Whether you’re a fan of the crisp weather, colorful foliage, or fantastic events, fall is full of fun things to do in Albany and the Capital Region. Make the most of Columbus Day Weekend by attending some of these upcoming fall festivals and frighteningly good events happening around the area.
Attend Fun Festivals Throughout the Weekend
13th Annual Troy ChowderFest | Sunday, October 13

Fall is soup season, and for all you chowder lovers, there’s no better event than Troy ChowderFest. Now in its 13th year, Troy ChowderFest is a day of delicious food, live music, and family fun. Visit downtown Troy this Sunday and enjoy chowder samples from participating restaurants.
New York State International Film Festival | Friday, October 11 & Saturday, October 12
The 4th Annual New York State International Film Festival will highlight local, national, and international short films over the course of two days. This premier film festival will take place at The Linda in Albany, and the films will range from drama to comedy to experimental and animation.
Cruise over to Hunter Mountain for their third weekend of Oktoberfest. This weekend will include the Das Laufwerk Eurocar Rally, as well as all your Oktoberfest favorites. Admission to the festival is free, so don’t miss all the excitement!
Windham’s Annual Autumn Affair | Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13
The Town of Windham will celebrate its 25th Annual Autumn Affair this weekend along Main Street. Over 50 vendors will line Main Street with food and crafts, and there will be live music from 1:00pm-5:00pm on both days.
Harvest Fest 2019 | Saturday, October 12
On Saturday, Upper Union Street in Schenectady will present their annual Harvest Fest from 10:00am-3:00pm. Join them for vendors, food, kids’ activities, and live music in the Upper Union Street Business District.
12th Annual Guinness Festival | Saturday, October 12
Plan a trip to Gavin’s Irish Country Inn in Cornwallville for their 12th Annual Guinness Festival on Saturday, which will feature two stages, a great lineup of Irish musicians and groups, and free admission.
Lawson Lake Fall Festival | Monday, October 14
Celebrate the season at Lawson Lake County Park in Feura Bush this Monday. Hike the trails, play games, check out the family-friendly activities, and see what’s for sale at the vendors. Admission is free.
Find Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Spooky Science at miSci | Saturday, October 12
Treat yourself and your family to a day of hair-raising fun at miSci’s Spooky Science event this Saturday. Explore a museum filled with Halloween-inspired, hands-on activities, spook-tacular science demonstrations, planetarium shows, and more.
6th Annual Running SCCCared Family Run/Walk – 5K, 10K & Kids Run | Saturday, October 12
Lace up your running shoes for a good cause at the 6th Annual Running SCCCared Family Run/Walk. Hosted at The Crossings of Colonie, this Halloween-themed event will benefit St. Catherine’s Center for Children.