AUGUST
Ohio Renaissance Festival | Aug. 30–Oct. 26, Waynesville, OH
Leave the modern world behind and enter into a 16th-century village bursting with adventure and wonder in Waynesville, Ohio. Cheer for dueling knights as they joust on horseback, feast on giant turkey legs and shop for handmade treasures. Each weekend centers around a different theme, whether it’s pirates, fairies, Vikings or time travelers, so no two visits to the Ohio Renaissance Festival are the same. renfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
50th Toronto International Film Festival | Sept. 4–14, Toronto, ON
Celebrate 50 years of the Toronto International Film Festival, and catch plenty of buzzworthy movies before they hit theaters. Enjoy star-studded conversations, attend masterclasses and experience gala nights at iconic venues. The Toronto International Film Festival offers more than just movies too. It’s a cultural feast with art installations, special events and chances to connect with fellow cinephiles. tiff.net
Frankenmuth Auto Fest | Sept. 5–7, Frankenmuth, MI
Vintage automobile lovers will delight in the hundreds of classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars that gather in the Bavarian-style city of Frankenmuth during this three-day festival. The event includes a main car show at Heritage Park, as well as a competition to compete for the festival’s Bavarian Cup at the Harvey Kern Pavilion. Plus, see amphibious Amphicars navigating the Cass River, dig into daily pancake breakfasts and enjoy an evening drone show and a Big Block Party on Sept. 5. frankenmuthautofest.net
Cedar Point HalloWeekends | Sept. 11–Nov. 1, Sandusky, OH
Experience the season’s best mix of fun and frights at the beloved Sandusky theme park’s HalloWeekends, where haunted houses like Fearground Freakshow offer spine-tingling chills and endless fun. The night air fills with eerie sounds and lively scare zones, creating a thrilling atmosphere that is perfect for visitors craving some spooky fun this time of year. cedarpoint.com
100 Y’Ears of Popcorn | Sept. 13, Mount Joy, PA
Celebrate a century of buttery, popped deliciousness at this festival in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. What started as a simple operation on a Lancaster County farm in 1925 has grown into a nationwide supplier of premium popcorn. Join the Reist family for a day of fun, including hayrides, a corn maze, live music, games, fireworks and, of course, plenty of popcorn. reistpopcorn.com/100years
Pygmalion Festival | Sept. 18–20, Urbana, IL
Since 2005, this music festival has celebrated Urbana, Illinois’ arts and culture scene with three days dedicated to showcasing artists and their work. Along with featuring musical acts, the festival lineup also includes creators like comedians and writers. This year, attendees can check out the work of comedian Josh Johnson, electronic music duo Snow Strippers and actor Hannibal Buress. thisispygmalion.com
World Chicken Festival | Sept. 25–28, London, KY
Home to the world’s largest stainless-steel skillet, the World Chicken Festival has celebrated Col. Harland Sanders (of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame) and the state’s chicken heritage for over three decades. Along with world-famous eats, there is musical entertainment, carnival rides and contests throughout the weekend. Hosting over 30,000 people each year, the event works in tandem with over 50 local nonprofits. chickenfestival.com
OCTOBER
Kentucky Apple Festival | Oct. 2–4, Paintsville, KY
Celebrating over six decades of apple production in and around the city of Paintsville, the Kentucky Apple Festival features a hefty lineup of vendors and activities, including live music, a Miss Apple Blossom pageant, a parade, flea market and more. Plus, enjoy plenty of apple-themed treats, from crisp candy apples to warm fried apple pie. kyapplefest.org
Nuit Blanche | Oct. 4–5, Toronto, ON
In Toronto, Ontario, Nuit Blanche welcomes visitors to “translate the city” through immersive art pieces that explore language, culture and identity in urban life. Under guidance from artistic director Laura Nanni, this free all-night festival transforms public spaces into vibrant canvases with contemporary installations from thousands of artists. It has become a landmark cultural event, fueling creativity in the city. toronto.ca
West Side Nut Club Fall Festival | Oct. 6, Evansville, IN
Earning the title of #1 Fall Festival in the USA by USA Today in 2024, the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival offers a massive celebration that attracts over 200,000 people to Evansville, Indiana. The sound of live entertainment and amateur talent competitions erupt along the city’s Franklin Street, along with more than 100 food booths and multiple carnival attractions. nutclubfallfestival.com
Lumenaura Festival | Oct. 10–12, Aurora, IL
This illuminating festival colors the city of Aurora, Illinois, with creative, artistic displays of sights and sound. The vibrant visuals and immersive experiences create a unique way to see the illuminated city at nightfall. The glowing sensory atmosphere is complemented by musical acts on the main stage, and visitors have a chance to create their own artistic masterpieces. yourvoice.aurora.il.us/lumenaura
Peek’n Peak Fall Fest | Oct. 11–12 & 18–19, Clymer, NY
As the leaves fall, so does the Peek’n Peak Fall Fest, returning for two separate weekends in October. With autumn foliage on full display, enjoy perusing the local farmers market and over 100 vendors. Highlights include a pumpkin cannon, ski-lift rides, live entertainment, kids activities and more. pknpkfallfest.com
Bridge Day | Oct. 18, Fayetteville, WV
Each year, one of West Virginia’s largest single-day festivals sees thrill seekers BASE jump and rappel from the top of the New River Gorge Bridge, overlooking the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Visitors can get in on the action with zip lining, whitewater rafting, a 5K run and more. officialbridgeday.com
Punkin Chunkin | Oct. 18, Clayton, NY
This sensational autumn event sees several catapults set up along Clayton, New York’s Riverside Drive. Attendees can marvel as pumpkins are chucked out across the St. Lawrence River, plus enjoy a farmers market and barbecue competition and tasting while they’re in town.
