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.
With our agency located right in the heart of the Finger Lakes, we’re especially blessed.
If it seems like there’s plenty of celebrations going on to commemorate the season of change, that’s because there is.
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.
Ithaca’s Apple Harvest Festival
When: Friday, September 27th – Sunday, September 29th | Fri: 12PM – 6PM | Sat & Sun: 10AM – 6PM
Where: Ithaca Commons
Cost: Free Admission
Details: This will be the 37th Annual Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival. The fest brings in loads of apple farmers (who in turn bring in loads of apples), fresh baked treats and local produce, family entertainment, rides, two live performance stages and more.
Downtown Ithaca is the place to be when the Apple Harvest Festival is going on. You can download the map and schedule for the festival at the link listed above.
Fall Family Festival at Shtayburne Farm
When: Saturday, October 5th | 10PM – 4PM
Where: Shtayburne Farm, 2909 Chase Road, Rock Stream NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The Shtayburne Farm hosts their 4th annual Fall Family Fest this year.
This year’s festival will include hayrides, farm tours, a play area and 50¢ games for the kids (w/ prizes), a pumpkin decorating contest, a petting zoo, a bounce house, a s’more bar, and local vendors.
Be sure to check the link above for the vendor list and a schedule of events.
Family Harvest Festival at Buttonwood Grove
When: Saturday, October 5th | 11AM
Where: Buttonwood Grove Winery, 5986 State Route 89, Romulus NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Come around for a fun day on the family farm w/ hayrides, grape picking and stomping, live music, pumpkin decorating, wine tasting (or juice tasting for the kiddos), and more.
Nothing gets you in the harvest mood like visiting a true family farm.
Falls Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, October 5th | 12PM – 7PM
Where: Main Street, Montour Falls, NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The Falls Harvest Festival boasts lots of family friendly fun each year. There will be bounce houses, a puppet show, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and other various attractions for the kids.
Live entertainment will include a barbershop chorus, an illusionist, a teaser for the upcoming Dream Barn Productions show, and music by The Sweats - as well as welding and chainsaw art demonstrations.
The festival takes place just down the street from our agency and we are a proud sponsor!
The Great Cortland Pumpkin Fest
When: Saturday, October 5th – Sunday, October 6th | Sat: 9AM – 5PM | Sun: 10AM – 4PM
Where: Courthouse Park, 37 Church Street, Cortland NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Pumpkins of course! Along with talented local performers on multiple stages, a Kids’ Zone w/ games and activities for all ages, local artists and vendors, hayrides, festival food, and other attractions.
There really is a little something for everyone at The Great Cortland Pumpkin Fest.
Newark Valley Apple Festival
When: Saturday, October 5th – Sunday, October 6th | 10AM
Where: Bement Billings Farmstead, 8980 Main Street, Newark Valley NY
Cost: Varied Pricing (Adults $6)
Details: It’s the 40th annual Newark Valley Apple Festival.
There will be tours of the colonial farmhouse, 1800s skill demonstrations, a black powder public shoot, activities for kids, food, crafts and more. This is a fun fest that will be particularly enjoyable for those who like to learn.
Candor Fall Festival
When: Friday, October 11th – Sunday, October 13th | 10AM
Where: Village of Candor - Route 96/Spencer Avenue, Candor NY
Cost: Free Admission
Details: A local scarecrow contest, world-class woodcarvers show, craft/flea markets, festival food, and other entertainment are all a part of this family friendly event.
All Hallows Eve at the Heritage Village
When: Saturday, October 19th | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes - 59 West Pulteney Street, Corning, NY 14830
Cost: $2 per person
Details: Enjoy a spooky stroll through the old buildings and grounds of the historic heritage village. With themes like “Terror in the Tavern”, “The Widow of Wixon Road”, and “Death in the Dining Hall”, there will be plenty of Halloween spirit about.
In addition, there will be children’s make-and-take crafts, vintage Halloween movies, yummy treats, cider and candy. This is a good visit for families who like a taste of history.
Halloween in Downtown Ithaca
When: Friday, October 25th | 4PM – 6PM
Where: Downtown Ithaca w/ Halloween party at Center Ithaca in the atrium - 171 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Plan on “ghoulish” games and activities, tasty snacks, and even trick-or-treating inside participating shops and restaurants.
Trick-or-Treat at The Windmill
When: Saturday, October 26th | 2PM – 4PM
Where: The Windmill Farm and Craft Market - 3900 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, New York 14527
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The vendors at The Windmill will be handing out treats for kids 12 and younger in costume. There will be free cider and donuts for the kids and a costume judging.
This could be a nice alternative to some of the large fall festivals we’ve mentioned above. Be sure to browse through the crafts if you attend.
Haunted Garden Stroll at Sonnenberg
When: Sunday, October 27 | 6PM – 8:30PM
Where: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park - 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Cost: $8 per person (under 5 free)
Details: Family friendly – but the kids had better like a good scare!
This “haunted” stroll takes you through the historic Sonnenberg grounds amidst strange sights, sounds, and characters. It’s a half mile walk with refreshments available for purchase – and a great way to get into the spooky holiday spirit as it’s just a few days before Halloween.