As summer bids farewell and autumn arrives, New York State comes alive with an exciting array of events in September. Celebrate the harvest, canals, food, wine, and much more. Soar above the Adirondacks in a hot air balloon or immerse yourself in a historic Italian street festival in New York City. But that’s just the beginning– enjoy fantastic music and film festivals, witness America’s top projection arts festival, and join one of the northeast’s premier motorcycle gatherings. All of this and more awaits you in New York State this September!

 

Commemorate Underground Railroad Month (Multiple Regions)

Credit: @crossedthedesertsbare on Instagram

Commemorate Underground Railroad Month, which is held every September, the month in which two of the most well-known freedom seekers and Underground Railroad operatives, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, escaped from slavery. Explore New York’s Underground Railroad system from Brooklyn to Buffalo and everywhere in between. From The Harriet Tubman National Historic Park to the North Star Underground Railroad Museum to the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center to the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira, there are many ways to learn about New York State’s and New Yorkers’ roles in the Underground Railroad. 

Celebrate New York State Grapes (Multiple Regions)

Dates vary

Looking for a grape time this September? Immerse yourself in a celebration of grape-growing and harvesting while indulging in a wide selection of award-winning wines at the Westfield Grape and Wine Festival, happening at two locations in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region (September 7-8). Uncover unique treasures at the Westfield Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market (every Saturday in September), and explore the fascinating world of grapes at the Grape Discovery Center where you’ll learn about the art and science of grape cultivation, the rich history behind the region’s vineyards, and the intricate process of winemaking. Westfield; free admission. Don’t miss everyone’s favorite event, Naples Greatest Grape Pie Contest at the Naples Grape Festival (September 28-29), often recognized as “The Best Festival in the Finger Lakes.” It’s a deliciously fun time, with the ever-popular Brahm Moore Beverage Garden and Music tent to keep you rocking and smiling all weekend long! Naples; free admission, parking is $5 per car.

September 3-15

Credit: @lisaspoonertv on Instagram

From new takes on established classics to star-studded modern masterpieces, Broadway is the pinnacle of live theater. No visit to New York City is complete without experiencing the rousing entertainment available in midtown Manhattan’s theater district. During New York City Broadway Week, you can enjoy the best of Broadway with 2-for-1 tickets to participating shows. Choose from musical sensations, exquisitely staged dramas, critically acclaimed Tony Award winners, family-friendly productions, comedies, and celebrity spotlights. It’s a great time to experience world-class entertainment while saving big on the best of Broadway! New York City; various locations and prices.

September 6-11

NYFW: The Menu features top culinary destinations participating in a unique fashion-meets-cuisine experience for both the fashion industry and consumers, offering exclusive menu items that are only available during New York Fashion Week. Participating restaurants include Caviar Kaspia at The Mark, Hav & Mar, American Bar, Bangkok Supper Club, Librae Bakery, Nami Nori, Temple Bar, and Jac’s on Bond. Participants will also have the opportunity to win tickets to a September 2024 NYFW show and VIP shopping experience. Various restaurants throughout NYC, reservations required; prices vary.

September 6-7

Prepare to be amazed as LUMA, America’s premier projection arts festival, returns to transform downtown Binghamton’s buildings into creative masterpieces with the use of powerful light projectors and 3D animation. As the projected light overpowers the city’s architecture, you’ll feel like you’re at a giant outdoor art gallery where the paintings tower over you six stories high! You’ll see City Hall transform into a gingerbread house and the courthouse become Stonehenge. Binghamton; free admission; a few features require tickets that you can buy online in advance.

September 7

The first annual Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities will be held at the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center. The event is dedicated to bringing together people with disabilities, their families, friends, companions, and supporters throughout the North Country region to celebrate and experience the uplifting power of community and nature, and to be a source of inspiration for each other. Festival activities include guided walks along the trails, birding, craft workshops, nature sensory play, story sharing around the campfire, live music, craft vendors, and food. Paul Smiths; free admission.

