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Flo Rida, wearing a black leather vest, sunglasses, and silver chains, holds a microphone stand illuminated by dramatic stage lighting and fog while performing on the Suburban Park Stage at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse on Thursday, August, 29, 2024.

Looking for the ultimate summer celebration? The 2026 Great New York State Fair takes over the fairgrounds in Syracuse from August 26 to September 7, 2026, delivering 13 days of big-name entertainment, incredible food, and budget-friendly family fun.

The Lake George Steamboat Company's vessel, Mohican, takes a fall foliage cruise

If you’re looking to plan a weekend fall getaway to New York State, we’ve got countless ideas to help you get started. Our suggestions run the entire season of autumn and will bring you to just about every region in New York State. You can go pumpkin and apple picking, attend festivals, Halloween and other holiday events, enjoy a tasting at a winery, brewery or cidery, or simply admire the beauty of fall foliage at many nature spots through New York State. Here are our tips for fall weekend trips in New York. 

Firelight Camps in summer

From luxury hotels to must-visit attractions, New York State offers all kinds of ways to save in August! Unlock unbeatable prix-fixe pricing at some of New York City’s hottest restaurants during NYC

Two brightly-colored hot air balloons float over a waterfall at Letchworth State Park

New York State is home to one of the most vivid autumns in the world! Whether you prefer a hot air balloon ride above roaring waterfalls, an exhilarating hike to a fire tower in the Catskills, or a relaxing foliage cruise on the Hudson River, there are all kinds of unbe-leaf-able ways to experience fall’s vibrant colors firsthand.

A container of sirloin tips and mashed potatoes next to a plastic up with the Great New York State Fair logo.

If you haven't given much thought to state fairs since the days where you could slam down multiple chili cheese dogs and funnel cakes with zero remorse, we get it. But with the Great New York State Fair (August 26-September 7, 2026), it's as good a time as any for a gentle reminder of what you've been missing since then.

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! 

A pink and white RV camper nestled in the green forest

Across New York State, Black-owned businesses are shaping culture through craftsmanship, storytelling, and design.

Colorful fireworks light up the sky over Niagara Falls

If you’re wondering how to plan the seemingly endless things to do in New York State in the summer, look no further. We’ve planned your weekends for you, allowing you to sample the best of everything New York State has to offer, from surfing, hiking, and camping to festivals, fireworks, and live outdoor theater. Make your summer an unforgettable one in New York. 

Varying colors of red, orange, yellow, and green trees surround blue lake waters with colorful mountains in the background

Are you ready to trade sunburn and hot summer days for soft comfy sweaters, chilly nights, and fall foliage galore? Leaf-peeping season is right around the corner! Fall festivities are a big deal here in New York State, and reservations for hotels, festivals, and events are already filling up. Spend the weekend relaxing at resorts nestled among the mountains, picking New York apples at scenic orchards, celebrating the beauty of autumn at vibrant festivals, and much more. Here are 11 New York State fall getaways you need to book now.

A family of four gathered around a touch tank while a boy holds a crab at the Long Island Aquarium

Moms deserve the world! From a whitewater rafting family adventure to cooking classes at The Culinary Institute of America to vibrant flower festivals, New York has something special for every mom and maternal figure in your life. Read on for some unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in the Empire State.