I’m willing to go on the record and say Fall brings out the best in Upstate New York. The air is crisp, you can go outside without sweating a ton, layers are fun to style, and there’s no shortage of things to do about it. Here’s where I’m headed this season:
What You'll Find:
Oktoberfests
Fairport Oktoberfest: September 24-26
If you (like me) aren’t going to make it to Germany this year, we can find comfort in knowing we can drive just over an hour away to Fairport.
The Fairport Oktoberfest has been running for 17 years(!!!!) and takes place in Fairport Junction. There is German food, bier (obviously!), polka bands, and German dancing. Tickets in advance are recommended.
Saratoga Oktoberfest by Druthers Brewing Company and Franklin Square Market: September 26
This looks like so much fun! I love Saratoga. Oktoberfest is featuring fresh beer from Druthers Brewing Company, German-inspired fare from Franklin Square Market, live music, exclusive merch, and lots of seating to keep you comfy!
Tickets are a bit more expensive at $50 BUT that cost of admission gets you:
All your beer and drinks from Druthers
A Saratoga Oktoberfest stein (so fun!)
Admission to the event (food isn’t included)
Important to note: This is a 21+ event.
Mountain Fall Festival
Not that I had any say in the scheduling of these but I’m deeply sorry they are all the same weekend. But I guess it is scheduled to be peak leaf peeping so I guess that’s fair.
Bristol Mountain Fall Festival: October 10-11
We went to this last year and had such a good time. It’s actually what got my husband back into skiing. Something about being on the mountain and seeing the views had him like “yeah, it’s time!”
Anyway, at the Bristol Mountain Fall Festival you can expect the usual contenders: seasonal activities, live music, food trucks, and views. If you get a Fall Sky Ride ticket you can take a chair lift to the top of the mountain and see all the fall leaves.
Tickets in advance are recommended. Especially if you want the Sky Ride!
The bandstand at the top of the mountain
We took a walk to one of the other peaks for chiller vibes + to obvi get a cute family photo
DYING over the colors of these leaves!
Greek Peak Fall Fest: October 10
To be honest—this looks like a freaking blast. I love Greek Peak’s commitment to keeping things local. In their bar they feature local breweries and have a partnership with ayrloom. We went to Greek Peak to ski a few times last year and always had such a good time. The entire mountain and whole staff are a literal vibe and so chill and approachable.
I haven’t made it to the Greek Peak Fall Fest yet but it looks like a party! They’ve got live music (Dead & Friends and Fall Creek Brass Band) playing, family activities, a pumpkin cannon demonstration and of course lots of food options.
While the vibe definitely leans towards adults, this is a family friendly festival. From 11am-3pm, they have “Family Fun Zone” which has pumpkin painting, bracelet making, and even a petting zoo.
Gore Mountain Harvest Fest: October 10-11
Nestled in the Adirondacks, I do expect the fall foliage to be some of the best in the area. I’ve never been to Gore but it’s my husband’s favorite and I can’t wait for him to show me the trails he frequented last winter.
The Gore Mountain Harvest Fest is a two day event with live music, a large craft show, entertainment, and more! Unlike the other mountain fall festivals, admission is free but if you want to take a lift ride that is an additional fee.
The Instagram posts from past seasons makes the fall foliage look stunnnnning!
Fall Festivals
Adirondack Balloon Fest: September 17-20
Image from Adirondack Balloon Festival
Here's the pitch: watching dozens of hot air balloons inflate at sunrise, for free, in the shadow of the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Balloon Fest runs Glens Falls and Queensbury (about 2 miles apart) and it's entirely volunteer-run — no admission fee, no parking fee, just get there early. Flights only happen at sunrise and sunset since balloons need calm air, so this isn't a sleep-in kind of festival. Stick around one evening for "moonglow," when the balloons stay grounded and glow in time with music.
