Fall festival ideas for schools that raise funds and fun

Whether you’ve been planning school events for years or this is your first time putting something together, this guide is packed with ideas that are easy to pull off, fun for all ages, and great for reaching your fundraising goals. From pumpkin patches to pie-eating contests, we’ve seen what works—and we’re sharing it all with you.

Why host a fall festival at your school?

Hosting a fall festival isn’t just about pumpkins and popcorn (though we love those too). It’s about giving families a reason to come together, have fun, and support something they care about—your school. We’ve seen schools use these events to not only raise serious funds, but also build real momentum for the rest of the year.

Fall festivals give you a natural way to bring in the community. Parents, teachers, neighbors—everyone wants to join in when there's something fun happening. It’s also a great chance to show off your school spirit and all the amazing things your students are working on. Bonus? Kids get to run around, make memories, and feel proud of their school.

And the fundraising part? That’s where things really shine. Between ticket sales, food booths, games, raffles, and donations, there are so many ways to raise money without making it feel like a chore. It’s one of those rare events where everyone leaves smiling—and you still meet your budget goals.

Fall festival themes to inspire your planning

Picking a theme helps everything come together—your decorations, games, food, even what your volunteers wear. It also makes it easier for families to get excited because they know what to expect (and what kind of fun is coming their way). We’ve helped schools try all kinds of themes, and the best ones are simple, seasonal, and easy to build on.

Classic harvest festival
Think hay bales, pumpkins, and cornstalks. This one’s great for a cozy, autumn feel that works for all ages. Add a scarecrow contest or a mini pumpkin patch, and you’re set.

Pumpkin patch party
Set up a space where kids can “pick” their own pumpkins and decorate them. It’s cute, fun, and makes for awesome photo ops. Plus, it's a fundraiser dream—you can sell tickets for each pumpkin.

Haunted house hallways
Transform part of the school into a kid-friendly haunted house. Keep it silly (not scary) for younger kids, or add a few jump scares if you’ve got older students who love thrills.

Fall carnival twist
Take your usual school carnival setup and give it a fall makeover—apple bobbing, ring toss with mini pumpkins, and prizes like candy apples or fall-themed toys. It’s a fresh take that still feels familiar.

The goal here isn’t perfection. It’s picking a theme that feels fun and doable for your school—and gives families something to look forward to.

Fun fall festival games and activities for all ages

Games are the heart of any school fall festival. They keep the kids moving, the parents smiling, and the energy high. You don’t need fancy equipment or a big budget—just a few creative ideas and a team of volunteers ready to cheer everyone on. These are some crowd-pleasers we’ve seen work again and again.

Traditional fall festival games

Ring toss
Swap out the bottles for mini pumpkins or cones wrapped in orange ribbon. It’s simple, classic, and always a hit.

Bobbing for apples
Messy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. Just keep towels nearby and maybe some extra shirts for the brave participants.

Cornhole
It’s easy to set up and works for kids, teens, and even parents who get a little competitive.

Toilet paper mummy wrap race
Teams race to turn one person into a mummy using rolls of toilet paper. It’s cheap, hilarious, and makes for great photos.

Active and team-based games

Sack races
Kids love them, and parents love watching them. Bonus points if you can get teachers to race too.

Scarecrow building contest
Split into teams and use old clothes, straw, and string. Fastest (or funniest) scarecrow wins.

Pumpkin rolling relay
Instead of a baton, teams roll a pumpkin across a short course. It’s harder than it looks!

Obstacle course
Use hay bales, cones, and rope to build a course kids can run, climb, and crawl through.

All of these games are flexible—adapt them to the space you have and the ages of your students. Keep it light, keep it silly, and you’ll have families talking about it long after the festival ends.

Creative fall-themed craft and decoration ideas

Crafts and decorations are where your fall festival really gets its charm. They make the space feel festive and give kids something fun (and quieter) to do between games. The best part? You don’t need to be a Pinterest pro to pull these off.

DIY fall wreaths and scarecrows
Set up a table with paper plates, fabric scraps, fake leaves, and glue sticks. Kids can make their own wreaths to take home—or build mini scarecrows with popsicle sticks and yarn hair. Messy? Maybe. But totally worth it.

Pumpkin decorating and carving stations
Carving works great for older kids (with adult help), while younger ones can decorate with stickers, markers, or paint. You can even offer prizes for the funniest, spookiest, or most creative pumpkins.

