rDid 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 23
The Hamilton Hill Arts Center presents the Multi Cutural Festival. Honoring the rich traditions of Black, African, Carribean 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.
September 4th - November 2: Autumn Glow Festival
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. Tickets also includes a high-energy acrobatic show featuring award-winning Zigong Acrobatic Troupe! Savor delicious bites and drinks from local vendors, and enjoy family-friendly fun and accessible amenities for a perfect night out.
September 5-7: Cultural Festival Weekend
Festival Weekend: 5 Festivals, Endless Fun!
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 is serving up authentic Italian fare, live performances, and 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 spot to enjoy local creativity and timeless architecture.
Craving island vibes? Head to Central Park for the Schenectady Caribbean Fest, the largest free-admission, family-friendly Caribbean cultural celebration in the U.S.! Expect vibrant music, dancing, food, and a whole lot of color.
Wrap up your day in the countryside at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company's Oktoberfest in rural Glenville, where craft beer, German eats, and live music will keep the festive spirit going strong.
September 13-14: Community Festival Weekend
Saturday brings the lively Hamburg Street Festival in Rotterdam, where you can enjoy games, giveaways, tasty food, live music, raffles, and much more! 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. Both festivals feature local performers, unique vendors, and plenty of fun for kids.
September 20-23: Rhythms & Fun
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 on their porches. Then head down to Albany street for the Friends N' Farmers Fall Festival for an afternoon of fall fun for the whole community! There will be lots of fall treats, community resources, and a special guest trotting your way - a pony!
September 27: Oktoberfest
From scenic helicopter flights to traditional Bavarian dancing, there is more than delicious beer and food at the Glenville Oktoberfest! Celebrate on Saturday in Maalwyck Park with 10,000 attendees before attending Knocktoberfest at the Frog Alley Brewing Company with Cage Wars, live music, and great beer.
October 4-5: 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 is an eco-friendly experience, featuring electric vehicles, green tech, and sustainability-focused exhibits. If you’re in the mood for more fall fun, don’t miss the Fall Craft Fair at Serenity Silos Farm, where handcrafted goods and autumn vibes await.
October 10-12: Fall Festivals
Hop on a hay ride, marvel at fall foliage from a chairlift, paint pumpkins and play in bounce houses at the Maple Ski Ridge Fall Festival on Saturday! If your looking for some river views, live music with adult drinks and games come down to Max410's Oktoberfest! Advanced tickets required. If you still haven't had enough fall family fun, visit the Dutch colonial Mabee Farm on Sunday for their Fall Fest with pony rides, boat rides, a petting zoo, local craft vendors and more!
October 18: Nightmare Market
The Upper Union Street Harvest Festival is back with a fun day for the whole family. Live music, trick-or-treating, food, vendors, activities, and more await you on this Step into The Nightmare Market, Schenectady’s ultimate alternative event! This market celebrates all things quirky, spooky, and unconventional, featuring local artists, unique vendors, and imaginative small businesses. Discover one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed artwork, handcrafted curiosities, oddities, vintage finds, and much more. Whether searching for a unique treasure or embracing the strange and unusual, there’s something for everyone.
October 24-27
Enjoy live music from Grand Central Station with a Trunk or Treat at the Town of Rotterdam Fall Festival on 10/24 (Friday night). Or enjoy a fun afternoon of pumpkin decorating at Wolf Hollow on Saturday, 10/25.
