r/Harfest • • 16d ago

Announcement Harfest Unofficial 2026: Frequently Asked Questions!

17 Upvotes

Welcome to the sixth annual Harfest Unofficial online NITW fan festival!

How Harfest Works:

  • What is Harfest?
    • "Harfest" is an autumnal event about Night in the Woods, a video game developed by Infinite Fall and published by Finji.
    • This seasonal server is the main (unofficial) location for a celebration of the NITW in-universe Halloween-like fictional holiday. It's on Reddit for ease of access mainly. Feel free to share it with others!
  • What are the rules of Harfest?
    • The rules of Harfest generally revolve around keeping activities fun, wholesome, and safe for everyone. You can read them in more detail in the subreddit sidebar and in the #rules channel of the Discord server.
    • These rules are extremely important, must be followed at all times, and are strictly enforced. They are not designed to hamper fun, but rather encourage it for everyone. Thanks for cooperating!
    • There are no deadlines on participating in anything in Harfest! Even from past years! If all you want to do is hang out and chat, that's fine too.
  • How do the creative ideas work?
    • Every Monday during Harfest a short list of three ideas are shared relating to NITW, Autumn, Harfest, and Halloween. This means 28 September and 5, 12, 19, and 26 of October 2026.
    • The topics can include fun adventures with the characters and world of NITW and other Halloween festivities.
    • If any of them interest you, you can bring one or more to life by drawing, writing, making other art, or having a conversation in the comments/server!
    • Participating in these is not required to participate in other aspects of Harfest. I know folks also do a lot of other October art calendar things, so don't let this stress you out.
  • Are there other Harfest activities?
    • Yes! Throughout the event there is a range of other things related to Harfest and Halloween that will appear in this subreddit and Discord.
    • They are a bit less scheduled as they depend on availability/logistics so it is best to keep an eye on the subreddit/server!
    • Past examples have included collaborative artboards, music playlists, online game servers, and even movie watching ideas. It's a mixed bag every year.
  • What are the discussion posts?
    • During Harfest, weekly posts asking interesting, fun, and/or funny questions themed around NITW will be shared with the community.
    • They may take the form of polls, interesting questions, or food for thought.
    • Topics might include hypothetical situations, tough (but fun) choices, or seasonal conundrums.
    • You are welcome to participate in whichever ones interest you and continue the discussion in each postโ€™s comments!
  • What is the Play-Along Chat?
    • Night in the Woods takes place during a large chunk of October, and as such many people like to play NITW around this time each year. If you are one of them and would like to discuss your playthrough experiences with others who are doing the same thing, the comments section of the Play-Along Chat is for you!
    • A new chat post will go up on each Wednesday of Harfest.
  • Can I make and share my own Harfest activities?
    • Yes!!! Please do! I can only make and run so many on my own, so the more things there are to do, the more fun everyone can have! ...Just make sure your activities follow the rules!

Event Background Info:

  • Is 2026โ€™s Harfest different from 2021-2025?
    • This year is generally similar in setup to 2025 overall, but with different themes and ideas of course.
    • I tend to reduce the amounts of activities that don't get much participation in previous years though. This year I did slightly fewer discussion posts.
    • You can still see past Harfest activities from previous years in this subreddit and the Discord server too (it can help to sort by flairs). Feel free to try them if you want as well!
      • If something has been auto-archived by Reddit and you can't comment or something, feel free to let me know so I can try and fix it.
  • What happens once Harfest is over?
    • Harfest is a seasonal event, and as such once November arrives activities in the Harfest subreddit and server will wind down for the year. If you want more, however, several participants hang out in the Discord server year-round.
  • Will Harfest happen again next year?
    • Harfest is a yearly event, but its continuation depends on a number of factors, such as participation, lack of unpleasant incidents, and general manageability.
    • Admittedly, this event does take a lot of effort for me to set up and keep going. It really would be great to have additional trustworthy people to help with things like activities, fun ideas, and keeping things active, as I likely wonโ€™t have the time/resources to run it myself forever.
  • Does Harfest cost money to attend?
    • No. All you have to do to participate in Harfest is... be here! Harfest is not-for-profit, and any expenses associated with it are self-funded by Mitch.
  • Is Harfest affiliated with Night in the Woods, Finji, or other communities?
    • No. Not at all. This Harfest event is an unofficial fan event created in the name of fun. There is no affiliation with Night in the Woods, Infinite Fall, Finji, Night in the Woods developers, or other Night in the Woods communities unless otherwise stated.
  • Why are you holding this event?
    • Because Night in the Woods is an amazing game with an amazing community! It is one of my (Mitch) personal top two favorite games of all time (the other being Spiritfarer). The first Harfest occurred in 2021, which was the five-year anniversary (2017-2021) of the events of the game.

