Your Guide To 2025 Fall Festivals Across Upstate New York

As the leaves start turning and cider begins flowing, Upstate New York transforms into fall magic. Sure, pumpkin patches and apple orchards are the classic go-tos, but let’s be honest—there’s a whole lot more going on once sweater weather hits.

Across Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Cortland, and Onondaga counties, fall brings an incredible lineup of local festivals that celebrate everything. Whether you're into live music, hands-on farm fun, or just want to sip cider while surrounded by peak foliage, here’s your must-see list of 2025 fall festivals. Double-check event websites or social media pages as dates approach—fall weather (and event details) can shift.

READ MORE: Your Ultimate Central New York Trunk-or-Treat Guide For 2025

Want To Add A Festival Or Fair?

Please email david.wheeler@townsquaremedia.com if you have another fair or festival we should add to the list.

Oneida County

2025 Clinton Fall Fest & Off the Hill Challenge

This one feels like the heart of a Hallmark movie. Set on the picturesque Clinton Village Green, it’s a mix of small-town charm, local artisans, food vendors, and all-ages fun. Plus, the “Off the Hill Challenge” adds a little active adventure to the mix.

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: Clinton Village Green, Clinton, NY
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

2025 City of Oneida Fall Festival

Think of this as Oneida’s seasonal street party. It’s a general fall celebration—music, vendors, good food, and local pride all wrapped in crisp autumn air.

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: Downtown Oneida, NY
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

2025 Riggie Run in Utica

Fun, food, and a uniquely Utica twist—this community race brings the city together like only a tray of chicken riggies can. Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, the Riggie Run is full of flavor and heart.

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2025
Location: Marcy, NY
Time: Race begins at 11:00 AM

Uticon Comic Book Show

The anniversary show takes place Sunday, October 5th, from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Jorgensen Center Building. Admission is just five dollars for adults, three for teens and students, and kids twelve and under get in free. Every ticket sold goes directly to the American Cancer Society. Read more online HERE.

The “Unknown” Halloween House at Rome Art & Community Center

Get ready for a frightfully fun night at the Rome Art and Community Center’s “Unknown” Halloween House! Trick or Treat Street runs from 4:30–7:30 PM, followed by the Haunted House from 6:30–9 PM. The event runs Friday and Saturday, October 10 & 11 and October 17 & 18. Located at 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome.

Fire & Public Safety Day at Lowe’s

Meet Sparky the Fire Dog, check out fire trucks, and learn about fire safety! It’s happening Saturday, October 18th from 10 AM to Noon at Lowe’s Home Improvement, 1230 Erie Blvd W, Rome.

Coats for Kids Giveaway

No child should go cold this winter! Stop by the Rome Polish Home on Saturday, October 18th from 12–3 PM for free coats, hats, and mittens for grades K–12. Donations of gently used winter items are also accepted. Contact Kelly Dechene-Lubeck for details. Located at 415 S. George St., Rome.

Trick-or-Treat With Animals Here In Central New York

The Utica Zoo’s Spooktacular Harvest Festival returns October 18 and 19, transforming the zoo into a family-friendly Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treat stations, live entertainment, food trucks, and plenty of seasonal fun. For just $5 added to regular admission, families can enjoy candy stops, giveaways, costumes, and photo ops, along with free shuttle parking and extended zoo hours until 4:30 p.m. It’s the perfect mix of festive fall activities and animal exhibits, making this Halloween event one you won’t want to miss.

A Haunting at Taberg Fireman’s Field

Experience a spooky night of thrills Friday & Saturday, October 24th and 25th, from 5–11 PM. Saturday features a Trunk or Treat from 5–9 PM. Free admission, with donations benefiting the fire department. Located at 4121 NY-69, Taberg.

RFA Marching Knights “Rome to Dome 2025”

Don’t miss the Marching Knights’ big show on Saturday, October 25th at 1 PM at the RFA Stadium! Enjoy vendors, raffles, and concessions—cash and Venmo accepted. Free to attend!

Haunted Hallway Bazaar V

Downtown Rome transforms into a haunted market on Saturday, October 25th from 3–7 PM! Expect food trucks, vendors, entertainers, and family fun at 216 W. Dominick St., Rome.

2025 Vernon Center Maple Park Fall Festival

Come on out for a day of fun and fall activities and DJ

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Location: Vernon Center Maple Park
Time: Starts 3PM

Fall Fun Days at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Every weekend through October 26th, enjoy Fall Fun Days with tractor pull rides from 11 AM–3:30 PM for $2.50 per ticket (regular admission applies). Located at 5135 Rome New London Rd., Rome.

Psycho Path at Wood Creek Hollow

The scares run deep at Psycho Path, open weekends through Saturday, November 1st. Admission is $20 per guest, opening nightly at 7:30 PM. Find it at 3986 Wood Creek Rd., Rome.

Trick-or-Treat Train Rides at Erie Canal Village

All aboard for Halloween fun every weekend in October! Enjoy train rides and trick-or-treating Fridays through Sundays at Mohawk Valley Heritage Railroad, 5789 Rome New London Rd., Rome. Check Facebook for timing and ticket details.

