Fall festivals are a staple in New York State. Every city, county, town, and village has something to celebrate and festivals make weekends amazing. Festival-goers love bouncing around the region, praising everything the Capital-Saratoga Region is known for. Whether you live here or are just passing through, there’s plenty to check out, taste, and explore. Here are a few festival favorites you might want to add to your itinerary!
The Favorites! Fall Festivals in the Capital-Saratoga Region
Jammin on Jay | September 8th, 15th, & 22nd | info
So much fun, it lasts three weekends! Live music the first two weekends culminates in a Battle of the Bands on the 22nd. All events are kid-friendly and free to attend – so come down and do some jammin’ at the Jay Street Marketplace in Schenectady.
Washington County Cheese Tour | September 9th & 10th | info
The event is beloved for delighting palates and enthralling cheese lovers of every age. On a self-guided tour, visitors can drive through lush, rolling hills and idyllic countryside making stops along the way to visit the farmers and cheesemakers and learn what makes their cheese so unique. Then, really relax with stops at local brewery and vineyard.
Capital Region Apple and Wine Festival | September 16th & 17th | info
Yes, apples and wine, and plenty of them. The top wineries in New York State come together for this extensive tasting event. There’s also a juried art show, food vendors Fall festivals are a staple in New York State. Every city, county, town, and village has something to celebrate and festivals make weekends amazing. Festival-goers love bouncing around the region, praising everything the Capital-Saratoga Region is known for. Whether you live here or are just passing through, there’s plenty to check out, taste, and explore. Here are a few festival favorites you might want to add to your itinerary!
And for the kids: a haunted house, face painting, pumpkin painting, clowns, bounces & slides, kids-on-the-go fitness center, and pony rides.
Eagle Mills Art and Craft Show | September 16th-17th & 23rd-24th | info
This show is an upstate New York tradition, with 125+ juried crafters featuring woodwork, quilts, baskets, florals, candles, clothing, painting, nature photos, jewelry and a more! The cider mill, bakery, ice cream and fudge shop, gem mine, face painting and dino dig will also be in full swing. With lots of great music & food in a beautiful country atmosphere, this is one not to miss!
PearlPalooza | September 16th | info
One of Albany’s favorite days of the year! Every year, they shut down North Pearl Street, put a stage at either end and fill it with live music for a whole day! Pearlpalooza is always free and open to all ages. Of course, there is plenty of vendors about – for crafts, food, and beer.
Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest | September 23rd | info
Pumpkin growers face off with a big ol’ weigh in to see which pumpkin is the biggest of the year. Expect to be amazed at the sheer size of these pumpkins brought from 40+ growers as over $7,500 in prizes are awarded.
Saratoga Harvest Festival | September 23rd | info
Seasonal beer, wine and cider star at this festival alongside great music, food trucks and local vendors where you are sure to find some great shopping. This is a great chance to hang out at Saratoga Race Course and enjoy great times with good company.
Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival | September 23rd & 24th | info
This is a great chance to get a jump start on your holiday shopping with distinctive gifts made by regional artisans. Browse pottery, body care products, healing arts, jewelry, culinary arts, craft beverage producers, leather, paper crafts, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood arts, and more.
Schenectady Wing Walk | October 7th | info
The Wing Walk is all about chicken wings. Taste your way around Schenectady, sampling chicken wings of every style, then vote on the best. This fall tradition is a ton of fun, but get your tickets soon, because this year they are capping ticket sales at 1,500 people. What about the kids? The local YMCA is providing childcare for kids under 12 during the Wing Walk for only $5/hour – just be sure to register.
Saratoga International Flavorfeast | October 7th | info
Feast on flavors from a variety of countries including France, China, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and America – making this food event one of a kind in the Region. Admission to Flavorfeast is free, where you can sample international dishes from various participating restaurants in downtown Saratoga Springs for just $1 a sample.
Goold Orchard Apple Festival | October 7th & 8th | info
This is a longstanding tradition in its 29th year, featuring wine and live music. The New York wine tent is packed with amazing local and regional wineries. Admission to the festival is $10 for anyone over age 12, and wine tasting is an additional $8, but comes with a nifty souvenir glass.
Troy ChowderFest | October 8th | info
Sample your share of chowders from over 30 area restaurants. One dollar gets you one ticket, which gets you one 4-ounce cup of chowder. Every restaurant must use fresh, local ingredients, so visitors are sure to enjoy amazing chowder and supporting local businesses. Prizes will be awarded for best seafood, vegetarian, most original and overall favorite, as well as the People’s Choice, voted on by festival-goers.
Battles and Brews Tour: French and Indian Wars | October 14th | info
Jump on a historic bus tour stopping at French and Indian War sites. Members of the Washington County Historical Society act as step on guides and take you back in time – and to breweries! Sites to be visited include Rogers Island, The Old Military Road, Lake George Battlefield Park, Fort Ann and Coopers Cave, as well as several farm and micro-breweries giving you the chance to enjoy a pint of locally made brew!
Saratoga Downtown Business Association Fall Festival | October 28th | info
Young and old alike will find themselves rediscovering all there is to love about the fall season at this fun-filled free event. Activities include a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, magic show, live music, trick or treating and more.