Fall is a great time for college students to get off campus, explore the area, and do something different with friends.
For students at Saint Louis University, Washington University, and other St. Louis-area colleges, there are plenty of seasonal activities nearby, from apple picking and corn mazes to Oktoberfests, festivals, and one of the city's most popular fall traditions.
Here are a few fall outings worth checking out around St. Louis.
Quick note: Event dates, hours, admission, crop availability, and weather-dependent activities can change. Check each venue's website or social media before heading out.
Fall Favorites in St. Louis
Great Forest Park Balloon Race
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of those St. Louis events students should experience at least once.
The 2026 event takes place September 18 and 19 at Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park and is free to attend.
Friday evening features the Balloon Glow, when the balloons remain on the ground and light up after dark, followed by an After Glow dance party and fireworks. On Saturday, the balloons take to the sky for the annual race, weather permitting.
With food trucks, live entertainment, and a location right in the city, this is an easy fall outing for a group of college friends.
Best of Missouri Market
The Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden is scheduled for October 9 through 11, 2026.
More than 150 vendors bring handcrafted goods, local foods, plants, jewelry, drinks, and other Missouri-made products to the Garden. There is also live music throughout the weekend.
This could be especially nice for visiting parents looking for something to do with their student that feels seasonal without being centered around a pumpkin patch.
Soulard Oktoberfest
Soulard Oktoberfest returns October 9 and 10, 2026, at Soulard Market Park.
The festival includes German food, live music, stein-holding competitions, vendors, and plenty of Oktoberfest atmosphere in one of St. Louis' most recognizable neighborhoods.
Daytime activities are family-friendly, while the overall setting, music, food, and evening schedule make this one especially appealing for college-age groups.
Apple Picking and Orchards
Eckert's Belleville Farm
Eckert's is one of the best-known fall destinations in the St. Louis area.
Depending on the time of the season, visitors can pick apples and pumpkins, shop the Country Store, enjoy baked goods and seasonal foods, and spend time around the farm.
Eckert's also hosts seasonal events throughout the fall. Its Ecktoberfest weekend in October includes apple and pumpkin picking, live music, seasonal food and drinks, yard games, and other fall activities.
Because picking conditions can change throughout the season, check the current crop update before heading out.
Liberty Apple Orchard
Liberty Apple Orchard in Edwardsville offers a more traditional apple-picking experience.
Visitors can pick their own apples and stop by the farm market for seasonal items. The orchard posts updates throughout the season about which apple varieties are currently ready for picking.
For students who want a simple fall afternoon without a full festival atmosphere, this could be a good choice.
Braeutigam Orchards
Braeutigam Orchards in Belleville is another option for students looking for apples, pumpkins, and a classic orchard outing.
Availability varies throughout the season, so this is another place where checking current hours and picking conditions before leaving campus is a good idea.
Corn Mazes, Pumpkins, and Fall Farm Fun
Brookdale Farms
Brookdale Farms in Eureka offers one of the larger fall-festival experiences near St. Louis.
The 2026 Fall Festival runs from September 11 through November 8 and includes what the farm bills as the largest corn maze in St. Louis, pumpkin patch access, wagon rides, lawn games, photo areas, food, and themed weekends.
Some activities are geared toward younger families, but the corn maze, pumpkin patch, food, live entertainment, mechanical bull, pumpkin slingshots, and themed events can also make this a fun outing for a group of college students.
Worth the Drive
Saint Charles Oktoberfest
If students are willing to venture a little farther from campus, Saint Charles Oktoberfest is scheduled for September 25 through 27, 2026, at Frontier Park.
The three-day festival includes German food, live entertainment, contests, vendors, and plenty of fall atmosphere along the riverfront.
Historic Main Street is right nearby, so this is an easy event to turn into a longer afternoon or evening out.
Make a Fall Day of It
A fall outing doesn't have to be complicated.
A few easy ideas:
Forest Park + Balloon Glow
Grab dinner nearby, then head to the Balloon Glow and fireworks.
Apple Picking + Cider and Donuts
Visit an orchard, pick apples if available, and bring home a few seasonal treats.
Missouri Botanical Garden + Best of Missouri Market
Walk through the Garden, browse the vendors, and listen to live music.
Pumpkin Patch + Corn Maze
Head to Brookdale Farms with a group of friends and make an afternoon of it.
Historic St. Charles + Oktoberfest
Walk Main Street, grab something to eat, and spend time at the festival.
College students don't always need a big plan. Sometimes getting a few friends together and going somewhere different for a few hours is enough.
Before You Go
Fall events, orchard schedules, crop availability, ticket requirements, and weather-dependent activities can change throughout the season.
Before leaving campus, check the venue's official website or social media for current hours, admission information, and any event updates.