The 6 Best Fall Festivals In Idaho For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 11, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Fall is easily my favorite time of the year. There is nothing quite like corn mazes, pumpkin spice, and vibrant fall foliage. However, there is something special about a fall festival. All over Idaho, you can easily find some of the best festivals to put you in the autumn spirit. With food, music, activities, and more, these are the events you’ll want to mark on your calendar far in advance. Below are just six of the best fall festivals in Idaho for 2023.
Idaho Spud Day has become a tradition for people in southeastern Idaho for nearly 100 years. This festival began in 1927 and celebrates all things potato. Participate in activities like a 5k run, parade, potato picking contests, potato sack races, and a spud tug. Plus, there is so much delicious food — think baked potatoes with all of the toppings. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16 to celebrate the spud!
Not only will you enjoy the most gorgeous fall foliage, but you’ll also have a weekend filled with history and beauty. Fall for History will take place September 28 – October 1 in Wallace, Idaho. This annual event is full of activities that give you a glimpse into the past while admiring present-day beauty. You can take walking tours with local historians, attend a banquet-style dinner, and even experience a unique bus tour. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore town and even spend a few minutes at the Center of the Universe.
From September 29-30, head to the Emmett Harvest Festival Street Fair. This annual event has become a favorite for many Treasure Valley residents for 30 years and rightly so — there is so much to do, see, and eat. This event is designed to celebrate the community's hard work growing and harvesting their crops and includes activities, vendors, arts, scarecrow contests, and incredibly delicious food.
In the small town of Lava Hot Springs is one of the most highly-anticipated fall festivals around — Lava Hot Springs Oktoberfest. Held on October 6-7, this weekend event offers options for the entire family including a beer garden with harvest beers, delicious food, pumpkin painting, beer tray races, live music, and more. It’s a weekend you will never want to end.
Trailing of the Sheep is one of the most well-known fall festivals in Idaho. Taking place October 4–8, this festival celebrates sheep, herders, food, and history. You'll want to spend the entire week at this annual event so you can participate in all of the activities. From music and storytelling to championship Sheepdog Trails and a massive sheep parade with up to 1,500 sheep, there is something for every member of the family.
It will be impossible to leave the Great Pumpkin Festival in Pocatello without getting into the fall spirit. This one-day event takes place on October 7 and is located along Historic Downtown Pocatello’s Main Street. This family-friendly fall festival in southeastern Idaho is fun for the entire family with activities like face painting, apple pie baking contests, pumpkin carving contests, vendors, food, live music, and more. It will also feature the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market so you shop and celebrate at the same time.
What other fall festivals near me do you love to attend each year? Are there any fall festivals near Boise or elsewhere around the state that we missed? Let us know in the comments.
If you are looking for even more things to do in the fall in Idaho, check out our fall foliage road trip and our list of the best road trip snacks so you are ready for the ultimate autumn adventure.
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