NEWSLETTER
This October, New York State offers unforgettable experiences celebrating the magic spirit of autumn. Revel in the charm of seasonal festivals, savor gourmet delights, and brace yourself for spine-tingling encounters with ghouls and goblins. Raise your steins at lively Oktoberfests, marvel at the sight of pumpkins soaring into rivers, enjoy the fresh taste of oysters along the scenic Long Island waterfront, be captivated by the enchanting glow of over 7,000 jack o’lanterns, and a whole lot more!
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Hudson Valley)
Through November 16
Credit: @ruthiehagmann on Instagram
Get ready to experience the Hudson Valley’s most electrifying fall happening! Meander through the 18th-century landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved by artisans on site. New for 2025: go over the rainbow at the wickedly fun emerald-hued storybook pumpkin dreamscape, enjoy sips at the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway and haunting visits from the Horseman himself, stroll the Pumpkin Promenade, and more. Croton-on-Hudson; Tickets start at $24.
Attend a Film Festival (Multiple Regions)
Dates vary
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! The Hamptons International Film Festival (October 3-13) is back to dazzle with an intimate showcase of some of the year’s best offerings in contemporary cinema. October is LGBTQ History Month, and film lovers will want to check out the IMAGEOUT 33rd Annual Fall Film Festival (October 9-19) in Rochester, celebrating and showcasing LGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Greek cinema at the New York Greek Film Expo (October 2-12) in New York City; catch a diverse selection of world-class films, special panels, and more at FilmColumbia (October 17-26) in Chatham’s historic Crandell Theatre; and experience the magic of cinema at the Woodstock Film Festival (October 15-19) with independent films, engaging panel discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Locations and prices vary.
Celebrate Halloween (Multiple Regions)
Dates Vary
Credit: NYC Tourism
No one does Halloween better than New York! Have a frightfully good time as all sorts of costumed characters take over the streets at NYC's famed Village Halloween Parade (October 31). The Hudson Valley's LEGOLAND New York Resort gets into the Halloween spirit with Brick-or-Treat, featuring monster parties and trick-or-treating on Select dates October 2 –November 2. Celebrate Halloween with your pooch at the Fall Dog Parade & Costume Contest at Long Island's historic Old Westbury Gardens (October 26). Dress up as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff, or Columbia and get ready to do the "Time Warp" again as you celebrate 50 years of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Smith Opera House in the Finger Lakes (October 24) and Staten Island’s St. George Theatre (October 25). No matter how you like to celebrate, there's plenty of haunted adventures waiting for you in New York!
Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest (Catskills)
September 27–28, October 4–5, and October 11–12
Credit: Rob Sharpe, Hunter Mountain Content Strategist
Dust off the lederhosen and celebrate autumn surrounded by beautiful fall foliage at Hunter Mountain’s legendary Oktoberfest! Enjoy live music, satisfy your taste buds with German fare and food from local vendors, and of course, beer from Germany and beyond, with souvenir steins available for purchase. The celebration includes games and rides for all ages, as well as thrilling events including stein holding and keg rolling contests. Hunter; free general admission; $55 VIP package includes a shirt, souvenir beer boot, 16-oz beer or soda, and VIP scenic Skyride ticket.
Outlaw Weekend (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
October 2-4
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure at Fulton Speedway! This thrilling event promises high-octane excitement with a great lineup of races, including the Mod Lite Championship, Hobby Stock Open, and the prestigious Outlaw 200. Enjoy the electrifying atmosphere as top drivers compete on the high-banked clay track, and don’t miss the chance to explore the festival grounds. With live music, delicious food vendors, and family-friendly activities, Outlaw Weekend offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun fall weekend, you’re sure to bring home unforgettable memories! Fulton; prices vary.
Double M Haunted Hayrides (Capital-Saratoga)
Weekends through November 1
CREDIT: @DOUBLEMHAUNTEDHAYRIDES ON INSTAGRAM
Scary Harry, the iconic ghost cowboy of Double M, has some horrifying thrills and chills up his sleeve this Halloween season. Test your bravery on a haunted hayride through the dark woods that are rumored to be filled with things that go bump in the night before setting off on foot through the post-apocalyptic compound Brutality. Even more haunts await at the Last Inn, Blood Moon Farm, Martin’s Memorial Hospital, and Doom County FEARgrounds. A Haunted History Trail event, Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa has been scaring up fun for over 30 years. Note: attractions are not recommended for children under the age of 10. Ballston Spa; General admission $44.95 (plus fees and tax).
