Autumn is a beautiful time of year, full of gorgeous golden colors and cozy evenings indoors. But how much do you truly know about the season?
These 75 fall trivia questions with answers will test your knowledge about the season. From questions about pumpkins, fall food, and movies, this fall trivia is perfect for entertaining your kids, hosting a quiz night, or just learning something new.
Perfect for kids, seniors, and anyone in between, there’s something for everyone on this list of cozy questions. Be warned: no multiple-choice questions are here, so you need to know your stuff!
Fun Fall Trivia Questions
We’re starting light with 15 fun autumn trivia questions. These are great for adults looking for a wholesome round of trivia questions for their Jeopardy party, games nights, or quizzing kids in the classroom. Let’s dive into these interesting facts.
In autumn, monarch butterflies begin migrating south, flying up to how many miles?
Answer: 3,000.
Fun Fact: The monarch butterfly’s migration is an inherited trait; no single butterfly completes the round trip. Monarchs born in late summer or early fall can live up to 8 months, while others live only about five weeks.
What’s the name of the famous autumn festival and also a German beer?
Answer: Oktoberfest.
Fun Fact: Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates.
What autumn Mexican holiday is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2?
Answer: Dia de los Muertos.
Fun Fact: During Dia de los Muertos, families create “ofrendas” (altars) to honor their deceased relatives, decorating them with marigold flowers, which are believed to guide the spirits to their altars due to their vibrant colors and scent.
What day did Christopher Columbus arrive in America?
Answer: Oct. 12, 1492.
Fun Fact: Columbus Day has been a point of controversy and is increasingly being replaced by Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many U.S. cities and states to honor and recognize the history and culture of Native American peoples.
In the 12th- and 13th-centuries, autumn and fall were known by a different name. What was this name?
Answer: Harvest.
Fun Fact: The term “harvest” comes from the Old Norse word “haust,” which means “to gather or pluck.” As the season progresses, daylight wanes, and agricultural societies traditionally gather the last crops before winter.
Name the big orange squash synonymous with fall.
Answer: Pumpkin.
Fun Fact: Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites. The versatile squash originated from Central America over 7,500 years ago.
The word “pumpkin” came from the Greek word “peopon.” What does “peopon” mean in Greek?
Answer: Large melon.
Fun Fact: The original pumpkin was more bitter and smaller than those we see today. Over centuries, they have been selectively bred to become the sweet, large, and orange variety commonly used in pies and Halloween decor.
When is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States?
Answer: The fourth Thursday in November.
Fun Fact: Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 and was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War to unify the people of America.
Jewish New Year is celebrated annually in the autumn. But what is this holiday called?
Answer: Rosh Hashanah.
Fun Fact: Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur. It is a time of rejoicing and serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock of one’s life.
Approximately how many seeds does a pumpkin have per pound?
Answer: 33.
Fun Fact: Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants. When roasted, they are a popular snack and can be salted or spiced to taste.
When is the official last day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere?
Answer: Dec. 21 or 22 (depending on the year).
Fun Fact: The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been celebrated in cultures worldwide for thousands of years as a symbol of rebirth.
Earl Beal made the first full-size corn maze in the U.S., but in what year?
Answer: 1993.
Fun Fact: Corn mazes have become popular autumn attractions in North America, and designs can range from simple mazes for children to complex labyrinths several acres in size.
Before carving pumpkins was the norm, what did the Irish carve?
Answer: Turnips.
Fun Fact: The Irish made the original Jack-O’-Lanterns from turnips or potatoes. Immigrants to America discovered that pumpkins were plentiful and easier to carve than turnips.
True or false: autumn babies are more likely to reach age 100?
Answer: True (1).
Fun Fact: Studies suggest that seasonal variations in diet, exposure to sunlight during pregnancy, and other environmental factors may influence the development and longevity of autumn-born individuals.
What is the official name for the first day of autumn?
Answer: Autumn equinox.
Fun Fact: The equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night approximately equal lengths all over the planet. It occurs twice a year, in March and September.
Fall Trivia for Kids
Trivia questions can sometimes be too tricky for kids. That’s why we put together 15 easier questions to include children in your next quiz night.
What popular U.S. sport begins its season in the autumn?
Answer: American football.
