Activities to Engage in Across New York State Throughout September

Activities to Engage in Across New York State Throughout September

Celebrate Autumn in New York State with a Variety of Festivals and Events

September in New York State promises a vibrant calendar of events, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. From food festivals to music events, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this picturesque season.

Latin Food Fest 2025

Kick off the month with the largest Latin food festival in the US, Latin Food Fest 2025. Happening on an unspecified date, this event will showcase over 70 food vendors, four music stages, and immersive experiences.

Underground Railroad Month

New York State honours the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, who both escaped slavery in September, during Underground Railroad Month. Throughout the state, historical sites and museums offer events and educational opportunities about the Underground Railroad. Notable venues include the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira.

New York State Grapes Celebrations

Celebrate the grape harvest season at various events across the state, often tied to local harvest festivals and wine tastings. Specific festival dates may vary, but these celebrations typically focus on regional viticulture and feature grape-related food and wine experiences during September.

Autumn Festivals and Events

Other notable autumn events include the 25th annual Reinstein Woods Fall Festival in Cheektowaga on September 20, offering nature activities and environmental education. The Herkimer College Fall Fest on September 27 features family-friendly activities like axe throwing and wagon rides.

Broadway Week in New York City runs from September 8 to 21, offering 2-for-1 tickets on many shows, and the Met Opera’s new season begins September 21, including notable premieres.

Harvest and Wine Festivals

The Adirondack Harvest Festival is on September 20, while the Adirondack Balloon Festival is on September 18-21. The 2025 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival will also take place, featuring world-class music, great food, and beverages.

Specific Events

Attend the 23rd Annual Long Island Garlic Festival in Riverhead for a celebration of all things garlic. Participate in the Feast of San Gennaro, an iconic and historic street festival in Manhattan's Little Italy, featuring delicious food, free concerts, and vibrant parades.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is taking place at Van Cortlandt Manor from September 12-November 16, while the Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games are on September 13-14.

Motorcycle Festivals and Music Events

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Catskill Mountain Thunder, one of the best motorcycle festivals in the Northeast, is a must-attend event. Music lovers can enjoy PearlPalooza, Albany's biggest all-day free music festival, on September 13. The Niagara Falls Blues Festival offers live music, local food and drink vendors, and the mighty Niagara Falls as a backdrop.

Fringe Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

Cultural enthusiasts can experience the Rochester Fringe Festival, one of the fastest-growing and most-attended fringe festivals in the US, featuring more than 4,500 multidisciplinary visual and performing arts events. The Greenport Maritime Festival is on September 20-21, and the New York State Canine Expo is on September 27-28 at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds.

Halloween-themed Events

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley is a Halloween-themed event featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. Locktoberfest in Lockport and the World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest at the Naples Grape Festival are other Halloween-themed events.

Historical and Anniversary Celebrations

Celebrate Theodore Roosevelt's remarkable journey from the Adirondacks to the White House during Teddy Roosevelt Weekend in Newcomb. The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium 75th Anniversary Celebration is on September 25.

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park from September 23-28, making it a must-attend event for golf fans.

These events collectively highlight New York State’s rich historical, agricultural, and cultural heritage in celebration of the autumn season.

1. In addition to food festivals, September in New York State includes music events such as Broadway Week and the Met Opera’s new season.
2. For lovers of Latin American cuisine, the Latin Food Fest 2025 offers a variety of food vendors, music stages, and immersive experiences.
3. During Underground Railroad Month, historical sites and museums across the state pay tribute to figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
4. Harvest and wine festivals are a common theme in September, with events like the Adirondack Harvest Festival, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, and several grape-related celebrations.
5. Autumn is also a time for cultural celebrations, with events like the Rochester Fringe Festival, the Greenport Maritime Festival, and the New York State Canine Expo showcasing arts, maritime history, and canine competitions.
6. Halloween-themed events include the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Locktoberfest, and the World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest.
7. Sports enthusiasts can attend the Ryder Cup, a major golf tournament held at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in September. These events collectively celebrate New York State’s history, culture, and agricultural heritage during the autumn season.

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