Fright Fest (Greater Niagara)
Select nights through October 25
Fright Fest at Six Flags Darien Lake is back and scarier than ever! Dare to enter the Halloween event of the season, featuring family-friendly fun during the day and thrills once the sun goes down. Encounter the Escape to Bloodstone Hollow and Carnival of the Dead haunted mazes, check out Scare Zones like Bone Yard Boulevard, Ghost Ship Cove, and Willow Creek Cemetery, and catch a live Halloween-themed show. Are you up for a fright-filled ride? Strap into your favorite coaster under cover of night and look out for any monsters in the seat next to you! Also be sure to check out Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury. Darien Center; price range $30-$75.
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series (Adirondacks)
October 3-5
Ready for an action-packed weekend in Lake Placid? Watch the world’s greatest riders compete in UCI World Cup races in both endurance and gravity disciplines, including Cross-country Short Track and Cross-country Olympic at Mt Van Hoevenberg, and Downhill at Whiteface Mountain. Between and after races, enjoy live music, craft brews, local cuisine, and high-energy festival vibes all weekend long. Lake Placid; Friday admission is free; general admission for Saturday and Sunday starts at $10.
2025 Downtown Schenectady Wing Walk (Capital-Saratoga)
October 4
Gather your flock, fly the coop and enjoy a sPECKtacular afternoon snacking on delicious chicken wings and socializing in downtown Schenectady! On the day of the Wing Walk, pick up your official map and ballot at Proctors Theater before going to your first restaurant. Stroll around and sample unique wing recipes from a variety of restaurants (one wing per restaurant). Once you’ve sampled at least 10 of the wings, you can vote for your favorite by marking your ballot and dropping it at one of several drop-box locations around downtown. Happy walking and tasting! Schenectady; Regular tickets $25, Premium Tickets $40.
Tap & Craft Festival (Greater Niagara)
October 4
Credit: @westkillbrewing on Instagram
Buffalo is gearing up to host a celebration of local craft beverages, delicious food, and live music, all promising to add up to a day full of fun and flavor! Enjoy four hours of samples from over 30 local craft breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries and live music for a spirited Saturday at Buffalo Riverworks. Buffalo; General admission $35 (pre-sale) and $48 at the door, $45 VIP (pre-sale only), $10 designated driver.
Great Cortland Pumpkinfest (Finger Lakes)
October 4-5
Named one of the top 10 fall festivals in the nation, the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest brings all the fall fun of the farm into the heart of downtown in historic Courthouse Park. Enjoy pumpkin-flavored food, hayrides, locally made crafts, live music, a pumpkin decorating contest, and, of course, the chance to get your hands on the first pumpkins of the season. Adults are invited to enjoy a beverage at the Pumpkin Pub, while the kids can experience thrills at the midway! Cortland; free admission.
Belleayre Mountain’s Fall Festival (Catskills)
October 4-5, 11-12
Celebrate the season in the heart of the Catskills at Belleayre Mountain’s Fall Festival, where mountain views meet autumn vibes. Enjoy scenic gondola rides, brews and views, delicious bites at the food truck village, local craft vendors, a bounce house and balloon twisting for the kids, and live music - perfect for a weekend of family fun and leaf-peeping. With crisp air and golden foliage all around, it’s a classic Ulster County fall escape! Highmount; free admission and parking.
Saratoga Foliage Ride (Capital-Saratoga)
October 11-12
Spend a fun weekend getaway in the outdoors as you get on your bike and enjoy peak fall foliage on the third annual Saratoga Foliage Ride! Wind through fields, farmlands and fall foliage with stops at King Dairy Farm Store and the Saratoga Battle Monument on Saturday’s ride. Sunday’s rides will honor the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, taking the back roads through the very fields where American forces first defeated the British army in the turning point of the American Revolution. All participants can enjoy a catered after-ride lunch, commemorative shirt, a day pass to the YMCA, happy hour, and more. Riders can choose one of three routes each day – 30, 50, and 75 miles. Saratoga County; Single day pass $106.69; weekend pass $159.19.
World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships (Adirondacks)
October 8-12
Attention skaters and skating fans: the World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships are returning for their 11th anniversary year to the Olympic Center in Lake Placid! Witness the intersection of art and figure skating as competitors perform on black ice, creating patterns with their blades. Witness five days of competition and find skating experiences on black ice with lessons and workshops for all ages and levels, as well as dedicated sessions and events for skaters with disabilities. Lake Placid; Registration is required, but admission is free-of-charge for spectators with the exception of lessons and workshops. Donations are accepted at the door and online.
