Changing leaves, cooling temperatures, and ripening fields are a sure sign that autumn has arrived—and that also means that fall festival season is in full swing. As farmers bring their crops to market, it’s a perfect time to pack up the car or RV and follow the sights, sounds, and smells to one or more of the hundreds of celebratory harvest fests across the nation. Read on to discover our top 11 choices for the most unique, entertaining and appetizing fall festivals on tap for the 2025 season. International Rice Festival, Crowley, Louisiana The International Rice Festival, staged annually every third weekend in October (October 17-19 in 2025), is one of Louisiana’s oldest and largest agricultural festivals. It originated on October 5, 1937, as the National Rice Festival, but was renamed in 1946 following a hiatus during World War II (1942-1945). Held in honor of the state’s rice industry and its hardworking farmers, it has brought attention to the importance of rice as a food and emphasizes its place in the world. Louisiana ranks among the Favorite American Fall Festivals Harvests, Hayrides, and Pumpkins By Dave G. Houser
top three rice-producing states in America (behind only Arkansas and California), and its world-famous cuisine is due in no small part to its wholesome long grain rice. Throughout the festival weekend, two sound stages are filled with live entertainment. Past entertainers include Percy Sledge, Joe Diffie, and Shenandoah, to name a few. Local artists such as Wayne Toupe, Geno Delafosse, and Chubby Carrier add to the on- stage mix. Festival goers can participate in a number of additional activities and events such as the Classic Car Show, the Crowley High 5K run/walk, and the Fiddle and Accordion Contests. Interest in the Rice Festival Queen Contest is high, particularly among male attendees, and the Rice Eating Contest, and Frog Derby always attract big crowds. Two parades take place during the event: the Children’s Parade on Friday afternoon and the Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon.
www.ricefestival.com, 337-783-3067
Estes Park Elk Festival, Colorado We know of no other city in America (possibly the world) that stages a festival commemorating the annual arrival of the elk rut (or mating season). But this Colorado mountain community best known for its ski slopes goes all out each September (September 27-
Map credit: William Tipton
AMERICAN FALL FESTIVALS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE FALL 2025 | 28
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