The 4 Best Fall Festivals in New York for 2025 Will Put You in the Autumnal Spirit

Fall festivals in New York celebrate this great season, no matter where you live. But the fall in New York is on another level. There's the weather, of course, and the beautiful foliage. And also, quite crucially, are all of the amazing festivals. These events are as instrumental to life in the Empire State as visiting a pumpkin patch or sipping on a warm mug of apple cider. While a lot of festivals take place here, we picked four of our favorites. If you want to learn more about what we believe are the best in the state, keep reading.

1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Croton-on-Hudson

New York's original Halloween event is an immersive thrill, full of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns and amazingly colorful displays. One of the best fall festivals in New York takes place in the Hudson Valley on select days from Sept. 12 to Nov. 16, 2025. You'll truly be spellbound as you admire these seasonal works of art.

2. Apple Harvest Festival: Ithaca

Nothing says fall in New York like the 43rd Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Downtown Ithaca from Sept. 26-28, 2025. It’s a three-day celebration spotlighting apple growers, cider makers, and those beloved apple cider donuts. In short, it's the perfect fall festival.

3. OkTupperfest: Tupper Lake

Are you looking for one of the best small-town fall festivals perfect for the whole family? Look no further than OkTupperfest at Flanders Park, which takes place on Sept. 27, 2025. It’s full of great activities for all of us, including live music, tractor rides, a brewfest, games, and more. And the backdrop of the stunning lake in the Adirondacks is simply unforgettable. Read all about it on the official OkTupperfest website.

4. Punkin’ Chunkin Festival: Clayton

The name says it all—well, sort of. If you have ever wanted to see a pumpkin launched high in the air over the St. Lawrence River, this is the festival for you. In addition to lots of pumpkin throwing, festival-goers can look forward to enjoying delicious food, shopping from local vendors, and all kinds of small-town charms. But the punkin' chunkin is the highlight of the day: there's an 11:00 a.m. "Youth Chunkin" for the little ones and then the adult chunkin' at 1:00 p.m. Don't miss it; the party happens on Oct. 18, 2025.

Plan to Visit a Fall Festival in New York!

Fall festivals in New York remind us that autumn is no time to stay inside. With so many great choices, they are all worth taking a road trip to attend, no matter where you might live in the state. For those needing some help packing, we have made a handy guide for just that purpose. Don't forget to have fun!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.