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 Garlic Festival
Cantine Memorial Complex, Saugerties
September 30 – October 1
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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 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.
Warwick Valley Applefest
Warwick
October 1, 9 a.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 200 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, 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.
The Big Sip
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel Woods
October 7-8
Join us for the hottest wine and spirits festival in the Hudson Valley! Head to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts over Columbus Day weekend for a two-day fest featuring premium tastings, top-tier live music, and mouthwatering food. The third annual Big Sip is a special partnership with Hudson Valley, Valley Table, and Bethel Woods to celebrate food, drink, and entertainment in the Hudson Valley.
Brews & Views
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount
October 7, 8, 14
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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 free 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.
Octopurrfest
Revolution Hall, Troy
October 12, 5–8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Octopurrfest is the nation’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.
Poughkeepsie Harvest Fest 2023
The Preserve at Vassar, Poughkeepsie
October 14, 3-7:30 p.m.
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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, art, and an auction at the Barns at the Vassar Preserve. Plus, enjoy entertainment from The Big Takeover, Callie Mackenzie, and DJ Wisdom.
Rosendale International Pickle Festival
Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
October 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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The legendary Rosendale International Pickle Festival will be back in full swing this 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
Hudson Valley
October 30 – November 12
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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.
Sunset Sensations Wine and Food Event
Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie
November 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Spice up your Thursday evening this fall by reserving your place at the Sunset Sensations Food and Wine Fest. Guests can tour the Locust Grove Estate gardens with the Director of Horticulture, enjoy hors d’oeuvres inspired by the heirloom vegetables of the Estate kitchen gardens, watch wine pairing and cooking demonstrations, or simply sip fine wines while soaking in the breathtaking view of a sunset over the Hudson River.
