It’s September: the kids are back to school, the days are shorter and there is sometimes a hint of a crisp chill to the air. Summer is coming to an end. But luckily for us, the fall season in New York State is packed with non-stop fun. From apple picking to Halloween Hijinx, there is plenty to do from the Big Apple all the way up to Niagara Falls. So get your calendars out and make some plans. These seven fall festivals—think Oktoberst, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and a delicious chowder fest—will keep you busy and provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The best part? All of these activities are easily accessible via Amtrak.
Distance from the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 3.6 miles
One of the best ways to take advantage of this season’s fun is at Oktoberfest NYC. Held at the Watermark Waterfront Bar at Pier 15 —with amazing views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges—the festival runs from September 14 through October 27. Seven days a week you can partake in a traditional Oktoberfest experience. Enjoy authentic German beer, giant pretzels and brats. There is free admission to the festival, but you should RSVP here and make table reservations before heading out for an afternoon or evening of fun. One liter steins are available for $15; 1/2 liter steins cost $10.
Distance from the Croton-Harmon Station (CRT): 8.8 miles
Westchester is home to plenty of fun fall activities, but one of its greatest is the nationally-recognized Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor. This event is easily accessible via the Croton-Harmon Station, (a five-minute drive via taxi.) The 20th anniversary of this spectacular event runs from Sept. 13 through Nov. 17 this fall, and has both indoor and outdoor activities. Walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of an 18th-century estate lined with 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns, all crafted by a team of local artisans. Synchronized lighting and special effects elevate the entire experience. Meet life-sized dinosaurs, try to not get stuck in the 24-foot spider web, and gaze at stars in the Pumpkin Planetarium. New in 2024, spot the giant Kraken rising from the Croton River, and step into the Gourd & Goblet Tavern, a new VIP experience on the pumpkin trail. Prices range from $24- $72, buy advanced tickets here.
Distance from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Station (RHI): 2.9 miles
One of the most unique ways to celebrate the Fall season is at the beloved Sheep & Wool Festival, held October 19-20 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, and gates open at 9am. Attend a sheep or goat show (everything from the Northeast Angora Goat Show to Leeping Llamas to a wool fashion show); view a fiber competition, attend a workshop, watch the frisbee dogs, visit with a wide range of vendors who are selling fibers and finished crafts. Buy pre-sale online tickets for $12 (plus a $1.50 convenience fee) here. Tickets are $15 upon arrival at the gate, and children 11 and under are free.
Distance from the Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB): 59 miles
Munich comes to the New York mountains with the 18th annual Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest, held on Saturday, October 19, from 1-5 pm at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George. Enjoy nonstop polka music, the Adirondack Brewery Beer Garden, keg tossing, corn hole and more. Chow down on endless bratwurst, knackwurst, potato pancakes and other delicious festive foods. Tickets are $60 at the door; advanced tickets can be bought for $55, and tickets for designated drivers can all be purchased here.
Distance from the Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB): 9 miles
Exploring Troy, NY, is always fun. But the Collar City will be especially appealing—and will smell great—on Sunday, October 13, as the 17th annual ChowderFest returns from 12-5 pm. Walk around and sample chowder, soup and other delicious treats from a diverse group of restaurants and independent vendors. Entertainment and craft vendors will also be located throughout the walkable downtown district. The event is free; samples can be purchased for $2 per each 4 oz cup. In previous years, the festival had soups ranging from seafood chowder to buffalo chicken chowder to autumn bounty chowder. The public is then encouraged to vote for their favorite chowders.
Distance from the Syracuse Station (SYR): 1.7 miles
The second annual Syracuse Inner Harbor Festival plans to bring lots of fun to the Salt City. The festival occurs September 27-28, and the event highlight will be dragon boat racing on the Seneca River to benefit Clear Path for Veterans and The Baldwin Fund. In addition, the family-friendly event will include food trucks, live music, carnival rides, a 5K race, fireworks, craft vendors and much more. You can join a racing team, become a volunteer, or get tickets to attend the event here. General admission is $5 ahead of time or at the gate. The event includes free parking as well.
