Even if it’s a sign that the cold of winter is near, we can’t help but bask in the golden-amber colors, crisp fresh air, and fun past times of fall.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 still a concern, there are still ways to safely celebrate the season of change.
With our agency located right in the heart of the Finger Lakes, we’re especially blessed.
In fact, there’s so many neat family friendly events going on in our area that we thought we’d break from insurance for a moment to help you decide how you’re going to spend fall in the Finger Lakes.
Here’s a list to get you started.
When: Friday, October 1st – Sunday, October 3rd | 10:00 AM (Noon on Fri.) - 6:00 PM
Where: Downtown Ithaca
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The 39th Annual Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival celebrates apple growers and cider makers during a family-friendly weekend full of fresh apples and produce, live music, tasty food truck experiences, craft vendors, and delicious apple cider donuts!
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: To Be Announced Here.
When: Saturday, October 2nd | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: The Windmill Farm & Craft Market | 3900 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Cost: Free Admission
Details: This day of fun boasts activities for everyone! Face painting, pumpkin painting, Fall-themed refreshments, live entertainment, beer, artisan demonstrations, a vendor scarecrow contest, petting zoo, and a “spooky” book presentation and signing will all be happening at different times throughout the day.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: At this time there is no mask mandate in place, but the folks at The Windmill are closely monitoring Covid cases in the area. Readers may check their website or Facebook page for updates.
When: Saturday, October 2nd | Noon – 7 PM
Where: Main Street, Montour Falls (Just a couple blocks from our primary office!)
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The 14th annual harvest celebration in the Finger Lakes will boast loads of family friendly fun. From a talented line-up of live entertainment to unique local craft and food vendors – the usual staples of a good festival will be in full swing. On top of that, there will be a Kids Zone featuring games, prizes and face painting.
The festival wraps up with bonfire and fireworks cascading over the gorgeous Shequaga Falls, located at the end of Main Street in the center of the village’s historic district.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: According to the Facebook event, the “Harvest Festival committee is working closely with Public Health and following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe a fun festival experience for everyone.”
When: Saturday, October 2nd | 10 AM
Where: Hunt Country Vineyards, 4021 Italy Hill Rd., Branchport NY
Cost: Cost varies w/ most activities free
Details: Hunt Country Vineyards celebrates its 40th Anniversary with its 33rd Annual Harvest Festival!
This is a great choice for adults who enjoy local wines, tasty bites, traditional music, and educational demonstrations and tours.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: Masks not required for fully-vaccinated individuals. People who are not yet fully-vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Anyone else who prefers to wear a mask is encouraged to do so.
For more details, see section “Covid-19” at the bottom of this page.
When: Saturday, October 2nd – Sunday, October 3rd |10 AM – 5 PM)
Where: 9241 rt. 38 (1 mile N. of Newark Valley; 20 miles S. of Dryden)
Cost: Adults $6 / Seniors (60+) and NVHS Members $5 / Students $4 / Families $18 (2 adults and up to 2 kids) / Kids under 6 free
Details: This is a fun fest that will be particularly enjoyable for those who like to learn.
For over 40 years now the Newark Valley Apple Festival has blended the excitement of a Fall festival with an educational twist. Tours of the colonial farmhouse, 1800s skill demonstrations, and even a black powder public shoot are all unique attractions that make this event much more than a standard harvest festival.
Additional attractions include 2 stages of unique musical artists, a “Tractors of the Past” exhibit, a scarecrow contest, and horse & wagon rides.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: Unvaccinated individuals are asked to wear a mask at all times, and all visitors are asked to wear a mask while inside buildings. In addition, all food handlers will wear masks and gloves.
Should local coronavirus conditions become more strained, visitors will remain outdoors and the musicians will play in the barn facing outside toward the festival grounds in an effort to preserve the festival fun while making a conscious to promote safety.
When: Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 10 |
Where: The Village of Candor, NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: A robust local scarecrow contest, festival food and other family fun activities are usual staples of this annual event. We expect more to be announced about this event in the near future.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: Expected to be announced at the Candor Chamber of Commerce website.
When: Saturday, October 25th | 11 AM – 3 PM
Where: Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes - 59 West Pulteney Street, Corning, NY 14830
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Located at the historic Heritage Village, there is plenty to learn about at the Annual Heritage Festival, including blacksmithing, hearth cooking, spinning, woodworking and more.
Old timey music, delicious food, farm animals, a country store and raffles are other highlights included in this educational festival that’s great for families with children.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: Masks are required for unvaccinated guest, and strongly recommended for all other visitors.
When: Friday, October 29th (Opens at 5 PM) – Saturday, October 30th (Opens at Noon)
Where: Watkins Glen International, 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen NY
Cost: $45 General Admission
Details: Featuring 40 NYS breweries, distilleries and cideries, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival celebrates its 8th year with tastings, a cornhole tournament, a stein-holding competition, live music and even pace car rides around the Watkins Glen International road course. (21+ Event)
Festivities kick off with a Friday night “Boos and Brews” Halloween-themed event that includes a costume contest, beer samplings, and a live DJ, with the beer festival opening at noon the following day.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: Details found here.
When: Saturday, October 30th | 1 PM (Trick or Treating starts at 3 PM)
Where: The Windmill Farm & Craft Market | 3900 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Trick or treating will be in full swing from 3:00 pm to 4:30 or until the vendors run out of candy. Beforehand, The Dancing Witches of the Southern Tier will make an appearance at 1 o’clock. The family fun compliments the many regular attractions the vendors at The Windmill Farm & Craft Market already have to offer.
Covid-19 Safety Guidelines/Requirements: At this time there is no mask mandate in place, but the folks at The Windmill are closely monitoring Covid cases in the area. Readers may check their website or Facebook page for updates.