5 Unique U.S. Fall Festivals—and Where to Stay When in Town

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival — Newport, Rhode Island

When: Oct. 17–18

Rhode Island takes its seafood seriously—calamari is even the official state appetizer—and there are few better places to dig in than Newport. The historic coastal city draws crowds all summer, but fall brings cooler weather and a good reason to head back to the waterfront: the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. Now in its 35th year, the two-day festival brings together local restaurants and fishermen’s associations serving lobster rolls, chowder, stuffies (quahog clam shells filled with a savory mixture of chopped clams and seasoned breadcrumbs), oysters, clams, fried calamari, and other local favorites. Wash it down with a refreshing cocktail or ice-cold beer, and enjoy continuous live music spanning folk, surf rock, and blues. Best of all, admission is free.

Where to Stay

The Wayfinder Newport is a refreshing change from the grand hotels and mansions Newport is known for. Colorful, retro-inspired interiors, vintage finds, and local art give the hotel a more relaxed feel, while buzzy common areas offer plenty of places to mix and mingle. Among them is Little Clam, the hotel’s lively restaurant serving local oysters, littlenecks, lobster rolls, fresh fish, and other New England favorites. And while the hotel is a few miles from Bowen’s Wharf, festivalgoers won’t have to worry about parking or getting there: the hotel offers a round-trip shuttle.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival — Scottsdale, Arizona

When: Oct. 23–25

Scottsdale isn’t exactly known for crisp fall weather, and this isn’t your typical fall festival—or hot air balloon festival, for that matter. At the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, more than 20 balloons from around the country get a Halloween makeover. After dark, they light up and become trick-or-treat stations, with more than 4,000 pounds of candy handed out during the festivities. Costumes are part of the fun, too, with contests for kids, adults, and groups, plus a family-friendly haunted trail and live entertainment. Festivalgoers can also purchase a tethered balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the glowing balloons and action below.

Where to Stay

A Scottsdale staple since 1956, Hotel Valley Ho stands out for its midcentury-modern design and central locale, just steps from the lively bars, restaurants, and galleries that make up Old Town Scottsdale. If you’d rather stay put, grab a cocktail at the cabana-lined OH Pool or head to the smaller, aptly named OHasis Pool for a more low-key experience. For an extra dose of R&R, hit the spa for a massage or facial. Finally, when hunger strikes, ZuZu is a go-to for daily brunch and dinner, along with playful cocktails like the seasonally appropriate "Falling Leaves," made with rye, pear liqueur, allspice dram, lemon, maple syrup, and fresh-cracked pepper.

Seattle Catrinas Festival — Seattle, Washington

When: Oct. 31–Nov. 1

Seattle may not be the first place that comes to mind for Día de los Muertos, the Mexican tradition that honors deceased loved ones with altars, offerings, food, and celebration. But the Seattle Catrinas Festival has brought the tradition to the Pacific Northwest for five years. The two-day festival takes over Town Hall Seattle with mariachi, traditional food, art, a street market, and a procession of more than 100 Catrinas and Catrines, the elaborately dressed skeleton figures associated with the holiday. Visitors can also bring photos and mementos of loved ones to add to the festival’s altar and memory wall.

Where to Stay

Hotel Max puts art and music front and center, starting with an original Andy Warhol in the lobby. Upstairs, the fifth floor pays homage to Sub Pop Records, the local label behind bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, with rooms featuring record players, a rotating collection of Sub Pop vinyl, and black-and-white images by rock photographer Charles Peterson. Guests can also grab a local brew during the complimentary craft beer hour from 5 to 6 p.m. or borrow one of the hotel’s bikes to explore Pike Place Market, MoPOP, The Showbox, and other nearby sights. Better yet for festivalgoers, Town Hall Seattle is only about a half-mile away.

Frybread Fest — Portland, Oregon

When: Nov. 7

Frybread Fest celebrates Native American Heritage Month at Director Park in downtown Portland, spotlighting Indigenous food, art, and culture. The festival’s namesake is a fried dough with deep roots in Native American history that can be eaten on its own or with sweet or savory toppings. Indigenous chefs will serve their own versions while supplies last, along with local vendors, a drum circle by Native American drumming and dance group Turquoise Pride, and a meet-and-greet with Miss Indian Northwest to round out the day.

Where to Stay

Just a few blocks from Director Park, the 127-room Hotel Lucia packs plenty of personality into its nine stories, from its extensive collection of photographs by Pulitzer Prize winner and Oregon native David Hume Kennerly to full-size arcade games and bikes guests can borrow. Sentinel, in the West End, is even closer and comes with a bit more old-Portland grandeur, spread across two historic buildings dating to the early 20th century. Inside, you’ll find another impressive photography collection, along with bikes to borrow and a daily wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m. There’s also the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge, where you can settle in with a glass of local vino, oysters and small bites, and live music on weekends.

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival — New Orleans, Louisiana

When: Nov. 8

New Orleans has no shortage of festivals—there’s almost always something going on somewhere in the city. But the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival celebrates something especially close to New Orleans’ heart: the po-boy. Each fall, the festival takes over Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood for a day devoted to the beloved sandwich, with more than 100 versions to try, multiple stages of live music, an arts market, history panels, and a competition judged by a panel of celebrity judges. The festival is free to enter, though you'll need a wristband to purchase po-boys.

Where to Stay

Housed in an 1854 warehouse in the Warehouse Arts District, The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery retains plenty of its original character, with exposed brick and historic details now mixed with local art. The New Orleans touches extend to the rooms, where honor bars are stocked with local spirits and snacks. And even after noshing on po-boys at the festival, save room for chef Nina Compton’s award-winning Compère Lapin restaurant, located right on-site. Caribbean and Creole flavors come through in dishes like jalapeño and scallion hushpuppies, curried goat, and fried chicken with jerk honey and coconut grits.

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