The summer heat has finally eased up, and a pre-holiday autumn glow has swept over Charm City. You can smell it on the crisp morning air, taste it in a rich apple cider, and hear it in leaves crunching underfoot. Whether you’re looking for some family fun, a new neighborhood to explore with friends, or just want to take in the fresh fall foliage, check out these events to ring in the season right.

FALL FESTIVALS

OCT. 11-13: SUGARLOAF CRAFT FESTIVAL
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd. Timonium-Lutherville, MD 21093. $8-$10.
Meet the artists at this craft festival dedicated to hand-made works, featuring everything from ceramics and metal-work to fine paintings. Hundreds of exhibitors will show off their wares to the soundtrack of live music, and there will be plenty of tasty local food and activities for kids.

OCT. 12: CANTON FALL FESTIVAL
Patterson Park. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
For downtown Baltimoreans who need an escape, get lost in Patterson Park during this second-annual day of fall festivities. There will be live music, food trucks, beverage gardens, and kids activities, as well as an enticing Moscow Mule drink package.

OCT. 12-13: FELLS POINT FUN FESTIVAL
Broadway & Thames Sts. Times vary. Free.
Celebrate the historic beauty of Fells Point framed by an autumn explosion of colorful leaves. Enjoy dozens of drink options, shopping at local retailers, and two live music stages—one of which will be headlined by alt-rockers Gin Blossoms.

OCT. 18-20: FALL MARYLAND HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
Maryland State Fair Grounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093. Free-$9.
Whether you’re just looking to spruce up your home’s decor with some fall flair, or you’re preparing for a total renovation, browse 300 home improvement exhibitions at this can’t-miss home and garden show.

OCT. 26-27: FALL FESTIVAL AT RYE STREET TAVERN
Rye Street Tavern, 13 Rye St. Free.
The Port Covington restaurant is transforming its waterfront into a fall wonderland complete with hay bales, lawn games, live music, and plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers to go around. Parents can sip whiskey cocktails from the outdoor bar while watching their little ones paint their own sugar pumpkins.

TO NOV. 3: FALL FUN FESTIVAL AT GAVER FARM
Gaver Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy.
Enjoy the scenic drive to this Mount Airy farm, which offers daily seasonal activities including a petting zoo, giant slides, jumping pillows, and a massive corn maze. Before heading home, don’t forget to stop by the farm’s onsite market for pre-picked squash and gourds, jams, honeys, preserves, candles, and lots of signature baked goods.

SEASONAL SIPPING

OCT 11: BALTIMORE HARD CIDER AND DOUGHNUT FEST
The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames St. Baltimore. $17-$28.
Indulge in the sweet and boozy celebration of your favorite fall flavors on the cobblestone streets of Fells Point. Check out premium hard ciders from five bars and restaurants, and choose pairings from more than 2,000 donuts

OCT. 12 & 19: CRUSH 19
Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Monkton. Sat. 12-5 p.m. Free-$15.
Head to Boordy Vineyards for the perfect boozy fall picnic featuring live music by the likes of Nellie’s Echo and The Crawdaddies, eats from Lib’s Grill and Keyes Creamery, and, of course, delicious wines. Be sure to swing by a few of the educational tastings to hear all about the the process of how Boordy’s grapes eventually end up in your glass.

OCT. 19: OKTOBEARFEST
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. 12-4 p.m. $29-69.
Do you love animals? What about drinks? Why not both? Stroll around the Maryland Zoo’s annual fundraiser to sip more than 70 seasonal brews while you enjoy food and music amongst your new furry friends.

OCT. 19: HARVEST AT THE HILL FESTIVAL
Manor Hill Brewing, 4411 Manor Ln., Ellicott City, MD 21042. 1-5 p.m. Free-$30.
Tour this beautiful 54-acre working farm in Howard County with live music, harvest games, and home-brewed beers from Manor Hill Brewing. Plus, there will be a full-blown food truck rally set against the backdrop of the farm’s hop yard.

OCT. 19: OKTOBERFEST LIVE!

Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place. 3-7 p.m. $30-40.

Gorge on bratwurst and pretzels, do the chicken dance, and sample more than 125 craft beers at an Oktoberfest celebration that promises to knock your lederhosen off.

OCT. 25: PUMPKINS ON THE GREEN

Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 7-11 p.m. $150.

Join this community nature center for an “un-gala”—a blue-jean affair with music, wine tasting, and plenty of nature to go around. All proceeds directly benefit Irvine’s environmental education programs.

NOV. 2: BALTIMORE CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 1:30-5 p.m. $40-55.

Baltimore is no stranger to appreciating beers. Come support your favorite local breweries or discover new releases from the 50-plus vendors, sway to the live music, or soak up the suds with fare from local food trucks. A portion of each ticket supports not only the brewers, but also Strong City Baltimore’s various community initiatives.

NOV. 9: R. HOUSE HARVEST FESTIVAL

R. House, 301 W. 29 St. 12-5 p.m.

Head to this Remington warehouse-turned-food hall for seasonal festivities like crafts, games, a petting zoo, and pony rides for the kids, as well as Harvest Punch and fall brews from Monument City Brewing Company. There will also be live music from local Americana group Rattlewood.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARM ADVENTURES

OCT 12: FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 10-4PM. Free.