Fun Fact: American football evolved from two other sports, soccer and rugby, which were both played in autumn. Today, the start of the NFL season is nearly as celebrated as any major holiday in the United States.
What is the popular autumn holiday on Oct. 31 every year?
Answer: Halloween.
Fun Fact: Halloween originated in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, during which people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. The tradition was adapted to Halloween as it traveled worldwide, particularly to America.
What fruit is used for both cider and pies?
Answer: Apples.
Fun Fact: Over 7,500 varieties of apples are grown worldwide, and the United States grows approximately 2,500 of those varieties. Each variety has a unique taste, color, and texture, making it versatile for different recipes.
What is the name of the famous Starbucks drink with a pumpkin flavor?
Answer: Pumpkin spice lattes.
Fun Fact: Introduced by Starbucks in 2003, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., heralding the start of fall. It’s estimated that millions are sold each season.
Do the nights get longer or shorter in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn?
Answer: Longer.
Fun Fact: As the nights grow longer, the temperature cools because the Earth’s tilt causes the Sun to hit the hemisphere at an increasingly oblique angle, reducing the amount of heat and light each area receives.
In the U.S., do the clocks go forward or back in the fall?
Answer: Back.
Fun Fact: Setting clocks back in the fall, also known as Daylight Saving Time, was first implemented during World War I to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the longer daylight hours.
Leaves turn purple and red because what is trapped inside of the leaves?
Answer: Sugar from sap.
Fun Fact: The red color in leaves is produced by pigments called anthocyanins, which are only synthesized when certain sugars are present in the leaf. These pigments can help protect the leaf from excess light and enable it to recover nutrients before it falls off.
What food is commonly associated with Thanksgiving?
Answer: Turkey.
Fun Fact: Turkey was not central to the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621. The meal likely included venison, duck, geese, and seafood. Turkeys became the main course due to their size and the fact they were plentiful in the wild.
Which U.S. president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Answer: Abraham Lincoln.
Fun Fact: It was during the turmoil of the Civil War that Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November 1863. The proclamation was a plea for peace and unity in a fracturing nation.
Who is Jack Skellington’s rival in the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas”?
Answer: Oogie Boogie.
Fun Fact: Oogie Boogie’s character is inspired by the burlap sack in which he is contained. In traditional folklore, burlap sacks were often used to capture evil spirits.
Are pumpkins a fruit or vegetable?
Answer: Fruit.
Fun Fact: Botanically, a fruit is the part of the plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. Pumpkins fit this description as they develop from a blossom and contain seeds, placing them firmly in the fruit category despite often being used as a vegetable in cooking.
True or false: There were no mashed potatoes at the first Thanksgiving feast.
Answer: True.
Fun Fact: Potatoes, both white and sweet, were not yet a part of the diet in New England at the time of the first Thanksgiving. They were introduced to the region several decades later.
What bird migrates south in a “V” formation during autumn?
Answer: Geese.
Fun Fact: The “V” formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes: it conserves their energy and allows for easier communication and coordination among the flock.
What season occurs in the southern hemisphere when the U.S. experiences fall?
Answer: Spring.
Fun Fact: While the northern hemisphere cools down, the southern hemisphere experiences increasing temperatures and blooming flora. This opposite seasonal change occurs due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the Sun.
What is the name of a male turkey?
Answer: A gobbler.
Fun Fact: The term “gobbler” for a male turkey is derived from the distinctive “gobble” call they make, especially during the mating season to attract females. This call can be heard up to a mile away.
Pumpkin Trivia Questions
The pumpkin hype around autumn is real! Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin-flavored lip balm—you name it. We couldn’t put together a list of fall trivia questions without including pumpkin themes. So get ready to test your squash knowledge!
The biggest pumpkin pie ever was made in 2010. But how much did it weigh?
Answer: 3,699 pounds (2).
Fun Fact: The pie measured 20 feet in diameter and was made using the Libby’s Pumpkin recipe. Completing this massive dessert took over 400 hours of preparation and cooking.
How many eggs were used to make the most enormous pumpkin pie?
Answer: 2,796.
Fun Fact: In addition to a massive number of eggs, this record-breaking pumpkin pie required 525 pounds of sugar and 62 gallons of evaporated milk, making it a logistical and culinary challenge.
Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. How many years ago were they?
Answer: 9,000.
Fun Fact: Pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants, having been used by Native Americans long before the arrival of Europeans. They used them as a staple in their diet and dried pumpkins as a matting material.
Where is the pumpkin capital of the U.S.?
Answer: Floydada, Texas.
Fun Fact: Floydada is recognized as the pumpkin capital because of the vast number of pumpkins processed in the area every year. The city hosts an annual pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin carving contests, races, and more.
Pumpkin spice uses no pumpkin flavoring. Instead, what are the three main ingredients?
Answer: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Fun Fact: Combining these spices creates a flavor profile commonly associated with fall, especially in the United States. Pumpkin spice has become so popular that its arrival is eagerly anticipated by many each year.
Pumpkins grow in every continent except where?
Answer: Antarctica.
Fun Fact: Pumpkins, like other squash, are adaptable and can grow in various climates, but they require a certain amount of warmth and sunlight, conditions not found in the icy expanse of Antarctica.
What percentage of a pumpkin is water?
Answer: 90.
Fun Fact: This high water content makes pumpkins a low-calorie food, so they are often recommended as a healthy dietary choice, especially in soups and stews.
What U.S. state grows the largest number of pumpkins?
Answer: Illinois.
Fun Fact: Illinois produces more pumpkins than any other state in the U.S., with a majority grown not for fresh market but for processing, often into canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling.
What is the only part of the pumpkin that you can’t eat?
Answer: The stem.
Fun Fact: The pumpkin stem is too fibrous to eat, but it plays an essential role in the plant’s life by providing a pathway for nutrients and water from the soil to the rest of the pumpkin.
Pumpkins are a part of what food family, including zucchini, gourd, watermelon, and cucumber?
Answer: Cucurbits.
Fun Fact: This family is known for its diverse fruit types and the ability to cross-pollinate within the family, which has led to various shapes, sizes, and colors in cultivars.
What are the two best months for planting pumpkin seeds?
Answer: May and June.
Fun Fact: Planting during these months ensures pumpkins have enough time to grow and mature before the first frost, which is crucial for a good harvest.
Besides food, what did Native American Indians use pumpkins for?
Answer: Medicine.
Fun Fact: Native Americans used pumpkins medicinally to treat ailments ranging from intestinal worms to urinary ailments. They utilized every part of the pumpkin, demonstrating a deep understanding of its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Pumpkins are high in what vitamin?
Answer: Vitamin A.
Fun Fact: Pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, skin health, and bone growth. A single serving of pumpkin can provide over 200% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin.
Some people will put teal pumpkins on their doorstep to convey what message on Halloween?
Answer: They have non-food treats available, including those for kids with allergies or other conditions.
Fun Fact: The Teal Pumpkin Project, initiated in 2014, promotes the inclusion of all trick-or-treaters regardless of dietary restrictions. Teal, being a color associated with food allergy awareness, signals safe options for kids.
Pumpkins were once believed to cure what kind of animal bite?
Answer: Snake bites.
Fun Fact: Though not scientifically proven, early American settlers used pumpkin seeds as a folk remedy for snake bites, likely due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Fall Food Trivia Questions
There’s something cozy and nostalgic about fall food. From soups to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the season. Test your fall food knowledge with these 15 delicious trivia questions—perfect for seniors, kids, and adults.
A bushel of apples weighs about 42 pounds. How many apple pies can this make?
Answer: 21 (3).
Fun Fact: While a bushel of apples can make about 21 pies, it can also produce around 15-20 quarts of applesauce. Applesauce was historically used as a sweetener substitute and is still popular as a side dish and in recipes.
What autumnal dish is nicknamed “America’s dessert”?
Answer: Apple pies.
Fun Fact: Although synonymous with American culture, Apple pie originated in England. The first recipes date back to the time of Chaucer. The classic phrase “as American as apple pie” didn’t begin until the early 20th-century.
What root vegetable is eaten mashed, baked, or served as fries during autumn?
Answer: Sweet potatoes.
Fun Fact: Sweet potatoes are among the most nutrient-dense foods, particularly high in vitamins A and C. They were first cultivated in Central America around 5,000 years ago.
Name the drink that involves heating red wine with spices.
Answer: Mulled wine.