Leaf garlands and apple stamps
String together construction paper leaves to make colorful garlands, or cut apples in half, dip them in paint, and stamp fun patterns onto paper bags or banners. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for younger kids.

Student-created photo booth backdrops
Let a class design a fall-themed photo wall using cardboard, paint, and school spirit. Add a few props like flannel shirts and silly hats, and parents will be snapping pictures all day long.

Craft stations are also a great way to slow things down a bit during the event. It gives everyone a breather while still keeping the fall fun going strong.

Food and drink favorites for your fall fest

If there’s one thing that brings people together fast, it’s food. And at a fall festival, you’ve got plenty of cozy, crowd-pleasing options that feel right on theme. You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup—just a few warm treats, some good smells in the air, and maybe a crockpot or two.

Apple cider and hot chocolate bar
Set up a simple drink station with big jugs of cider and hot chocolate. Add extras like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or marshmallows, and you’ve got an easy win that keeps hands warm and hearts happy.

Caramel apples and popcorn balls
These are sweet, seasonal, and easy to sell as individual treats. Wrap them up in plastic for a cute grab-and-go snack, or let kids decorate their own.

Pumpkin spice snacks and baked goods
Think muffins, donuts, cookies—whatever your community likes to bake. A bake sale table filled with pumpkin-flavored goodies is both a fundraiser and a favorite hangout spot.

Chili cook-off and cornbread corner
Invite families or teachers to enter their best chili recipe, and let attendees vote for their favorite. It’s fun, filling, and brings people together in a relaxed, tasty way.

Food adds warmth to your festival—literally and emotionally. It’s where people linger, chat, and connect. And for your fundraising goals? It’s one of the easiest ways to boost donations without a lot of extra effort.

Booth and station setup ideas for maximum engagement

How you set up your festival space can make a big difference in how smoothly things run—and how much fun people have. We’ve seen that a little planning up front goes a long way. Clear signage, good flow, and a mix of activity types keeps things moving and keeps families happy.

Ticket booth and welcome table
Start strong with a central check-in spot. Here’s where guests can buy tickets (if you’re using them), grab a map or schedule, and get their questions answered. A friendly face at the front helps set the tone.

Themed game stations
Instead of a big jumble of games, spread them out and label them clearly—“Pumpkin Bowling,” “Ring Toss,” “Face Painting,” and so on. Kids know what they’re walking up to, and parents appreciate the organization.

Prize redemption area
If you’re doing a ticket-for-prizes setup, have a booth where kids can trade in their winnings. Small toys, stickers, or candy work great here. It adds excitement and encourages families to stick around longer.

Quiet zone for toddlers or sensory-sensitive students
This is something we’ve seen in schools add more often—and it’s a hit. Set up a calm area with coloring sheets, sensory toys, or soft music. It shows families you’re thinking about every child, and they really notice that care.

Even simple booth setups can feel polished and professional with clear signs and a little structure. And when everything runs smoothly? People are more likely to stay, spend, and come back next year.

Fundraising strategies to make your fall festival profitable

A fall festival isn’t just about having a good time—it’s a real chance to raise meaningful funds for your school. The key is to keep things simple, low-pressure, and fun. People are more willing to give when they’re enjoying themselves and know where their money’s going.

Pre-sell tickets online and in person
Let families buy entry tickets ahead of time through your school’s website or a platform like Harness. You can also bundle tickets with game passes or food vouchers—people love a good deal, and it helps you plan ahead.

Add a raffle or silent auction table
Ask local businesses or school families to donate items—gift cards, themed baskets, or homemade goods. Display everything at the event, and let attendees enter with tickets or bids. It adds excitement and can bring in a surprising amount of money.

Offer donation-based booths
Some activities—like face painting or pumpkin decorating—can run on a “pay what you can” basis. It’s more inclusive, and you might be surprised how generous people are when it’s optional.

Partner with local businesses for sponsorships
Ask nearby shops, restaurants, or service providers to sponsor a booth or donate food. In return, give them a shout-out in your signage or newsletter. It saves you money and makes them look great in the community.

Fundraising at a fall festival doesn’t have to feel like work. With a few smart ideas, your event can raise the kind of funds that really move the needle—while everyone’s busy having a blast.

