Experience your best autumn ever
Fall is a great time to experience the Adirondacks. Known for their breathtaking mountains, rich history, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Adirondacks come alive in a whole new way when the leaves change. With a colorful backdrop, local festivals celebrate everything from apples and moose to crafts and outdoor fun. The result is a mix of family-friendly events and classic Adirondack experiences. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, this is your best chance to see Hamilton County at its most vibrant and welcoming.
Rustic and Artisan Street Fair
September 6-7, 2025
The Rustic and Artisan Street Fair is a two-day celebration of handcrafted Adirondack artistry. Explore rustic furniture, furnishings, and fine art created by regional and national makers. Included with museum admission.
Inlet Fall Festival
September 20-21, 2025
Each September the community of Inlet comes together at Fern Park for a weekend filled with live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and family fun. With dozens of vendors offering handmade goods, local food, and unique gifts, the Inlet Fall Festival is a great way to celebrate the season. Enjoy face painting, jugglers, raffles, and more. Free admission and parking.
Speculator Bear and Wine Festival
September 20, 2025
Sip and savor the flavors of New York at this unique lakeside festival in Speculator. Enjoy tastings from local wineries, distilleries, and cider makers, alongside handcrafted goods, food trucks, and live music. Meet local DEC officers, learn about living responsibly with black bears, and soak in mountain views and community charm. Admission to the Speculator Bear and Wine Festival includes samples for guests 21 and over.
Apple Fest in Speculator
September 27, 2025
Celebrate one of New York’s favorite fall traditions with apples in every form—cider, donuts, pies, and more. Apple Fest in Speculator takes place in late September and features local and regional vendors, baked goods, games, crafts, and seasonal fun for the whole family.
Great Adirondack Moose Festival
September 26-28, 2025
Celebrate the return of moose to the Adirondacks with this one-of-a-kind fall festival in Indian Lake. The Great Adirondack Moose Festival features moose-themed contests, family activities, educational displays, and a chance to spot one of the region’s most iconic animals. Past favorites include moose calling, a “Strut Your Mutt” dog parade, turkey shoot, and the kid-favorite “Count the Moose Scat” challenge.
Oaktoberfest
September 28, 2025
Join the family-friendly celebration set against the backdrop of colorful autumn at Oak Mountain in Speculator for Oaktoberfest. This lively fall festival features live music, scenic lift rides, fall favorites at The Acorn Pub, kettle corn, cotton candy, and more. Vendors, beer and wine sampling, and a craft market add to the fun—all with proceeds supporting the Oak Mountain Ski Patrol.
Adirondack Kids Day
October 4, 2025
Inlet's Adirondack Kids Day brings a fun-filled day created just for kids! This family-friendly event features free activities throughout downtown Inlet and Arrowhead Park. Enjoy a fishing derby, children’s book fair, bounce house, live raptors, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.
FallFest
October 5, 2025
FallFest is a day of fall traditions at the Adirondack Experience museum in Blue Mountain Lake. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, pumpkin painting, apple cider tasting, and hands-on crafts for all ages. Demonstrations in fiber arts and seasonal games round out this fun, family-friendly event.
Octo-BEAR Fest
Early October
Celebrate fall and support a good cause at Octo-BEAR-fest, hosted at Hoss’s Country Campground in Long Lake. This benefit festival raises funds for Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund, helping cancer patients with out-of-pocket costs. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, vendors, silent auctions, face painting, and more.
It's almost time to leaf!
Now’s a great time to start looking for a place to stay to experience fall in the Adirondacks. While autumn is a memorable time to visit, there’s fun to be had in every season. Check out the full events calendar to see what else is going on.