Apple Festivals in NY (2025): Best Fall Events for Families
When is the next apple festival in NY? The answer: The best apple festivals in NY happen in September and October 2025. (A season that’s just around the corner!)
Whether you’re craving fresh apple pie, apple cider tastings, carnival rides, or live music, there’s an apple festival near you that’s perfect for your whole family.
This guide covers the best apple festivals in NY in 2025, so put on your sweater or a nice cozy flannel and get ready for a round of fall fun!
👉 Jump to an apple festival in NY by region:
Finger Lakes & Central NY – Cider tastings & local eats
Hudson Valley & Southern NY – A massive apple celebration
Syracuse NY Area – Classic fall fair with rides & petting zoos
Rochester NY Area – Apples + a car show? Yes, please!
Buffalo & Western NY – History, crafts & orchard-fresh treats
🍏 Finger Lakes & Central NY – Cider, Vendors & Local Charm
Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival
📍 Downtown Ithaca, NY | 🗓 September 26 – September 28, 2025
🍏 Best for: Cider lovers & foodies
Kick off fall in the Finger Lakes region of New York with Ithaca’s apple festival! The cobblestone streets of the Ithaca Commons transform into a foodie paradise, featuring local cider makers, gourmet food stands, and dozens of artisan vendors. Street performers, live music, and a fun, walkable downtown make it one of the best fall festivals in NY for families.
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Sip on award-winning hard cider
✔️ Sample seasonal treats (caramel apples, cider slushies, savory dishes!)
✔️ Shop handmade crafts & gifts
More info. on the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival
🍎 Hudson Valley & Southern NY – The Largest Apple Festival in NY
Warwick Apple Festival
📍 Warwick, NY | 🗓 October 5, 2025
🍏 Best for: Families who love a BIG festival experience
Nestled in beautiful orchard country just north of NYC, this festival celebrates all things apple from the heart of Hudson Valley farm life. With over 150 craft vendors, carnival rides, and four live music stages, Warwick Apple Fest is one-day event is the biggest apple festival in New York! It draws tens of thousands each year and is totally free to attend.
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Tons of entertainment like carnival rides, live music, and street performers
✔️ Apple-themed everything: pies, fritters, cider, and candy apples
✔️ Close to NYC! Only 1 hr 45 min north of Manhattan
More info. on Warwick Applefest
🍏 Syracuse Area – Rides, Petting Zoos & Classic Fair Fun
LaFayette Apple Festival
📍 LaFayette, NY | 🗓 October 11 – 12, 2025
🍏 Best for: Families with young kids who love rides & animals
For 50+ years, LaFayette Apple Festival has been a Central NY staple. The tradition here is to literally take a bite out of apples as you walk around! There are a number of kid-friendly activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, amusement rides. And of course there are tons of delicious fall treats.
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Huge craft market with over 400 booths
✔️ Fresh cider & homemade apple pies
✔️ Just minutes from Syracuse for an easy fall day trip
More info. on LaFayette Apple Fest
🍎 Rochester Area – Classic Apple Fest + A Car Show
Hilton Apple Festival
📍 Hilton, NY | 🗓 October 4 – 5, 2025
🍏 Best for: Families who love fall fairs + cool cars
The Hilton Apple Fest is a classic fall festival near Rochester with live entertainment, food vendors, and a unique car show. There’s even a photo contest if you want to capture your perfect fall moment!
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Try caramel apples & fresh cider
✔️ Check out the vintage car show
✔️ Free shuttle service = easy parking
More info. on Hilton Apple Fest
🍏 Buffalo & Western NY – History, Crafts & Orchard-Fresh Treats
Busti Apple Festival
📍 Busti, NY (near Jamestown in Buffalo) | 🗓 September 27 – 28, 2025
🍏 Best for: Families who love history & homemade goodies
The Busti Apple Festival isn’t just about apples. This event is a fall festival with a historic twist! Your entire family will enjoy a Civil War reenactment, antique displays, and local craft vendors while snacking on homemade apple treats straight from the orchard.
Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Tons of historical exhibits & live demos
✔️ Farm-fresh apples, pies & cider
✔️ Quaint, small-town vibes
More info. on Busti Apple Festival (pronounced ‘Bust-eye’)
🍏 Plan Your Apple-Filled Adventure in NY!
These annual apple festivals in NY are the perfect way to celebrate fall harvest with your family! Whether you want live music, delicious apple treats, or a fun day at the fair, there’s a festival waiting for you.
🚗 Driving to a festival? Check out my Road Trip Question List to keep kids entertained on the way!
Want more fall family getaway ideas? Head over to Tiny Adventure Mom for stress-free trip planning tips and unforgettable day trip ideas!