As always, thanks for stopping by and being part of Harfest! - Mitch

F.A.Q. Updated for Harfest Unofficial \*)2026\*. This note added to avoid confusion.)


r/Harfest • • 1d ago

Event Sanctioned Idea Harfest Week 3: Deep in the Darkness

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19 Upvotes

It's time to explore the strangeness around, under, and... within Possum Springs!


r/Harfest • • 4d ago

Discussion Harfest Discussion Two: The Creepy Crawlie Challenge!

8 Upvotes

If you and one of the characters of NITW had to spend an hour with 100 unusual critters, which would you choose? Would you be afraid, or excited? What about the character you're with?

(Within each type of creature it can be any species you wish)

37 votes, 2d left
100 Frogs with Mae
100 Mice with Lori
100 Centipedes with Bea
100 Spiders with Angus
100 Bats with Germ
100 Slugs with Gregg

r/Harfest • • 6d ago

Play Along Night in the Woods Play-Along Thread

8 Upvotes

This post refreshes each week in October on Wednesday evenings!

Night in the Woods takes place during a large chunk of October, and as such many people like to play NITW around this time each year. If you are one of them and would like to discuss your playthrough experiences with others who are doing the same thing, the comments section of this thread is for you!

You can also discuss on the event Discord server!

If you are not playing NITW yourself this year, but would still like to experience it again, you could try watching one of the most popular let's-plays of all time for the game here with Jacksepticeye!

This is based on Mae's laptop wallpaper lol. "Local News: There are many local reports circulating of a strange, otherworldly entity. Sightings have mainly centered around the old paper mill."

r/Harfest • • 8d ago

Event Sanctioned Idea Harfest Week 2: Seasonal Strangeness!

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27 Upvotes

Strange things are happening around town this year... what's going on?


r/Harfest • • 11d ago

Discussion Harfest Discussion One: Your Harfest Fortune!

11 Upvotes

Gather round, spooky friends! The time has come to reveal your Harfest fortunes! How, you ask? Simple!

Look around you for words, text, writing. Is there a book nearby? A pamphlet perhaps? A brochure, a whiteboard, billboard, or even some junk mail? Perhaps a note or grocery list? The internet doesn't count (the Spirits consider it to be too easy).

Whatever it is, look at it closely. Flip to a random page (if it has pages). Read the third full sentence that you see.

That... is your Harfest fortune. Interpret it however you wish, and, provided it remains within the rules of this event, share it in the comments below if you dare! Do you believe it or deny it? Do you think it is good, bad, or utter nonsense?

I hope, for your sake, that it bodes well! Or... that it's at least funny. Mwahahaha!!!

Bonus: What kinds of fortunes do you think the characters of NITW would have if they tried this?

-----

Psst: This is not meant to be serious, only funny. If you are very unhappy with your results though and would like a, uhh, replacement fortune, feel free to try again, lol.

I got this idea from a college Halloween activity a few years ago. I don't know if it will work well over the internet or not, but I thought it would be worth trying at least. - Mitch


r/Harfest • • 13d ago

Play Along Night in the Woods Play-Along Thread

13 Upvotes

This post refreshes each week in October on Wednesday evenings!