Fun Fact: Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, has been a winter beverage since Roman times. It’s traditionally made with red wine, heated with various mulling spices, and sometimes raisins. It is popular across Europe during winter, especially at Christmas markets.
Approximately how many days does it take a pumpkin to grow?
Answer: 85 to 120 days.
Fun Fact: Pumpkin seeds are planted in the late spring after the last frost has gone. The plants need warm soil and sunshine to grow, making them a staple crop in many temperate regions.
In 2021, how many pounds of turkey did the average American eat?
Answer: 15.3 (4).
Fun Fact: The consumption of turkey in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the last few decades, partly due to its reputation as a healthier alternative to red meat. Turkey is now a year-round staple beyond just Thanksgiving.
How much was the heaviest turkey ever, named Tyson?
Answer: 86 pounds (5).
Fun Fact: Tyson, the turkey, set the record in the 1980s, and his size was considered exceptional as most turkeys weighed significantly less. His massive size was attributed to selective breeding practices aimed at producing larger birds.
What surprising ingredient is found in Mexican hot chocolate?
Answer: Chili.
Fun Fact: Mexican hot chocolate is traditionally made with chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, and chili peppers. The chili peppers give it a distinctive kick that sets it apart from other types of hot chocolate.
What do cranberries grow on?
Answer: Low shrubs and vines.
Fun Fact: Cranberries are a few fruits native to North America that grow on low-lying vines in beds layered with sand, peat, gravel, and clay, typically known as bogs or marshes.
What fruit is used to make a tangy sauce for Thanksgiving dishes?
Answer: Cranberries.
Fun Fact: Cranberry sauce was first sold commercially in 1912. Cranberries are harvested in the fall, which perfectly aligns with Thanksgiving, making them a fresh and seasonal addition to the holiday table.
Who made the famous caramel apple by accident?
Answer: Dan Walker (working for Kraft Foods).
Fun Fact: A Kraft Foods employee, Dan Walker, invented caramel apples by experimenting with leftover caramels from Halloween, melting them down, and dipping them into the concoction. This happy accident became a popular fall treat.
How many calories are in one piece of candy corn?
Answer: Seven.
Fun Fact: Candy corn was originally called “Chicken Feed” when it was first produced in the 1880s. Despite its simplicity, it has become a staple Halloween candy in the United States.
When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
Answer: 1621.
Fun Fact: The Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving after their first harvest in the New World. This three-day feast was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.
What fruit is used in a traditional Waldorf salad?
Answer: Apples.
Fun Fact: The Waldorf salad was first created at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896 not by a chef but by the maître d’hôtel, Oscar Tschirky. The original recipe consisted only of apples, celery, and mayonnaise.
True or false: Turkey was on the first Thanksgiving menu.
Answer: False. Venison, duck, goose, or possibly even eel would have been served instead.
Fun Fact: While turkey is now the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners in the U.S., the first feast likely included more game and seafood, which were more readily available to the settlers and the Wampanoag tribe who joined them.
Fall Movies and Pop Culture Trivia
Now, we’re going to explore a different side of autumn. The following 15 questions are all about fall movies and pop culture. How up-to-date are you with current trends? Find out now!
In the 1998 film, “You’ve Got Mail,” Tom Hanks ad-libbed a line in the scene where Joe closes Kathleen’s shop door on balloons. Complete the line: “Good thing it wasn’t the _____?”
Answer: Fish.
Fun Fact: This line was improvised by Tom Hanks, known for his ability to ad-lib effectively. The film’s director, Nora Ephron, often allowed Hanks and co-star Meg Ryan to improvise their dialogue to capture more natural interactions.
Name the early 2000s TV show featuring Lauren Graham, which fans love rewatching every autumn.
Answer: “Gilmore Girls.”
Fun Fact: Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, “Gilmore Girls” is celebrated for its fall aesthetics, including the town’s annual Autumn Festival. The series is known for its fast-paced dialogue and strong mother-daughter relationship.
Where are the small-town scenes filmed in the movie “Practical Magic”?
Answer: Coupeville, Washington.
Fun Fact: Coupeville, part of Whidbey Island, is known for its charming Victorian architecture and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a perfect stand-in for the quaint, magical setting of “Practical Magic.”