September 7-8

Credit: Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest

Indulge in a wine lover’s ideal weekend in the Hudson Valley when hundreds of wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries (along with some of the region’s best restaurants) come together at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. This annual event features hundreds of New York wines, more than 100 gourmet specialty foods, lifestyle vendors, food samples, and live entertainment. You’ll also enjoy cooking demos and seminars, and have the chance to meet and speak to winemakers from some of the state’s best wineries. Rhinebeck; various prices, beginning at $11.59. Please visit this link for more information.

September 10-21

Credit: @rochesterfringe on Instagram

Since its inaugural year in 2012, the Rochester Fringe Festival has become one of the fastest-growing and most-attended fringe festivals in the U.S., and the largest multi-arts festival in New York State. The 12-day, no-holds-barred festival draws more than 650,000 visitors from all over the world to downtown Rochester to be captivated by more than 4,500 multidisciplinary visual and performing arts events. On September 21, the festival holds its annual free Kids Day which will feature family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting, chalk art, and Disco Kids. Rochester; free and ticketed events.

September 11-15

Start revving your engines for one of the best motorcycle festivals in the northeast! Featuring scenic motorcycle rides and games, bike-build offs, motocross stunts, spaghetti wrestling, and even fire breathing– Catskill Mountain Thunder is a guaranteed good time. From shopping the huge vendor expo to enjoying live entertainment with headlining bands: Drowning Pool, Adelitas Way, and Saliva, this gathering truly offers something for everyone! East Durham; prices vary.

September 12-22

Credit: @emilymccahthy on Instagram

Get ready for the feast of all feasts with this iconic and historic street festival, dating back to 1926 and spanning 11 blocks of Manhattan’s Little Italy! At the Feast of San Gennaro, you’ll enjoy delicious food from some of the city’s best Italian restaurants, free concerts, the world-famous cannoli-eating competition, and vibrant parades, including the Grand Procession featuring marching bands, floats, and the statue of San Gennaro. This year’s Grand Marshal is chef and television personality Anne Burrell. New York City; free admission.

September 13 & 20

You’re invited to take an extraordinary culinary adventure through the vibrant flavors of Latin America! The NY Latin Food Festival Series spans multiple weekends, offering a unique celebration for food lovers, music, dance, and art enthusiasts, and culture aficionados. Immerse yourself in the rich Hispanic heritage right in the heart of New York City. Tickets are required and availability is limited (first come, first serve), so RSVP now to ensure your spot! New York City; tickets start at $9.31; click here for more information.

September 13-November 17

Credit: @sahquart on Instagram

Halloween lovers are getting ready for the Hudson Valley’s most electrifying fall event – the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze! Now in its 20th year and taking place at Van Cortlandt Manor, visitors will walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of the 18th-century estate and be amazed by thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns. Complete with an all-original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects, it’s a spectacle you must see to believe! Trick or treat yourself to exclusive souvenirs and local finds in the gift shop. Croton-on-Harmon; $32/adults, $31/seniors and young adults (18-25), $24/children. 

September 14

For 19 years, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival has featured a wealth of jazz greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists, and local favorites at one of the area’s most spectacular venues. This all-day concert features world-class music, great food, and beverages. The festival is perfect for all ages, and best of all, admission is free! Cap off the day by sticking around for fireworks at 8pm! Albany; free admission.

September 14-15

You’re invited to celebrate the rich traditions of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh cultures at the Niagara County Fairgrounds! Take part in an exciting variety of activities and performances like the thrilling Highland Games, featuring ancient strongman competitions like the caber toss and stone throw. The festival also offers live music, dance performances, artisan vendors, and delicious Celtic cuisine. With its family-friendly atmosphere and immersive cultural experiences, this is a must-do for anyone looking to celebrate Celtic heritage, or simply enjoy a fun and active weekend. Lockport; children 12 & under free admission; adults (13+) $35 for the weekend, $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday; seniors/military/students $33 for the weekend, $23 for Saturday, $18 for Sunday. Online ticket purchases offer a slight discount and include a chance to win a door prize.

Sept. 19-22

Credit: @vaniasworld on Instagram

Soar into September at the Adirondack Balloon Festival! The festival is one of the largest balloon events on the East Coast, drawing 100,000 people each year to witness amazing hot air balloon launches and flights. Balloon flights occur just after sunrise and close to sunset, and do not fly throughout the day. Queensbury and Glens Falls; free admission and general parking.

