In the fall, the scenic state of Maryland becomes even more beautiful with its stunning fall foliage and crisp autumn days that are perfect for getting outdoors. Home to stunning fall foliage and fun events for everyone, the state hosts a variety of fall festivals that showcase its natural beauty and local flavor. Below are the 13 best fall festivals in all of Maryland.
1. Annual Autumn Glory Festival, Oakland
Oakland, MD, is famous for its stunning fall foliage, and there’s no better way to enjoy it this autumn than a visit to the Annual Autumn Glory Festival. A five-day celebration showcasing the region’s best and brightest fall colors, the annual event is one of Maryland’s most popular fall festivals. Activities this year include a craft and gift show, Turkey Trail, Fall Foliage Driving Tours, live music, a farmer’s market, and more. The highlight of the festival is the Autumn Glory Grand Featured Parade on Sunday, October 14.
October 11-15, 2023
2. Zoo BOO! Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore’s 40th Annual Zoo BOO! festival is a fall family fun event packed with autumn activities for all ages. Activities this year include daily entertainment, magic shows, carnival games, a not-so-spooky hay maze, contests, trick-or-treating, and more. The zoo’s Jones Falls Zephyr Train route will also be decorated for Halloween during the festival and throughout the entire month of October.
October 28-29, 2023
3. Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival, Germantown
This year, Butler’s Orchard is celebrating its 43rd Annual Pumpkin Festival with nearly a month of fall-themed events for the whole family. Activities at this annual event include pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, live music, pony rides, and a ton of autumn games and activities. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the scenic Germantown festival is a weather-dependent event, and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
September 23 through October 29, 2023
4. Milburn Orchards Fall Festival Weekends, Elkton
Fall Festival Weekends at Milburn Orchards are back for two months of fall fun in their Big Backyard. Activities this year include hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze, a children’s playground, a petting zoo, and a fun lineup of fall-themed games and activities. Milburn’s also has U-Pick Apple Adventures and a Farm Market Bakery & Shoppe perfect for picking up that fall produce. There’s also an Orchard View Deck for those looking to soak up the scenery. Fall Festival Weekends are open Friday through Sunday, and the festival is weather-dependent. Tickets must be purchased online.
September 1 through November 5, 2023
5. Gaver Farm Fun Fest, Mt. Airy
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a visit to the scenic and historic Gaver Farm for their Fall Fun Fest. Home to a large corn maze, Gaver’s also offers pick-your-own pumpkins and apples in addition to over 60 attractions for the entire family. Activities this year include a petting zoo, picnic areas, and weekend-only events like gem mining, pedal carts, a cow train, and more. Gaver’s also hosts Pumpkin Harvest season throughout October. The Fall Fun Fest is open daily and is weather-dependent. Tickets can be purchased online or at the farm.
September 1 through October 31, 2023
6. Homestead Gardens Fall Festival Weekends, Davidsonville
Homestead Gardens’ Davidsonville location hosts its Fall Festival Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. The festival is home to family-friendly fun and events, including daily live music, tractor rides, hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin carving demos, a food court and food trucks, a fall market, pumpkins, and more. Visitors can also get a taste of fall with Homestead’s famous apple cider donuts. Visitors can purchase tickets online and at the Davidsonville store.
September 30th through October 22, 2023
7. Magnolia Meadow Farms Fall Festival, Thurmont
Family-owned Magnolia Meadow Farms kicks off the season with its Fall Festival weekends throughout October. The farms’ scenic landscapes and open fields are home to Maryland’s Largest Corn Maze, with over five miles of trails and a number of fall events for the entire family. This year, activities include U-Pick fields (pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers), local food and drinks, farm animal interactions, apple cannons, pedal carts, a farm market, Moonlit Maze Nights, and more. Additionally, Magnolia Meadow also offers private campfires where guests can relax and soak up the farms’ spectacular views. Visitors can purchase tickets in person or online.
September 23 through October 29, 2023
8. Maryland Renaissance Festival, Thurmont
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is an annual celebration that begins in late summer and continues on weekends throughout the fall season. Although the festival is not fall-themed, its forest setting is the perfect way to enjoy Maryland’s scenic beauty while experiencing one of the state’s most beloved festivals. Activities include stage, street, and royal court performers and themed events, arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and more. There is also a costume rental booth for those looking to join in on the fun. Tickets to the festival are available online only.
Weekends through October 22, 2023
9. Good Beer Festival, Salisbury
Although Salisbury’s Good Beer Festival may be known for its brews rather than its fall-themed events, it’s still a great way to experience Maryland’s local flavors this autumn. Chock full of fun events, including live music, craft beer tastings, great food, and arts and crafts vendors, this fall festival is perfect for both beer aficionados and outdoor festival lovers. There’s also an adult spelling bee, keg toss, and bartender/performer to round out the adults-only entertainment.
October 13-14, 2023
10. Greenstreet Gardens Fall Festival & Corn Maze, Lothian
This October, Greenstreet Gardens’ Lothian location will host its Fall Festival and Corn Maze, a family-friendly ‘fest packed with fun and fall-themed events. Activities include a five-acre corn maze, hayrides, face painting, a cow train, a pumpkin patch, local food trucks, and an adults-only Dazed in the Maze evening. Open weekends throughout October, Greenstreet also has two special weekday openings on October 9th and 20th. The fall festival is a weather-dependent event, and tickets can be purchased online.
October 1 through October 28, 2023
11. Fall Festival at Summers Farm, Frederick
For over 27 years, Summers Farm has been a top Maryland destination for fall family fun. Home to over 45 autumn-themed activities, Summers Farm Fall Festival has both weekday and weekend events. This year, activities include wagon rides, a pumpkin train, a famous five-acre corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, entertainment, pig races, fireworks, campfire rentals, and more. The festival is open daily, and visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online.
September 16 through October 31, 2023
12. Montpelier Farms’ Fall Festival, Upper Marlboro
Montpelier Farms’ Weekend Fall Festival hosts a lineup of family-friendly fall events and activities through the first week of November. The festival is open on weekends and also has Weekday Playdays open Tuesday through Thursday throughout October. This year, activities include a 7-acre interactive corn maze, hayrides, a bonfire, pedal carts, pumpkin bowling, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and more. Additionally, there’s also a farm market and several food stands where guests can purchase fall treats like kettle corn, cinnamon glazed nuts, apple cider donuts, and other fresh, local food and beverages.
September 16 through November 5, 2023
13. Fells Point Fun Festival, Baltimore
An iconic Baltimore event since 1967, the Fells Point Fun Festival is one of the state’s best early fall festivals. A great way to get outdoors and experience the city’s eclectic Fells Point neighborhood, this ‘fest is all about great local food and drinks, distinctive local vendors, and epic live music. The Fells Point Fun Festival’s admission, live shows, and activities are free, though adults 21+ must purchase wristbands or drink tickets to carry and purchase alcoholic beverages.
October 6-8, 2023
Summary: The 13 Best Fall Festivals in All of Maryland
Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore all that scenic Maryland has to offer. From its small-town farms to its big-city events, Maryland’s best fall festivals showcase the state’s natural beauty with great food, beautiful scenery, and distinctive local fare.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dave H. Fine/Shutterstock.com