New York's Top 20 Autumn Foliage Celebrations

New York's Top 20 Autumn Foliage Celebrations

20 Fall Festivals to Explore in New York for 2025

Get ready to embrace the autumn season in New York as we present a roundup of 20 exciting fall festivals taking place across the state. From food festivals to harvest celebrations, these events promise a memorable experience for everyone.

1. City of Oneida Fall Festival
2. Date: October 4, 2025
3. Location: Downtown Oneida, NY Experience a lively street party filled with music, local vendors, and a sense of community pride.
4. Riggie Run in Utica
5. Date: October 5, 2025
6. Location: Marcy, NY (near Utica) Celebrate Utica’s famous chicken riggies at this community race, featuring running, walking, and cheering events.
7. Vernon Center Maple Park Fall Festival
8. Date: October 25, 2025
9. Location: Vernon Center Maple Park Join in the festivities with fall-themed activities and DJ music starting at 3 PM.
10. Herkimer College Fall Fest
11. Date: September 27, 2025
12. Location: Herkimer College, Herkimer, NY Enjoy a day filled with activities such as axe throwing, wagon rides, car shows, and solar stargazing.
13. Sleepy Hollow Fair
14. Date: September 21, 2025
15. Location: Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow Discover over 200 vendors offering handmade goods, food, music, family activities, crafts, and a special Headless Horseman appearance.
16. Grand Central Food Festival Series Fair
17. Date: July 10, 2025 (extends into fall fairs)
18. Location: 45th Street between Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave, Midtown Manhattan Taste a variety of culinary delights from local vendors, accompanied by music and cultural activities.

(Some events in July are technically summer events, but many Manhattan street fairs continue into the fall season.)

As we move into autumn, many more festivals await:

1. Ultimate Guide to 2025 County Fairs Across New York – various dates and locations with fairs featuring classic fall activities, livestock shows, rides, food, and entertainment.
2. Apple and Pumpkin Festivals (various locations statewide) typically run from September through October, featuring apple picking, pumpkin patches, crafts, and food.
3. Hudson Valley Fall Festivals with artisan markets, outdoor concerts, pumpkin festivals.
4. New York City Halloween Parade (Greenwich Village)
5. Date: Last Thursday in October
6. Location: Greenwich Village, NYC Join the famous costume parade and live performances in the heart of New York City.
7. Corn Mazes and Harvest Festivals in rural areas such as Dutchess County, Sullivan County, and the Catskills.
8. Oktoberfest Events in locations such as East Aurora and Buffalo area.
9. Finger Lakes Wine and Harvest Festival
10. Late September to October
11. Location: Finger Lakes region Sip on wine tastings, enjoy music, and indulge in food vendors at this annual event.
12. Catskills Fall Festival
13. Mid-September through October
14. Location: Catskill Mountains area Explore the beautiful Catskill Mountains and enjoy crafts, local food, and hiking during this autumn celebration.
15. NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (falls in October)
16. Location: Rhinebeck, NY Discover the world of fiber arts, sheep herding demonstrations, and crafts at this popular event.
17. Harvest Home Festival in Albany
18. October
19. Location: Albany, NY Taste seasonal foods, shop at local markets, and enjoy music at this autumn festival in Albany.
20. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Westchester)
21. Runs from mid-September through November
22. Location: Croton-on-Hudson, NY Marvel at over 7,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, special effects, and an all-original soundtrack.
23. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
24. October
25. Location: Saugerties, NY Indulge in garlic-inspired dishes, watch cooking contests, and explore local vendors at this garlic-themed festival.
26. New York City Marathon Festival and Other NYC Fall Events
27. Early November
28. Location: NYC Cheer on runners at the New York City Marathon, or participate in other marathon-related events and street festivals.

Stay tuned for more specific dates and locations for these fall festivals as they are announced closer to autumn. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult local event websites, tourism boards, and local chambers of commerce. Happy exploring!

1. Food enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the Grand Central Food Festival Series Fair in July, where they can sample culinary delights from local vendors, followed by a variety of apple and pumpkin festivals across the state from September through October.
2. Sports and community lovers will enjoy the Riggie Run in Utica on October 5, 2025, celebrating Utica’s famous chicken riggies, while families can find over 200 vendors at the Sleepy Hollow Fair on September 21, 2025.
3. History buffs are in for a treat with the Catskills Fall Festival in mid-September through October, showcasing the beautiful Catskill Mountains and various crafts, local food, and hiking opportunities.
4. Home and garden lovers can learn about fiber arts at the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in October or indulge in garlic-inspired dishes at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival also in October.
5. Art and music enthusiasts can experience outdoor concerts and artisan markets at the Hudson Valley Fall Festivals, the Finger Lakes Wine and Harvest Festival, and the Harvest Home Festival in Albany. Additionally, don't miss the spectacular display of over 7,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Westchester.

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