The Downtown Eau Claire Fall Festival is one of Eau Claire’s most beloved traditions, but why stop there? If you’re making a weekend of it, you’ll find plenty more to explore while you’re in town. From strolling the farmers' market and sipping seasonal drinks to apple picking and local shopping, Eau Claire knows how to lean into autumn’s charm. Here are five ways to round out your Fall Festival experience and soak up every bit of that crisp, colorful, and cozy fall feeling in Eau Claire.
1. Stroll through the farmer's market
While the farmer's market is magical all year round, the fall is especially charming. The market takes place in Phoenix Park on Saturday morning and will be stocked with tomatoes, apples, carrots, squash, herbs, flowers, and so many more fresh pickings. Beyond produce, you’ll find local honey, fresh-baked breads, live music, and other artisan vendors throughout the park. And when you walk into the market, you'll smell fresh kettle popcorn and the crisp fall air along the river. Pack your totes, and hit up the Eau Claire Downtown Farmer's Market before the fall festival!
2. Visit Eau Claire's apple orchards
The apple orchards in and near Eau Claire are the epitome of fall and have entertainment that the entire family will love. Check out Ferguson's Orchards in Eau Claire for a never-ending collection of attractions, apple trees, and apple-flavored treats. This destination is way more than just apples and cider—it's apple cannons, go karts, farm animals, corn pits, jumping pads, and wagon rides.
Find the perfect pumpkin at Leffel Roots' pumpkin patch, and take home some of their incredible cider to toast to the season. And if you're an artsy visitor, check out The Glass Orchard for stunning hot glass pumpkin classes and products to decorate your fall homes with.
Outside of Eau Claire, more family fun awaits at orchards like Connell's Family Orchard and Family Roots Orchard. The apples are plentiful, and the pumpkins and berries are ripe for picking, too! Check out our orchards page to see the complete list.
3. Enjoy a seasonal beverage
Fall flavors taste even better in a cup or glass, and Eau Claire has no shortage of spots serving up seasonal specialties. Cozy up in a downtown coffee shop like SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar, Racy’s, or ECDC for a pumpkin spice latte, maple latte, or hot apple cider to warm your hands after a crisp walk. Or, order the perfect latte art from coffee shops like Phoenix Coffee or Cabin Coffee.
If wine is more your style, head to River Bend Winery & Distillery or Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery, where autumn-inspired cocktails and spiced wines make the perfect seasonal treat. And for beer lovers, Eau Claire’s craft breweries like The Brewing Projekt, Lazy Monk, and Modicum often roll out fall brews for Oktoberfest and other flavors for the cozy season. Take it even further, and enjoy a fall colors drive to Osseo to have a drink at Northwoods Brewpub. Whether you’re sipping slowly on a latte, toasting with friends over a pint, or sampling a seasonal flight, these drinks bring the taste of autumn straight to your glass.
4. Go for a fall bike ride
Few things capture Eau Claire in autumn better than a bike ride through its colorful trails. With the leaves in shades of red, orange, and gold, the city’s bike paths turn into the perfect fall backdrop. The Chippewa River State Trail is a local favorite, winding along the water and through stretches of colorful fall scenes. For a shorter ride, loop through Carson Park or hop on the scenic trails that connect downtown to nearby parks and neighborhoods. For a longer route, take the trails to Chippewa Falls and reward yourself with a beer at Leinie Lodge, or journey across the Red Cedar State Trail to see the fall colors pop near Menomonie, WI.
Need a bike? The Local Store can help out! Get e-bike or scooter rentals at this downtown shop, and they'll point you in the right direction for whatever type of route you're looking for. Check them out here to book your rental for Fall Fest weekend!
5. Shop local in Eau Claire
Eau Claire’s downtown is packed with shops that make browsing just as fun as buying, perfect for filling a cozy fall afternoon. Flip through vinyl at Revival Records, where the shelves are stacked with everything from classic rock to indie gems. Stroll a little further and you’ll find Tangled Up in Hue, a collective art shop bursting with handmade goods, prints, jewelry, and quirky gifts you won’t find anywhere else. If you love the thrill of a one-of-a-kind find, Eau Claire’s vintage and antique shops are full of character and the perfect addition to a fall weekend. Find antiques and vintage clothing at shops like Seven Suns, EC Vintage, and more. Check out our shopping blog for the complete guide to local shops in Eau Claire!