With the summer heat finally behind us, it's time to welcome in the cool breezes of autumn. The changing of the leaves, hometown parades, and fall festivals are happening from coast to coast, and now is the perfect time to enjoy them. With over 70 properties on 40 Army posts across the United States, IHG Army Hotels are where you need us to be when looking to enjoy fall festivities.
Whether you are looking to participate in events in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, or Western regions of the country, we've got you covered. Our curated list of special events during this time of year has a little something for everyone. No matter where you decide to go, you can rest assured that we'll have you covered with convenient, comfortable, and safe accommodations for you, your family, and your friends.
Helpful Trips No Matter What Event You Choose To Attend
Before getting into our recommendations, here are a few things to consider when looking to get the most out of your adventures. First, book your stay as early as possible. Events such as festivals and parades draw in crowds. The earlier you book your room, the better. Once you arrive, lean on our friendly front desk team members for updates on local events and anything you need to make your stay more comfortable.
When preparing to attend an event in the area, make sure to check the local weather reports and dress accordingly. For all-day events, you can always return to your room for a break. However, if you plan to stay out longer, dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
West: Fall Festivals
The Western United States is home to breathtaking natural wonders, a wealth of cultural treasures, and numerous activities to enjoy during the fall. Here are two activities worth checking out if you are in the deserts of the Southwest or the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Fort Huachuca, AZ
Known for its stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes, including Saguaro National Park, Tucson is home to the beloved folklife festival, Tucson Meet Yourself. The festival has been an annual occurrence since 1974. This year's event will feature live performances, delicious food, friendly folk artists, cultural kitchens, dancing, and more.
When staying at our IHG Army Hotels Main Complex Buildings on Fort Huachuca, you're a little over an hour away from the festival. Tucson Meet Yourself will take place from October 17 to 19, 2025. The festival is free, but there are additional ways to get even more out of the event if you are willing to spend a little. Our favorite for this year is the Taste of the Festival passport. For $25, your passport allows you to sample five different cultural plates ranging from Pad Thai noodle dishes to Egyptian stew.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
When many people think of the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest, they think of salmon. The beauty of these fish and their annual upstream migrations is undeniable. Since 1970, the town of Issaquah, WA, has held an annual celebration, Salmon Days, to commemorate these amazing fish. This year, the festival will take place on October 4th and 5th in downtown Issaquah.
The festival is less than an hour from our IHG Army Hotels Buildings 600 Series on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. There is a parade, plenty of vendors, the annual Kiwanis Club World Famous Salmon BBQ, and plenty of activities for all ages. There are even spots around the town where you can see the salmon on their upstream journey.
East: Apples & Autumn in the Hudson Valley
This time of year is perfect for exploring the Eastern United States. The summer heat is gone, and the winter snow is still several weeks away. There are plenty of locations to see the changing of the leaves and take in an autumn sunset. If you are in New York, you might want to try the Hudson Valley.
West Point, NY
The Warwick Applefest transforms the Hudson Valley into a harvest block party each fall, and this year it takes place on October 5. Expect bustling streets lined with craft vendors, food stalls, multiple stages of live music, and apple pie contests that keep the energy high all day. It’s free to attend and centered right in the Village of Warwick, so you can wander, snack, and shop at your own pace.
The Applefest is about 30 miles from our IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn at West Point. If you plan to attend The Applefest on Sunday, you might want to pair it with a Saturday trip to the nearby Apple Dave's Orchard. The orchard, also in Warwick, offers U-pick, cider donuts, and a distillery lawn for chilling out in the cool autumn afternoons.
South: Culture & Community Celebrations
Southern charm is alive and well in the fall. From the storied rivalries in college football to pumpkins and corn mazes, there are a lot of fun and exciting events to choose from this year when venturing south.
Fort Bragg, NC
The IHG Army Hotels Normandy House & Carolina Inn on Fort Bragg is the perfect location to stay at when enjoying fall in the South. State fairs are a fall activity that many people enjoy. That's why we recommend staying here between October 16 and 26, so you can participate in the North Carolina State Fair.
The fair is located in Raleigh, just a little over an hour north of Fort Bragg. At this year's fair, you can enjoy classic fair activities like carnival games, rides, and just about any deep-fried food you can think of. You can also explore the Agriculture Pavilion for local products and demonstrations, as well as see livestock and farm displays. There is something for everyone this year, from antique farm equipment to live concerts and grandstand shows.
North: Alaska’s Fall Harvest, Frontier-Style
Alaska is about as north as it gets. Given its location, autumn weather transitions faster into winter weather here than in the rest of the country, but there are still fall festivities to enjoy before the temperatures really start to drop.
Fort Wainwright, AK
A great place to stay anytime you are in the Last Frontier is our Holiday Inn Express Northern Lights Inn on Fort Wainwright. This on-post location offers all the comforts and conveniences you could want while exploring the area around Fairbanks. Book a stay around October 4 to participate in the area’s Fall Festival.
The Fall Festival takes place just 15 minutes from our hotel. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, hayrides, a petting zoo, rides, games, a movie, story time, and more. The fair is only $6 per person or $15 for a family.
As the fall season continues to roll along, there is no better time to enjoy a stay at one of our many IHG Army Hotels. Whether you are looking to taste the flavors of different cultures in Arizona, pick apples in New York, enjoy a concert in North Carolina, or make memories in Alaska, you're never far from one of our properties. We hope to see you soon as you celebrate autumn across the country with us.
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