Find pumpkins, apple cider, corn mazes, music, and more at these Maryland fall festivals.
Farm Unity Harvest Festival
September 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Honor the work of Farm Unity volunteers this season with a sampling of vegetables from a potluck provided by the volunteers. There will also be games and other activities. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cutlery to help with zero waste, but materials will still be available. 1681 Riedel Rd., Crofton, free
Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival
September 19 to November 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (depending on day)
The 46th annual festival celebrates all things autumn with corn hole, live music, a corn maze, a giant spiderweb to make your way through, and pick-your-own pumpkins. Guests have three different ways to purchase pumpkins: driving directly to the pumpkin patch, shopping at the festival market for pre-picked pumpkins, or visiting a pumpkin yard. 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, $12 to $20, pumpkin patch admission is $4 on weekends, fall season passes are $47.50
Magnolia Meadow Farms Fall Festival
September 26 to November 1, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (10 p.m. on Moonlit Maze nights), Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This farm boasts Maryland’s largest corn maze. The maze will be open for the fall festival, along with apple cannons, farm animal interactions, ziplines, mountain slides, and more. Moonlit Maze nights are October 10 and 24. 13001 Creagerstown Rd., Thurmont, $18.62 per ticket, $17.58 for seniors ages 65+ and active military/veterans, $52.77 season passes
Fall Festival at Summers Farm
September 26 to November 1, various times
Summers Farm has been the home of an annual fall festival for more than 30 years. Throughout the season, expect a pumpkin train, wagon rides, giant slides, corn pits, a corn maze, and pumpkin huts to enjoy. The “Watering Trough” will be open for cider slushies, kettle corn, dirty sodas, wood fired pizza, and more. 7503 Hollow Rd., Middletown, $14.95 per person online, $23.95 at gate, children 2 and under are free. Additional activities are various prices.
Fall Gallery and Studio Tour with Countryside Artisans
October 2 to 4
Countryside Artisans, a group of visual, sculptural, and textile artists based in Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery Counties, is hosting a fall studio tour in October. The studios included are all within a 30-mile radius of Sugarloaf Mountain and the artists will be showcasing their work and gifts for sale. There will be an additional tour in early December. Around Sugarloaf Mountain, Frederick, free
Fall Fest at Catoctin Furnace
October 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to the mountains of Frederick County for their annual Fall Fest. The highlight of the day is apple butter boiling in a copper kettle over an open fire that begins early in the morning. There will also be tours of the Museum of the Ironworker, and batches of freshly made apple butter for purchase in the afternoon. 12610 Catoctin Furnace Rd., Thurmont, free
City of Gaithersburg Oktoberfest
October 11, noon to 5 p.m.
The City of Gaithersburg will be hosting their 33rd annual celebration of German culture in and around the Arts Barn, Kentlands Mansion, Kentlands Village Green, and along Main Street. There are plans for traditional Bavarian music, fall-themed activities, bratwurst and other foods, and lots of beer, mead, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages. 311 Kent Sq. Rd., Gaithersburg, (Arts Barn address), free admission
Silver Spring Fall-o-ween
October 25, noon to 5 p.m.
This family-friendly event at Veterans Plaza encourages kids to come in costume for a 1:30 p.m. Halloween costume parade, where prizes will be awarded. Pets are even welcome to come strut their stuff at their own Halloween parade. There will be arts and crafts, Halloween-themed cupcakes and cookies, as well as savory options. 1 Veterans Pl., Silver Spring, free
Feature image courtesy Magnolia Meadow Farms