RetroGameCon (Finger Lakes)
October 10-12
Get ready to dive into a world of gaming nostalgia. RetroGameCon celebrates the best in gaming with a weekend full of celebrity guests, hundreds of exhibitor tables, panel presentations from industry professionals, video game music, tournaments, tabletop games, and much more. Highlights include a massive free play area with vintage video games, a cosplay contest, and live musical performances. Syracuse; Three-day pass $55 (plus tax and fees).
Lake George Village Oktoberfest (Adirondacks)
October 10-12
Get set for a beloved event that transforms the heart of Lake George into a lively Bavarian-style street fair, complete with traditional German music, mouthwatering bratwursts, and refreshing steins of beer! As you stroll down Canada Street, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning fall foliage of the Adirondacks, adding a picturesque backdrop to the festivities that includes carnival rides, dancing, keg tossing, and more. Whether you’re dancing to lively tunes, savoring authentic German cuisine, or browsing the unique craft vendors, the Oktoberfest is an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, tradition, and scenic beauty! Lake George; free entry.
Peace, Love & Pumpkins (Catskills)
Wednesdays-Sundays, October 10-November 2
Courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
A cornucopia of family-friendly Halloween fun is coming to the historic grounds of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts! Wind your way through beautiful garden trails, highlighting thousands of unique hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and glowing displays of themed pumpkin art, featuring Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids, witches and much more! Special events include Boos & Booze, a 21+ Murder Mystery Mixer, a Sensory Friendly Day, and Friday Night Fright, a haunted walk-thru experience on October 24. Bethel; prices vary.
Maple Shade Hootenanny (Catskills)
October 11-12
Credit: Kento Igarashi
Come see what all the hoot is about at Maple Shade Farm! Join this grand celebration of the harvest season as you enjoy all your favorite fall experiences on the farm, complete with live music, savory foods, wagon rides, barn tours, yard games, a corn maze, workshops, and more. Delhi; General admission $12.22, children ages 5-12 $6.92.
Gore Mountain Harvest Fest (Adirondacks)
October 11-12
Join in the fun of this family-friendly celebration of all things fall! Explore handcrafted items from Adirondack artists, savor delicious fall menus at the Open Pit Grille and Base Lodge Food Court, and engage in fun activities like mountain biking, disc golf, and hiking across the four peaks. You can also take part in scavenger hunts or hiking challenges, and the Northwoods Gondola offers unparalleled leaf-peeping opportunities, with the vibrant autumn colors of Gore Mountain's forests providing perfect photo ops. Live music will fill the air throughout the weekend, adding to the festive atmosphere. North Creek; free admission.
Ellicottville Fall Festival (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
October 11-12
Credit: Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce
The Ellicottville Fall Festival is a weekend of fun for the whole family, with chairlift rides, mountaintop cookouts and music. The Village of Ellicottville and nearby Holiday Valley Resort become one big celebration with street vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, poster and t-shirt sales, a Kid Zone, and tons-o-fun. Are you a runner? The Fall Scramble 4- or 8-mile Trail Run takes place on Saturday at Holiday Valley. Ellicottville; free admission to festival; $36.50 registration for Fall Scramble 4 Mile; $46.50 registration for Fall Scramble 8 Mile.
Fall Fest at Peek'n Peak Resort (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
October 11-12 and 18-19
Credit: @pknpkresort on Instagram
Get ready for fabulous fall fun as Peek’n Peak Resort celebrates the season with its 37th Annual Fall Fest! You’ll enjoy two weekends of brilliant foliage and fun in the foothills of Western New York. The festival features a juried craft show with more than 100 vendors and a farmers' market, as well as activities like the pumpkin cannon, children's games, live entertainment, pony rides, ski lift rides, a classic car cruise-in, and an annual snow sports equipment swap! Clymer; free admission.
Path Through History Weekend (Multiple Regions)
October 11-13
New York State is, without question, one of the most historic, cultural, and diverse states in the entire country. Path Through History Weekend, October 11-13, is your chance to slip between the pages of history and discover the places and people who shaped not only the Empire State, but our nation. From an unforgettable day of family fun and history witnessing an air show at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to an eerie lantern tour of Old Fort Niagara, discover all kinds of New York State facts during this special weekend. Build your own itinerary and visit Native American museums, canals that helped expand civilization, arts and cultural institutions that house famous works of art, and much more. Locations and prices vary.
SUP Witches Festival (Hudson Valley)
October 12 (Rain Date: October 19)
Get ready for a wicked good time as the SUP Witches Festival paddles into Sleepy Hollow. Hosted by Rivertowns SUP & Yoga, you’ll experience a truly whimsical sight as costumed witches trade their broomsticks for paddles for a stand-up paddleboard ride on the Hudson River. With stunning views and a festival atmosphere complete with contests, activities, and bites and brews, it's a fun way to enjoy fall on the water. Whether you plan to join the paddle or enjoy the spectacle from land, it’s the perfect fall outing in the home of the Headless Horseman. Sleepy Hollow; Paddle registration $35-$50, free to spectate.