How to make your fall festival inclusive and accessible

Fall festivals are meant to bring your whole school community together—but that only happens if everyone feels like they can actually join in. A little extra planning goes a long way in making your event feel safe, comfortable, and fun for every family.

Tips for accessibility
Make sure your layout is easy to navigate for wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone who needs a little more space. Keep walkways wide, avoid steps when possible, and clearly mark any tricky areas. If you’re using booths or tables, try to keep them low enough for everyone to reach.

Food allergy considerations
Label all food items, especially anything with nuts, dairy, or gluten. Offering a few allergy-friendly options (like fruit cups or packaged snacks) makes a big difference for families who usually have to skip the food tables.

Inclusive games for students of all abilities
Try to include a mix of activities that don’t require running or jumping—like bean bag tosses, arts and crafts, or sensory stations. You’ll be surprised how much kids of all ages enjoy these calm, hands-on games.

Quiet space for breaks
Festivals can be loud and crowded. Having a small, quiet area with chairs, fidget toys, or calming music gives kids (and even grownups) a place to regroup. We’ve seen parents get emotional when they realize their child can enjoy the event—because someone thought to create space for them.

Inclusivity doesn’t need to be complicated. Just a few thoughtful touches can help every family feel seen, welcome, and excited to come back next year.

Using your fall fest as an educational opportunity

A fall festival is already packed with fun—but it’s also a great time to sneak in a little learning. We’ve seen schools turn everyday festival moments into creative, hands-on ways for kids to explore science, history, reading, and even math. When done right, it doesn’t feel like school—it feels like discovery.

Pumpkin catapult challenge
This one’s a favorite. Kids can build mini catapults using craft sticks and rubber bands, then launch candy pumpkins and measure the distance. It’s messy, exciting, and sneaks in physics without anyone noticing.

Fall history scavenger hunt
Create a simple scavenger hunt with clues about harvest traditions, seasonal changes, or even school history. Kids work in teams to find answers around the festival. Add prizes at the end for a little extra motivation.

Farm-to-table cooking station
Set up a hands-on cooking demo with seasonal foods. Let students mix ingredients, talk about where food comes from, and taste something new. It’s great for younger kids and ties perfectly into nutrition or science lessons.

Reading corner with autumn-themed books
Create a cozy space with blankets, hay bales, and a stack of fall-themed books. You can have older students read aloud to little ones—or invite a teacher or parent to host a storytime. It’s calm, sweet, and adds depth to your event.

You don’t have to go overboard to make it meaningful. Just one or two stations like these can show families that your school is always thinking creatively—even outside the classroom.

Make this year unforgettable

A great fall festival isn’t about having the flashiest booths or the biggest turnout—it’s about creating real moments that bring your school community closer. When families feel connected to your mission, they show up, give generously, and leave feeling like they were part of something special.

Every detail—from the games and food to the way you welcome people in—shapes that experience. And when it all comes together? You’re not just raising money for your school. You’re building momentum that lasts all year.

Need a hand making it happen? Harness is the charity fundraising platform that helps nonprofits plan smarter events, engage donors, and grow your impact—without the stress. With easy-to-use tools and expert guidance, we’ll help you turn your fundraising events into something unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start planning a fall festival at school?
It’s best to start planning at least 2 to 3 months in advance. That gives you time to organize volunteers, gather supplies, promote the event, and lock in food or activity vendors.

What are some low-cost fall festival activities for schools?
Try games like toilet paper mummy races, bobbing for apples, or ring toss with mini pumpkins. DIY crafts like leaf garlands or scarecrow making are also fun and inexpensive.

How do I fundraise during a school fall festival?
You can sell tickets, offer donation-based activities, hold a raffle, or ask for local business sponsorships. Even small things—like selling cider or baked goods—can add up quickly.

What are the best fall festival games for younger children?
Younger kids love face painting, pumpkin decorating, bean bag toss, and storytime corners. Keep activities simple, colorful, and not too loud or overwhelming.

Can fall festivals be held indoors?
Absolutely. Gymnasiums, hallways, or even classrooms can be transformed with fall decorations. Many games and booths adapt well to indoor spaces, especially if weather is unpredictable.

How do I make sure my festival is accessible to all students?
Provide a quiet area, label food for allergies, and include a mix of active and calm activities. Make sure pathways are easy to move through for wheelchairs and strollers.