Taking the family to local fall festivals and fairs offers fun activities, delicious food, and a chance to enjoy autumn together. The Hudson Valley is chock full of 'em. Check out our list by county here.
Dutchess County
October 5
Stony Kill Harvest Fest. Annual fall festival features live music, hay rides, visits with our livestock, homemade soup and baked goods by the Verplanck Garden Club, kids activities, Food Trucks, artisan demonstrations, and craft vendors! Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls. 11am.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project Harvest Fest. Poughkeepsie Farm Project hosts its second-annual Harvest Fest celebrating the connection of food, farm and community! Get ready for a fun, family friendly, music festival atmosphere with multiple live performances, food trucks, local beer, wine, and cider vendors, a maker market, and lawn games and fun for kids of all ages. Vassar Preserves, 51 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie. 2pm
October 5-6
Handcrafted Oktoberfest. Quail Hollow Events presents Handcrafted Octoberfest at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Browse through the rows of vendors to find handmade, one-of-a-kind creations of all sorts! There is something for everyone at this two-day family harvest festival, including fine arts and crafts, local beer, wine and spirits, specialty foods, live entertainment, a master pumpkin carver, carriage rides, a petting zoo and so much more! Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck. 10am.
October 12-14
Harvest Festival Weekend. Celebrate the beauty of autumn at Barton Orchards Harvest Festival on Columbus Day weekend. Admission includes entertainment by Magician Zach Alexander (Saturday), Two by Two Zoo (Sunday), Pig Races, the Fun Park featuring our new MEGA SLIDE, newly refurbished Haunted House, Corn Maze, Hayrides, Live Music, Petting Zoo, Wooden Ship Playground, and Dog Park too! Apple picking, Apple Cannons and Gemstone Mining are an extra cost, and not included in the price of admission. Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag.
October 17-20
2024 NY State Sheep & Wool Festival. This annual family event, hosted by the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association, celebrates all things related to sheep, wool, and fiber. It’s a great opportunity to explore workshops, see demonstrations, and connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts. Visit website to sign up for workshops and classes. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck. 9am.
October 19-20, 26-27
Kesicke Fall Festival. In the fall, spend the day with us enjoying our corn maze, wagon rides through the corn, hay rides, feeding and petting our farm animals, and our delicious apple cider donuts. Kesicke Farm, Rhinebeck. 10am.
10th Annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy a hayride to the PYO pumpkin patch and corn maze, as well as lots of fun family activities! Soukup Farms, Dover Plains. 11am.
October 20
Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival. Featured are Hudson Valley pumpkins and sizes and shapes. Enjoy freshly baked pumpkin pie served with homemade whipped cream. In addition, treats like hot pumpkin soup and hot and cold apple cider will be available. Two solar-powered music stages, one dedicated to the children to enjoy, will provide live music throughout the day. The Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the Woody Guthrie, will take guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor, weather permitting. Sign up at the Beacon Sloop Club table for an afternoon sail to relax and experience the beauty, power, and grandeur of the Hudson. Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon. 12pm.
October 26
WICKED WAPPINGERS HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL & PARADE. The Village of Wappingers Falls Recreation Department is so excited to invite you to this year's Halloween festival and parade: Wicked Wappingers. It will be a day of spooky celebration at the Village of Wappingers Falls. We'll be kicking off the festivities right after the parade at Mesier Park where there will be a Trunk or Treat, costume contest, Best Decorated Trunk contest, music, food, vendors, and games. The parade lines up on E Main Street by the bridge, near Market Street. Marching will begin at 12pm going toward Mesier Park, Wappingers Falls.
Fall Fest 2024. Experience a day filled with carnival games, bounce houses, arts & crafts, and a helicopter candy drop! Plus, free snacks including, chips, cotton candy, and popcorn. Sarah Taylor Park, Fishkill. 2pm.
October 26-27
Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market. Browse curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie. 12pm.
Orange County
October 2-6, 9-13
Fall Wrap-up Carnival. Featuring rides, games, music, and classic midway food and treats for the whole family! Purchase unlimited ride wristbands for weekdays only until 9/21! Wristbands will be $25 at the event! Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Rd, Pine Island. Wed.-Fri. 5-10pm, Sat.-Sun. 1-9.
October 5
31st Annual Fall Festival. Experience the community come together at the 31st annual street fair! Join us for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities for all ages. Browse through local vendors showcasing unique crafts and delicious treats, enjoy music performances, and let the kids explore games and activities. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect way to spend the day! Highland Falls. 9am.
Oktoberfest. Live music Moonflower (3-7). Farm activities, food, and drinks all day. Social Island, Goshen. 11:30am.
October 5-6, 12-14
Good Vibes and Tractor Rides Fall Festival. Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking, Pony Rides, Food, Animals, Games, Bounce Houses, Music, Beer and Hard Cider. Fall Fun for the whole family! Wagon Wheel Farm, Goshen. 12pm.
October 12
Newburgh Seafood Festival. Enjoy a day filled with delicious seafood and fun activities. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and local vendors offering unique goods. Newburgh Waterfront Park, 1 Washington Street, Newburgh. 12pm
October 12-13
Fall Festival. Come enjoy two beautiful days of fun with live music, delicious foods and drinks, and of course wonderfully unique shopping! Discover or rediscover our local artisans and shoppes. Peruse the plethora of vendors lining the streets of our lovely hamlet. Sugar Loaf. 12pm.
