2026 Editor's Picks: The Best Fall Festivals In & Near Clifton Park, NY
Every fall, festivals across Clifton Park and the surrounding Capital Region celebrate the harvest season with live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Our editors selected the following as this year's standout fall festivals, worth planning a visit around.
Which Fall Festivals Made the 2026 List?
This year's picks include:
- Clifton Park Farm Fest
- Adirondack Balloon Festival
- Harvest Festival in Halfmoon
- Maple Ski Ridge Annual Fall Festival
- "The Way We Were" Car Show
- Troy ChowderFest
- Saratoga Fall Festival
- Albany Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run 5K
- Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K & 10K and Kids Fun Run
- Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest
- Double M Haunted Hayrides: Little Monsters Day
Together, they cover hot air balloon launches, classic car displays, chowder tastings, and family-friendly harvest celebrations throughout the Capital Region.
Clifton Park Farm Fest
Dates: September 19-20, 2026
Mark your calendar for a weekend of family-friendly fall fun at the Clifton Park Farm Fest. This signature Clifton Park fall festival takes place over two days and invites visitors to drive around to local farms for hayrides, demos, animals, festive music, and more.
Admission is free, so be sure to take advantage of the self-guided tour through the town’s agricultural community.
Adirondack Balloon Festival
Every year, the Adirondack Balloon Festival draws thousands of eager locals and visitors. Held just north of Clifton Park in Queensbury and Glens Falls, this beloved Capital Region fall event features spectacular hot air balloon launches.
Come for the early morning ascensions, stay for live music, and don’t miss the captivating moonglow displays. Families can also enjoy food vendors, a craft fair, exhibitors, and kids’ activities, making this a perfect outing just a short drive from Clifton Park.
Harvest Festival in Halfmoon
Celebrate the season in Halfmoon at the community’s Harvest Festival! Formerly known as the Halfmoon Fall Festival, this is one of the town’s biggest fall events. The day includes live music, vendors, and outdoor activities to keep families entertained.
Maple Ski Ridge Annual Fall Festival
Prepare for a day of family fun at the Maple Ski Ridge Annual Fall Festival in Schenectady! This family-favorite fall event near Clifton Park features activities for all ages, including a classic car show, craft vendors, and live music.
Savor delicious food, take hayrides, or bid in the silent auction. Proceeds benefit The Schenectady Firefighter’s Cancer Foundation, making this event a celebration with a cause.
"The Way We Were" Car Show
Plan a visit to downtown Ballston Spa in October for the annual “The Way We Were” Car Show. This signature fall event lines the streets with hundreds of classic cars, live music, food, merchandise, and more.
It’s a must-attend festival for car lovers in the Clifton Park area.
Troy ChowderFest
If you love chowder, soup, and hearty comfort food, don’t miss Troy ChowderFest. Participating restaurants in downtown Troy serve $2, four-ounce samples right from their storefronts, while entertainment and vendors line the streets.
Admission is free, making this Capital Region tradition a delicious fall favorite for all ages.
Saratoga Fall Festival
Celebrate Halloween season at the Saratoga Fall Festival. Break out your costumes and join in on pumpkin rolling, live music, face painting, and family activities throughout downtown Saratoga. This family-friendly Saratoga fall event is just a short drive from Clifton Park.
Albany Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run 5K
Kick off Halloween with the City of Albany’s Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run 5K! Runners dress in their best costumes and race through Washington Park.
Awards are given for top finishers and standout costumes, and all registered runners receive a wicking fabric shirt. It’s one of Albany’s most festive fall events and a seasonal favorite for families and athletes alike.
Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K & 10K and Kids Fun Run
Run, walk, or roll into fall at Saratoga Spa State Park while supporting Saratoga Bridges. The 26th annual Great Pumpkin Challenge features a 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run, costume and pumpkin decorating contests, seasonal treats, and more.
Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest
See some seriously massive pumpkins at the 11th annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest! Growers from across the Northeast bring their biggest entries to downtown Saratoga Springs for the annual weigh-off, with dozens of giant pumpkins on display, plus food, the nearby Saratoga Farmers Market, and more family-friendly fun.
Double M Haunted Hayrides: Little Monsters Day
Bring the kids to Double M Haunted Hayrides for Halloween fun without the big scares. Little Monsters Day features a kid-friendly hayride, bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, costumed characters, music, photo ops, and more. Costumes are encouraged!
When Do Fall Festivals Take Place in Clifton Park, NY?
Most Clifton Park fall festivals and nearby events take place from mid-September through October. September highlights include Clifton Park Farm Fest and Halfmoon’s Harvest Festival, while October brings favorites like the Ballston Spa Car Show, Saratoga Fall Festival, and Albany’s Trick or Trot 5K.
Plan ahead and enjoy the full season of fun across the Capital Region!
Check out more Clifton Park area events »
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