6 Fall Equinox Rituals and Activities to Celebrate the New Season

Fall is just around the corner which means that all things cozy and soul-nourishing are within reach. To celebrate the much-anticipated time of year, perhaps you’d like to engage in some fall equinox rituals and activities. While there are many, many ways to lean into the autumn mindset—with cozy sweaters, snuggly slippers, warm beverages, great books, and moments in nature—some autumn activities date back hundreds of years. Whether you’re looking for a historic take on fall equinox rituals or more modern means for embracing the season, ahead, find six autumn equinox activities to make time for in the upcoming days and weeks.

Cook an autumn feast and eat it outside.

The Chinese Harvest Moon Festival celebrates bountiful harvests and takes place on the full moon that falls closest to the autumn equinox. During the festival, family and friends express gratitude for the harvest, for each other, and for the moon.

This year, the autumn equinox falls on Saturday, September 23, 2023. To celebrate, consider hosting an autumn potluck under the moon. When planning the menu, consider using ingredients that are in season, such as apples, figs, plums, artichokes, cabbage, and more. Need inspo? Check out our round-up of the Best Apple Recipes for Delicious Fall Dining.

Take a stroll through nature.

Pagans celebrate the transition of seasons with their very own autumn equinox festival, known as Mabon. During the festival, Pagans express gratitude for gifts from the earth, whether it’s in the form of an edible harvest or beautiful plants.

To show appreciation for the bounty of nature, take a woodland stroll or embark on a hike to revel in the sights, sounds, colors, textures, and foods that exist in the great outdoors.