With fall at full speed ahead, it’s time to plan your upcoming vacation. Autumn is the off-peak season for most travel destinations, so it's a great time to find some fabulously frugal deals. Lucky for you, we’re giving you a head start! From the West Coast to the Deep South, you’ll find festivals are thriving as cities celebrate cooler temperatures, autumn harvests, football season, Oktoberfest, and more.
Dollywood National Gospel and Harvest Celebration
Pigeon Forge, TN
10/2 – 10/31
Get back to your Southern roots at this famous festival in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Where else will you find over 250 free gospel concerts? Besides heartfelt, soul-searing gospel music, this 4-week event serves up authentic Dixie dishes like fried green tomatoes and plenty of sweet tea to wash it all down. Browse through arts, crafts, and knick-knacks that will remind you of your trip down South.
Austin City Limits Festival
Austin, TX
10/2 – 10/4
Yet another reason why this central Texas city has a permanent spot on the Map of Coolness! The Austin City Limits festival features 3 days of headliners, local acts, barbecue and Lone Star beer. Attend this year’s fest for Pearl Jam and Dave Matthew’s Band, and find out why ACL is one of the hottest music events of the year – literally. Not to worry, though! This year, they’ve pushed the date back to early October and recent renovations to the festival’s Zilker Park should prove this time around is bigger, better, and breezier.
Savannah Jazz Festival
September 10-27
Savannah, GA
Head to this Southern city the last week in September for the Savannah Jazz Festival, which is one of the most internationally renowned and largest free jazz festivals around. In addition to first class jazz, you’ll find an eclectic array of handmade arts and crafts made by local artisans. Don’t miss out on exploring the rest of Coastal Georgia’s best kept secret!
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Big Bear Lake, CA
September 19 – October 31
Held each year in Southern California, Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is a fun way to celebrate the fall harvest. Here you can celebrate your Germanic roots – or at least partake in enough beer and brats to qualify as a native. Don’t miss the beer stein carrying contest, where revelers compete for prizes. With a German brass band in the background and dames in dirndls serving up hearty brews, you’ll think you’ve traveled to the other side of the world.
Mystic Seaport Chowderfest
Mystic CT
October 10-12
There’s something mystical about the Mystic Seaport Chowderfest. Perhaps it’s the fresh seafood you can’t find anywhere else. Maybe it’s the local apple pies and cherry cobblers, prepared fresh for fall. It could be the robust beers and ciders that the area is known for. But most likely it’s the creamiest, yummiest clammiest chowder you’ve ever tasted. Bring the kids for art projects, live music and admission to the Children’s Museum. With several family-friendly events and plenty of good eats, everyone is sure to have a great time!
