re in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, there’s an event to spark your interest.

Check official websites for the latest details, book tickets early, and enjoy the Midwest’s vibrant fall season!

Note: Some event dates are tentative based on previous years. Always verify details on official websites, as schedules and prices may change.