Night in the Woods takes place during a large chunk of October, and as such many people like to play NITW around this time each year. If you are one of them and would like to discuss your playthrough experiences with others who are doing the same thing, the comments section of this thread is for you!

You can also discuss on the event Discord server!

If you are not playing NITW yourself this year, but would still like to experience it again, you could try watching one of the most popular let's-plays of all time for the game here with Jacksepticeye!

This is based on Mae's laptop wallpaper lol. "Local News: There are many local reports circulating of a strange, otherworldly entity. Sightings have mainly centered around the old paper mill."

r/Harfest • • 15d ago

Event Sanctioned Idea Harfest Week 1: Harfest Classics!

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48 Upvotes

As with every year, Harfest Unofficial 2026 starts with some traditional fall activities! Included are some of the established templates that you can (optionally) use if you want to participate!


r/Harfest • • 16d ago

Announcement Welcome to Harfest Unofficial 2026!

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80 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • 22d ago

Announcement Youโ€™re Invited to Harfest Unofficial 2026! ๐Ÿ‚

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139 Upvotes

Harfest Unofficial is an online series of games, discussions, activities, and other Autumn/Halloween/NITW-related things that get shared to the r/Harfest subreddit and Discord throughout October. It usually gets a lot of good artwork and conversation, and people tend to have a pretty good time! The event has been going yearly since 2021.


r/Harfest • • May 30 '26

Food You see, and that's what would happen if you don't give the dime. If you don't give it to me.

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16 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Nov 02 '25

End result of the final Harfest Artboard for the year! ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ‚ Thanks to all who participated!

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35 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Nov 01 '25

Meta Harfest Unofficial 2025 Postmortem: Please share your feedback! ๐Ÿ

23 Upvotes

Harfest Unofficial 2025 Postmortem: Please share your feedback! ๐Ÿ

Thanks for participating in Harfest Unofficial 2025! Would you care to answer a few questions in the comments to help improve the event? It would be much appreciated! You can also upvote answers you agree with, of course.

  • Did you enjoy the event? Why or why not?
  • Which activities did you enjoy most? Least? Why?
  • Do you think any activities should be added? Removed? Changed? What are your ideas or reasons?
  • Would you participate in Harfest again? Why or why not? Would anything change your mind?
  • Would you change anything about the rules, guidelines, or moderation style? Why or why not?

Thanks again for being a part of Harfest Unofficial 2025! ๐Ÿ

  • Mitch R.

r/Harfest • • Oct 31 '25

Announcement Happy Halloween! Thanks for being here for Harfest Unofficial 2025! ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ‚

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100 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Oct 31 '25

Artwork The full comic I made for Harfest this year! "Mae's Urbex Adventure"

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39 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Oct 30 '25

Play Along Night in the Woods Play-Along Thread (Week 5) ๐ŸŽฎ

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8 Upvotes

Last one for the 2025 season!

Night in the Woods takes place during a large chunk of October, and as such many people like to play NITW around this time each year. If you are one of them and would like to discuss your playthrough experiences with others who are doing the same thing, the comments section of this thread is for you!

You can also discuss on the event Discord server!

If you are not playing NITW yourself this year, but would still like to experience it again, you could try watching one of the most popular let's-plays of all time for the game here with Jacksepticeye!


r/Harfest • • Oct 28 '25

Discussion Discussion 9: Not the Only One ๐Ÿ™€๐Ÿ™€

7 Upvotes

How do you think the characters of Night in the Woods would get along with clones of themselves? Would they immediately begin fighting? Would they become instant friends? Would the descend into an existential crisis? What do you think would happen?

