If you’re looking for the ultimate autumn adventure, apple orchards across the state transform into hubs of food, music, hayrides, and unforgettable fall vibes.
Here’s a roundup of the best orchard festivals in New York for fall 2025—handpicked so you know exactly where to go this season.
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🌾 Why Orchard Festivals Are a Fall Tradition in New York
Orchard festivals combine rustic charm with modern fun: hot cider sipped under colorful trees, warm apple cider donuts fresh from the fryer, kids running through corn mazes, and live country bands making it feel like a mini fairground.
New York orchards also offer an authentic farm-to-table experience—whether it’s craft cider from local apples, fresh baked pies, or small-batch wines.
These festivals are not just for families but also for couples looking for a cozy date or friend groups chasing Insta-worthy moments.
🍏 The Best Orchard Festivals for Fall 2025
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem, NY
One of the most famous fall festival spots, Harvest Moon is known for its lively atmosphere.
Weekends here are buzzing with food trucks, live music, hard cider tastings, and endless apple-picking opportunities.
Their pumpkin patches glow with autumn colors, and the evening bonfires make it a perfect weekend hangout.
- Drive Time & Distance: About 1 hour from NYC (50 miles).
- Road Difficulty: Easy, mostly highway driving.
- Parking: Large lot available but fills quickly on weekends.
- Entry Fees: $15–$20 per person depending on activities.
- Best Photo Spot: Pumpkin patch with rolling hills in the background.
- Seasonal Specialty: Wood-fired pizzas paired with fresh hard cider.
- Nearby Lodging: Salem Motor Lodge and cozy B&Bs in Westchester.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on Saturdays—parking fills up fast, and the cider donuts usually sell out by noon.
Outhouse Orchards – North Salem, NY
Just down the road from Harvest Moon, Outhouse Orchards offers a more laid-back yet equally festive vibe.
Think classic apple picking, hayrides through golden fields, and family-friendly food stalls.
Their fall festival also features local craft vendors, so you can stock up on jams, honey, and autumn décor.
- Drive Time & Distance: About 1 hour from NYC (52 miles).
- Road Difficulty: Easy, scenic backroads with minimal traffic.
- Parking: Free but limited; arrive before noon for best spots.
- Entry Fees: $15 parking fee, apples priced per bag.
- Best Photo Spot: Hayrides overlooking golden orchards.
- Seasonal Specialty: Fresh apple cider donuts and pumpkin pie slices.
- Nearby Lodging: Crabtree’s Kittle House Inn & local Airbnb cabins.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit to Outhouse with a scenic drive through Westchester’s fall foliage—it’s one of the prettiest routes in New York during October.
Weed Orchards & Winery – Marlboro, NY
For those who want apples and wine, Weed Orchards is your fall paradise. Their festival combines orchards, vineyards, and a family farm into one.
Visitors can pick apples, sip on pumpkin beer, or relax with a glass of their signature wines. Add in live music, farm-fresh food, and mountain views—it’s the ultimate fall weekend spot.
- Drive Time & Distance: 1.5 hours from NYC (75 miles).
- Road Difficulty: Moderate, includes winding Hudson Valley routes.
- Parking: On-site parking is free and spacious.
- Entry Fees: No entry fee; pay for food, drinks, and activities separately.
- Best Photo Spot: Vineyard rows at sunset with mountain views.
- Seasonal Specialty: Pumpkin beer and orchard-fresh sangria.
- Nearby Lodging: Newburgh boutique hotels and Hudson Valley B&Bs.
Pro Tip: Stay till sunset—the Hudson Valley views here are breathtaking and worth every photo.
Fishkill Farms – East Fishkill, NY
Fishkill Farms is all about authentic farm traditions with a modern twist.
Their Harvest Festival is packed with hayrides, live folk music, seasonal treats, and of course, acres of apple trees.
They’re also known for their sustainable farming practices, so everything feels fresh, organic, and deeply connected to the land.
- Drive Time & Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes from NYC (65 miles).
- Road Difficulty: Easy, direct highway routes.
- Parking: Free with overflow options nearby.
- Entry Fees: $10–$15 admission; apple bags sold separately.
- Best Photo Spot: Overlooking orchards with mountain backdrop.
- Seasonal Specialty: Hard cider flights and farm-fresh pies.
- Nearby Lodging: Hyatt House Fishkill and rustic Hudson Valley inns.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their hard cider tastings—it’s one of the most unique farm-to-glass experiences in the Hudson Valley.
🎶 What Makes These Festivals Stand Out
Each of these orchard festivals has its own vibe, but what unites them is the warm, cozy fall atmosphere that New York is famous for.
Whether you want the high-energy feel of live bands and food trucks, or the calm joy of sipping cider under apple trees, these spots deliver something unforgettable.
🚗 Insider Tips for Visiting Orchard Festivals in 2025
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak fall colors and freshest apples.
- Parking: Arrive before 11 AM to secure a good spot. Some orchards require pre-booking.
🏞️ Bonus: Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Trip
- Scenic drives through Hudson Valley during peak foliage season.
- Local breweries and wineries perfect for an evening hangout.
- Quaint B&Bs and rustic cabins for a cozy fall getaway.
🍂 Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting to make the most of fall in New York, orchard festivals are where it’s at.
From apple picking and hayrides to sipping cider while watching the leaves change, these festivals capture the season’s magic perfectly.
Whether you head to the buzzing Harvest Moon, the cozy Outhouse Orchards, the winery vibe at Weed Orchards, or the farm-fresh traditions of Fishkill Farms—you’re in for an autumn memory that will last forever.
Read More: 6 Best Fall Festivals in New York 2025 You Can’t Miss
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