October 13
Warwick Children’s Book Festival. Admission is free and the Festival is open to all the young at heart. Join fellow readers to celebrate children’s literacy, share a love of the written word, discover new books, talk with those who create them, and have your book purchases autographed. Stanley Deming Park, South Street, Park Way, Warwick. 11am.
October 18-20
Corn Craze. Hop on a wagon ride around the farm. Take aim with our corn cannon. Visit the farm animals. Challenge your friends to Cornball. Sample a tasty treat, and so much more. Dogwood Acres Family Farm, Middletown. 4pm Fri., 11am Sat. & Sun.
October 19
Halloween Festival. Check out the fun including the Bark Park Howlaween Costume Party, Trick or Treat throughout the Village, Greenwood Lake Fire Department Parade, Terror Trail with scare or no scare options, Hayrides, and lots more. Village of Greenwood Lake. 10am.
Empanada Festival. Come join us at the City of Newburgh Waterfront Trail for a day filled with delicious empanadas from the Republic, Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Mexico from various vendors, along with many other Latin creations! Get ready to indulge in savory and sweet empanadas while enjoying the beautiful views of the Hudson River. Dance away riverside with amazing Latin music. Check out our Sangria and Margarita Pass, as well as our ever-famous VIP buffet ticket! People’s Park, Newburgh. 12pm.
October 26
Field of Friends Fall Festival. Take a hayride to the Cut Your Own Pumpkin Patch, try to conquer a 3-acre corn maze, jam out to 6 hours of live music, have some drinks, eat some food, enjoy endless activities, and take in all that fall has to offer. Echo Fields, Westtown. 11am.
Ulster County
October 5
Fall craft and vendor fair. Every year, Ulster FCU raises money for local non-profit organizations in Ulster County. This year, we are hosting a Craft & Vendor Fair to raise money for My Kingston Kids, The Tim Bruck Holiday Fund, C.A.T.S. (Cast Aside to Survive) and Paws Unlimited. There will be many vendors, and raffle items! YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County, 507 Broadway, Kingston. 10am.
4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival. Center for Creative Education and Loud Hudson Valley present the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival! Amazing music, food, vendors, and performances! All are welcome! Franklin Street, Kingston. 11am.
October 11
O+ Festival 2024. This event is for all ages; kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. SO+mewhere Outdoor Stage. SO+mewhere Outdoor Stage, Kingston. 9pm.
October 13
2024 Ulster County Italian American Festival. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled day of Italian culture, food, and festivities! Rondout Landing, Kingston. 12pm.
October 19
Fall Festival. There will be lots of family-friendly activities, pumpkin picking, pumpkin painting, face painting, playground, hayrides, and live music! We will be serving fall-themed food and drinks, seasonal beers and sangria, and delicious Jane’s ice cream. Don’t forget to get your apple cider donuts and caramel apples! Weed Orchards has beautiful views and lots of opportunities for outdoor family photos! The bakery will be stocked with fresh baked goods and pies, and we will have pumpkins and mums for sale. Weed Orchards & Winery, Marlboro. 10am.
October 20
The 27th Annual Rosendale International Pickle Festival. Rosendale International Pickle Festival is held once a year, on the 3rd Sunday of October. We host over 100 vendors who sell pickles, groceries, hot food, baked goods, crafts, fashion, jewelry, and more. There’s a home pickling contest and the Pickle Triathlon offers a pickle eating contest, pickle juice drinking, and a pickle toss. Up to 5,000 people visit the Pickle Festival every year. All proceeds are donated back to the Rosendale community every year. Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Liberty Rd, New Paltz. 10am.
Fall Family Fun Fest 2024. Celebrate fall in the Catskills with the whole family. Enjoy horse-drawn hay rides, pumpkin decorating, live music, guided hikes to Cathedral Gorge and Wigwam, blacksmithing demonstrations, seasonal food and more. The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge. 12pm.
October 26
MYKINGSTONKIDS HALLOWEEN FEST & PARADE. Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at the MyKingstonKids Halloween Fest with a Space Theme! Blast off into a galaxy of spooky fun where children can explore alien worlds, encounter extraterrestrial creatures, and embark on interstellar quests. Dress up in your best space gear and join us for a day of cosmic delights, featuring thrilling space-themed workshops, interactive activities, and a galaxy of treats! Don’t miss our stellar costume contest, where the most creative space explorers will be crowned champions. Rain date: Sun., Oct. 27. Parade 2-3pm, festival 3-7pm. YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County, Kingston. 2pm.
October 26-27
Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market. The Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more – to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Walkway West (Highland) Entrance, 87 Haviland Rd, Highland. 12pm.
Sullivan County
October 4-6
Fall Harvest Festival Weekend. Celebrate Autumn in the Catskills. Visit the Valley during the most beautiful time of the year! Fall foliage is peaking in early October and we’ve got plenty of ways for you to enjoy the sights. Join us for activities like hayrides, apple cidering, guided hikes, baking classes, candle making, a scarecrow-building contest, and more! Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville. 4pm.
October 26
Halloween Community Day. Join Frost Valley YMCA for a day filled with fun and exciting fall activities and an evening of spooktacular Halloween games and haunted trails! Programs and Activities take place from 9 am-4:45 pm and our Haunted Trails & Halloween Games are 7-10 pm. Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville. 9am.
Other counties
October 25-26
Spellbound. Spellbound in Carmel, is a captivating Halloween festival featuring a mystic market with local artisans, live performances, delectable food, thrilling escape rooms, and family-friendly entertainment. Perfect for all ages, it promises an enchanting experience filled with magic and excitement. Don't miss out on this spellbinding event! Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gypsy Trail Rd, Carmel. 3pm
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