How to Plan a Successful Fall Harvest Festival Fundraiser

A fall harvest festival fundraiser is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while raising money for a good cause. With activities like pumpkin carving, hayrides, and live entertainment, your event can create lasting memories for your community. This guide will help you plan a successful fall festival that brings people together and maximizes donations.

What You’ll Need:

  • An outdoor venue, such as a farm or community park, suitable for fall-themed activities

  • Fall-themed catering (professional or volunteer-based)

  • Entertainment (e.g., Jesse Lewis Comedy Hypnosis, live music, or pumpkin carving contests)

  • Volunteers to assist during the event

  • Promotional materials to advertise the festival and its purpose

  • A timeline for planning (at least 2-3 months)

Choosing the Right Venue

Selecting the right outdoor venue is crucial to the success of your fall festival fundraiser. Here are some key considerations:

  • Capacity: Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests, with enough space for food stalls, seating, entertainment, and activities.

  • Amenities: Choose a venue with amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and an open area for activities like hayrides or pumpkin carving.

  • Accessibility: Ensure the venue is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues.

  • Seasonal Atmosphere: Look for a location that naturally lends itself to a fall atmosphere—such as a farm or orchard—to create an immersive experience.

Fall-Themed Catering and Menu Planning

The food you serve at your fall festival can add to the overall charm of the event. Decide whether to hire professional caterers or enlist volunteers to help prepare the menu. Here are some ideas:

  • Classic Fall Foods: Offer classic autumn favorites like chili, hot apple cider, caramel apples, and roasted corn. Include seasonal sides such as pumpkin soup, baked potatoes, and apple pie.

  • Beverages: Provide a variety of drinks, including apple cider, hot chocolate, and mulled wine for adults.

  • Dietary Options: Make sure to include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate all guests.

The Gypsy Queen Food Truck may also be available for your fall event, serving burgers, hot dogs, lemonade, mini donuts, taco in a bag, and hot chocolate. To book, contact gypsyqueenfoodtruck@gmail.com.

Securing Sponsors

Sponsors can help reduce costs and increase the amount raised during your fall festival. Reach out to local businesses to sponsor different aspects of the event, such as:

  • Food and Beverage Sponsorship: Ask local bakeries, farms, or beverage companies to donate food or drinks in exchange for recognition.

  • Activity Sponsorship: Local businesses can sponsor activities like hayrides, a pumpkin patch, or Jesse Lewis Comedy Hypnosis. In return, they can receive special recognition during the event.

  • Raffle or Auction Sponsorship: Sponsors can donate items for a raffle or auction, which can help raise additional funds.

Promoting the Event

Effective promotion is key to ensuring a well-attended fall festival fundraiser. Here are some promotion strategies:

  • Social Media: Create an event page on social media platforms, share event details, and post updates. Include photos or videos of past events to generate excitement. Highlight fall-themed activities like hayrides, pumpkin carving, and live entertainment.

  • Community Networks: Promote the event through local community groups, bulletin boards, and newsletters. Highlight the family-friendly aspects of the festival to attract attendees of all ages.

  • Word of Mouth: Encourage volunteers, friends, and supporters to spread the word about the event.

Event Timeline

Planning a successful fall festival requires careful organization. Here’s a suggested timeline to keep things on track:

  • 3 Months Before: Secure a venue, book entertainment, and decide on the menu. Start reaching out to sponsors and planning logistics.

  • 2 Months Before: Begin promoting the event through social media, email, and other channels. Start selling tickets (if applicable) and confirming guest attendance.

  • 1 Month Before: Finalize all event details, including volunteer roles, equipment, and sponsor commitments. Make sure you have all the materials needed for activities such as pumpkin carving or hayrides.

  • 1 Week Before: Confirm everything with vendors, caterers, and volunteers. Ensure all promotional materials are in place and ready.

The Day of the Event

On the day of the festival, ensure everything is set up well in advance. Here are some important tasks to cover:

  • Set Up the Venue: Arrange tables, chairs, and any tents or shade structures. Set up food stalls, activity areas, and entertainment spaces.

  • Welcome Guests: Assign volunteers to greet guests, assist with parking, and guide them to different areas of the festival.

  • Serve Food and Drinks: Coordinate with caterers or volunteers to ensure food is served efficiently, and that drinks are readily available.

  • Entertainment: Ensure that the entertainment, such as Jesse Lewis Comedy Hypnosis, live music, or other fall-themed activities, is well-timed so guests can enjoy all aspects of the event.

Maximizing Fundraising Opportunities

To maximize the funds raised during your fall festival, consider incorporating additional activities:

  • Raffle or Live Auction: Conduct a raffle or live auction to raise extra funds. Include fall-themed items like handmade crafts, baskets of local produce, or autumn decorations.

  • Games and Activities: Organize fun fall activities like a pumpkin carving contest, hayrides, or a corn maze. Charge a small fee for participation to raise additional funds.

  • Donation Appeal: Make a short speech during the event explaining the importance of the cause and asking for additional donations. Use seasonal themes to connect with your audience emotionally.

After the Event

Once the event is over, follow up with everyone involved:

  • Thank Guests and Sponsors: Send thank-you notes to your guests and sponsors. Let them know how much their support means and how the funds will make a difference.

  • Share Results: Post event highlights and the total funds raised on social media. This helps build trust and encourages participation in future events.

  • Evaluate the Event: Meet with your team to evaluate what went well and identify areas for improvement for future events.


This guide is designed to help you plan a successful and enjoyable fall harvest festival fundraiser. By combining seasonal food, fun activities, and strong community support, you can create an event that brings people together while making a positive impact.