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 17
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 on site by a team of artisans. New for 2024: celebrate the event’s 20th year with a giant birthday cake and Celebration Arch, step into the Gourd & Goblet Tavern—a new VIP experience on the pumpkin trail, meet pumpkin-ified classic movie monsters, and spot the giant Kraken rising from the Croton River! Also be sure to check out the Blaze on Long Island (through November 3) at Old Bethpage Village. Croton-on-Hudson; Tickets start at $20.
Attend a Film Festival (Multiple Regions)
Dates vary
Credit: Dion Ogust/Woodstock Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, the Hamptons International Film Festival (October 4-14) 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 32nd Annual Fall Film Festival (October 10-20) in Rochester, celebrating and showcasing LGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers from the US and around the world. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Greek cinema at the New York Greek Film Expo 2024 (October 3-13) in New York City; catch a diverse selection of world-class films, special panels, and more at FilmColumbia (October 18-27) in Chatham’s historic Crandell Theatre; and experience the magic of cinema at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival (October 15-20) with a lineup of independent films, engaging panel discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Locations and prices vary.
Celebrate Halloween (Various 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 weekends this fall, featuring monster parties and trick-or-treating through the bricktastic theme park. Celebrate Halloween with your pooch at the Fall Dog Parade & Costume Contest at Long Island's historic Old Westbury Gardens (October 27). Dress up as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff, or Columbia and get ready to do the "Time Warp" again at a special showing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Smith Opera House in the Finger Lakes (October 26). No matter how you like to celebrate, there's plenty of haunted adventures waiting for you in New York!
Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest (Catskills)
September 28 – 29, October 5-6, 12-13
Credit: Rob Sharpe, Hunter Mountain Content Strategist
Dust off the lederhosen and celebrate autumn surrounded by the beauty of lush fall foliage at Hunter Mountain’s legendary Oktoberfest! Enjoy live music featuring traditional German bands and other genres as you treat yourself to delicious German fare including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Other food vendors will be on hand to further satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without beer, and there will be plenty of it to sample 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, bratwurst-eating, and yodeling 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 3-5
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 2001. 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)
October 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 24-27, and October 31-November 2
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 all types of 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, the Slaughter Swamp, 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. Ballston Spa; $42.95 and up ($28.95 and up presale prices until September 13).
Fright Fest (Greater Niagara)
October 5, 12-13, 19, and 26
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 attractions during the day and thrills once the sun goes down. Dare to enter Escape to Bloodstone Hollow and Jack Pallet's Scarecrow Row and be sure to watch your back – there could be a zombie, witch, or something else that goes bump in the night waiting when you walk into a Scare Zone! 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 $60-$85.
2024 Downtown Schenectady Wing Walk (Capital-Saratoga)
October 5
Get ready to 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; $20.
Tap & Craft Festival (Greater Niagara)
October 5
Credit: @brickyard_brewing_company on Instagram
Niagara Falls is gearing up to host a celebration of local craft beer, delicious food, and vibrant culture, all promising to add up to a day full of fun and flavor! Whether you're a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, you'll find something to delight your taste buds, and brewers will be on hand to discuss their creations and provide insight into the art of craft brewing. The culinary talents of the region will be on full display with local food vendors serving everything from mouthwatering BBQ to artisanal cheeses. Making everything even better will be live music, handmade goods from artisans and craftsmen, plus plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained! Niagara Falls; $42.33 General Session (4 - 7 pm), $53.86 VIP Pass (3-4 pm + General Session), $13.51 for designated driver.
Saratoga Foliage Ride (Capital-Saratoga)
October 5-6
Are you looking for a fun, outdoor, weekend getaway this autumn? Then get on your bike and enjoy peak fall foliage on the second annual Saratoga Foliage Ride! This colorful event will feature some of Saratoga County’s most scenic routes at the most beautiful time of the year. Along the way, you’ll delight in history, horse farms, pumpkins, cider donuts, and more! All participants will receive a catered after-ride lunch, commemorative shirt, and a day pass to the YMCA facility on West Avenue, to unwind after the ride with a swim, sauna, HydroMassage or afternoon yoga and stretching class. Riders can choose one of three routes each day – 30, 50, and 75 miles. Saturday’s rides include a visit to the Saratoga Battle Monument while Sunday’s rides will honor the 247th 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. Saratoga County; Single day pass $106.69; weekend pass $159.19.
Great Cortland Pumpkinfest (Finger Lakes)
October 5-6
One of Cortland County’s most highly anticipated fall celebrations, this two-day event in historic Courthouse Park is a family-friendly experience that has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. This year will bring all the fall fun of the farm into the heart of downtown with pumpkin-flavored food, hayrides, locally made crafts, live music 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! Want to make the festivities even better? Join the festival’s Pumpkin Run! Cortland; free admission; Pumpkin Run registration $16.90 (registration ends October 4, 2024 at 11:59am).
World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships (Adirondacks)
October 9-13
Attention skaters and skating fans: the World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships are returning for their 10th anniversary year to the Olympic Center in Lake Placid! This prestigious international event blends the sport of figure skating on black ice with fine art to offer a unique combination of a world-class competition and cultural celebration with a festival atmosphere. There will also be competitor practice sessions, and 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; Admission to the competition and all other components of the World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships is free-of-charge for spectators except for lessons, and workshops. All spectators and attendees are asked to register in advance. Donations are accepted at the door and online.
