New York isn’t just about skyscrapers and Broadway—it’s also home to some of the wildest, wackiest, and most delicious festivals you’ll ever find.
We’re talking about giant hot air balloons filling the sky, deep-fried everything, epic food battles, and even an entire weekend dedicated to garlic.
Some festivals take over entire towns with parades, live music, and quirky competitions (like eating way too many wings).
Whether you’re here for the food, the fun, or just an excuse to celebrate something unexpected, these New York State festivals need to be on your calendar.
1. New York State Fair, Syracuse
Time of year: Late August to Early September
The New York State Fair in Syracuse is a 13-day extravaganza of deep-fried food, crazy carnival rides, and some of the best concerts you’ll find in upstate New York.
Held at the massive New York State Fairgrounds, this end-of-summer bash draws thousands of visitors with its giant butter sculpture and wacky food creations.
You can watch pig races, stuff your face with a baked potato from the legendary Potato Booth, and catch live music from big-name artists.
It’s also home to a big midway, where you can test your bravery on stomach-dropping rides or win an oversized stuffed animal that definitely won’t fit in your car.
2. Adirondack Balloon Festival, Queensbury
Time of year: September
If you’ve ever wanted to see the sky filled with giant, colorful hot air balloons, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is pure magic.
Held at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, this free event brings in pilots nationwide, launching dozens of vibrant and unique designs in every shape and color imaginable!
Mornings start with peaceful sunrise launches, while evenings are all about the “Moonglow,” where balloons light up like giant lanterns against the night sky.
There’s no carnival here—just food trucks, craft vendors, and plenty of space to lay back, relax, and watch the balloons float off into the Adirondack Mountains.
3. CNY Maple Festival, Marathon
Time of year: April
If your dream weekend involves drowning everything in maple syrup, the CNY Maple Festival is your kind of party.
Every April, this small-town tradition celebrates the sugaring season with local maple treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
You can watch syrup-making demonstrations, check out local crafts and food vendors, and even treat your sweet tooth with maple-themed goodies.
From a hearty pancake breakfast to contests, live music, and hands-on exhibits, this festival is a true celebration of all things maple.
4. Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, Binghamton
Time of year: August
Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally is where you can watch hot air balloons take off while devouring a sandwich that’s basically a local legend.
This festival at Otsiningo Park is all about the spiedie—a delicious grilled meat sandwich marinated in a secret blend of herbs, then stuffed into soft Italian bread.
Beyond the food, the weekend is packed with live concerts, meet-and-greets with famous cartoon characters, and, of course, stunning balloon launches.
Whether you’re here for the food, the views, or just the excuse to spend a summer weekend outdoors, Spiedie Fest is a true Binghamton tradition.
5. Rochester Lilac Festival, Rochester
Time of year: May
The Rochester Lilac Festival is proof that Upstate New York knows how to throw a spring party—just add flowers, food, and live music.
Held in Highland Park, this 10-day festival showcases over 500 lilac varieties in full bloom, filling the air with a sweet, floral scent.
It’s not just about the flowers, though—you’ll find food trucks, art vendors, a massive craft beer expo, and free concerts featuring everything from jazz to indie rock.
With a parade, a lilac-themed 5K, and plenty of spots to picnic under the purple blossoms, this is the ultimate way to welcome warmer weather in the state.
6. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, Saranac Lake
Time of year: January – February
If you think winter in Upstate New York is all about hibernating, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will prove you wrong in the best way possible.
This Adirondack town goes all out with a 10-day festival packed with wacky competitions, epic fireworks, and a parade that gets more over-the-top every year.
The star of the show? A massive, glowing Ice Palace built from giant ice blocks pulled straight from Lake Flower—like something out of a winter fairy tale.
Between the outdoor parties, themed events, and a whole town that embraces the fun, this is winter at its most ridiculous and most fun.
7. National Buffalo Wing Festival, Buffalo
Time of year: Late August to Early September
If you take your wings seriously, the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo is basically your Super Bowl.
Held every Labor Day weekend, this saucy celebration brings in wing masters from all over the country, serving up flavors from classic Buffalo to mango habanero.
There’s a competitive contest where wing-eating pros go head-to-head in a speed showdown, while chefs compete in a “sauce-off” for the ultimate bragging rights.
Between the endless food, live music, and the chance to sample wings from legendary spots, this is a must for anyone who believes blue cheese is the only acceptable dip.
8. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, Saugerties
Time of year: September
If you think garlic is just for cooking, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival will change your mind—and possibly your breath—for days.
This two-day festival at Cantine Field becomes a garlic lover’s paradise, with dozens of local farms selling every variety imaginable, plus garlicky treats like garlic ice cream!
Beyond the food, you’ll find cooking demos, live music, competitions, and workshops on growing and using garlic creatively.
Whether you’re here to stock up on fresh cloves or just embrace the weirdness of an entire weekend dedicated to one ingredient, this festival is pure (and pungent) fun.
9. The Oyster Fest, Oyster Bay
Time of year: October
The Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay is the ultimate excuse to eat your weight in fresh seafood while soaking up some classic Long Island charm.
Held every October along the waterfront, this festival serves up oysters every way imaginable—raw, fried, and even features an oyster-shucking competition.
Beyond the seafood, there’s also carnival rides, live music, and enough craft vendors to keep you wandering (and snacking) all day long.
Whether you’re here for the oysters, the history (this town was home to Theodore Roosevelt, after all), or just the unbeatable fall vibes, this is one shell of a festival.
10. New York Renaissance Faire, Tuxedo
Time of year: Late August to Early October (Weekends)
The New York Renaissance Faire is where you can spend a day in the 16th century—no time machine required.
With costumed performers, jousting knights, and turkey legs fit for a feast, this fairground-turned-Elizabethan village brings the Renaissance to life.
You can test your skills at axe throwing, watch hilarious improv shows, and shop for everything from handcrafted swords to corsets that could double as armor.
Whether you come in full medieval gear or to cheer on the knights while sipping a goblet of mead, this is the closest you’ll get to time travel.
11. New York City Wine & Food Festival, NYC
Time of year: October
The New York City Wine & Food Festival is a four-day feast where celebrity chefs, top restaurants, and food lovers take over the city for the ultimate eating marathon.
This huge event features hundreds of tastings, cooking demos, and exclusive dinners hosted by big-name chefs—past years have included Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay.
You can sample gourmet bites from NYC’s best restaurants, sip wine and cocktails, and even watch burger battles, taco showdowns, and late-night dessert parties.
With events spread across rooftops, fancy hotels, and waterfront venues, this festival is part fine dining, part food coma, and 100% worth it.
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