New York State is home to some unforgettable festivals that truly stand out. From the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley to the Southern Tier, small towns and picturesque locations throughout the Empire State host unique and memorable festivals. Let’s explore the best that New York State has to offer!
Fairport Canal Days (Fairport)-June 6th-8th
Fairport Canal Days is a cherished annual festival that brings the charming village of Fairport, NY, to life with music, art, food, and fun along the historic Erie Canal. Held each June, this family-friendly event features over 200 artisan vendors, live performances, delicious local cuisine, and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer and celebrate community spirit in one of the most picturesque canal towns in New York!
Pine Bush UFO Fair (Pine Bush)- June 7th
The Pine Bush UFO Festival, held annually in Pine Bush, NY, is an exciting celebration of all things extraterrestrial! Known as New York’s UFO capital, Pine Bush embraces its quirky reputation with a day full of alien-themed activities, including costume contests, sci-fi vendors, guest speakers, and a lively parade featuring little green men (and women). Whether you’re a true believer or just there for the fun, this festival promises a cosmic good time for all ages!
Oz-Stravaganza (Chittenango)- June 6th-8th
Oz-Stravaganza is a whimsical celebration held in Chittenango, NY, the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz! This magical festival brings the Land of Oz to life with costumed characters, colorful parades, live entertainment, and Oz-themed vendors and activities. From Munchkins to flying monkeys, there’s something enchanting for every fan of the beloved story. Whether you’re strolling down the yellow brick road or snapping a selfie with the Tin Man, Oz-Stravaganza promises pure, nostalgic fun!
Dragons & Fairies Festival (Jamestown) – June 21st
The Dragons & Fairies Festival at Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown, NY, is a magical day where imagination meets nature! Set in a whimsical woodland environment, this enchanting festival invites both kids and adults to dress up as dragons, fairies, and woodland creatures. Attendees can explore interactive trails, enjoy storytelling sessions, participate in crafts, and engage in fantasy-themed games. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and fairytale fun, where mythical beings come to life and nature really shines!
NY Fairies Festival (Ouaquaga)- June 27th-29th
The NY Fairies Festival, located in Ouaquaga, NY, is a three-day celebration of magic, music, and mythical wonder set in an enchanted forest. Guests can explore whimsical villages, meet fairies and trolls, shop for handmade goods, and enjoy live performances that feel like they were taken straight out of a storybook. With costume parades, drum circles, and fairy tea parties, this immersive festival invites everyone—both young and old—to believe in a little magic.
Sterling Renaissance Festival (Sterling)- July 5th – August 17th
The Sterling Renaissance Festival, located in Sterling, NY, is one of the largest and most beloved Renaissance fairs in the Northeast. This lively event runs on weekends from July 5th to August 17th and transports visitors back to the year 1585. Attendees can enjoy costumed performers, jousting knights, bawdy comedy, artisan markets, and hearty feasts. Set in a beautifully recreated Elizabethan village, the festival offers a full day of immersive fun where history, fantasy, and laughter come together. This year marks their 49th anniversary.
Bear Mountain Native American Celebration (Tomkins Cove)- July 12th-13th
The Bear Mountain Native American Celebration, held at Bear Mountain State Park, is a vibrant tribute to Indigenous culture and heritage. This enriching event showcases traditional dancing, drumming, storytelling, and authentic crafts from various tribes across the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Native peoples while taking in the stunning scenery of the Hudson Valley. It is a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and connection.
Lyons Peppermint Days (Lyons)- July 18th-20th
Lyons Peppermint Days, celebrated in Lyons, NY, is a delightful tribute to the town’s rich peppermint heritage. Once renowned as the Peppermint Capital of the World, Lyons hosts a festive event that includes parades, live music, a car show, craft vendors, family games, and, of course, an abundance of peppermint treats. This fun-filled weekend combines the charm of small-town life with a refreshing twist!
Wild America Nature Festival (Panama)- July 19th & 20th
The Wild America Nature Festival, held at Panama Rocks Scenic Park in Western NY, is a celebration of the great outdoors and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. This unique festival combines nature, art, and adventure with live animal shows, eco-education, artisan vendors, live music, and delicious local food. Set against the stunning backdrop of ancient rock formations and lush forest, it’s the perfect event for nature lovers of all ages!
Blueberry Festival (Schaghticoke)- July 19th & 20th
The Blueberry Festival at Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke, NY is a joyful summertime celebration of all things blue and delicious! Set for July 19–20, this fun-filled event features blueberry picking, sweet treats like blueberry donuts and pies, family activities, farm animals, live music, and more. It’s the perfect blend of farm charm and festive fun—come hungry and ready to enjoy a berry good time!
