Fall is the air! Sure, you could spend your time raking leaves, but we’ve got a better idea. Take advantage of the pleasant weather and the lull before the hectic holidays to explore autumn events in your community. From state fairs to Oktoberfests, haunted houses to harvest carnivals, there are literally hundreds of family-friendly fall festivals in 2016. Many of them emphasize uniquely local culture and all of them are just plain fun! We surveyed our Taylor Morrison communities across the country and found a bushel-full of seasonal celebrations. So put down the rake and go do a chicken dance, pick a pumpkin and eat a candy apple. The leaves will still be there when you get home.
ARIZONA
Phoenix
Scary yourself silly at Arizona’s premier Halloween event, The 13th Floor Haunted House, September 23 – November 5 in Phoenix, AZ.
CALIFORNIA
Bay Area
The Sonoma Harvest Festival showcases the county’s world-class wines and culinary delights. September 30 – October 2 in Santa Rosa, CA.
Sacramento
Work up a thirst at the Sacramento Oktobrewfest 4 mile and 10K fun run, then quench with a frosty mug. Proceeds benefit the Change of Pace Foundation. October 10 in Davis, CA.
Southern California
Celebrate Orange County’s agricultural heritage at Tustin Tiller Days, a family event since 1957. September 30 – October 2 in Tustin, CA.
THE CAROLINAS
Charlotte
Go up, up and away Carolina Balloon Festival, October 21 – 23 in Statesville, NC.
Raleigh
Nothing Should be finer or more fun than a day at the North Carolina State Fair, October 13-23 in Raleigh, NC.
COLORADO
Denver
Denver’s Pumpkin Festival features crafts, pony rides, live music and a pumpkin path, October 7 – October 9 in Denver, CO.
FLORIDA
Fort Myers / Naples
Join the 11th Annual United Way Run & Walk 4 The Way 5K, October 1 in Naples, FL.
Orlando
Dare to trek along a haunted trail through A Petrified Forest. Various dates in October in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Sarasota
Hayrides, pumpkin patch and maze, pie eating contest, rides, music, food and more are featured at the 8th Annual Pumpkin Festival, October 28-30 at Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Tampa
Give yourself a fright at Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo, October 7-29 in Tampa, FL.
GEORGIA
Atlanta
Check out the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, every weekend September through October in Stone Mountain, GA.
ILLINOIS
Chicago
Just 20 minutes for our Blackberry Creek community, the St. Charles Scarecrow Fest has been a family tradition for over 30 years. October 7 – 9 in St. Charles, IL.
TEXAS
Austin
Folks living at Travisso or Crystal Falls can head over to the Leander Bluegrass Festival, September 23-24 in Leander, TX.
Dallas
A big deal in Big D, the State Fair of Texas is a don’t-miss event, September 30-October 23 in Dallas, TX.
Houston
Folks in Avalon at Spring Greens are just a hop, skip and jump from the Katy Rice Harvest Festival, October 8-9 in Katy, TX.