Mortha’s 1st Annual Bewitching Ball

Dance under the moonlight at the Bewitching Ball on Saturday, November 1st from 6–11 PM. Tickets start at $15, with costume contests, live music, tarot readings, and mystical vendors. Held at the VFW, 315 N. Washington St., Rome.

Karaoke Nights at King Pin Lanes

If singing’s your thing, hit King Pin Lanes every First Friday of the month for karaoke! Vinylogic performs October 17th. Located at 7157 E. Dominick St., Rome.

READ MORE: Ultimate List Of 2025 Haunted Hayrides In Central New York

Herkimer County

2025 Herkimer College Fall Fest

Where else can you find axe throwing, wagon rides, a car show, and solar stargazing in one afternoon? This event is open to the public and promises a packed lineup for families and fall fanatics alike.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Location: Herkimer College, Herkimer, NY
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Madison County

2025 60th Annual Madison County Craft Festival

This craft show is a big deal—and rightfully so. From artisan booths to wine tastings and live music, it blends traditional festival vibes with some seriously elevated offerings.

Date: September 6–7, 2025
Location: Madison County Historical Society, Oneida, NY
Time: Sat: 10–5, Sun: 10–4

Ghost Hunts Return To Earlville Opera House

On Friday, October 3rd, and Saturday, October 4th, the historic 1892 theater will open its doors for guided paranormal investigations led by Pride Paranormal NY. Each night offers two sessions: 7PM to 9PM and 10PM to midnight. Read more online HERE.

Paranormal TV Star Brings Ghost Story To Central New York

A spine-tingling night on October 4th is coming to Chittenango as Chris DiCesare, better known as The Ghost Boy of Erie Hall, shares his famous haunting story at the museum on Lakeport Road. The evening kicks off at 6:30 PM with his firsthand account, followed by a guided paranormal investigation led by Syracuse Paranormal, where guests can explore the historic grounds with flashlights and search for signs of lingering spirits. Read more HERE.

READ MORE: Here’s What Fall 2025 Could Look Like In New York State

2025 Madison Central School District Fall Festival

Cozy, community-centered, and perfect for families. This PTO-run festival brings local fall traditions to life in a way that feels truly heartfelt.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Location: Madison Central School, Madison, NY
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Cortland County

2025 The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest

USA Today called it one of the top fall festivals in the country—and they weren’t wrong. Giant pumpkins, carnival rides, artisan vendors, live music, and a "Pumpkin Pub"? Count us in.

Date: October 4–5, 2025
Location: Courthouse Park, Downtown Cortland, NY
Time: Sat: 10–8, Sun: 10–5

READ MORE: Utica’s Riggie Run & Riggiefest: A Delicious Way To Support Veterans

Onondaga County

2025 OnFarm Fest

This one’s perfect for families or anyone curious about where their food comes from. Local farms open up for free tours and hands-on experiences—plus cider, music, and plenty of photo ops.

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Location: Various farms across Onondaga County
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

2025 Cazenovia Fall Fest Weekend

Think of this as the fall festival sampler platter: art events, spooky cocktails, beer releases, “Pumpkin Chuckin’,” and even a Ceme-Terrarium workshop. It spans several days, so plan accordingly.

Date: October 2–5, 2025
Location: Throughout Cazenovia, NY (multiple locations)

READ MORE: Discover The Most Haunted College In America

2025 Ponies and Pumpkin Spice at Lorenzo Historic Site

Sunday, October 5, 2025, 12–3 PM. Fall vibes meet vintage elegance.

2025 Abbott Farms Fall Fest

Yes, they have apple picking—but also an apple cannon, tube slides, wagon rides, and a full-on autumn playground for kids and adults alike. It runs all season long, so go more than once.

Date: Weekends, Sept 6–Oct 26, 2025
Location: Abbott Farms, Baldwinsville, NY

2025 Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration

This is the fall spot for grown-ups too. Sip cider, hear live music, eat from food trucks, and watch how cider is made while still enjoying all the farm-y goodness of the season.

Date: Weekends, Sept 13–Oct 19, 2025
Location: Critz Farms, Cazenovia, NY

READ MORE: Buy Fresh Apple Cider Within 100 Miles Of Upstate New York

2025 LaFayette Apple Festival

A long-standing favorite, now in its 52nd year! It’s all things apples, from fresh pies to cider, and even a vintage apple press experience for kids. Bring your sweet tooth and your camera.

Date: October 11–12, 2025
Location: LaFayette, NY

Ulster County (But Worth the Drive!)

2025 Rosendale International Pickle Festival

It’s quirky. It���s briny. It’s absolutely worth the drive. With 100+ vendors, tons of pickle varieties, crafts, and live music—it’s truly a one-of-a-kind fall event.

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Location: Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz, NY
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: $5 entry (kids under 12 free)

We Love Fall

Fall in Upstate New York is more than just pumpkin spice—it’s packed with character, creativity, and community. Whether you’re hopping farm to farm in Onondaga or heading down to Rosendale for pickle mania, there’s something here to shake up your usual fall weekend routine. Double-check event websites or social media pages as dates approach—fall weather (and event details) can shift.

Want To Add A Festival Or Fair?

Please email david.wheeler@townsquaremedia.com if you have another fair or festival we should add to the list.