It’s been a fun fall season so far in the Adirondacks, but now it’s time to kick things up a notch! Spectacular fall foliage is spreading across the region, and during this Columbus Day weekend, there will be all kinds of festivals, tours, and events that are worth attending.
Experience Fantastic Fall Festivals
Flaming Leaves Festival – Saturday, October 6 & Sunday, October 7
Witness thrilling ski jumping competitions and enjoy fall activities at the annual Flaming Leaves Festival in Lake Placid this weekend. The festival will open at 9:00am on both Saturday and Sunday at the Olympic Jumping Complex. There’s nothing quite like watching skiers soar through the air during leaf peeping season.
Gore Mountain Harvest Fest – Saturday, October 6 & Sunday, October 7
Get ready for an unforgettable fall festival at Gore Mountain’s annual Harvest Fest in North Creek. This year’s schedule of events will feature vendors and activities, live music, hearty fall food and drinks, scenic gondola skyrides (perfect for leaf peeping), and other entertainment. Both kids and adults will have a blast at this two-day celebration.
Warrensburg Riverfront Farmers Market: Garlic Festival – Friday, October 6
If you’re a fan of everything garlic, then this is the festival for you! Head to the Warrensburg Riverfront Farmers Market on Friday from 3:00pm-6:00pm and check out this year’s Garlic Festival. Sample and purchase some delicious garlic, and browse the rest of the market’s goods while you’re there.
38th Annual Oktoberfest at Titus Mountain – Saturday, October 6
It’s going to be a party at the 38th Annual Oktoberfest at Titus Mountain in Malone. From 10:00am-11:00pm, there will be tons of vendors, food and drinks, and activities for families to enjoy. Best of all, admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Be sure to stick around for the fireworks display at dusk!
Long Lake Harvest Craft Fair – Saturday, October 6
Find fall decorations and other handmade crafts at the annual Long Lake Harvest Craft Fair. The free community craft fair will be held at the Long Lake Town Hall from 10:00am-4:00pm, and admission is free.
FallFest at Adirondack Experience – Saturday, October 6
From wagon rides and pumpkin painting to fall-themed games and live music, there will be plenty of things for everyone to do at the Adirondack Experience’s annual FallFest! Admission is free for full-time Adirondack Park residents (other visitors pay general museum admission).
Penfield Applefolkfest – Sunday, October 7
Join the Penfield Museum in Crown Point on Sunday as they host their annual harvest celebration. Applefolkfest will be a hotspot for fall fun with wagon rides, a huge craft fair, apple desserts, live music, and more. Admission is free.
Explore Regional Farms
Thurman Fall Farm Tour – Saturday, October 6
It’s all about fall in Thurman on Saturday! From 10:00am-4:00pm, 10 participating farms and sites throughout the community will open their doors to visitors and offer free tours, talks, samples, and more. This is a family-friendly event with pumpkin painting, farm animals, hay rides, food, and much more.
5th Annual Essex County Cheese Tour – Sunday, October 7
Calling all cheese lovers! If you head to Essex County in the Adirondacks on Sunday, then you can participate in the annual Cheese Tour. During this free self-guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local cheese farmers, taste different handcrafted cheeses, and meet the animals. You can explore the farms in any order at your leisure from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Celebrate an Adirondack Icon
Adirondack Loon Celebration – Sunday, October 7
A variety of fun loon-related events will take place at the Paul Smith’s College VIC during the Adirondack Loon Celebration. Hosted by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, some of the free events will include a presentation about loons, a concert by Celia Evans, children’s activities, and more.
