Wacky Fall Festivals

What do great pumpkins, pig intestines and the world’s best-known (and only) 52-foot cowboy have in common?

They’re all part of the fall fun that’s happening across the country. In between leaf peeping and football Saturdays, here are our picks for ten wonderful and sometimes wacky festivals to check out.


Hermann Octoberfest Weekends through October 27 Hermann, Missouri Each weekend in October, this tiny town along the Missouri River is brilliant with fall color and filled with the sounds of oompa bands. Throughout town are scattered bier gartens serving brats and beer, winery tastings and art and craft shows.

The Barbeque Festival October 27th Lexington, North Carolina

Notice how the folks in Lexington say THE barbeque festival – they’re not kidding when they claim bragging rights to being the barbeque capital of the world. Memphis and Kansas City might have a bit to say about that. In Lexington, there’s Pork and Swine Wine, the creation of NASCAR owner Bob Childress and artist Bob Timberlake; bluegrass music, pig races and a carnival are all part of the celebration of fine swine.

The World Champion Pumpkin Chunkin Contest November 2 – 4 Bridgeville, Delaware

A serious sport among the agricultural set, teams will compete in a variety of classes, using a variety of machines including catapults and air cannons, hoping to best the world pumpkin chunkin record of an amazing 4,434 feet and a few inches. In between the chunkin, there’s live music, food and a pumpkin cooking contest featuring everything from pumpkin drinks to pies, candies and appetizers.

Savannah Seafood Festival November 2-4 Savannah, Georgia

There’ll be fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp po’ boys. . . . And that’s just the shrimp. Indulge in almost any seafood delicacy on Savannah’s historic River Street, and then take in the boat races, fireworks and art show.

Ballunar Liftoff Festival November 2-4 Clear Lake, Texas More than 100 giant hot air balloons will fill the skies around NASA’s Johnson Space Center for the annual event, held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of manned flight in America. Balloons are just the start of the high-flying festivities, with exhibitions of skydiving, para- and hang-gliding, and a mass balloon glow; carnival-like games, rides and concerts round out the fun.

Autumn Tides Through November 16 The 14 beach communities of South Walton County, located on the Gulf of Mexico between Pensacola and Panama City, celebrate the quiet season with art, food, and children’s festivals throughout Autumn Tides, which lasts until mid-November. A Playwright Festival, Beaujolais Nouveau tasting, and the Southern Breeze Wine & Culinary Festival are among the offerings; between events, enjoy the almost-empty sugar sand beaches.

Salley Chitlin Strut November 24 Salley, South Carolina Pig intestines – it’s what’s for dinner? Yep, if you’re heading to Salley, South Carolina, home of the world famous Chitlin Strut. Chitterlings, as they’re formally known, are fried pig’s intestines; for their annual festival, the folks in Salley fry and boil them by the ton. (Trust us on this advice: Go for the fried, avoid the boiled). While the chitlins are digesting, take in the hawg calling contest and Miss Chitlin beauty pageant.