As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, many travelers feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of autumn celebrations, unsure which ones offer the most authentic cultural experiences or unforgettable memories. The fear of missing out on a truly spectacular event can make planning an autumn trip daunting.
To ease your travel planning, we’ve curated a list of ten extraordinary festivals in autumn that promise to ignite your wanderlust. From the beer-soaked revelry of Oktoberfest to the ethereal glow of Thailand’s Loy Krathong, these autumn festivals span the globe and offer a diverse tapestry of cultural experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, our guide will help you navigate the best that autumn offers.
1. Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany
When: September 21, 2024 to October 6, 2024
Raise your steins to the world’s largest folk festival! Oktoberfest completely transforms Munich into a lively celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring huge beer tents, traditional costumes, and hearty German cuisine. The joyful tunes of oompah bands and the clinking of glasses fill the air as people from around the world come together to join the autumn celebrations. Be sure to catch the grand parade, showcasing elaborately decorated floats and regional attire.
Cheap Flights to Munich, Germany >>
2. Diwali - India
When: October 31, 2024 to November 1, 2024
During this autumn festival, the Festival of Lights illuminates India with a dazzling display of colors and sounds. Elaborate rangoli patterns and countless oil lamps adorn streets and homes, crafting a truly enchanting sight. As the evening sky bursts with breathtaking fireworks, families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy delicious sweets, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali offers an exhilarating sensory experience and a heartwarming tribute to hope and new beginnings.
Cheap Flights to India >>
3. Día de los Muertos - Mexico
When: October 31 to November 2
Experience the lively and vibrant celebration of life and death that beautifully transforms Mexico into a kaleidoscope of color and tradition. Wander through streets adorned with stunning altars with marigolds, sugar skulls, and the departed’s favorite foods. Be captivated by the hauntingly beautiful processions of calaveras (skeletons) and revel in this autumn celebration, where families honor their ancestors with music, dance, and sumptuous feasts.
Cheap Flights to Mexico >>
4. Mid-Autumn Festival - China
When: September 17th, 2024 (15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar)
Celebrate the enchanting Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, where Chinese cities glow with lanterns and moonlight as families gather to admire the full harvest moon. Mid-Autumn Festival traditions are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with one of the most beloved Mid-Autumn Festival foods being the mooncake, a rich pastry with sweet fillings. From captivating lantern displays to mesmerizing fire dragon dances in cities like Hong Kong, this autumn celebration offers a feast for the senses and a glimpse into cherished Chinese customs.
Cheap Flights to China >>
5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - USA
When: October 5 to 13, 2024
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of New Mexico sky at the breathtaking Alburquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival. In the early morning, witness hundreds of vibrant balloons ascend against the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. As night falls, delight in the enchanting “Balloon Glow,” where the field transforms into a magical garden of illuminated balloons. The contrast between the natural beauty of the surroundings and the man-made spectacle creates an unforgettable autumn festival that attracts visitors from around the world.
6. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival - Ireland
When: September 27 to 29, 2024
Great news for seafood lovers! This gastronomic autumn celebration on Ireland’s west coast offers a delightful culinary experience. Join the Irish for a fabulous oyster festival, where skilled shuckers from around the globe compete in the thrilling World Oyster Opening Championship. Savor the delicious Galway Bay oysters, perfectly paired with a refreshing pint of creamy Guinness. Live music, parades, and cooking demonstrations enhance the festive atmosphere in this charming coastal town.
Cheap Flights to Ireland >>
7. Loy Krathong - Thailand
When: November 15, 2024 (Full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar)
As darkness falls, Thailand’s waterways come alive with thousands of flickering lights during the enchanting Loy Krathong Festival. Experience the magic as candlelit krathongs (small floats made of banana leaves) gracefully drift across rivers and lakes, symbolically carrying away bad luck and honoring the water spirits. In Chiang Mai, this autumn festival coincides with Yi Peng, where countless sky lanterns illuminate the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Cheap Flights to Thailand >>
8. Karatsu Kunchi Festival - Karatsu, Japan
When: November 2 to 4, 2024
The Karatsu Kunchi Festival, a vibrant autumn celebration in Japan, centers around massive, ornate floats depicting creatures from Japanese folklore. These towering works of art — known as hikiyama — are pulled through the streets by teams of locals to the cheers of “Enya, enya!” and the lively sounds of traditional music. The festival’s highlight occurs on the evening of November 3rd when the illuminated floats are paraded along Niji-no-Matsubara beach. You can also enjoy local delicacies from food stalls lining the streets.
Cheap Flights to Japan >>
9. Alba White Truffle Festival - Italy
When: October 12 to December 8, 2024
Join the vibrant autumn festival in the picturesque town of Alba in Italy, where truffle enthusiasts gather to celebrate the coveted white truffle. Explore the bustling truffle market, experience thrilling truffle auctions, and savor exceptional truffle-infused delicacies. Immerse yourself in medieval reenactments, lively donkey races, and captivating wine tastings, all set against the breathtaking autumn scenery of the Piedmont region.
Cheap Flights to Italy >>
10. Chuseok - South Korea
When: September 16 to 18, 2024
Often called “Korean Thanksgiving,” Chuseok is a time for homecoming and ancestral remembrance. Families reunite in their hometowns to share delicious traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes) and pay respects at ancestral graves. Engage in vibrant Korean culture with folk games, traditional dance performances, and the creation of exquisite hanbok clothing. The full harvest moon casts a gentle glow over this heartwarming autumn celebration of family and heritage.
Cheap Flights to South Korea >>
Takeaway
These ten autumn festivals offer a glimpse into the different autumn celebrations around the world. Each one provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures and savor traditional cuisines. From the lively beer halls of Oktoberfest to the serene lantern-lit waters of Loy Krathong, these festivals in Autumn showcase the richness and beauty of global traditions.
As you plan your autumn adventure, why settle for just one destination when you can experience multiple autumn festivals around the world? With OneAir, you can turn your festival-hopping dreams into reality. Our multi-city flight booking service allows you to create the perfect itinerary to capture the magic of autumn across continents. Sign up for FREE to access the best private unpublished deals for your travels.