Who plays Laurie in the 2019 adaptation of “Little Women”?
Answer: Timothée Chalamet.
Fun Fact: Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Laurie brought a fresh, modern energy to the character, blending well with the film’s contemporary take on the classic novel. His chemistry with co-star Saoirse Ronan was highly praised.
Name the funny Halloween film featuring the Sanderson Sisters.
Answer: “Hocus Pocus.”
Fun Fact: “Hocus Pocus” initially wasn’t a major success but became a cult classic over the years due to annual Halloween broadcasts on TV. Its popularity eventually led to a sequel released in 2022.
In September 2022, “Don’t Worry Darling” was released featuring Harry Styles. But what original actor did Harry Styles replace in the film?
Answer: Shia Labeouf.
Fun Fact: Harry Styles replaced Shia LaBeouf due to scheduling conflicts, though later reports suggested other issues may have been involved. Styles’ performance received mixed reviews but highlighted his transition from music to acting.
In October 2022, Taylor Swift released her tenth studio album, but what was it called?
Answer: Midnights.
Fun Fact: Midnights broke several records upon release, including the biggest vinyl album sales in a week. Swift described it as a journey through sleepless nights of her life, exploring themes of self-reflection and vulnerability.
In October 2023, what celebrity released their memoir titled “The Woman in Me”?
Answer: Britney Spears.
Fun Fact: Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” is anticipated to offer deep insights into her life, particularly focusing on her struggles and triumphs. It marks her first major publication since regaining her personal and professional autonomy.
What classic book follows the character of Holden Caulfield in the last few days of autumn?
Answer: “The Catcher in the Rye.”
Fun Fact: “The Catcher in the Rye,” often considered a quintessential novel of teenage angst and alienation, is frequently cited for its impactful first-person narrative and its portrayal of complex emotional themes.
What are the three autumn Zodiac signs?
Answer: Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.
Fun Fact: These signs are associated with transformation and preparation for the winter months. Each sign brings different characteristics to the season: Libra focuses on balance and relationships, Scorpio on transformation, and Sagittarius on adventure and philosophy.
A group of American workers went on a five-month strike that ended in September 2023. Which group was this?
Answer: Writers Guild of America.
Fun Fact: The Writers Guild of America strike focused on issues such as fair pay, digital streaming revenue, and better working conditions. It highlighted the growing tensions in a rapidly changing entertainment industry.
What 1982 children’s sci-fi film remained in theaters for almost a year?
Answer: “E.T.”
Fun Fact: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” became a massive blockbuster, captivating audiences with its touching story of a young boy who befriends an alien. Its long run in theaters is a testament to its widespread appeal and impact on popular culture.
Who plays the voice of Casper in the 1995 film of the same name?
Answer: Malachi Pearson.
Fun Fact: Malachi Pearson was primarily known for his role as Casper and his major acting contribution. The character of Casper has been a beloved figure in children’s media since the 1940s.
Which famous singer released the album “Back to Black,” which features the hit song “Rehab,” in the autumn of 2006?
Answer: Amy Winehouse.
Fun Fact: “Back to Black” became a critical and commercial success, cementing Winehouse’s legacy in the music industry. The album’s retro style and candid lyrical content drew acclaim and influenced a new generation of artists.
In the “Harry Potter” series, what event takes place every five years, during which three schools compete in a competition involving three dangerous tasks?
Answer: The Triwizard Tournament.
Fun Fact: The Triwizard Tournament was designed to foster magical cooperation and competition among the three largest European schools of magic: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. Its inclusion in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” adds a significant layer of adventure and intrigue to the series.
FAQs
What Is a Fun Fact About the First Day of Fall?
The official first day of autumn is also known as the autumnal equinox. It happens on Sept. 22 or 23 when the sun is directly above the Equator. This splits the day into two equal portions: 12 hours of the day and 12 hours of the night. On every other day of the year, one half of the earth gets more sunlight than the other.
What Was the Original Name of Fall?
Originally, fall was known as “harvest” or “hærfest” in Old English. The word comes from Germanic origin, which means “picking” or “plucking,” and refers to gathering crops before winter sets in. After harvest came the word “autumn” in the 1300s. Then, in the 1500s, the word “fall” came into circulation. It was thought to originate from the phrase “the fall of the leaf.”
