Fall Festivals In and Around NYC
As we head into the end of August and say goodbye to summer, the first glimpses of fall in New York seem to cause anticipation for outdoor festivals, local events, and of course beautiful sights. The weather is comfortable, and occasionally you’ll need a sweater for those crisp, cool mornings. While warm weather is still with us, fill your fall weekends with things you want to do. As the leaves begin to change, why not have a change of scenery and venture to a festival in a new borough or explore the upstate area. We’ve rounded up a few favorites, both in and outside of NYC, so get your booties, beanies, and cardigans ready!
Festivals Within New York City
Kite Festival: September 10th, 2016
It that a bird… A plane… Or a kite!? Brooklyn Bridge Park is THE ideal location to host the Kite Festival on Harbor View Lawn. With perfect views of the Manhattan skyline, bring your family out for a fun day of flying high in the sky. Guests are encouraged to bring their most colorful kite to fly. Don’t have a kite of your own? Don’t worry! Kites will be available to purchase from attending vendors on the lawn.
Unicycle Festival: September 1st-4th, 2016
Now in its seventh year, the Unicycle Festival is celebrated across the city, from Battery Park to Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge to Coney Island. The festival brings together world-class performers, recreational riders, and circus enthusiasts! There will even be a learn-to-ride area for beginners to catch their balance and a basketball court to shoot hoops from a unicycle! It sure does sound like this festival will guarantee fun for riders and spectators alike. It promises to be quite a spectacle, so even if you won’t be joining in on the ride, make sure to snap a photo to share with us!
Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon: September 18th, 2016
Shining armor, damsels in distress, and the ever-famous turkey leg on a stick! If you’re a Medieval times fan, play the part at the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon. With activities ranging from jousting to medieval dance performances and themed craft tables, this free festival is a fun way to spend a Sunday! Your kids are sure to love Marco the Magician’s exciting tricks and then taking part in Muggle Juggle juggling lessons. And for the foodies out there… We hear you. Try steak or sausage on a stick with a side of Peter Piper’s Pickles to go along with your favorite craft beer. With all the food and fun this event has, the only thing you need to bring along is comfy shoes and a Medieval costume!
Festivals Outside of New York City
Bethel Woods Harvest Festival: Every Sunday in September
Located about 2 hours north of Midtown Manhattan, visiting Bethel Woods Center for the Arts makes for a wonderful day trip. Head up to the beautiful Hudson Valley where the 1969 Woodstock Festival took place and get yourself into the fall spirit! Every Sunday throughout September, the Bethel Woods Harvest Festival runs from 11 am to 4 pm, which includes a unique blend of farmers market, artisans and crafters, live music, fresh food from the Hudson Valley, special events and giveaways, and children’s activities. The festival is free for all, but look into doggy daycare, as pets are not allowed on the grounds.
Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Show: September 3rd-5th, 2016
Taking place of Labor Day weekend, the Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Show arts and crafts show has been going strong for 35 years! It’s somewhat of a destination for artists and crafters across the country, as well as the patrons of these fields. Besides finding the next big statement piece for your apartment (at a much better price than the Brooklyn Flea), you’ll be able to enjoy live music and plenty of local wines and specialty foods. At an hour and a half from the city, this festival can be conquered in a day trip. Again, no pooches allowed, so plan accordingly.
Hudson Valley Food & Wine Festival: September 10th-11th, 2016
If you’ve been meaning to explore local vineyards to NYC, the Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival is the perfect place to discover local wine, find your favorites, and then plan weekend trips to local vineyards! This festival is also a great opportunity to load up on favorite bottles for the upcoming holiday entertaining. Besides eating and drinking til’ your heart’s content, you can also enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music, and shopping from local vendors. It’s the perfect time to knock out some of your holiday shopping – everyone will love that you bought local! The festival will take place in Rhinebeck, and is about an hour and a half drive from the city. Totally doable within a day, but there’s no shortage of local B&B’s if you want to make a weekend out of it!
Any fall festivals you’re most looking forward to? Share your favorites with us on Twitter and Facebook!
Posted in manhattan living, NYC Events, Other Neighborhoods |
