Family friendly fall festivals bountiful in the US

CHICAGO, IL – The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of outdoor fun. These fall events are fit for the whole family.

Baltimore, Md. is host to the Fell’s Point Fun Festival on Oct. 4 – 6. The event showcases the historical Fell’s Point seaport, its businesses and charming 18th and 19th century residences. For hands-on fun, head to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and build a structure in the Habitat for Humanity’s HabiTown Challenge. Teams will have the opportunity to raise funds for their causes and win prizes in this friendly, judged competition. The event is open to the public and offers food and live music.

Just north of Indianapolis in Fishers, Ind. is the annual Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony held on Sept. 28 from noon to 10 p.m. in Witten Park. Now in its 8th year, this free, family-styled event will offer German food, crafts, a beer garden, kids activities and live music. History buffs can experience the age of Queen Elizabeth I at the Fishers Renaissance Faire, Oct. 5 – 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Saxony Development. There will be jousting; costumed characters; period music and dance; Shakespearean vignettes; swordplay; knighting ceremonies; parades and more than 70 artisans, merchants, food vendors, and free kid’s games.

Four legged family members deserve some fun, too, so grab your pooch and head to Milwaukee’s Barktoberfest in Estabrook Park on Sept. 28 from 1 – 6 p.m. Join Residents for Off-leash Milwaukee Parks (ROMP) for an afternoon of free, tail-waggin’ fun. Enjoy live music, food and libations from the Estabrook Beer Garden along with lots of canine capers including an agility course and costume contest plus beer specials and a raffle for humans. On Oct. 18 – Oct. 20, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino will host the Hunting Moon Powwow featuring a powwow with dancing, Native American arts and crafts and traditional foods.

Seattle is the place to see the Best of the Northwest Fall 2013 Art & Fine Craft Show on November 22, featuring a marketplace of fine arts and crafts. 5,000 attendees are expected to attend this event held at the Smith Cover Ship Terminal.

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the The Lone Star 13, San Antonio’s Inaugural Custom Car & Music Festival featuring a daytime outdoor car show with vintage hot rods and custom cars plus an indoor music festival, vendors and food trucks. The show starts at 6 p.m. on October 12 and runs until 2 a.m. on Oct. 13. On Oct. 19, the city will host the Ninth Annual Fall Wildlife Festival & Plant Sale at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. This free community event features activities and information focused on the natural world.