When the air gets crisper, the days get shorter, and the apples are ready for picking, we know it’s time. Time for what? It’s time for fall festivals and fairs, Connecticut’s favorite way to celebrate autumn. Here are a few of our favorites, ordered by dates of occurrence.
1. Berlin Fair, Berlin
Berlin Fair is one of Connecticut's largest agricultural fairs. Beyond the animal and harvest exhibits, there are plenty of rides to keep young (and young at heart) fair-goers happy. The Berlin Fair will be held September 15th, 16th, and 17th.
2. Harvest Festival at Haight-Brown Vineyard, Litchfield
Catch live music, outdoor wine tasting, grape stomping, and a pig roast at Haight-Brown Vineyard's 45th annual fall festival. The event will take place September 16th and 17th.
3. Bristol Mum Festival, Bristol
Flowers might be the name of the game at Bristol's contribution to the fall festival scene, but there's much more to it than bright blooms. Enjoy carnival rides and games, cider donuts, and the festival's signature Chrysanthemum Parade. Join the fun September 21st to 24th.
4. Durham Fair, Durham
As Connecticut's largest agricultural fair, Durham Fair is the ultimate fall celebration. The first-class agricultural competitions, live entertainment, crafts, rides, and games make this a festival not to be missed. The Durham Fair will be held September 21st to 24th.
5. Falls Village Fall Festival and Truck Pull, Canaan
Head up to Canaan the last full weekend in September for a professionally-run truck pull, great food, vendors, and family fun. The event will be held September 24.
6. Southington Apple Harvest Festival, Southington
This celebration of all things fall — especially apples — is so big it needs two weekends. Explore Southington's homage to fall's favorite fruit September 29th to October 1st or October 6th to 8th.
7. Garlic & Harvest Festival, Bethlehem
You'll learn more than you ever expected to about garlic at this unique Connecticut harvest festival. In addition to every type of garlic under the sun, you'll find cooking demonstrations, garlic growing lectures, live entertainment, rides, and games. The garlic festival will be October 7th and 8th.
8. Riverton Fair, Riverton
Riverton Fair bills itself as "the best little country fair in Connecticut," and we're not going to disagree with them on that. Despite ups and downs, it's been running for more than 100 years. There's a certain New England country charm here; check it out for yourself October 13th and 15th.
9. Harvest Festival at Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Stamford
The whole family will enjoy this fall celebration, which includes a costume parade, pumpkin carving, hot apple cider, food trucks, an apple slingshot, and live music. That's right, there will be an apple slingshot. The festival will take place October 14th and 15th.
10. Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival & 5K Race, Glastonbury
At Glastonbury's ode to the apple harvest, enjoy amusement rides, food vendors, and live music. The festival will be October 13th to 15th.
11. 1st Annual Whigville Harvest Fest & 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk, Burlington
Let's show this brand-new fall celebration some love in its inaugural year. There will be a 5K race, games, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, tractors on display, baked goods, and local produce. Join the fun on October 23rd.
Which of these fairs and festivals are you planning on attending this year? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
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