Did you know that Schenectady County is FULL of fun fall festivals, events, and family friendly activities? It is the perfect time of year to plan a weekend visit! Celebrate the rich heritage, the changing of the seasons, the arts, culture, live music and delicious food and drink.
Starting on August 15:
The Hamilton Hill Arts Center presents the Multi Cultural Festival. Honoring the rich traditions of Black, African, Caribbean and Latino Communities. Experience the rhythms, flavors, and vibes of the Diaspora with contests & prizes, live performances, dancing, and delicious cuisine giving you a taste around the World.
August 21-23:
Join 85+ artists and crafters at the Mabee Farm Arts & Crafts Festival with their eclectic, beautifully handcrafted items. All items are handmade here in our region, and include jewelry, home decor, fine art, ceramics, artisan foods and wines, soaps, candles, woodworking, and more! Featuring live music!
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence at the Schenectady County Freedom Festival. Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs for a night filled with live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of summer fun. The celebration ends with a spectacular drone light show, illuminating the night sky with a dazzling display.
August 28 - November 2:
Come to the Autumn Glow Festival at Mabee Farm and Wander through hundreds of glowing Chinese lanterns, handcrafted by skilled artisans and lit with vibrant LEDs. Savor delicious bites and drinks from local vendors, and enjoy family-friendly fun and accessible amenities for a perfect night out.
September 11-13: Cultural Festival Weekend
Looking for the ultimate way to spend a Saturday? Schenectady has five vibrant festivals happening on the same day and they're all within a short distance of each other!
Start your day with delicious gyros, baklava, traditional music, and dancing at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Festival, running Friday through Sunday. Just a short stroll away, the Little Italy StreetFest serves up authentic Italian fare, live performances, and plenty of old-world charm.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Stockade Villagers’ Art Show, nestled in one of Schenectady’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods. It's the perfect place to admire local creativity while taking in the area's timeless architecture.
Craving island vibes? Head to Central Park for the Schenectady Caribbean Day, the largest free-admission, family-friendly Caribbean cultural celebration in the U.S.! Expect vibrant music, dancing, delicious food, and a whole lot of color.
Ready to keep the festivities going? Head out to the countryside for Wolf Hollow Brewing Company's Oktoberfest in rural Glenville, where craft beer, German eats, and live music will keep the festive spirit going strong.
Who doesn't love a good food truck? Don't miss trying something new at the annual Trucks Taps Corks and Forks fundraiser at the Liberty ARC on Hamburg Street. Saturday brings the lively Hamburg Street Festival in Rotterdam, where you can enjoy games, giveaways, tasty food, live music, raffles, and much more!
September 18-20:
All weekend long, enjoy the SciFi Schenectady FilmFest! Celebrate cinema at the intersection of science, science fiction and fantasy with award-winning features, a curated selection of international and domestic shorts, acclaimed cult classics, science inspired films, expert panel presentations, talkbacks, and out-of-this-world parties!
On Saturday, bring your chairs or simply stroll through the Historic General Electric Plot for the 4th annual Porchfest, where historic homes host free live music performed right on their porches. It's a great way to discover local musicians and enjoy some of schenectady's history.
September 26: Oktoberfest & Stockade StreetFest
From scenic helicopter flights to traditional Bavarian dancing, there's much more to enjoy than delicious beer and food at the Glenville Oktoberfest! Celebrate Saturday at Maalwyck Park alongside thousands of attendees and enjoy a full day of German-inspired food, music and dancing.
Then head down to Albany street for the Friends N' Farmers Fall Festival, an afternoon of fall fun for the whole community! Expect plenty of seasonal treats, community resources, and even a special guest trotting your way - a pony!
Over in the historic Stockade neighborhood, the Stockade Walkabout offers a rare chance to step inside some of the area's unique historic homes. The day also features music, costumed characters, exhibits at the Schenectady County Historical Society, an archaeology dig, and artifacts left behind by early residents. The event is held in partnership with the Stockade StreetFest.
October 3-5: Crafts, Fall Fun, and Sustainability Fair
Don't miss the largest EV Fair in the Northeast, right in Downtown Schenectady! The NY Capital Region Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair offers an eco-friendly experience, featuring electric vehicles, green technology, and sustainability-focused exhibits.
If you’re in the mood for more fall fun, head to Serenity Silos Farm for its Fall Craft Fair, where you'll find handcrafted goods, local vendors, and cozy autumn vibes.
October 10-12: Fall Festivals
Ready for some classic fall fun? Hop on a hayride, take in the fall foliage from a chairlift, paint pumpkins, and let the kids burn off some energy in bounce houses at the Maple Ski Ridge Fall Festival on Saturday!
Then, on Sunday, if you still haven't had enough fall family fun, head to the Dutch colonial Mabee Farm Historic Site on Sunday for their Fall Fest with pony rides, boat rides, a petting zoo, local craft vendors and and lots of seasonal fun for everyone.
Also, on Sunday make your way to Congregation Agudat Achim’s Carrot Festival, where you can indulge in scrumptious carrot cake, traditional Jewish dishes, and a host of family-friendly activities. Enjoy featured local performers, unique vendors, and plenty of fun for kids.
October 17: Nightmare Market
Discover Halloween-themed artwork, handcrafted curiosities, oddities, vintage finds, and plenty of unexpected treasures. Whether you're searching for something truly unique or simply embracing the strange and unusual, there’s something for everyone at the The Nightmare Market.
