New York State is offering a range of events this September as the summer transitions to autumn. Activities across the state include food festivals, arts showcases, cultural celebrations, and outdoor gatherings.
September marks Underground Railroad Month, commemorating freedom seekers Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. Events and exhibits are being held at locations such as The Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and John W. Jones Museum in Elmira.
Wine enthusiasts can attend the Westfield Grape and Wine Festival on September 19-20 in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region. The Naples Grape Festival follows on September 27-28 in the Finger Lakes area. Both festivals feature wine tastings, local foods, contests, and live music.
Garlic lovers have several options including Waterdrinker North Fork’s Long Island Garlic Festival (September 13-14), Cuba Garlic Festival (September 21-22), and Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (September 27-28). These events offer garlic-inspired foods, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, and vendor markets.
The M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival takes place in Rochester on September 6-7 with original artwork displays, live music, food trucks, and access to the Memorial Art Gallery’s exhibitions.
NYC Broadway Week runs from September 8-21. Visitors can purchase two-for-one tickets for various Broadway shows during this period at participating theaters in Manhattan’s theater district.
In Binghamton, the LUMA Projection Arts Festival will be held on September 5-6. This event uses light projectors and animation to transform city buildings into visual art installations.
Albany hosts its Riverfront Jazz Festival on September 6 at Jennings Landing Amphitheatre. The festival features performances by jazz musicians along with food vendors and concludes with fireworks.
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest is scheduled for September 6-7 at Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. Attendees can sample New York wines alongside gourmet foods and enjoy cooking demonstrations from regional winemakers.
Rochester Fringe Festival returns from September 9-20 with over 4,500 multidisciplinary visual and performing arts events throughout downtown Rochester. On September 20 there will be a Kids Day featuring family activities such as pumpkin painting and chalk art.
Motorcycle fans may visit Catskill Mountain Thunder from September 9-14 in East Durham for rides, stunts, competitions, entertainment acts including Puddle of Mudd performances, vendor expos, and more.
The Feast of San Gennaro takes place in Manhattan’s Little Italy from September 11-21 with Italian cuisine from local restaurants, parades including a Grand Procession featuring marching bands and floats, concerts, contests like cannoli-eating competitions—and free admission for all attendees.
Niagara Falls Blues Festival is scheduled for Old Falls Street on September 12-13 with performances by Bruce Wojick & The Struggle among others as well as food vendors near Niagara Falls itself.
Teddy Roosevelt Weekend occurs in Newcomb from September 12-14 honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s journey through the Adirondacks after President McKinley’s assassination; it includes outdoor activities for all ages along with historical tours and community meals.
Latin Food Fest arrives at Industry City in Brooklyn on September 13-14 bringing over seventy Latin American food vendors plus music stages featuring acts like Mariachi Real de Mexico—offering general admission or VIP experiences for ticket holders.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze begins its run at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson starting September 12 through November 16 where visitors walk trails illuminated by thousands of hand-carved pumpkins set to music with synchronized lighting effects.
PearlPalooza returns to Albany on September 13 with live music performances downtown along Pearl Street as well as yoga sessions under Yogapalooza branding; entry is free except for some parking fees nearby.
NY Cider Festival takes place in Rochester on September 13 offering cider tastings from New York producers accompanied by live music; tickets vary based on experience level chosen by attendees such as early access or pairing sessions with cheese selections included.
Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games are scheduled for Lockport (September 13–14) showcasing Irish/Scottish/Welsh traditions via strongman games like caber tosses plus dance/music/artisan vendors—family-friendly pricing applies especially online purchases which may also win door prizes.
Adirondack Balloon Festival occurs between Queensbury/Glens Falls from September18–21 drawing large crowds annually who watch hot air balloons launch around sunrise/sunset; entry/general parking remain free each year.
Adirondack Harvest Festival happens at Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport on Sept.20 focusing this year’s workshops/demonstrations around “Seeds & Grains” while also providing farmers’ markets/local craft beer/live music/hands-on family activities—all open without charge.
Greenport Maritime Festival celebrates maritime heritage Sept.21–22 at Greenport featuring kayak races/maritime demos/food tastings/Merry Merfolk Parade encouraging costumes—festival access is complimentary.
The Ryder Cup will be hosted at Bethpage State Park Black Course (Farmingdale) between Sept.23–28 marking its first appearance here; golf fans can expect competition between Team USA/Europe amid hospitality suites/exhibits/fan zones [More information: https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/ryder-cup.html].
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium mark their seventy-fifth anniversary Sept.25 offering cocktails/tastings/live entertainment/dancing/raffles—admission starts at $250 per person.
Cape Vincent Oktoberfest happens Sept.27 providing German-style food/beverages/music/dancing/kids’ section/Bavarian dishes served by Cape Vincent Fire Department—with commemorative mugs given upon beer garden entry; festival attendance itself remains free.
Great Pumpkin Challenge offers Saratoga Spa State Park visitors a chance to participate in fun runs/costume contests/pumpkin challenges/prizes/treats/separate Kids Fun Run available—all ages welcome upon registration before deadline [More information: https://www.saratogabridges.org/events/great-pumpkin-challenge].
Locktoberfest celebrates Erie Canal history/historic locks’ bicentennial harvest season Sept.27 along Lockport’s Canal Street involving farm-to-table offerings/music/free kids’ activities/local brews—a day-long event without admission fees [Background: https://eriecanalway.org/find-resources/news/news-detail-page/2023/10/06/bicentennial-of-the-opening-of-the-original-er].
Worldwide Day of Play will be observed at The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester) Sept.27 focusing this year around dollhouses/play activity tied to their latest exhibit “Dollhouses Unveiled”; museum admission starts at $25 per guest [Details: https://www.museumofplay.org/event/worldwide-day-of-play-celebrating-dollhouse].
New York State Canine Expo occurs Sept.27–28 at Cobleskill Fairgrounds presenting canine demos/workshops/keynote speakers/vendors/kiddie rides; prices start above $22 depending upon session choice [Event page: https://nystatecanineexpo.com].
“Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram, TikTok,and X with #iSpyNY,” organizers remind participants.