From hay rides to apple butter-making, Cromwell Valley Park hosts comforting fall activities for the whole family. Try your hand at earth-oven cooking (an ancient method that bakes, steams, and smokes food in the ground) and beekeeping, or just take in the fall scenery.

OCT. 12: PUMPKINFEST

Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 12-7 p.m. Free-$15.

Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting, and other fall festival staples alongside the devoted nature center staff.

OCT. 19 & 26: GREENSTREET GARDENS FLASHLIGHT MAZE
Greenstreet Gardens in Lothian, 302 West Bay Front Road Lothian, MD 20711. 7-10PM.

Can you wind your way out of a corn-maze? How about in the moonlight? Grab some friends to take on this year’s Harry Potter-themed challenge with flashlights in hand.

OCT. 20: WHITELOCK HARVEST FESTIVAL
Whitelock Community Farm, 930 Whitelock St. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Join Reservoir Hill’s community farm for its annual cookout and fall celebration, which features a health and wellness fair, live music, and plenty of family fun.

NOV. 2: THE BLACK HARVEST: CHERRY HILL

Cherry Hill Urban Community Garden, 900 Cherry Hill Rd. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Nonprofits Blue Water Baltimore and TreeBaltimore are partnering with Cherry Hill’s community farm to host a tree giveaway which will also include food, live music, and live poetry.

TO NOV. 3: RODGERS’ FARM AND MAZE

1818 Greenspring Valley Rd., Stevenson, MD 21153. Free-$10.

With a petting zoo, hayrides, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and other attractions, this would seem like a pretty typical fall-themed farm festival. But don’t miss the hedge maze that has a different theme each year. This year’s inspiration? Emojis.

TO NOV. 3: SHARP’S AT WATERFORD

4003 Jennings Chapel Rd., Brookeville, MD 20833. Free-$11.

Here’s your chance to explore this 530-acre Howard County farm—which hosts open days and special fall events with outdoor activities like hayrides, campfires, nature trails, and an expansive corn maze throughout November 3.

TO NOV. 3: CLARK’S ELIOAK FARM

10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Free-$8.

As if beautiful pastures with a petting zoo, hayrides, and organic produce isn’t enough, this farm just outside of Ellicott City also features an Enchanted Train and Enchanted Forest to keep the kids captivated by the magic of the season.

As temperatures begin to dip below 70, there’s no denying that fall is officially here, and what better way to welcome the nip in the air than by handpicking a pumpkin or cracking open a craft beer on a crisp autumn afternoon. From apple picking and beer fests to leaf peeping and farm visits, the Baltimore region boasts plenty of ways to frolic into fall.

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

10/3: MILLSTONE APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL Stroll around the woodsy grounds of Genesee Valley while sipping signature ciders, cysers, (fermented apples and honey) and mead from Monkton-based Millstone Cellars. The second annual fall fest also highlights hayrides, eats from The Local Oyster, Jinji’s Chocolates, and HEX Ferments, and a live bluegrass lineup. 1717 Rayville Road, Parkton, 410-343-0101

10/3: ALL THINGS APPLE As its name suggests, this afternoon event invites guests of all ages to celebrate the harvest by learning new ways to cook and craft with apples. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville, 410-887-1081

10/3: DARLINGTON APPLE FESTIVAL Harford County locals frequently flock to this annual get-together where apple-themed treats consistently reign supreme. Enjoy live music, browse the wares of local vendors, root for your favorites in the apple pie eating contest, and dig in to signature snacks like apple cake, candy apples, and the festival’s claim-to-fame ‘Apple Delight’ (a spiral sliced apple topped with warm caramel and whipped cream.) 1024 Fifth Ave., Darlington, 410-457-4189

10/10: PUMPKINFEST AT THE IRVINE NATURE CENTER Bundle up the little ones and enjoy painting pumpkins, shooting down hay bale slides, listening to live music, and petting alpacas at this community fête. 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, 443-738-9200

10/10-11: MARYLAND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL With more than 30 seasonal activities, Summers Farm is a can’t-miss attraction all season long, but the Frederick mainstay throws extra fun into the mix for its annual Maryland Pumpkin Festival. In addition to pumpkin picking and corn mazes, attendees can enjoy a gourd hunt, pumpkin sculpture demonstrations, and watching candy blast out of a massive cannon. 5620 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, 301-620-9316

TO 10/31: 35th ANNUAL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT BUTLER’S ORCHARD Weekends through October, this Germantown orchard features classic attractions like corn mazes and pumpkin picking, while also putting a unique spin on farm fun with pony rides, an apple slingshot, and a pumpkin cannon. 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, 301-972-3299

Beer Fests

10/3-10/4: FREDERICK OKTOBERFEST If you’re looking to get a little taste of Munich by way of Frederick, make your way to the Frederick Fairgrounds to chow down on bratwurst, strudel, soft pretzels, and German potato salad while sipping authentic brews. 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-663-5895

