Things to Do in the Fall in Connecticut (2024 Guide)

Are you looking for some fun and interesting to do this Fall in Connecticut?

While we know that Fall is the time we pick apples, drink cider, and go on long, scenic drives through the state to watch the Fall Foliage change colors, did you know there are so many other things to do too?

There’s a lot about Connecticut you may not know about and this time is the best time to discover everything our wonderful state has to offer. Fall is one of the best seasons to be in Connecticut.

In the guide below, we’ll outline both one-off events and anytime seasonal activities that capture the essence of the season.

Whether you’re into getting lost in a corn maze, sipping local wines on a crisp autumn day, or taking in some live music, there’s something for everyone.

Dive into our curated list and start planning your perfect Connecticut Fall adventure!

Experience Connecticut’s Beautiful Fall Foliage

Autumn in Connecticut offers some of the most stunning fall foliage in New England.

Immerse yourself in vibrant landscapes by taking scenic drives, hiking trails, and exploring state parks.

Want to drive? Traveling along Route 169, you’ll pass through historic towns and scenic countryside. The 32-mile route showcases a brilliant mix of maples, oaks, and birches.

The Merritt Parkway provides another picturesque drive. The 37-mile route takes us through lush forests and offers stunning views of fall leaves.

For a more active experience, hike the trails at Mount Tom State Park. The park offers a 1.5-mile trail that leads to a stone tower with panoramic views of the surrounding foliage.

Sleeping Giant State Park features over 30 miles of trails. We can hike to the top of the “Giant” to enjoy spectacular views of the fall colors across the rolling hills.

Kent Falls State Park is also perfect for a family outing. The park’s cascading waterfalls provide a picturesque backdrop to the vibrant autumn leaves.

Visit Connecticut’s Fall Festivals and Fairs

Connecticut’s fall festivals and fairs offer cultural richness and family fun.

Held annually from September through November, these events celebrate the season’s arrival with vibrant activities.

They include craft fairs, live music performances, and agricultural showcases, providing something for everyone.

Some of our favorites include:

• Durham Fair: The Durham Fair, Litchfield County’s largest agricultural fair, offers a mix of livestock shows, crafts, and food stands. Notable features include tractor pulls, a variety of competitions, and live music. Held over four days in late September, it’s perfect for families and those interested in Connecticut’s agricultural traditions.
• Berlin Fair: Operating since 1886, the Berlin Fair combines traditional fair elements with modern attractions. We can explore agricultural exhibits, enjoy carnival rides, and sample local delicacies. This October event offers a diverse mix of entertainment, including live music and demolition derbies.
• Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival: Taking place in Bethlehem, this festival celebrates all things garlic. Culinary demonstrations, garlic-infused foods, and a marketplace with artisan goods highlight the event. Featuring bumper cars and live bands, this October festival is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
• Southington Apple Harvest Festival: This event in early October offers a mix of apple-themed activities and entertainment. We enjoy pie-eating contests, parade floats, and a carnival atmosphere. The festival includes local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to autumnal treats.

Enjoy the Thrill of Connecticut’s Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

Connecticut’s pumpkin patches and corn mazes offer unforgettable fall experiences.

Families can find a variety of pumpkin patches across the state, such as Brown’s Harvest in Windsor and Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. These patches let visitors pick their own pumpkins, making for memorable family outings.

Corn mazes in Connecticut are also a popular attraction. Farms like Foster Farm in South Windsor and Plasko’s Farm in Trumbull design intricate mazes that challenge and entertain all ages. Many mazes even have themes, adding an educational twist to the fun.

Additionally, many locations provide more than just pumpkins and corn mazes.

At Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford and Castle Hill Farm in Newtown, visitors can enjoy hayrides, petting zoos, and other seasonal activities. These experiences create lasting fall memories for everyone.

Connecticut’s corn mazes and pumpkin patches provide varied, engaging activities, making them ideal fall destinations for families and individuals alike.

Discover the Connecticut Wine Trail

Connecticut offers a unique autumn experience with its Wine Trail, consisting of over 40 wineries and vineyards. Nestled amidst the state’s picturesque scenery, these locations provide delightful tasting experiences paired with stunning views of fall foliage.

Some of our favorite stops include:

• Jones Family Farms: Known for its Pumpkinseed Hill and Corn Maze, this family-run winery offers seasonal tastings while visitors enjoy the surrounding autumn landscape.
• Chamard Vineyards: Located in Clinton, Chamard offers tastings and vineyard tours. Its bistro serves locally-sourced dishes, enhancing the overall visit.
• Gouveia Vineyards: Set in Wallingford, Gouveia offers panoramic views and a cozy tasting room where guests can enjoy their award-winning wines.