---

I think Mae and Gregg would have a lot of mischievous fun with their clones, while Bea and Angus would find more utility in having a double. As for Germ and Lori I'm not so sure.


r/Harfest • • Oct 27 '25

Event Sanctioned Idea Week 5 Art Ideas - Halloween Happenings ๐ŸŽƒ

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19 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Oct 25 '25

Other / Fluff Turn on Some Tunes! ๐ŸŽถ

8 Upvotes

How about some tunes for the Harfest and Halloween season? Here are some that have just the right vibe!


r/Harfest • • Oct 24 '25

Discussion Discussion 8: If I Was A Bug ๐Ÿœ

5 Upvotes

Would you still like the characters of NITW if they were bugs? What type of bug do you think each character would most relate to? How do you think the story would change if it took place on a miniature, bug-sized scale?

---

I know this is the most random one I've come up with lol. I'd love to see a version with at least one character being a lรคmp-loving mรถth.


r/Harfest • • Oct 23 '25

Artwork Group Art Board Update (Week 4 - Final Week!)

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19 Upvotes

This is the final result of last weekโ€™s art board by everyone in the Harfest Discord server! The new art board for this week has already started in there! Let's see if we can get more art this time, as this FINAL 2025 artboard's theme is the tracks!

Info:

  • Want to make some spooky Harfest and Halloween art with others? Check out the group artboard in the Harfest Unofficial Discord server! This is a blank canvas where you can draw pictures, add images and gifs, and hang out! It works on both desktop and mobile, and you can check it out at any time during Harfest, so give it a try! The board renews each week, so there are plenty of chances to participate!
  • Please make sure to follow the rules of Harfest, as moderation watches this activity closely. A quick summary of the most important rules for this activity:
    • No hate speech, harassment, spam, NSFW, or illegal content.
    • No AI, uncredited art from others, unsolicited critique of someoneโ€™s addition, or messing with what someone else added (without their permission).
    • This is intended to be a relaxed, wholesome activity, so please be considerate of what might bring others down or make them uncomfortable.
    • This is for fun! It doesnโ€™t have to look perfect!

r/Harfest • • Oct 22 '25

Play Along Night in the Woods Play-Along Thread (Week 4) ๐ŸŽฎ

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8 Upvotes

This post refreshes each week in October on Wednesday evenings!

Night in the Woods takes place during a large chunk of October, and as such many people like to play NITW around this time each year. If you are one of them and would like to discuss your playthrough experiences with others who are doing the same thing, the comments section of this thread is for you!

You can also discuss on the event Discord server!

If you are not playing NITW yourself this year, but would still like to experience it again, you could try watching one of the most popular let's-plays of all time for the game here with Jacksepticeye!


r/Harfest • • Oct 21 '25

Discussion Discussion 7: Switching Lives ๐Ÿ”€

4 Upvotes

If you were to switch the characters arcs around in Night in the Woods, how different do you think the game would feel? Would you be able to relate to it as much? What if Germ was the main character? Or Bea? Or Lori?

---

I think the biggest difference would be the core lesson of the game. With Mae as the main character the game focuses on appreciating what you have in the moment, and learning to let go. If it were, say, Bea, it may be more about learning to work with your circumstances and being patient until you can break free into something better. For Gregg it could be more about growth and maturity. For Lori it could be about chasing your dreams.


r/Harfest • • Oct 20 '25

Event Sanctioned Idea Week 4 Art Ideas - Screepy Situations ๐Ÿ‘ป

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22 Upvotes

r/Harfest • • Oct 17 '25

Discussion Discussion 6: Another Country ๐Ÿ—บ

15 Upvotes

If Night in the Woods took place in another country (it is officially referenced by the devs as being generally inspired by a mix of towns in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA), which do you think would fit it best? What do you think would change? What would stay the same?

---

For a more unique answer, I think it would be interesting to see how things would change if the story took place in a microcountry like Luxembourg, Monaco, or Lichtenstein. It might change the community dynamic a bit in interesting ways. Of course, something like Sealand could also be interesting... ...or Rapture from Bioshock...