Adirondack pumpkin patch.

The campus at Paul Smith’s College overlooking Lower St. Regis Lake.

The Adirondacks are moving into that wonderfully unpredictable stretch of October when brilliant foliage, bare branches and Halloween decorations can all share the same roadside view. Temperatures are dropping, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and fall festival season still has plenty of life left.

This weekend, Saranac Lake's High Peaks Harvest Festival celebrates the season with local food, farmers and community festivities. In Schroon Lake, the Fall for Schroon Festival & Car Show brings classic cars, live music and family fun downtown. Meanwhile, West Mountain's Fall Festival Weekends continue in Queensbury, with scenic chairlift rides, autumn activities and mountain views that make a compelling case for one more trip outdoors.

And that's only a sampling of what's happening October 16–18. ADK Taste has gathered a hand-picked collection of Adirondack events worth considering, from harvest celebrations to family-friendly outings and seasonal favorites across the Park.

The leaves may be on their way down, but the Adirondack fall calendar isn't ready to call it quits.

See more of our curated guide to current and upcoming events in the Adirondacks.


Here’s what’s happening across the Adirondacks this weekend.

The woods at Silver Bay have developed a zombie problem. Friday nights in October offer an easy trail walk with Nerf blasters provided; Saturdays take you to Haunted Paine Hall for scares. Choose an evening—and some brave company.

Take a walk on the undead side. →

The shopping list can wait. Saranac Lake’s High Peaks Harvest Festival pairs a morning market with food trucks, regional craft drinks, and afternoon music on October 17. Come for the produce; linger for the playlist.

Shop the market. Stay for the party. →

Chrome, pumpkins and a lakeside soundtrack: Schroon Lake’s free fall festival returns October 17 with classic cars, Big Fez & the Surfmatics, a harvest market and plenty to keep the kids busy.

Cruise into a gourd time. →

Chairlift views, treetop adventures, apple cider donuts—and three weekends to fit it all in. West Mountain’s Fall Festival returns to Queensbury with free admission, live music, and plenty of ways to play.

Take fall to new heights. →

Lederhosen optional. An appetite advisable. Adirondack Brewery’s charity block party pairs German festival food with beer, wine, and cider sampling—plus polka and a chance to test those stein-hoisting muscles. Ages 21+.

Give those stein-hoisting muscles a job. →

Two Christines. No trip to Manhattan required. Seagle alumni Eryn LeCroy and Francesca Mehrotra return to Schroon Lake for The Ladies of Phantom, a one-night-only cabaret at The Lodge on October 17.

Make a date with two Christines. →


More to do: Ongoing events and exhibitions.

Six giant trolls are taking over The Wild Center this summer. Created from reclaimed materials by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo, these whimsical guardians invite visitors to explore the Adirondacks through art, storytelling, and environmental stewardship.

Don’t troll past this one. →

Quilts aren't just for keeping people warm at View Arts Center. Quilts Unlimited brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fiber art in a nationally juried exhibition in Old Forge.

See what’s unfolding. →

Simple, useful—and unexpectedly modern. “Form and Function: The Beauty of Shaker Design” brings rarely exhibited Shaker furniture, tools, and everyday objects to The Hyde Collection, marking 250 years since the Shakers first settled in upstate New York.

See why simplicity never gets old.→


Upcoming events in the ADK.

It’s never too early to start planning your next adventure in the ADK.

Dancing witches, Adirondack ghost stories and a park full of jack-o’-lanterns: Ticonderoga’s HalloweenFest spreads the fun across October 23–31. Find the family festivities—or follow the scarier trail.

Pick your potion of Halloween fun. →

Those Halloween costumes deserve a dress rehearsal. Hallowed Forge brings games, a hayride, a haunted house, crafts, and music to Old Forge on October 24. Get the details for this family Halloween morning.

Give those costumes a dress rehearsal.→

Lake Placid trades trail maps for film schedules November 5–8. The festival’s 25th edition brings independent cinema, short-film discoveries, and filmmaking conversations to the Adirondacks. Here’s how to plan a visit.

Make room for a different kind of shorts.→

Looking for more unforgettable Adirondack events like these? Sign up for our newsletter to get your weekly guide to the region’s best stories, food, and happenings.


America's Story Runs Through the Adirondacks

From Fort Ticonderoga and Teddy Roosevelt to the Miracle on Ice and the birth of the American vacation, the Adirondacks helped shape the nation.


To see all our recommendations for upcoming events in the Adirondacks, visit our events page.



Ultimate Guide to the Adirondacks

Your insider’s guide to exploring the Adirondacks—where to go, what to eat, and the experiences that make this place unforgettable.


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Adirondack Fall Foliage Report: Where to See the Best Color This Week