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9 Fall Festivities to Fall in Love With in Central Washington
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Central Washington comes alive with a vibrancy of fall colors and an alluring array of events that celebrate the changing season. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, this enchanting region offers a diverse range of activities that allow residents and visitors alike to fully immerse themselves in the magic of autumn. From harvest festivals to cultural gatherings, here’s a few of our favorite must-attend fall events in Kittitas County for 2023. Click here for a full list of events in Central Washington.
1. Kittitas County Fair & Rodeo: A Centennial Celebration
Kicking off the fall season with a burst of energy and excitement is the Kittitas County Fair & Rodeo. This beloved event celebrates the history of rural life and western heritage in Central Washington. Livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, and carnival rides create a festive atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The heart-pounding rodeo competitions, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and more, showcase the bravery and skill of rodeo competitors. This county fair is a celebration of the region’s agricultural roots and a fun-filled way to embrace fall. Click here for the Centennial Celebration Schedule for the Ellensburg Rodeo.
2. Jensen Farms: Celebrating the Harvest Season
As the leaves change color and the air turns brisk, Jenson Farms hosts their Fall U-pick event of the season! Visitors can peruse a variety of artisan and craft products while enjoying live music and entertainment. Activities such as U-pick pumpkins, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and corn mazes offer fun for the whole family. With local food vendors offering seasonal treats, a trip to Jensen Farms is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the fall season. Learn more here.
3. Buskers in the Burg
Buskers in the Burg brings the quirky and eccentric to downtown Ellensburg providing unique street performers and fun for all ages. The streets of downtown Ellensburg come alive with a diverse range of performers, including musicians, jugglers, magicians, dancers, and other street entertainers. Buskers in the Burg” is a celebration that embraces the spirit of artistic expression, encourages interaction between performers and audiences, and adds a touch of magic and excitement to the streets of Ellensburg.
4. Suncadia Harvest Festival
Held at the Historic Nelson Farm, the 16th Annual Harvest Festival offers two weekends of seasonal events and activities to celebrate the arrival of fall. Embrace the spiced air of fall on the Farm while you enjoy local food trucks and the Dru Bru Bar, as well as local vendors and artists. Pair your seasonal treats with live music and country line dancing. Click here to learn more about Suncadia Harvest Festival.
5. Roslyn Mountain Ale Festival
The Roslyn Mountain Ale Festival is a great opportunity for attendees to admire locally crafted beverages, taste local, seasonal foods, and embrace the welcoming towns-folk of the Roslyn area. Enjoy live music and more as you wander the downtown streets of Historic Roslyn. Click here to learn about the Roslyn Mountain Ale Festival.
6. Junk-tiquen in the Burg
Shop seasonal antiques, up-cycled treasures, jewelry, and more from one-of-a-kind vendors at the fall Junk-tiquen in the Burg Vintage Market. This show was ranked one of Flea Market Decor’s Top 12 Flea Market Picks in the Nation! Shop dozens of vendors, all in one location at Ellensburg’s Kittitas Valley Event Center as you harvest an abundance of gently loved pieces! Grab a bite, enjoy live entertainment, and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures you’ll love! Click here for Junk-tiquen details.
7. Windfall Cider Fest: Sip and Savor the Season
As the apple orchards burst with ripe fruit, Windfall Cider Fest offers a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. This festival brings together local cideries to showcase their craft ciders, from traditional blends to innovative collaberations. With live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a chance to savor the essence of the season while enjoying the company of fellow cider enthusiasts. Click here to learn more about the WindFall Cider Fest.
8. Kittitas County Farmers Markets
No fall season is complete without a visit to any number of the Kittitas County Farmers Markets. These local gatherings offer a feast for the senses, with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. The market captures the essence of fall with pumpkins, apples, and other seasonal treats. They’re not only a shopping destination but also a community hub where friends and neighbors gather to support local businesses, and enjoy the beauty of the fall season. Click here to learn about Central Washington markets.
9. Art Pedestrians in Central Washington
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive experience, take a stroll around Roslyn or Ellensburg and admire the countless murals as they change in the golden autumn sun. Against the backdrop of fall’s inspiring landscapes, locals and visitors can explore a variety of artistic mediums, from painting to pottery, as they interact with the art, local artists and enthusiasts and more. This self-guided tour allows art enthusiasts to engage with the local arts scene while taking in the beauty of the season.
Mark your Calendars for Ellensburg’s monthly First Friday Art Walk! Grab your flannel, warm hats and scarves and take to the streets to view local artists showcase their work, listen to local musicians, and take in the fall foliage falling around Historic Downtown. Click here to learn more about First Friday Art Walks in Ellensburg.