But what really sets the Empire State apart are its fall festivals. From sky-high balloons in the Adirondacks to pumpkin wonderlands in the Hudson Valley and the world’s most famous Halloween parade in NYC, 2025 is packed with events you’ll want on your calendar.
Here’s a guide to the best fall festivals in New York for 2025—complete with dates, highlights, and insider tips so you can plan the perfect trip.
Table of Contents
Adirondack Balloon Festival 2025 – Lake George Region
Dates: September 18–21, 2025
Every September, the Adirondack Balloon Festival turns the skies into a rainbow canvas.
Beyond the balloons, the festival has live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. Kids love the tethered balloon rides.
Accessibility: The festival is family-friendly with open fields for easy viewing, but be prepared for uneven ground if you’re using wheelchairs or strollers.
Nearby Attractions: Extend your trip with a scenic Lake George cruise or a hike in the Adirondack Park.
Transportation & Parking: Free parking is available at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, though it fills fast. Shuttle buses usually run from nearby lots.
Local Food Highlight: Try kettle corn and maple treats from local Adirondack vendors.
Pro Tip: Head to Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport for the best views during mass ascensions.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 2025 – Hudson Valley
Dates: September 12 – November 16, 2025
If Halloween thrills excite you, this is the one festival you simply can’t skip.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is home to over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins arranged into jaw-dropping displays—from towering pumpkin skeletons to glowing pumpkin tunnels.
This family-friendly event is set along the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, adding an eerie charm to the experience.
Nearby Attractions: Make a full day out of it by visiting nearby Sleepy Hollow, famous for its Headless Horseman legend.
Transportation & Parking: Metro-North trains run directly to Croton-Harmon station. Free shuttles often connect to the Blaze grounds. On-site parking is limited.
Local Food Highlight: Don’t miss the pumpkin-spiced hot cider—it’s a favorite among repeat visitors.
Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival 2025
Dates: September 26–28, 2025
Apples are the star of the show here, but the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival is much more than just fruit.
You’ll find apple cider donuts, caramel apples, hot mulled cider, and dozens of farm-fresh treats.
Add to that live performances, art vendors, and a buzzing college-town vibe—it’s a celebration that captures the true essence of fall.
The festival takes over Downtown Ithaca’s Commons, which means plenty of local shops and cafes to explore alongside the festivities.
Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss a side trip to Ithaca’s waterfalls, like Buttermilk Falls or Taughannock Falls.
Transportation & Parking: Limited downtown parking is available, but local shuttles make it easy to reach the Commons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Local Food Highlight: Sample fresh apple cider donuts and artisan cheeses from Finger Lakes farms.
Pro Tip: Try the hard cider tastings from local Finger Lakes producers. They’re a great way to experience the region’s growing craft cider scene.
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain 2025 – Catskills
Dates: Sept 27–28, Oct 4–5, Oct 11–12, 2025
The Catskills come alive with Bavarian cheer each fall at Hunter Mountain’s Oktoberfest. Think lederhosen, polka music, overflowing steins of beer, and hearty German food.
The mountain setting adds a cozy alpine touch that feels straight out of Europe.
Families aren’t left out either—there are carnival rides, craft vendors, and kids’ activities, making it a festival for everyone.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your trip with a scenic gondola ride at Hunter Mountain or explore Kaaterskill Falls nearby.
Transportation & Parking: Free parking is available on-site, and shuttle services usually run from surrounding towns.
Local Food Highlight: Indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, and German beers while enjoying mountain views.
Pro Tip: If you want peak fall foliage views, plan your visit during the second weekend in October.
Village Halloween Parade NYC 2025
Date: October 31, 2025
No fall festival list is complete without New York City’s legendary Village Halloween Parade.
It’s the biggest Halloween parade in the U.S., with thousands of costumed participants, floats, puppets, and live bands marching through Greenwich Village.
Whether you’re dressed up and joining the parade or just watching from the sidelines, the energy is unmatched. It’s quirky, spooky, and a little chaotic—exactly what Halloween in NYC should be.
Nearby Attractions: Spend your day exploring Washington Square Park or the West Village’s historic streets before the parade.
Transportation & Parking: Subway is the best way to reach the parade area, as parking is nearly impossible. Take the A, C, E, B, D, F, or M trains to 14th Street.
Local Food Highlight: Grab a late-night slice of New York pizza after the parade—it’s part of the tradition.
Pro Tip: Want to join the parade? Just show up in costume at the lineup area. For spectators, the best viewing spots are along Sixth Avenue between 14th and 18th Streets.
Festival Calendar At a Glance – New York Fall 2025
| Festival | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Balloon Festival | Lake George Region | Sept 18–21, 2025 |
| The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze | Croton-on-Hudson | Sept 12 – Nov 16, 2025 |
| Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival | Downtown Ithaca | Sept 26–28, 2025 |
| Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain | Hunter, Catskills | Sept 27–28, Oct 4–5, Oct 11–12, 2025 |
| Village Halloween Parade | New York City | Oct 31, 2025 |
Conclusion
From floating balloons to glowing pumpkins and a Halloween parade like no other, New York’s fall festivals in 2025 promise unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, these events showcase the very best of autumn in the Empire State.
Read More: 6 Best Scenic Train Rides in New York for Fall 2025
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