You can explore the Wine Trail in a number of different ways:

• Self-Guided Tours: For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, self-guided tours allow visitors to discover multiple wineries within a day. Maps and guides are readily available at most visitor centers.
• Organized Bus Tours: These offer a convenient way to visit several wineries without worrying about transportation, often including knowledgeable guides who share insights about local viticulture and history.

Explore Connecticut’s Historic Sites and Harvest Celebrations

Connecticut has a ton of really cool historic sites, each offering a glimpse into the state’s rich past.

The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, noted for its stunning Gothic architecture, allows us to step back in time to the Gilded Age. The site features period furnishings and detailed tours that bring Twain’s life to the forefront.

Additionally, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., offers a vast collection of European and American art, enhancing our cultural appreciation.

Old Sturbridge Village, although technically in Massachusetts, is close enough to be a perfect fall day trip for many Connecticut residents. This living history museum recreates life in the early 19th century and hosts several harvest-themed events during the autumn months, adding to the immersive historical experience.

In addition to these year-round historic attractions, we can visit several seasonal harvest celebrations that take place across the state. These events offer a mix of history, culture, and community spirit, reflecting Connecticut’s agricultural heritage.

The Haddam Neck Fair, starting in early September, marks the beginning of our fall harvest celebrations. This fair features traditional agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and regional food vendors, encapsulating the essence of Connecticut’s farming culture.

The Mystic Seaport Museum holds an annual Harvest Festival, usually in October, which includes maritime crafts, seasonal food, and historical demonstrations.

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire, running through October, offers a different kind of historical experience. It combines medieval history with festive entertainment, including jousting tournaments, artisan crafts, and period-specific performances.

Take Part in Outdoor Adventures

The fall is a great time to get outdoors to enjoy all of Connecticut’s natural beauty.

Kayaking and canoeing offer opportunities to witness the vibrant fall foliage from a unique vantage point. Spots such as the Connecticut River and Bantam Lake provide serene settings perfect for a paddle. The autumn sunlight reflecting off the water amidst the changing leaves creates picturesque views.

Rentals and guided tours are available in many areas, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Biking through Connecticut in the fall is another really neat way to enjoy the season’s beauty. Scenic routes, including the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and Airline State Park Trail, offer paths lined with stunning fall colors.

These trails vary in length and difficulty, accommodating cyclists of all skill levels. Riding through quiet forests and charming towns abundant in New England architecture enhances the experience.

Camping in Connecticut during autumn combines crisp, fresh air with the beauty of the season. State parks like Hammonasset Beach State Park and Kettletown State Park host excellent camping facilities. These sites offer amenities such as fire pits and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable experience immersed in nature.

Savor Seasonal Flavors at Local Eateries

Connecticut’s fall season brings a bounty of fresh, locally-sourced produce to the table, making it the perfect time to explore our vibrant culinary scene.

Local eateries capitalize on the autumn harvest to create mouth-watering dishes that highlight seasonal flavors.

Farmers’ markets across Connecticut offer another way to taste the season. Markets like the Coventry Farmers’ Market and the Westport Farmers’ Market feature fresh produce, homemade preserves, and artisanal cheeses that embody the essence of autumn.

Many of these markets also host cooking demonstrations and tastings, providing an interactive way to experience fall flavors.

Fall dining experiences in Connecticut offer a way to celebrate the harvest and enjoy the rich bounty of our local farms.

Visit a Brewery

Connecticut’s craft beer scene thrives with creativity and quality, offering numerous breweries to explore.

Many breweries feature seasonal brews, beer gardens, and taprooms, making fall an ideal time to visit.

Breweries such as Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford and New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge provide a variety of unique and flavorful beers, from pumpkin ales to rich stouts.

Many Connecticut breweries offer tours, providing insights into the brewing process. For instance, at Thimble Island Brewing Company in Branford, visitors can see the production process firsthand and sample fresh brews right from the tap.

Breweries often host fall events that combine beer tasting with entertainment. Oktoberfest celebrations are popular with many events featuring live music, food trucks, and special beer releases.

Check Out a Cider Mill

Connecticut’s cider mills offer a quintessential fall experience, bringing traditional apple cider making to life.

Sites like Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard and Hogan’s Cider Mill provide an immersive look at the cider-making process, with opportunities to sample freshly pressed cider.

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard, located in Shelton, is a family-run facility known for its award-winning apple cider. Visitors can tour the orchard, learn about apple varieties, and observe the cider pressing process. The farm store offers a selection of fresh cider, delicious baked goods, and local produce.

Hogan’s Cider Mill in Burlington combines historic charm with modern cider-making techniques. Established in 1912, the mill invites guests to explore its museum, taste various ciders, and enjoy seasonal events. The mill store stocks cider, apple products, and gifts, creating a holistic fall experience.

Upcoming Fall Events in Connecticut