Nyack’s Fall Street Fair (Hudson Valley)
October 12
Photo courtesy of PJ's Promotions
For a great day of family fun with something for everyone, head to the Nyack Fall Street Fair! Find the perfect gift for yourself or loved ones exploring handmade goods, jewelry, home decor, and more wares from 300 exhibitors. Your taste buds will be rewarded with all types of delicious festival foods, as well as tasty creations from Nyack’s many outdoor cafes and restaurants. Nyack; free admission; event being held rain or shine.
New York City Wine & Food Festival (New York City)
October 15-19
Courtesy of Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
Foodies rejoice! Dig in at this star-studded, four-day event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities, lifestyle experts and America’s most beloved television chefs. With more than 60 events at its new home in Manhattan’s Seaport, you’ll satisfy all your cravings at tastings, intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, late night parties, hands-on classes, wine tastings and more. Manhattan; prices vary.
Punkin Chunkin Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
October 18
Courtesy of Horizon Aerial Media
Pumpkins will be soaring into the St. Lawrence River at the 13th Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival! Witness this truly unique spectacle as local teams of adults and kids compete to catapult a pumpkin the farthest distance into the river using home-built trebuchets set along the water at Clayton’s Frink Park. That’s not all – there’s a barbeque starting in the morning followed by a judging competition in the afternoon, and a farmer’s market! Clayton; free admission.
New York State Sheep & Wool Festival (Hudson Valley)
October 18-October 19
Sweater weather is finally here and there’s no better way to celebrate than with two straight days filled with all things sheep and wool! Discover workshops devoted to weaving, knitting and basket-making topics and techniques, along with kids’ activities and a used equipment auction. Shop from over 300 wool and fiber arts vendors selling materials, tools and more. Check out the winery, distillery and gourmet specialty foods building and be sure to stick around for the sheep shows and competitions, sheep dog herding and frisbee dog demonstrations, and the “Make it with Wool” fashion show! Rhinebeck, $15 per day at the gate. Children 11 and under are free!
The Oyster Festival (Long Island)
October 19-20
Credit: @ashferbiju on Instagram
Make the world your oyster at one of Long Island’s most popular events. You’ll enjoy live entertainment, ships, top-notch artisans, pirate shows, midway rides, and the iconic oyster eating and shucking contest. Of course, there’s also the food court featuring seafood concoctions and oysters in every conceivable form, along with traditional festival fare! Oyster Bay; free admission to the festival.
Utica Zoo Spooktacular Harvest Festival (Central New York)
October 18-19
Make your way, if you dare, to Utica Zoo’s Halloween and harvest celebration! With trick-or-treat stations, food trucks, vendors, animal meet and greets, and keeper talks, you’re sure to have a very ghoul time! This is an all-ages event and costumes are encouraged. Utica; adults (13+) $11, children (2-12) $8, children under 2 free admission, free admission for Utica Zoo members. There is a $5 activity card charge for the trick-or-treat stations.
Rosendale International Pickle Festival (Hudson Valley)
October 19
Get ready for a tangy twist on fall fun at the 28th Annual Rosendale’s International Pickle Festival, where brine lovers from near and far come to celebrate all things pickled at the Ulster County Fairgrounds. Sample unique creations, shop local vendors, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities in a festive, flavor-packed atmosphere. Test your pickle eating, pickle juice drinking, and pickle tossing skills at the Pickle Triathlon. New Paltz; $5 per person, kids under 12 free.
Halloween Owl Prowl (Central New York)
October 25
Learn all about the owls of the Landis Arboretum woods at this traditional end-of-the-warm-season program. You’ll listen for and explore these fascinating nocturnal birds of prey. Esperance; Members $5 per person, $15 per family; non-members of the arboretum: $15 per person, $25 per family; visit this link to register.
Haunted Stroll (Finger Lakes)
October 26
Step into a world of creepy enchantment with a haunted stroll in Sonnenberg Gardens, one of the few remaining estates in America with a Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion and formal gardens. At this evening event, you’ll wander through the historic gardens, encountering witches, goblins, and ghouls along the way, with the beautifully lit pathways and hauntingly decorated gardens creating a perfect backdrop for a night of family-friendly frights and fun! Canandaigua; $10 adults, $5 children 3-15, and free for kids under 3.
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