There’s an excitement in the air this time of year in wine country. In part, it’s because of the buzzing energy around harvest, and the busy weekends full of travelers coming to admire the changing foliage and enjoy the seasonal fruit picking at local farms. But for visitors and locals alike, this time of year kicks off Spooky Season and all the festivities it brings. We’ve compiled a little list of some of the best events to look out for when in the region during this fun time of year
Small Town Fun
Days of Incandescence in Corning, NY, was just recently named one of the best Halloween festivals in the U.S. and offers a bit of historical lore and family-friendly fun during the three days of festivities. Bonus: Mingle with the community at their annual Trick or Treat along Market Street on Halloween Day!
Trick or Treat at The Windmill in Penn Yan is a great way to engage with over 150 vendors, shop, and enjoy the season’s festivities.
Owego, NY’s Halloween Fest takes place in the Central Historic District and features a series of events like pumpkin painting, a “Not So Scary Haunted House,” and a costume parade.
The annual Elmira Ghost Walk is a mix of live theater performances and local lore, featuring evening walks through the historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
The Village of Hammondsport hosts its annual Halloween Happenings with a fun, family-friendly “Witches of the Southern Tier” dance followed by Trick or Treating. Bonus: The Witches of the Southern Tier also host a dance at Montour Falls every year!
For Some Extra-Spooky Fun
While this time of year is perfect for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, many of our farms also elevate the spookiness to a whole new level! Just some of the highlights include:
The Coldbrook Curse at Bradley Farms, a popular haunted attraction in Elmira, New York, is open on Friday and Saturday nights in October. It features a walk-through haunted village, zombie paintball, and other scare attractions based on the legend of a cursed village that vanished centuries ago.
Tagsylvania in Big Flats, NY, at the Tags concert venue, features multiple haunted houses as well as carnival games and shows. The attraction operates on select weekends each fall, generally from late September through October.
For more seasonal fun, check out Thrills & Chills, a roundup of all things spooky, cozy, and quintessentially fall in Chemung County.
Don’t Miss The Festivities Along The Wine Trails
For a complete list of all the events happening at the different wineries, it’s best to follow the Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails. Look for annual celebrations that welcome the whole family, including your four-legged companions, live music, wine tasting, and pairings.