September is almost upon us! That means the evenings will soon be growing shorter, the weather will be getting a little cooler, leaves will begin changing colour and, before we know it, spooky season will be here!
So, what better time to start thinking about autumn?
In the United States, autumn is a particularly special time of year, filled with seasonal traditions, celebrations, food and activities. Think pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes, harvest festivals and, of course, major American holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.
While celebrations such as Halloween and Thanksgiving are now familiar far beyond the United States, there are plenty of other American autumn traditions you may know much less about. From Labor Day celebrations at the very beginning of September to pumpkin picking and local harvest festivals later in the season, these autumn traditions offer you another way to experience American culture beyond the famous sights and attractions.
So, to celebrate the arrival of September and the beginning of a new season, let’s find out what autumn in the USA is really like and discover eight traditions and celebrations you might encounter along the way.
1. American Oktoberfest
Although Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, the tradition has found a very enthusiastic following in the United States, with celebrations now taking place in cities across the country.
These events celebrate German culture while giving the festivities a distinctly American character of their own.
Cincinnati, Ohio, is home to one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside Germany, known as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. The festival attracts huge crowds each year and is known for its impressive scale, parades and wide selection of beers.
Another destination famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations is Helen, Georgia. This small Alpine-style town in the southern United States has enthusiastically adopted the Bavarian tradition, becoming a popular destination for anyone who wants to experience Oktoberfest without leaving the country.
Celebrations include traditional German music, with bands playing instruments such as accordions and Alpine horns, as well as traditional folk dancing.
American Oktoberfest is a chance to enjoy a sociable seasonal celebration that brings German and American traditions together in one event.
2. Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September and is a federal holiday honouring the contributions of American workers. It also traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer in the United States.
The holiday has its roots in the labour movement of the 19th century and provides an opportunity to recognise the role workers have played in building the country.
For many Americans, however, Labor Day is also associated with celebrations, relaxation and spending time outdoors.
The long Labor Day weekend is traditionally a time for barbecues and grilling. Families and friends gather in gardens, parks and on beaches to eat outdoors and enjoy the last days of summer weather before autumn begins.
Labor Day parades are another recognisable part of the celebrations. Many cities organise parades featuring marching bands, floats and representatives from trade unions and workers’ organisations.
These events celebrate American workers while also remembering the achievements of the labour movement.
3. Apple and cider festivals
Autumn in the United States means apple harvest season, and with it comes the much-anticipated tradition of apple and cider festivals.
These celebrations are particularly popular in the Northeast and Midwest, where orchards are plentiful and harvest traditions have long been part of local culture.
One of the main attractions is, unsurprisingly, apple cider. You may find both fresh non-alcoholic cider and fermented versions, depending on the event.
Fresh cider is often served warm with seasonal spices such as cinnamon and cloves, making it particularly welcome on a chilly autumn day.
Cider is far from the only thing on the menu. Festivals often sell all kinds of apple-based treats, including pies, doughnuts, caramel apples and jams.
The celebrations are not limited to eating and drinking either. Many festivals hold cooking competitions, where participants compete to make the best apple pie, alongside demonstrations sharing traditional recipes and cooking techniques.
You may even get the chance to walk through an orchard and pick apples straight from the trees. It’s a classic American experience and a simple way to experience the country’s autumn harvest traditions for yourself.
4. Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed on 11 November, is a federal holiday in the United States honouring military veterans.
The day recognises the service of the men and women who have served in the US Armed Forces and has an important place in American history and culture.
Veterans Day commemorations include parades, memorial ceremonies and other events across the country. Parades may feature marching bands, military units, historic vehicles and groups representing veterans.
One of the country’s largest and best-known Veterans Day parades takes place in New York City, attracting thousands of participants and spectators.
Commemorative ceremonies are also held at significant sites including Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
During these ceremonies, military representatives may give speeches, while flowers and wreaths are laid as a mark of respect.
The day provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect on military service and express their gratitude to those who have served in the country’s armed forces.
5. Harvest festivals
Autumn is celebrated across the United States with harvest festivals, which have their roots in local agricultural traditions.
These events are particularly common in rural communities across the Midwest and Northeast and traditionally offer communities an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the year’s harvest.
One of the main features of many harvest festivals is the farmers’ market. Here, you can buy seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey, homemade jams and baked goods directly from local producers.
Agricultural fairs are another popular attraction, with livestock shows, cooking competitions and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Depending on the event, you might even come across farming competitions such as sheep shearing or cow milking.
There are usually plenty of activities for families too, including hayrides, hay mazes, sack races and live entertainment such as folk music and theatre performances.
Harvest festivals give you the chance to experience a more local side of American autumn traditions, celebrating both the harvest itself and the communities behind the country’s agricultural traditions.
6. Corn mazes
Corn mazes are one of America’s much-loved autumn traditions, particularly in agricultural areas of the Midwest and Northeast.
These intricate mazes are created inside enormous fields of corn, turning farmland into a seasonal attraction for families and groups of friends.
Some mazes are designed around particular themes, such as historical figures, animals or pop culture. When viewed from above, the paths can form surprisingly elaborate pictures, adding an artistic element to the challenge.
Finding your way out through rows and rows of towering corn makes for a fun autumn afternoon and puts both your sense of direction and your teamwork to the test.
Many farms with corn mazes also offer other seasonal activities, including hayrides, pumpkin picking and children’s play areas.
If you want to experience the playful side of an American autumn, getting thoroughly lost in a field of corn is certainly one way to do it!
7. Pumpkin patches and Jack-o’-lanterns
Pumpkin patches are one of the most recognisable autumn traditions in the United States.
Throughout the season, families visit pumpkin patches to choose the perfect pumpkin to take home, carve and transform into a Jack-o’-lantern ready for Halloween.
The tradition of carving Jack-o’-lanterns has roots in Irish folklore and was brought to North America by Irish immigrants. Pumpkins, which were readily available in North America and easier to carve than the turnips traditionally used in Ireland and Britain, eventually became closely associated with the custom.
Today, farms can be transformed into seasonal attractions with activities suitable for different ages. You might find hayrides, hay mazes, play areas and food stalls serving autumn treats such as pumpkin doughnuts and apple cider.
Some pumpkin patches also organise carving competitions where both artists and amateurs can show off their skills, bringing creativity and tradition together in the run-up to Halloween.
8. Thanksgiving in small communities
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is one of the most significant autumn traditions in the United States. It’s famous around the world for large family gatherings and enormous Thanksgiving dinners, but the public holiday can take on a particularly community-focused character in smaller American towns.
In towns and villages, Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to strengthen community ties and share a sense of gratitude and solidarity. Some celebrations include church services or other religious gatherings where participants give thanks and reflect on the year that has passed.
One distinctive part of Thanksgiving in some smaller communities is this emphasis on sharing. Towns and local organisations may arrange community meals that are open to people who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
There are plenty of recreational traditions too. American football is closely associated with Thanksgiving, from major professional games watched on television to school and amateur matches in local communities.
Charity events are another feature of the holiday in many parts of the country. These can include organised runs, often known as “turkey trots”, and food drives supporting people in the local community.
Experience autumn in the USA for yourself!
From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to apple picking and community celebrations, autumn traditions can show you a side of American culture that you might never experience by simply visiting the country’s most famous attractions.
And if reading about apple cider, pumpkin patches and Halloween has already made you wish you could experience autumn in the United States for yourself, why not start thinking about your next American adventure?
Happy autumn, and happy travels from all of us at Astrolabio!