For The Love Of Fungi (Olivebridge)- July 27th
For the Love of Fungi, happening at the beautiful Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY, is a magical day devoted to the fascinating world of mushrooms! This unique festival blends science, nature, art, and food with mushroom foraging walks, expert-led workshops, cooking demos, and creative activities for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned mycophile or just curious about the wonders of the forest floor, this fungi-filled event is sure to grow on you!
Cheddar Cheese Festival (Adams)- August 2nd
The Cheddar Cheese Festival, held in Adams, NY, is a delightful celebration of the region’s dairy heritage. This small-town festival offers a big flavor experience with cheddar cheese tastings, a variety of food vendors, live music, a parade, local crafts, and fun activities for the entire family. It’s a fantastic way to savor local flavors and celebrate the creamy goodness that put Adams on the map!
Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend (Phelps)- August 2nd
Phelps Sauerkraut Weekend, held in Phelps, NY, is a quirky and fun celebration of the town’s proud sauerkraut-making past! This unique festival features everything from a kraut-eating contest and parade to live music, craft vendors, and family games. With its playful spirit and small-town charm, it’s the perfect place to embrace your love of all things tangy and fermented!
New York Woodsman’s Field Days (Boonville)- August 15th-17th
The New York Woodsman’s Field Days, held in Boonville, NY, is an exciting celebration of forestry, logging, and outdoor skills! This long-standing event features thrilling lumberjack competitions, chainsaw carving, equipment displays, and demonstrations of traditional woodsman techniques. It is a lively and educational festival that honors the hardworking heritage of New York’s logging industry. It’s perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys the smell of fresh-cut timber!
Hammondsport Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition (Hammondsport)- August 22nd – 23rd
The Hammondsport Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition, happening August 22–23 in the picturesque village of Hammondsport, NY, is a mouthwatering showdown of smoky goodness! Set along the shores of Keuka Lake, this Kansas City Barbeque Society–sanctioned event brings together top pitmasters serving up ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more. With live music, craft vendors, and plenty of delicious food, it’s a sizzling summer event you won’t want to miss!
The National Buffalo Wing Festival (Buffalo)- August 30th – 31st
The National Buffalo Wing Festival takes place on August 30-31 at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, NY, and it is the ultimate celebration of the city’s most iconic food! This exciting event features dozens of wing vendors from across the country, offering a wide range of flavors. Attendees can enjoy wing-eating contests, live music, cooking demonstrations, and even a unique “Running of the Chickens” race. Interestingly, the idea for the festival was inspired by a fictional reference in the 2001 movie *Osmosis Jones*, even before it existed in real life!
Webster Garlic Festival (Webster)- September 6th – 7th
The Webster Garlic Festival, taking place September 6–7 in Webster, NY, is a flavorful celebration dedicated to all things garlic. From garlic-infused foods and cooking demos to local crafts, live music, and even garlic ice cream, this quirky festival is a must-visit for garlic lovers. It’s a fun, fragrant weekend full of zest and zip—just don’t forget your breath mints!
Lumberjack Festival (Macedon)- September 7th – 8th
The Lumberjack Festival in Macedon, NY, is a high-energy celebration of timber sports, rugged skills, and old-school outdoor fun! Watch competitors show off their chops in axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw carving, all while enjoying live music, hearty food, and family-friendly activities. It’s a weekend of woodsy excitement that honors the strength, grit, and tradition of the lumberjack way of life!
Fringe Fest (Rochester)- September 9th – 20th
Fringe Fest in Rochester, NY, is an exciting celebration of creativity, expression, and the unexpected! This multi-day festival features hundreds of performances, including theater, comedy, dance, immersive art, music, and street shows. With both ticketed events and free, family-friendly activities in the vibrant Spiegelgarden, Fringe Fest transforms the city into a stage where anything can happen. It’s quirky, thrilling, and absolutely unforgettable!
Cream Cheese Festival (Lowville)- September 20th
The Cream Cheese Festival, held in Lowville, NY, is a uniquely delightful celebration of the town’s claim to fame as home to the largest cream cheese plant in the world. This exciting festival features a variety of cream cheese-inspired foods, entertaining contests, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. One of the standout attractions is a massive cheesecake that visitors can sample for free! It’s a creamy and dreamy celebration that you definitely won’t want to miss.
Rosendale International Pickle Fest (Rosendale)- October 19th
The Rosendale International Pickle Festival, held each fall in Rosendale, NY, is a delightfully quirky event that brings together pickle lovers from near and far! Featuring pickle vendors from around the world, this festival serves up everything from classic dills to wild, creative brine blends. With live music, craft booths, fun competitions (yes, even pickle-eating contests!), and plenty of samples, it’s a flavorful day of funky fun and fermented favorites.
