The leaves are finally beginning to turn, and soon enough there will be the blessed chill in the air that we fall fanatics wait longingly for every year as we endure the summer heat. Yes, autumn is fast approaching on the horizon, and that means the fall festivals in Delaware are just about to begin. So gear up for a season of pumpkin spice, brilliant fall foliage, and lots of fun -- here are the best fall festivals in Delaware.

1. Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest in Newark, Sept. 20-22, 2024

A celebration of German culture, food, and of course, beer, the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is held over the course of three days. Expect traditional German music and dancing, lots of German food and brews, amusement park rides, and more. Admission is $10 which includes unlimited amusement rides. The weekend-long event opens on Friday the 20th at 5 p.m. A parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday as well. Additionally, there is a $5 parking charge on Friday and Saturday but parking is free on Sunday.

2. Art on the Green in New Castle, Sept. 28, 2024

Art on the Green has been held annually at Battery Park in New Castle for over fifty years. Come see the work of over 200 artisans and craftspeople! Art on the Green will run Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. It's such a great way to celebrate fall in Delaware!

3. Faithful Friends 5K & Mutt Mile at Bellevue State Park, Sept. 29, 2024

This event, benefiting Faithful Friends Animal Society, features the largest dog-friendly race in Delaware! If you're not up to walking or running the 5K, you can always do the Mutt Mile, or stop by after the race. There will be a variety of vendors, including pet goods and local merchants, plus food trucks. If you're looking for a new friend, there will be adoptable dogs there as well. The event goes from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 29.

4. Fall Fest at Fifer Orchards, Saturdays from September 24th through November 5th

On Saturdays from Sept. 21 all the way through Nov. 9, you can enjoy all manner of autumn activities at Fall Fest at Fifer Orchards. A corn maze, U-Pick apples and pumpkins, live music, baby farm animals, and more await at Fifer's in Camden-Wyoming. This is one of the best fall festivals in Delaware!

5. Wings and Wheels Fall Festival in Georgetown, Oct. 4-5, 2024

The Wings and Wheels tagline is "where the sky meets the road," and it's sure to be a hit with fans of classic cars and aircraft. World War II warbirds, vintage hotrods, live music, local food, and so much more can be found at this fun-filled festival in Georgetown. It starts with a dinner event on Friday, Oct. 4 and the main event takes place Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Best of all, this family-friendly event is free!

6. Apple-Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, Oct. 11-12, 2024

If you're searching for "fall festivals near me," the annual Apple-Scrapple Festival is a Delaware favorite. An open-air street festival celebrating two of the area's most famous foods, it features vendors, carnival games, delicious food, live entertainment, and so much more. It opens at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

7. Blackbird Creek Fall Festival in Townsend, Oct. 19, 2024

The Blackbird Creek Fall Festival offers free family fun, celebrating Delaware's natural wonders and culture. Past festivals have included local artisans and vendors, kid-friendly crafts, a scavenger hunt, a guided hike, and more. The festival takes place on the third Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8. Hagley Craft Fair in Wilmington, Oct. 19-20, 2024

The Hagley Craft Fair brings talented craftspeople and artisans from all over the Mid-Atlantic region. Both indoors and outdoors, the craft fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.

9. The Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Oct. 25-27, 2024

And of course, no list of fall festivals in Delaware is complete without the Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach. This three-day festival is a Halloween-themed spectacular with a costume parade, costumed dog parade, trick-or-treating, games, vendors, live music, and more. This year it's taking place from October 25th through the 17th. Sea you there!

Are you excited about the fall and all the fall festivals in Delaware? What fall events are your favorites? Tell us in the comments!

Check out this Delaware fall foliage road trip for another way to celebrate the season. And make sure you're stocked up on unique fall decor!