Discover North Dakota’s vibrant fall festivals, where Scandinavian heritage, harvest celebrations, and stunning landscapes come together to create unforgettable experiences.
As the crisp air of autumn descends on North Dakota, the state bursts into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and the changing seasons. North Dakota’s fall festivals offer something for everyone, from grand Scandinavian festivals to intimate lakeside gatherings. Whether you’re savoring Nordic delicacies, picking pumpkins, or exploring stunning fall foliage, these events provide a perfect way to enjoy the beauty and heritage of the Peace Garden State.
Norsk Høstfest
Location: Minot, ND
Date: September 25-28, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 60,000
Theme: Scandinavian Heritage & Cultural Celebration
Norsk Høstfest, held in Minot, is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. This annual event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region’s Nordic immigrants, drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience authentic food, music, and crafts from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The festival takes over the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, transforming it into a vibrant Scandinavian village. Attendees can explore themed halls like Oslo Hall and Reykjavik Hall, each offering unique culinary delights, from Swedish meatballs and lefse to Danish pastries and Norwegian krumkake. One of the highlights of the festival is the Lutefisk Eating Contest, where participants brave the infamous dish for a chance to win a $500 cash prize.
Live music is a major draw, with performances by international and local artists. The 2024 lineup includes the celebrated Norwegian folk band Wardruna and Minot’s own Dakota Drifters, who will perform traditional Scandinavian tunes. The Miss Norsk Høstfest pageant, another highlight, crowns a young woman of Scandinavian descent who will serve as an ambassador for Nordic culture throughout the year.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: Bismarck, ND
Date: September 14 – October 20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 50,000
Theme: Family-Friendly Harvest & Outdoor Fun
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch in Bismarck is a beloved fall tradition for families across North Dakota. This sprawling farm transforms into a wonderland of autumn activities, offering something for everyone from mid-September through October.
Visitors can pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, navigate a corn maze, or take a scenic hayride through the farm’s vibrant fields. For those with a competitive spirit, the annual Pumpkin Catapult Contest is a must-see. Teams build their own catapults to see who can launch a pumpkin the farthest, with the winning team receiving a $1,000 prize and bragging rights for the year.
The farm also features over 30 attractions, including pony rides, a giant straw bale maze, and a zip line. Local food vendors like Kroll’s Diner offer hearty fall fare, from hot apple cider to caramel-dipped apples. The Bismarck-based duo Cottonwood performs live bluegrass and folk music on weekends, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Fargo Fall Festival
Location: Fargo, ND
Date: October 4-5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Harvest Celebration & Local Artisans
The Fargo Fall Festival is a celebration of the harvest season, bringing together local artisans, musicians, and food vendors for a weekend of fun in downtown Fargo. This event is perfect for those looking to experience the vibrant local culture while enjoying the beautiful fall weather.
The festival features a bustling farmers market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, homemade jams, and artisan bread from local businesses like Red River Market and Breadsmith. Craft enthusiasts will love the artisan market, which showcases handmade goods ranging from pottery and jewelry to wooden toys and home decor. The market’s standout item in 2023 was a hand-carved wooden rocking horse, which won Best in Show and was purchased by a local collector for $2,500.
Live music is a key part of the Fargo Fall Festival, with performances by regional acts like The Cropdusters and Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome, who bring a mix of rock, blues, and funk to the stage. The festival also hosts a Chili Cook-Off, where local chefs compete for the title of Best Chili, with the winner receiving a $500 cash prize and a feature in the Fargo Forum newspaper.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fall Festival
Location: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Date: September 21-22, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Nature & Wildlife Celebration
Set against the rugged backdrop of the North Dakota Badlands, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Fall Festival offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and natural beauty. This annual event celebrates the park’s stunning fall foliage and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can take part in guided hikes along trails like the Wind Canyon Trail, where they can admire the golden hues of cottonwoods lining the Little Missouri River and catch glimpses of bison, elk, and wild horses. The festival also offers wildlife viewing tours, led by park rangers, that provide insights into the habits of the park’s diverse species.
