September 3, 2026

Make the most of the fall season in Fargo-Moorhead

An NDSU drum majors walks down the street during a parade

Fall in Fargo means cooler weather, changing leaves, Bison gamedays and plenty of fun activities to make the most of the season. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or want to shop local, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Here are a few activities to be sure to check out.

Show Your Bison Pride at NDSU Homecoming

NDSU Homecoming is a tradition that brings students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members together to celebrate the Bison spirit. Be sure to attend the week’s activities scheduled throughout Sept. 28- Oct. 4, including President Stewart’s inauguration and State of the University Address, as well as the Homecoming parade.

A vendors talks with a customer at a stall

Shop Local Favorites at the Red River Market

The annual Red River Market in downtown Fargo is open until Oct. 31, giving you plenty of time to check out local vendors selling produce, baked goods, crafts and more. The market also offers live entertainment and cooking demos.

Celebrate the Spooky Season at the Folkways Night Bazaar

Looking for a Halloween activity that’s a little different? Head to Folkways Spook Night Bazaar, at Brewhalla on Oct. 15. The Halloween-themed event features live music, food and entertainment. Bonus points if you show up in costume.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch. Fargo-Moorhead has several options, each with its own unique activities. Stop by the Lil Bitz Pumpkin Patch, open from Sept. 13-Oct. 26, and enjoy activities including a petting zoo, games and photo ops. The Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch located in Glyndon, Minnesota, is another option with activities like carriage rides, pedal cars and more.

People in kayaks drift down a river

Turn an Ordinary Weekend into an Outdoor Adventure

The Wellness Center has a wide selection of outdoor equipment to rent for any outdoor adventure you want to embark on, including kayaks, camping gear, outdoor games and more. If you’re looking for a fun group outing, the Wellness Center also offers guided trips to places like Itasca State Park and Detroit Mountain. Learn more on the Outdoor Adventures webpage.

Navigate a Straw Maze

Put your navigation skills to the test by checking out one of the many straw mazes that appear throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area in the fall. The Great Maze, the world’s largest wooden maze, is located conveniently in the heart of Fargo in the West Acres Mall parking lot. The Lost in the Valley Corn Maze is another great option located in West Fargo.

Take in the Fall Colors on a Nature Walk

With the leaves starting to change colors, a nature walk at a local park is a fun outdoor activity to do with friends. Fargo has several parks to explore, including Island Park, Orchard Glen, Lindenwood and more. Additionally, Buffalo River State Park in Glyndon offers hiking trails along the Buffalo River, making the perfect scenery for photos and picnics.

Pick Apples at a Local Orchard

Make the most of apple season with a trip to a local orchard. In Fargo, visit the Orchard Glen Park where you can pick apples, as well as pears and plums located around the park grounds. West Fargo also offers a variety of community orchards to choose from.

NDSU football fans wearing green and gold cheer in a stadium

Make Game Day a Tradition

Fall in Fargo wouldn’t be complete without Bison Athletics. Cheer on NDSU Football, soccer, volleyball, women’s and men’s cross country and golf. Students can get into several athletic events for free with a Bison ID. Check out the Athletics website for the full fall schedule and to purchase tickets.

See What Downtown Fargo has to Offer

There’s something for everyone in Downtown Fargo. Whether you want to explore the local restaurants and coffee shops, catch a movie at the historic Fargo Theatre or browse clothing at one of the many boutiques, be sure to take the time to stop by Downtown Fargo this fall. View the list of shops and attractions on the Downtown Fargo website.

NDSU Marketing and Communications
Writer: Meghan Arbegast
Photos: Justin Eiler/NDSU

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