September 21

Credit: @adirondackharvest on Instagram

As the leaves turn fiery hues and the air carries a hint of apple cider, the Adirondacks prepare to celebrate the bountiful arrival of harvest season. Held at the Essex County Fairgrounds, the Adirondack Harvest Festival, which began in 2016, features a farmers’ market, farming demonstrations and talks, food trucks, hands-on activities for kids and adults, local craft beer, live music, hiking along Champlain area trails, farm animals, draft horse and wagon rides, presentations by 4-H groups, and horse barrel racing (a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time). This year’s festival theme is “Adirondacks in Bloom,” showcasing locally grown flowers and flowering plants. Don’t miss this great opportunity to revel in one of the region’s most colorful (and delicious) seasons! Westport; free admission.

September 21

PearlPalooza, downtown Albany’s biggest all-day free music festival is back! Jam to live music, find your zen at Yogapalooza, and grab a bite to eat from local vendors in the heart of downtown Albany. This family-friendly festival features a diverse lineup of acclaimed local and international performers and takes place just steps away from some of the city’s finest dining, retail, and entertainment venues. Albany; free admission; $5 event parking available in specific parking garages.

September 21-22

Credit: Cuba NY Chamber of Commerce

Prepare your senses for a celebration of all things garlic! This fun and aromatic event features a variety of garlic-themed foods, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and garlic-inspired contests as you appreciate the local culture and small town charm of Cuba, NY. Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the festival is sure to be a memorable experience! Cuba; $8; children 10 and under admitted free.

September 21-22

Credit: @jelizh8r on Instagram

Ahoy! It’s time for all mariners and mariners-at-heart to gather for this family-friendly festival celebrating Greenport’s maritime history. Enjoy live music, Irish step dancing, a snapper fishing contest, 100 vendors featuring hand crafted and unique items, children’s games, and craft and maritime demonstrations. You’ll also get to see kayak races, the US Coast Guard tent, the Merry Merfolk contest, roving sea shanties from the Johnson Girls and Chris Koldewey, as well as sample wine, beer, and delicious foods. Be sure to check out the festive Merfolk Parade on Saturday, where all are welcome to dress up as mermaids, pirates, and sea creatures! Greenport; free admission to the festival.

September 28

Credit: @abc50_thefunstation on Instagram

For an uplifting, family-friendly seasonal celebration, head to the village green in Cape Vincent for their annual Oktoberfest. You’ll enjoy an Autumn Farmers and Crafters Market, kids’ section, beer garden offering samples of authentic German beer, and tastings from a New York State winery. The fest will also feature a wide variety of traditional Bavarian fares including pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage, German potato salad, apple strudel, and Hoffman hot dogs. Cape Vincent; free admission.

September 28

Credit: Saratoga Bridges

Head to Saratoga Spa State Park for a great opportunity to get healthy while walking or running at a fun, family-friendly event celebrating the fall season. Be one of the first 1,200 participants and you’ll receive a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt. The day will be filled with costume and pumpkin contests, prizes for overall winners and top runners in each age group, and treats galore! Saratoga Springs; $25 through September 15; increases to $30 starting September 16; registration ends September 24. Please visit this link to register.

September 28

Spend a day on the Erie Canal celebrating harvest season in the heart of historic Lockport at the 11th annual Locktoberfest. Try delicious food and drinks from local farms and food trucks while you learn about the unique history of the area at the Erie Canal Discovery Center and witness the original Flight of Five Locks in motion. There will be free activities for kids, live music all day long, and a beer tasting tent, all happening on Lockport’s Canal Street. Lockport; free admission.

September 28-29

Credit: @thenikkiweston on Instagram

Have you ever tried garlic ice cream? How about spicy garlic peanut butter? If not, you’re in for a treat at the two-day Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. This grand celebration of the “stinking rose” features a “garlic marketplace” with gourmet garlic-infused foods ranging from garlic sausage and garlic hot sauce to garlic chocolate. The festival also offers live music, cooking demos and lectures, fine art and craft vendors, and a children’s activities tent. Just be sure to pack some breath mints for this one. Saugerties; $10/adults, $8/seniors, free for children under 12.

---

Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!