1. Paris Autumn Festival｜September 7th – January 30th, 2023
Founded in 1972, Festival D’Automne à Paris brings together theater, music, dance, film and visual arts all within the City of Light. Because there is no official venue, the festival partners with cultural institutions around Paris to showcase the work of featured artists. Events are held in locations from the Pompidou Centre to the Ménagerie de Verre.
With so many acts taking place during the festival, it’s hard to choose just one to attend. Check out the schedule for upcoming shows and tickets that are still available. This is a chance to experience Paris in a whole new light and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
2. Niagara Grape & Wine Festival｜September 8th – 24th, 2023
From September 8th to 24th, make your way to St. Catherines, Ontario for the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival. Established in 1951, this festival is the oldest and largest celebration of its kind in Canada. What began as a local harvest has grown into a yearly event for locals and tourists alike.
This year, get ready for an ultimate musical lineup. Each weekend, multiple musicians will take the stage for all ages to dance and enjoy. Grab your wine and make your way over to the stage to watch bands like The Darcy’s, a Canadian two-piece art rock band from Toronto.
For a family-friendly event, check out the Grande Parade on September 23rd, where Downtown St. Catherines will come alive as thousands of people gather to enjoy dancers, entertainers, parade floats and live music. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this magical occasion.
3. Oktoberfest｜September 16th – October 3rd, 2023
Make your way to Munich anytime from September 16th to October 3rd to celebrate Bavarian culture with beer, music and traditional food. Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most famous and largest beer festivals, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year. Here you will find hundreds of traditional and international tents offering everything from “fish on a stick” to a revolving café bar and of course, lots of beer.
Pro tip: if you want a beer, you must be seated. And with more than 6 million attendees and only a fraction of that in seats, you have to be smart. It’s highly recommended to reserve a spot in one of the beer tents for your party. If you’re willing to risk it, it’s possible to get a seat in the beer tents by just walking in, but it’s a gamble (especially for large parties).
Oktoberfest doesn’t just include food and beer, there are also other fun activities that go on around the festival. Check out one of the many rides, like the famous Willenborg’s Ferris Wheel, or step into the photo studio and get your picture taken for an unforgettable souvenir.
4. Chuseok｜September 28th – 30th, 2023
Considered Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok translates to “Autumn Eve” and is a 3-day national holiday celebrated in both North and South Korea, as well as by Koreans all over the world. This celebration is important because it’s one of the occasions when Koreans gather with family to honor their ancestors. It’s a great combination of cultural traditions and modern festivities, making it a perfect autumn celebration.
Travel to Seoul for Chuseok for an unforgettable experience. There are many special events that take place, with most of them being free of charge. Visit one of the major royal palaces, like the Gyeongbokgung, to truly take in Korean culture. There are also many traditional performances and events that take place throughout the city that are open to the public, like traditional folk games.
5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta｜October 7th – 15th, 2023
For nine days in October, the Albuquerque skies fill up with more than 500 balloons that lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This festival is the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. Beyond the stunning visuals, it’s the ideal place to enjoy live music, delicious food and the chance to interact with balloon pilots.
Make sure to stay one day until sundown to watch the Balloon Glow, where all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. It’s one of the most spectacular moments of the Balloon Fiesta and something you don’t want to miss.
In addition to the balloons, check out the multiple concession and artist stands located throughout the festival. Grab a New Mexico famous green chili cheeseburger and then head to the arts and crafts show to take home a handcrafted souvenir from the event.
6. Day of the Dead｜November 1st & 2nd, 2023
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican holiday. It’s a time for families and communities to come together to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. However, this holiday is far from being a sad one. Instead, the Day of the Dead is a colorful celebration of life and death’s interconnectedness.
To celebrate the Day of the Dead like a local, make your way to the small town of San Miguel de Allende for the La Calaca Festival. This is a free celebration offering a large parade of people dressed up in traditional clothing and colorful skulls and multiple art presentations.
Make sure to try sugar skulls, a quintessential treat for the holiday. This sweet, chocolate skull often represents the person whose name is written on it. Also take a taste of the Pan de Muertos (sweet bread of the dead), a soft and sweet roll sprinkled with sugar and topped with small bone-shaped bread decorations.
7. Diwali｜November 10th – 14th, 2023
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is India’s biggest holiday of the year. Over the centuries, this holiday has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities across the country. Diwali is celebrated for 5 days and looks different around India and the world.
Journey to Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for Diwali, where the city glows with a constant stream of firecrackers in the streets and fireworks all night. During the festival, the entire city glows with diyas (clay lanterns) lining the streets and stairs near the Ganges River. You can enjoy your surroundings and watch as locals light personal diyas and place them in the river, making for a beautiful show.
Fall is in the air
Whether you’re drinking a cold one at Oktoberfest or watching the balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, make your fall adventures worthwhile with Faye.
Disclaimer
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on how to make the most of your fall celebrations.
