One of the most beautiful destinations in all of New York state during the fall months is the Finger Lakes region. The leaves turn bright colors, the air gets crisper, and the wine gets even tastier! Escape the city, and head to wine country to experience the ultimate Finger Lakes fall festivals!
Looking for more things to do in the Finger Lakes this weekend? Unlock our free Vacation Guide! It includes a local’s guide to the best restaurants, outdoor recreation, museums, and must-see attractions to help you plan the best vacation ever!
These Are the Best Finger Lakes Fall Festivals
1. Oktoberfest in the Finger Lakes
Oktoberfest is always a fun time for beer-fanatics around the world. But did you know you can celebrate the famous 2-week long German Festival right here in the Finger Lakes?
You can celebrate Oktoberfest by jamming to traditional German-American live music and enjoying local food, wine, & beer at Deer Run Winery in Geneseo, NY. Or, you can check out the Annual German Festival in September at Lucas Vineyards!
2. Naples Grape Festival
There’s no better way to start off the fall season than with a trip to the popular Naples Grape Festival at the southern tip of Canandaigua Lake. Every September, you can visit the beautiful town of Naples to celebrate the grape harvest, local artists, food, and wine.
Think you can bake? This family-friendly fall festival offers the perfect opportunity for you. Enter the Naples Grape Pie Contest for a unique-to-the-Finger-Lakes experience! Name a better Finger Lakes wine pairing than vino and pie made from local grapes!
3. Finger Lakes Beer Festival
/October will speed by before you know it, but don’t let that happen without planning a fall trip for Finger Lakes Beer Festival Weekend! Get your tickets to the festival and enjoy more than 40 New York state breweries, distilleries, and cideries at Watkins Glen International.
And, if you’re feeling competitive, test your hand at corn-hole with the ultimate 32-team cornhole tournament and stein holding competition!
4. Finger Lakes Farmers Markets
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Luckily, there are several awesome farmers markets throughout the Finger Lakes. Some that you should check out this fall include the Canandaigua Farmers Market for a great selection of local meats, cheeses, pickles, sauces, fruits, and vegetables! You can visit this farmers market on Saturdays between June and October
Ithaca Farmers Market is one of the biggest in the game! If you stay near the shores of Cayuga Lake, make a stop here for delicious eats from local farmers and chefs!
Fall Foliage in the Finger Lakes
The first two weeks of October are prime leaf-peeping season around the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes, and you can’t miss this short-lived, vibrant time period. You’ll find some of the most colorful treetops in the nation right here on the FLX.
If you decide to make the ultimate fall foliage getaway, we recommend viewing it from Canandaigua Lake, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, or high above the trees in the chair lift at the Bristol Mountain Fall Sky Rides.
Fall for these Beautiful Lake Rentals!
Finger Lakes Premier Properties offers the most stunning vacation rentals surrounding six out of the 11 Finger Lakes! Get a small group together or gather the entire family for a reunion on the lake in one of our rentals on Canandaigua, Cayuga, Conesus, Honeoye, Keuka, or Seneca Lake.
It’s easy to find the perfect rental near your favorite fall festival because you can narrow down your search by location, amenities, or size. Hurry, and get started on planning your fall getaway before the leaves start turning!