10/10: DAS BEST OKTOBERFEST The lots surrounding M&T Bank Stadium will serve as the venue for this massive beer bash that highlights German eats and drinks and beer belly competitions. For the price of admission, guests can sample more than 150 international, domestic, and local varieties of beer, wine, and schnapps. And, as an added bonus, the event will host the exclusive Baltimore Beer Week kick-off party for VIP ticketholders. 1101 Russell St., 410-261-7283

10/17: OKTOBEARFEST Live polka tunes, German-inspired eats, and plenty of beer will be featured at this highly-anticipated fall event at the Maryland Zoo. Guests can take advantage of unlimited beer sampling and all-day access to the zoo’s exhibits. 1876 Mansion House Drive, 410-396-7102

10/17-18: MARYLAND OKTOBERFEST This large-scale beer fest is taking over the Maryland State Fairgrounds with two days of German food, live entertainment, and even a wine and schnapps garden. 4-H Home Arts Building, 2200 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-0200

10/9-10/18: BALTIMORE BEER WEEK Back for its seventh year, this weeklong celebration boasts upwards of 300 events to honor Baltimore’s bounty of craft beer. The jam-packed schedule includes tap takeovers, pint nights, and happy hours at bars all over town.

10/24: BALTIMORE CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL The Brewer’s Association of Maryland is hosting this inaugural craft beer event, where more than 30 local breweries will pour their signature selections for guests to sample. Throw on some shades and take in the picturesque views of Canton Waterfront Park while sipping seasonal beers and digging in to eats from food truck favorites like Kooper’s Chowhound, The Smoking Swine, and Gypsy Queen Café. 3001 Boston St., 410-396-7931

10/17: CHESAPEAKE REAL ALE FESTIVAL Fifteen craft breweries from across the region are bringing their best booze to this party at Pratt Street Ale House. Pull up a barstool and sample beers from favorites like Union Craft Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and Handsome Beer Co., while nibbling on tasty hors d’oeuvres. 206 W. Pratt St., 410-244-8900

11/14: CARROLL COUNTY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL If cold beer and pit beef sandwiches sound like a match made in heaven, this event at the Carroll County Agricultural Center is a must-try. Sip samples from more than 30 brew houses, get down to live music, and enjoy a top-notch list of fall food offerings. 706 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster, 410-848-6704

Family Fun

10/3-10/4: HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL Pumpkins and apples might steal the show at most fall festivals, but this sweet soiree puts an emphasis on the bounty of the bees. Stroll around the Oregon Ridge Nature Center to watch open hive demonstrations, learn how to create your own mead and honey ice cream, and browse the work of local craft vendors. 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, 410-887-1815

10/18: HARBOR HARVEST This Inner Harbor fun fest offers tons of activities for kids to make the most of the season. Decorate pumpkins and cookies, visit the petting zoo to catch a glimpse of furry friends up close, and watch live performances by kid-friendly musical groups. West Shore Park, 401 Light Street, 410-752-8632

TO 11/8: CLARK’S ELIOAK FARM With a giant pumpkin patch, “Enchanted Dinosaur Forest,” hayrides, live animals, and guided tours of the grounds, this longtime Ellicott City attraction offers something for everyone. 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 410-730-4039

TO 11/1: WEBER’S CIDER MILL FALL HARVEST DAYS Through October, this Parkville farm features fall activities on a daily basis. Gather some friends and run around the straw maze, grab a seat on a hayride, stuff a scarecrow, or shoot down the farm’s new hillside slide. Food and drink offerings include Webers’ signature apple-cider donuts and cider slush. 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville, 410-668-4488

Leaf Peeping

10/7-11: AUTUMN GLORY FESTIVAL Celebrate the spirit of the season with this huge community celebration that is habitually held in Garrett County. Now in its 48th year, the five-day-long itinerary features a farmer’s market, fine arts exhibits, a car show, daily crafts, and even an ice cream eating contest to close out the festival’s run. 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, 301-387-6171

10/10-11: CATOCTIN COLORFEST This juried arts fest celebrates its 52nd season this year, featuring hundreds of art exhibits, demonstrations, and live music performances in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains. Thurmont, 301-271-7533

ONGOING: POTAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK Nothing says fall like feeling the leaves crunch underneath your feet, so trek across one of the many trails at this bucolic park to get a good look at colorful foliage. 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, 410-461-5005

Corn Mazes

Getting lost in a crazy corn maze is one of the most iconic seasonal activities of all, so grab some friends and spend an afternoon navigating your way around the parting paths at these local farms.

• Bowles Farms, Clements, to 10/25
• Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Fri.-Sun. to 11/1
• Lawyer’s Farm, Thurmont, to 11/1
• Madison Fields, Dickerson, to 11/1
• Milburn Orchards, Elkton, Sat.-Sun. to 11/1
• Rodgers’ Farms, Stevenson, to Nov. 8
• Sharp’s Farm, Brookeville, Sat.-Sun. to 11/2
• Warrington Farm, Queenstown, to 10/31