Did you know that Schenectady County has more than 15 festivals from September through October? It is the perfect time of year to plan a weekend visit! Celebrate the rich heritage, the changing of the seasons, the arts, live music and delicious food and drink.
September 5-November 3: Autumn Glow Festival
Come to the Autumn Glow Festival at Mabee Farm and enter a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, interactive tunnels, a dino ride and more!
September 6-8: Cultural Festival Weekend
While the St. George Greek Orthodox Church's Greek Festival runs Friday through Sunday, it is one of five festivals on Saturday. Due to their proximity in the city of Schenectady, you can grab traditional food, enjoy music and dance at the Greek Festival and Little Italy StreetFest before heading to the Stockade Villagers' Art Show to peruse local art in a beautiful historical neighborhood. If you seek a more natural backdrop, Central Park holds the Schenectady Caribbean Fest, the largest free admission family-oriented Caribbean multi-cultural festival in the USA, and rural Glenville's Wolf Hollow Brewing Company has its annual Oktoberfest.
September 14-15: Community Festival Weekend
Stop by Jerry Burrell Park on Saturday for Latin Night, this year's last Culturefest showcasing the music and culture of the African Diaspora. Also on Saturday is Rotterdam's Hamburg Street Festival, with special games, giveaways, food, music, raffles and more! On Sunday, visit Congregation Agudat Achim's Carrot Festival for delicious carrot cake and Jewish food. Both festivals have an array of local performers, vendors, and activities for children.
September 21-22: Sweat & Saxophones
Visit the General Electric Plot neighborhood on Saturday for free music on the porches of historic homes during Porchfest. On Sunday, join in an immersive wellness experience at Frog Alley Brewing Company's Capital Sweat Festival with instruction from fitness experts, healthy food and networking opportunities.
September 28: Oktoberfests & History
From scenic helicopter flights to traditional Bavarian dancing, there is more than delicious beer and food at the Glenville Oktoberfest! Celebrate this Volksfest on Saturday in Maalwyck Park with 10,000 attendees before attending Frogtoberfest at the Frog Alley Brewing Company. Also on Saturday is the Stockade StreetFest with classic cars, antiques, vintage clothing, handmade crafts and more during the Stockade Walkabout.
October 12-13: 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 you still haven't had enough fall 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 19: Electric City Trucks, Taps, Corks & Foods
Schenectady ARC's annual festival at the ViaPort Rotterdam Mall has everything from food trucks to craft brews, music and a KidZone.