1000islands-clayton.com
NOVEMBER
Festival of Lights | Nov. 6–Jan. 4, Wheeling, WV
Spanning 300 acres and featuring millions of lights, Oglebay Park Resort’s Festival of Lights is one of the largest holiday light shows in the U.S. Enjoy dazzling exhibitions at locations like the Oglebay Zoo, the Oglebay Mansion Museum, Oglebay’s Gardens of Light and others, alongside a Winter Carnival and live shows at the Oglebay Lodge. oglebay.com/calendar/celebrations/festival-of-lights
Route 66 Film Festival | Nov. 7–8, Springfield, IL
Affectionately named after U.S. Route 66, this film festival showcases both short and feature-length films at the city of Springfield’s Hoogland Center for the Arts. Since 2002, this two-day event has welcomed many different genres from countries around the world. Following the full schedule of film screenings, the festival will conclude with an awards ceremony. route66filmfestival.net
Light the Night | Nov. 15–Jan. 1, Charleston, WV
More than 2.5 million lights and eight different interactive displays cover Charleston’s GoMart Ballpark for this festival that is considered the largest winter light festival in West Virginia. In addition to holiday music, food and shopping, enjoy classic amusement park favorites like a Ferris wheel and carousel, or embrace the winter season with outdoor ice skating, ice bumper cars and a trip aboard the Holiday Train. dblightthenight.com
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 22–Dec. 24, Carmel, IN
Each winter in Carmel, Indiana, the annual Christkindlmarkt turns the city into a lively slice of Germany, complete with rows of wooden vendor huts, the scent of sizzling bratwurst and roasted nuts, and the glow of a 33-foot Glühwein pyramid. Adults can browse beer steins and nutcrackers while kids delight in live music and visits from Christkind. carmelchristkindlmarkt.com
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom | Nov. 22–Jan. 3, Louisville, KY
Spending the holidays at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville means filling your schedule with festive activities packed as tightly as the snow on the theme park’s 175-foot-long tubing hill (the largest in the state of Kentucky). From meeting Santa and his reindeer to taking in the property’s over 1.5 million lights and more than 300 Christmas trees, Kentucky Kingdom hosts a wide array of festivities for the whole family to enjoy. kentuckykingdom.com
The Original Santa Claus Parade | Nov. 23, Toronto, ON
For 120 years, this parade has kicked off the holiday season in Toronto with colorful floats, lively music and festive cheer. Attendees can wander along the parade route to catch sight of more than 25 animated floats and roughly 2,000 costumed marchers. Plus, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and celebrate the magic of Christmas as Santa makes his entrance. thesantaclausparade.com
Christmas Time at the Ark Encounter | Nov. 28–Jan. 3, Williamstown, KY
On select days throughout the season, visit this life-size Noah’s ark replica in Williamstown, Kentucky, for a festive laser show and lights display. Supplementary to the biblical theme, guests can ride an educational carousel and meet the ark’s live animals. After participating in a virtual-reality experience, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa to finish out the day. arkencounter.com/christmas
Holly Dickens Festival | Nov. 29–Dec. 14, Holly, MI
Kindle your holiday spirit this year with three weeks of merriment at the Holly Dickens Festival in downtown Holly, Michigan, where you can see Dickens-era costumes, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, hear caroling or savor festive drinks at an old-fashioned pub before taking a timeless picture with Santa Claus. The event kicks off with the Dickens Lighted Parade and a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 28. hollydickensfestival.org
World’s Largest Disco | Nov. 30, Buffalo, NY
Since 1979, this night-long bash held at the Buffalo Convention Center has been a long-standing charity fundraiser in the area. Attendees can enjoy dressing up in theme and dance the night away on the largest dance floor in New York State, all while supporting a good cuase. Over the years, the World’s Largest Disco has raised over $8 million for various charities. theworldslargestdisco.com
DECEMBER
Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas | Dec. 5–6, Canonsburg, PA
Small-town holiday magic is alive and well at this old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. After starting as a humble local tree-lighting, the festival has grown into a weekend of festivities that draws nearly 30,000 visitors. Explore a global Christmas market, delicious food, kids activities, live entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony. canonsburgsoldfashionedchristmas.com
