While we all love a good summer festival, fall is the ideal time to get outside and celebrate this time of harvest and good fortune. The state of Kentucky is known for its festivals and this time of year does not disappoint. Some of the best gatherings of the year take place in the fall, so be sure to check out the best harvest festivals in Kentucky that are a great way to celebrate autumn.

1. Casey County Apple Festival - Liberty, KY
Facebook/Casey County Apple Festival
As one of Kentucky's best street festivals, you'll have a sweet time at this one-of-a-kind gathering in Liberty. This year's festival is September 26-28, and includes 200 arts and crafts vendors, food and flea market booths, as well as pageants and a car show. It's a can't miss fall event! For more information, visit its website here.
2. Country Pumpkins - Dry Ridge, KY
Facebook/Country Pumpkins
Visit a working family farm in Dry Ridge, September 7th through October 31st. Country Pumpkins hosts their Fall Festival each year and it's a one-stop-shop for fall family fun. Take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, ride farm-themed rides and taste some of their yummy treats. It's a classic fall experience that everyone will love. Learn more about one of the best family-friendly fall events in Kentucky here.

Address: 1835 Sherman Mount Zion, Dry Ridge, KY 41035
3. Marion County Country Ham Days - Lebanon, KY
Facebook/Marion County Country Ham Days
Join 40,000 of your closest Kentucky friends at one of the state's most popular festivals. Marion County Country Ham Days takes place September 27-29 and the highlights include a carnival, an epic country ham breakfast, a charming parade and a beautiful hot air balloon glow. This year they will celebrate their 50th anniversary! Find out more on the event's page here.
4. Bear Wallow Farm - Nancy, KY
Facebook/Bear Wallow Farm
Enjoy the cool, fall air and an old-fashioned farm festival at Bear Wallow Farm. Open weekends (Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 1pm - 6pm) September 15th through the end of October, there's a wide variety of harvest time fun to experience. Try your way through their infamous corn maze, relax on a tire swing, and pick the perfect pumpkin. Find out more information on the farm's website here.

Address: 1225 Piney Grove Road, Nancy, KY 42544

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5. Court Days - Mt. Sterling, KY
Flickr/Keith Reed
Kentucky's oldest festival will be held October 18 - 21 this year and will celebrate the historic tradition of trading in this area of Kentucky. Specializing in many different arts and crafts, food and music, over 140,000 visitors will come from all over to celebrate fall and this standing Kentucky pastime. See more of this impressive fall festival in Kentucky here.
6. Crittendon County Pumpkin Festival - Crittendon County, KY
Facebook/Crittendon County Pumpkin Festival
This small Kentucky town comes to life with colorful pumpkins for the annual Crittendon County Pumpkin Festival on September 28th. Enjoy the town that will be filled with vendors, food, music, entertainment, and a classic car show. Get all of the current information on the festival's Facebook page here.
7. Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival - Vine Grove, KY
Facebook/Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival
If you'd like to celebrate harvest season with some classic Bluegrass music, then head to Vine Grove September 26 - 28. Bring your lawn chair - or you can even camp on site! - and relax to the colorful sounds of the bluegrass, along with plenty of good food and company. Get all the details on the festival's website here.
8. Turning of the Leaves Festival - Augusta, KY
Facebook/Augusta, Kentucky
On October 12th, visit the Turning of the Leaves Festival in the charming town of Augusta. Lower Main Street will be lined with local and regional crafters and shops and restaurants will be ready to greet you. There will also be live entertainment and free trolley rides. For more information, visit the event's page here.

Fall is a great time to explore Kentucky and its small town gatherings. Have you been to any of the best harvest festivals in Kentucky? Any others we should be sure to include next time? Share your favorites in the comments!

And for the best time to view fall foliage in Kentucky this year, be sure to check out our recent article here.

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More to Explore

Best Harvest Festivals In Kentucky

Andrea Limke | August 24, 2019

What other types of events take place in fall in Kentucky?

There are many things to do in fall in Kentucky. Small town festivals are very popular this time of year, and the 8 events mentioned above are some of the best. In addition to these, you can also take a scenic train ride, go on a ghost hunt, try apple picking, or check out any of the other family-friendly fall events in Kentucky. Don't forget that fall is also a great time to go hiking and camping in Kentucky, and some of our favorite fall hikes can be found here.

What are the best family-friendly activities to do in the fall in Kentucky?

We've already mentioned some of the best family-friendly fall activities in Kentucky, and really you can't go wrong with any of them. Another unique event to consider is the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular in Louisville and you can learn more about that here. Any of our state parks are also lovely in the fall and often provide fun-filled, family activities. See a list of our state's incredible resort parks here.

Which Kentucky town is the best to visit in the fall?

This is a difficult question to answer, because so many Kentucky towns really get into the festive spirit of fall. If you'd like some suggestions of where to go in Kentucky in the fall, start with this list of the most gorgeous spots and check out all of the small towns and big cities along the way.

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