Celebrating Fall Festivals in Washington
Where else can you find the best in food, fun, and nature than the great state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest? And what better way to experience the rich history and celebrate the Evergreen State than by attending one of the many festivals held annually? Check out these best fall festivals in Washington State, from state fairs to seafood celebrations.
Central Washington State Fair, Yakima, WA
First held in 1892, the Central Washington State Fair has been going strong except for a few periods of inactivity during the 1930s and 1940s. The first fairs featured Indian events, horse racing, and coyote hunts, with fireworks, and other types of racing added, especially when automobiles became popular. The original goal of the fair was to promote the growth and development of agriculture in the state and is still the focus, although recent fair activities have included a demolition derby, well-known musicians and groups, circus and magic events, a petting zoo, pig races, carnival rides, a beer and wine garden, and dozens of food booths. The fair is a significant contributor to the economy, and runs for 10 days during September each year.
Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth, WA
Few places are more beautiful in the fall than the Pacific Northwest, and the Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth is a celebration of everything autumn. The festival is the oldest in the area and has become a major tourist attraction over the years. A Bavarian theme is prominent throughout the events of the festival, and many food options are available. Folk music and dancing rose planting, a parade, and the crowing of the Royal Lady are also featured.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Port Angeles, WA
If you love seafood, the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, held in early October in Port Angeles, is the place to go. People travel from all over the country to this premier food festival to celebrate the area's aquaculture, agriculture, and maritime accomplishments. Activities for this three-day event include plenty of food from local restaurants and prepared by celebrity chefs, art and crafts, music, children’s events, cooking competitions, Native American demonstrations. Held rain or shine, this is where you can get your crab on.
Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival, Ridgefield, WA
The Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival has been held since 1999. It was created to generate awareness and raise funds for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Ridgefield and celebrate the return of the Sandhill Cranes. The weekend-long event offers guided nature trails, a photo booth, children's activities, workshops, and much more around ecological responsibility and conservation. Jam with popular bluegrass musicians and learn more about the local wildlife at this fun family festival.
Tacoma Greek Festival, Tacoma, WA
The Tacoma Greek Festival has been going on for over 50 years with the goal of keeping Greek traditions, dance, and food alive for present and future generations. Hosted by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, tours are given of the beautiful building. This is good, clean family fun. How do you say gyro?
Fresh Hop Ale Festival, Yakima, WA
If you're into ales and craft beer, hop on down to the Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima. Over 50 breweries will be on hand to let you sample the largest selection of beers produced right there in the Yakima Valley, where 75 percent of the U.S. hop crop is grown. The festival also seeks to promote the beautiful landscape of the area and supports the arts by hosting a contest where a winner is chosen to design the poster for the next year's festival. New releases from local breweries can be sampled for the attending public over 22 years-old.
Michelmasse Festival, Carnation, WA
Step back in time to Medieval England. The year is 1376, and you’re in the Village of Camlann. The Michelmasse Festival in Carnation is held annually to celebrate life through this vibrant Living History Museum project. In-character actors become the people of the village and bring the culture of the times alive by expounding the values and demonstrating the language, customs, religious practices, science, tools, clothing, and food. Funded through grants and the community at large, this amazing journey back into time will delight your family and give you an idea of what life was like so long ago.
OysterFest, Port of Shelton, WA
Oh, shucks! That’s what people say who attend the Washington State Seafood Festival and Oyster Shucking Championship held at the Port of Shelton. Known as Puget Sound’s largest and most successful charity fundraiser, all proceeds go to organizations whose goals are to help those in need. There’s live music, exhibits and entertainment, opportunities to sample wine, beer, and delicious food at more than 100 vendor booths, including oysters prepared every way you can imagine. Kids are especially welcome and there are plenty of hands-on kid-friendly activities. Get out of your shell and go to this year’s OysterFest!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Washington State in the Pacific Northwest offers a variety of fall festivals celebrating food, fun, and nature
- Central Washington State Fair in Yakima focuses on agriculture and features a variety of entertainment and activities
- Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth celebrates autumn with a Bavarian theme, food, music, and dancing
- Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in Port Angeles is a premier food festival celebrating local aquaculture and agriculture
- Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival in Ridgefield raises awareness for wildlife conservation and features nature trails and music
- Tacoma Greek Festival in Tacoma showcases Greek traditions, dance, and food for over 50 years
- Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima offers a large selection of beers from local breweries in the Yakima Valley
- Michelmasse Festival in Carnation is a living history museum project that brings Medieval England to life
- Washington State Seafood Festival and Oyster Shucking Championship in Port of Shelton is a charity fundraiser with live music, food, and entertainment.