Magic at the Mill | Dec. 5–20, Holland, MI
Over 1,000 LED tulip blossoms decorate Holland’s authentic De Zwaan windmill to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Plus, attendees can see a musical light show and a guest appearance from Sinterklaas (the Dutch name for Santa Claus) to cap off a night of festive cheer for all ages. holland.org/magic-at-the-mill
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival | Dec. 6, Lebanon, OH
Step into a twinkling holiday wonderland in Historic Downtown Lebanon. Enjoy festive horse-drawn carriages sparkling with lights during two enchanting parades, explore a lively market, hear joyful carolers and share magical moments with Santa. Take part in the Christmas cheer with music, crafts and family fun for all ages. lebanonchamber.org
New Year’s Eve at Niagara Falls | Dec. 31–Jan. 1, Niagara Falls, NY
Visitors to this event can ring in the New Year while overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from Table Rock House Restaurant in Niagara Falls prior to viewing the fireworks display. Niagara Parks has many nighttime activities to illuminate the holiday, including an immersive light experience at the Power Station and an annual Poinsettia Show. The following morning, brunch will be offered at Queenston Heights Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. niagaraparks.com
JANUARY
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition | Jan. 22–25, Rockford, IL
Watch Rockford Illinois’ Sinnissippi Park transform into a winter wonderland for the annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition. Tour the icy atmosphere either on foot or from the comfort of your car to view each entry in the state and high school divisions. Attendees can vote on their favorite sculpture for the People’s Choice award, while the sculptors will be assessing each creation based on creativity, technique and message. ilsnowsculpting.com
FEBRUARY
Culver Winterfest | Feb. 6–8, Culver, IN
During this three-day festival held in Culver, Indiana, ice sculptors from Rock On Ice carve shimmering figures throughout the town as crowds gather in the cold. Kids can rush down the sledding hill while adults lounge in the beer garden. Plus, take part in the chili cook-off, toast marshmallows for s’mores and watch the Ice Fights, where sculptors compete to create frozen masterpieces before time runs out. findculver.com/winterfest
Mythicon | Feb. 13-15, Gettysburg, PA
Step into a world of folklore, fantasy and fun at this family-friendly winter festival held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Immerse yourself in the magic of fairy tales and mythical creatures with whimsical storytelling, music, workshops, games, crafts, guest speakers, drumming and dance performances, shopping and more. mythicon.me
Medina Ice Festival | Feb. 14–17, Medina, OH
Shake off cabin fever at Medina’s Ice Festival. This free event hosts master carvers who transform blocks of ice into dazzling sculptures on the historic square in downtown Medina, Ohio. Explore the glowing ice garden, cozy up by the firey ice tower and snap unforgettable photos. The best way to warm up during the festivities is by exploring the charming local shops nearby. mainstreetmedina.com
Mountain State Maple Days | Feb. 15 & March 15, Various Locations, WV
Delight in everything maple at sugarhouses and businesses across West Virginia during this celebration. Offerings may vary between locations, but highlights include maple tapping and syrup-making demonstrations, as well as maple-themed eats, including maple moonshine, maple-glazed pork chops and more. wvmspa.org/mountain-state-maple-days
Marsh Madness | Feb. 20–21, Linton, IN
Each March in Linton, Indiana, Marsh Madness is held to coincide with the breathtaking migration of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl. Located at Humphrey’s Park and the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Greene County, the festival brings bird-watchers together to witness this spectacular migratory feat. Visitors can enjoy guided wetland bus tours, hands-on wildlife demonstrations and activities for kids that blend creativity and conservation. friendsofgoosepond.org/marsh-madness
MARCH
Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming | March 1–April 30, Grand Rapids, MI
This special exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features 60 species of butterflies and moths from around the globe. Visitors can explore the Tropical Conservatory, a five-story glass house filled to the brim with breathtakingly beautiful insects, including blue morphos, Atlas moths and tree nymph butterflies. meijergardens.org/butterflies-are-blooming