Foodies flock to the Hudson Valley in every season, but fall is where the region’s specialties truly shine. Beer begins to flow and cider donuts start to fry the moment green leaves fade into red, orange, and yellow hues. The Valley’s award-winning producers showcase delicious fall food at a variety of festivals, pop-up events, and demonstrations. Foodies, you’d be remiss to miss these fall events chock full of local beverages, fun activities, and, most importantly, good eats!
Hudson Valley Craft Beverage Festival
Twin Star Orchards, New Paltz
September 7, 12-5:30 p.m.
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Over 25 local producers of wine, cider, beer, spirits, kombucha, mead, hard seltzer, and cocktails will be at the Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards this weekend. Along with sampling craft beverages all day long, chow down on wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and barbecue fresh off the grill. Enjoy live music from the Steven Frieder Duo and The Lesser Ape for free at the farm as you take in the views.
JazzFest White Plains
Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains
September 11-15
Returning for its 13th year, JazzFest White Plains is back with world-renowned entertainment, including four Grammy Award winners, and dining at the city’s best restaurants. Catch a live performance nightly at this fall food fest as you enjoy a meal at Chazz Palminteri Italian Restauratn, Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar, Colombian House, and more stellar spots.
Putnam County Feast of San Gennaro
Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, Carmel
September 26-29
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In its inaugural year, the Putnam County Feast of San Gennaro kicks off its four days of good eats this September. If you don’t want to make the trip to the city or down to Westchester for this annual Italian event, head to Carmel instead to try authentic dishes, desserts, wine, beer, and other beverages. Rides, games, and live entertainment make this a can’t-miss event for the whole family.
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Cantine Memorial Complex, Saugerties
September 28-29
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If you’re a garlic lover through and through, you won’t want to miss this festival in Saugerties. Serving up foods made with garlic, the fall food fest invites attendees to try anything from garlic breads and oils to garlic ice cream and peanut butter. In addition to the food, stick around for live music or browse through local vendors boasting kitchenware, clothing, and woodwork (most of which is also on theme). Chef demonstrations and garlic bulb-dressed stilt-walkers will keep you entertained all day long.
Harvest Fest 2024
Farm Lane at Vassar, Poughkeepsie
October 5, 2-7 p.m.
Presented by the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, this harvest fest helps raise funds for food access and education because PFP believes that food justice should feel and taste good. Join fellow Dutchess County natives during this day of food trucks, art, lawn games, and a makers market at Farm Lane at Vassar. Plus, enjoy live music and performances in a festival setting.
Brews & Views
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount
October 5-6, 12-13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Sample craft beers and cider from local breweries while taking in views of the Catskill Mountains at this free festival. Live music, craft vendors, and delicious food are the name of the game at Belleayre this fall, and visitors can enjoy the Annual Fall Festival at the mountain, which is going on at the same time as Brews & Views and offers fun for the whole family with gondola rides and pumpkin painting.
Warwick Valley Applefest
Village of Warwick
October 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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This huge festival welcomes over 30,000 apple lovers to Warwick for apple-inspired foods all day long. The fest features over 150 craft vendors, 75 food vendors, four stages for music and entertainment, a children’s carnival, and an apple pie baking contest. This fun-for-the-whole-family event began in 1989, and proceeds benefit the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with about 50 local nonprofit organizations.
Oktopurrfest
Revolution Hall, Troy
October 10, 6-8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Octopurrfest is the world’s only feline-centric Oktoberfest. While this is a cat-themed celebration, it features excellent grub for humans as well as Brown’s craft beer, fun activities, and the crowning of the Feline Festmeister. Get your tickets online to take part in this whimsical festival.
Rosendale International Pickle Festival
Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
October 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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The legendary Rosendale International Pickle Festival will be back in full swing next month. Over 100 vendors will set up tents to sell crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and, of course, every sort of pickle imaginable. Among the pickling contests is the Pickle Triathlon, during which contestants eat pickles, drink pickle juice, and participate in a pickle toss. The Pickle Festival will take place rain or shine, so dress warm and enter the pickle paradise of your dreams.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Throughout the Hudson Valley
October 28 – November 10
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There is no food festival quite like Valley Table‘s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. The biannual celebration unites the region’s diverse eateries, offering two straight weeks of prix-fixe special menus. Fall means farm-to-table fare and seasonal flavors, so expect unique dishes that highlight local harvests. If there’s a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance, there’s no better time than Restaurant Week.
Related: The Tastiest Food Updates in the Hudson Valley This September