Candlelight Tours (Capital-Saratoga)
October 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26
Take a guided, haunted tour through Schenectady’s historic Stockade District and hear the eerie tales of this nearly 400-year-old neighborhood. Choose either the “Ghostly Victorian” tour, listening to ghostly tales as you venture past flickering stoops and encounter lingering spirits, or brave the “Colonial Hauntings” tour, traversing ancient streets where spirits congregate at Colonial-era houses, all under the moonlit sky. The tours are co-sponsored by the Schenectady Heritage Foundation. Schenectady; $15.
RetroGameCon (Finger Lakes)
October 11-13
Get ready to dive into a world of gaming nostalgia. Now in its 11th year, RetroGameCon features special 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; $25-$50, with options for day passes, weekend passes, and VIP experiences.
Lake George Village Oktoberfest (Adirondacks)
October 11-13
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. 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 admission.
Peace, Love & Pumpkins (Catskills)
October 11-27
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! During this walk-thru experience, guests will wind through the center’s beautiful garden trails, highlighting thousands of unique hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and glowing displays of themed pumpkin art. You’ll delight in displays featuring Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids, witches and much more! Special events include Boos & Booze, Meet The Maker Guided Tour, Spooky Sunday Crafting, Potion-Making, and Friday Night Fright, a haunted walk-thru experience on October 25. Bethel; prices vary.
Gore Mountain Harvest Fest (Adirondacks)
October 12-13
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 12-13
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. On Sunday, witness the creativity of Eric Jones, the Guinness World Record Holder for carving the World's Largest Jack-o'-lantern. 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 12-13 and 19-20
Credit: @pknpkresort on Instagram
Get ready for fabulous fall fun as Peek’n Peak Resort celebrates the season with its 36th 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 (Various Regions)
October 12-14
New York State is, without question, one of the most historic, cultural, and diverse states in the entire country. Path Through History Weekend, October 12-14, 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 a 19th century baseball game in Bayside, Queens, to touring a historic Gilded Age home in the Hudson Valley, 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.
Nyack’s Fall Street Fair (Hudson Valley)
October 13
Photo courtesy of PJ's Promotions
For a great day of family fun with something for everyone, head to the Nyack Fall Street Fair! Over 300 exhibitors with arts, crafts, new retail, home deco, and gifts will be participating at this renowned shopping and dining event. 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. Music will be played all day at the gazebo on Main Street, and folk music will be performed all day on Broadway. Nyack; free admission; event being held rain or shine.
New York City Wine & Food Festival (New York City)
October 17-20
Courtesy of Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
Foodies rejoice! Get ready to 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. The festival, featuring more than 80 events in Manhattan and Brooklyn with over 400 chefs from around the world, is renowned for its walk-around tastings in celebration of America’s favorite foods, intimate dinners with world-renowned chefs, late night parties, hands-on classes, wine tastings and more. Head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park on Sunday, October 20 for Oyster Bash with Andrew Zimmern to close out the week. As in past years, net proceeds from the festival will help God’s Love We Deliver support New Yorkers affected by severe illness. Manhattan and Brooklyn; various prices.
Punkin Chunkin Festival (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
October 19
Courtesy of Horizon Aerial Media
Pumpkins will be soaring into the St. Lawrence River at the 12th Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival! You’re invited to 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 river 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.
The Oyster Festival (Long Island)
October 19-20
Credit: @ashferbiju on Instagram
Make the world your oyster with a fun mixture of new activities and old favorites perfect for entertaining your entire family. 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 along with traditional festival fare! If that’s not enough to satisfy your oyster cravings, the second annual Long Island Oyster Week is taking place October 14-20, serving up $1 oysters, $2 oysters, and oyster samplers, appetizers, and entrées at some of the island’s best restaurants. Oyster Bay; free admission to the festival.
Utica Zoo Spooktacular Harvest Festival (Central New York)
October 19-20
Make your way, if you dare, to Utica Zoo’s premiere Halloween and harvest celebration! With trick-or-treat stations, food trucks, vendors, animals on walkabout, and the Twisted Fairy Tale Trail, a spine-tingling journey through mythical animal scenes along the Zoo’s North Trek Trail, you’re sure to have a very ghoul time! This is an all-ages event and costumes are encouraged. Utica; adults (13+) $9, children (2-12) $6, children under 2 free admission, free admission for Utica Zoo members. There is a $4 activity card charge for the trick-or-treat stations; admission includes free parking with shuttle service from Payne Hall Parking Lot at MVCC and the Parkway Recreational Center.
Halloween Owl Prowl (Central New York)
October 26
Learn all about the owls of the Landis Arboretum woods with your guide, Nature Educator George Steele 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 27
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.
Long Island Restaurant Week (Long Island)
October 27 – November 3
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Picture yourself on a culinary adventure during Long Island Restaurant Week! This vibrant event transforms Long Island into a food lover’s paradise, offering a delightful array of flavors from its diverse dining scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this week-long celebration is the perfect excuse to explore charming eateries, discover hidden gems, and enjoy gourmet experiences without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this gastronomic journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Various locations; $24 two-course lunch, $29, $39, and $46 three-course dinners.
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