Sure, your standard fall harvest festivals are fun family-friendly seasonal festivities to fill your weekends in October and November, but sometimes family-friendly, PG outings just aren’t enough to cut it. Sometimes, instead of apple picking and pumpkin carving, you just want a good, stiff drink.
Boozy festivals may seem hard to come by, but don’t stress. These five fall festivals are all perfect for you to relax and get a good Adult Beverage Buzz going—while sampling trademark cider, beer, liquor, wine, and craft beverages from across the Hudson Valley.
A wine enthusiasts dream fall festival: stomping on grapes and sampling award winning wines. At Hudson Valley Grape Stomping Festival celebrate the fall season with wine and a good time. General admission includes a souvenir wine glass and a wine tasting of six award winning wines, as well as tours, hayrides through the vineyard, and live music.
Oct. 12 11am-8pm and Oct 13 12-6pm
If apples are the respected elder in seasonal snackage, hard cider is the new young and popular part of Hudson Valley culture. Fall Harvest Festival Weekends at Treasury Cider celebrates hard cider, but also a little bit of apples. Enjoy Treasury’s hard cider creations while apple picking, exploring a corn maze, riding a wagon, and dancing to live music.
Weekends in October: Saturdays 12-6pm and Sundays 12-6pm
Hunter mountain is famous for its gorgeous views, especially in that lush fall foliage, but also for its ability to throw a good festival. Experience a classic Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain this October, with authentic German food and beer as well as German-American entertainment. Vendors and specialty events will add a little extra fun to your weekend.
Weekends in October: Saturdays 11am-6:15pm and Sundays 11am-5:15pm
From the name alone you know what this festival is all about. Head to the Harvest Beer & Cider Fest if you’re looking for the ultimate tasting experience: unlimited samples of craft beer and cider. Of course, if you want a little more entertainment, check out the local music, food, and vendors as well as some games.
Oct. 26 12-5:30pm
Oct. 13 11am-5pm