For stargazers, the festival coincides with the Annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival, where experts from the Northern Sky Observatory offer night sky programs and telescope viewings. The park’s dark skies provide a spectacular setting for observing stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
The festival also includes a photography contest, where participants can submit their best shots of the park’s landscapes and wildlife. The winner, selected by a panel of professional photographers, receives a $1,000 prize and their photo featured on the cover of the park’s annual calendar.
Medora Beef & Beer Festival
Location: Medora, ND
Date: September 21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000
Theme: Culinary & Craft Beer Celebration
The Medora Beef & Beer Festival, set in the picturesque town of Medora, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy North Dakota’s culinary delights paired with local craft beers. This one-day event celebrates the state’s beef industry and its burgeoning craft beer scene.
The festival takes place in the heart of Medora, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Badlands. Attendees can sample a variety of beef dishes, from gourmet burgers to smoked brisket, prepared by top chefs from across the state. The festival’s signature event is the Burger Battle, where chefs compete to create the best burger using local ingredients. The 2023 winner, Chef Ryan Williams of Fargo’s Mezzaluna, won the $1,500 grand prize for his Bison-Blue Cheese Burger, which was a hit with both judges and attendees.
Craft beer lovers can explore the beer garden, which features brews from North Dakota’s top breweries, including Drekker Brewing Company and Laughing Sun Brewing. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, with performances by local bands like Medora’s own Burning Hills Singers and Williston’s Lonesome Willy. For those looking to explore the area, the festival also offers guided horseback rides through the Badlands, providing a unique way to experience the region’s autumn beauty.
Pembina Gorge Oktoberfest
Location: Frost Fire Park, Walhalla, ND
Date: October 12, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: German Heritage & Fall Foliage
Nestled in the Pembina Gorge, Frost Fire Park’s Oktoberfest is a celebration of German heritage set against some of the most dramatic fall scenery in North Dakota. This annual event combines traditional German festivities with the stunning autumn colors of the Pembina River Valley.
The day kicks off with a parade featuring vintage cars, horse-drawn wagons, and local marching bands. Attendees can enjoy a variety of German foods, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels, all prepared by local vendors like Walhalla’s Whistle Stop Cafe. The beer garden, sponsored by Laughing Sun Brewing, offers a selection of German-style beers, including their popular Oktoberfest Märzen.
Live music is a highlight of the day, with performances by the North Dakota-based polka band The Dakota Drifters. The event also features traditional German dancing, with performances by the Red River Dance Company. Guests can participate in games like stein-holding contests and the popular Keg Toss, where the winner takes home a $250 prize.
For a unique perspective on the fall foliage, visitors can ride the chairlift to the top of Frost Fire Mountain, where they’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Pembina Gorge in all its autumn glory.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Fall Festival
Location: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau, ND
Date: October 5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Lakeside Recreation & Family Fun
Lake Metigoshe State Park’s Fall Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the beauty of the Turtle Mountains in autumn. Located near the Canadian border, this park offers stunning views of aspen and oak forests as they change color, creating a picturesque setting for fall festivities.
The festival includes a variety of activities for all ages, from pumpkin decorating and hayrides to canoeing on the serene waters of Lake Metigoshe. Visitors can participate in the annual Chili Cook-Off, where local cooks compete to see who can create the best chili. In 2023, the top prize went to Bottineau resident Linda Fischer for her spicy venison chili, which was a hit with festival-goers.
The park also offers guided nature hikes, where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna and spot migrating birds. The event concludes with a cozy campfire, complete with s’mores and stories, providing the perfect end to a day spent enjoying the great outdoors.
Planning Your Visit to on of North Dakota’s Festivals this Fall
North Dakota’s fall festivals are more than just events—they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit.
To make the most of your visit, consider booking a vacation rental through Lake.com. Whether you’re attending the Norsk Høstfest in Minot, exploring the fall colors at Lake Metigoshe State Park, or enjoying a culinary experience at the Medora Beef & Beer Festival, Lake.com offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Imagine staying in a cozy cabin by the lake, surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn, or in a charming downtown loft close to all the festival action.
Booking a vacation rental ensures you have a comfortable and convenient home base as you explore the best of North Dakota’s fall festivities.
