Fall & Fright in the Capital Region: What’s Happening
Fall in the Capital Region is a celebration: crisp air, blazing foliage, and dozens of ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re chasing pumpkins, haunted trails, or just a beautiful weekend outing, here’s what’s happening (from Sept 30 onward) across Albany, Colonie, Schenectady, Guilderland, Rotterdam, and surrounding areas.
Thinking of giving your driveway or parking lot a seasonal refresh before holiday traffic hits?
🎃 Halloween & Haunted Attractions
Liberty Ridge Farm Fall Festival & Haunted Nights
Dates: Thursdays–Sundays through Nov 2, 2025, 10 AM–6 PM (haunted nights in October)
Location: Schaghticoke, just northwest of the Capital Region
Admission: $24.95 general; free under 3; upgrade to “Adventure Card” for extra attractions
Features: Pumpkin picking, corn maze, barnyard shows, train rides, haunted houses (3-D McCobb Manor, Underground Tunnel, Forest of Fear)
Learn More / Tickets: Liberty Ridge Farm Fall Festival & Nightmares
Double M Haunted Hayrides (Ballston Spa area)
Dates: Select evenings in October
Admission: ~$44.95 for general haunt pass (plus VIP upgrade)
What to Expect: Spooky hayrides, trails, interactive haunt zones
Reserve / Info: Double M Haunted Hayrides
Nightmares Haunted Attractions at Liberty Ridge
Dates: October evenings + select weekends
Attractions: Haunted houses, trails, forests, tunnels
Ticket Info: Nightmares at Liberty Ridge
🍂 Harvest, Fall Festivals & Family Events (Non-Halloween)
Liberty Ridge Farm Fall Festival
(Same as above, but includes daytime harvest fun)
Pumpkin picking, family activities, seasonal vendors
Fall Craft Fair — Guilderland Public Library
Date: Saturday, late October
Time: ~9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
What’s There: Local artisans, handmade goods, early holiday finds
Albany County Fall Fest & 5K (Barn to Bridge Fall Fest)
Date: Early October in Albany County (check local schedule)
5K run + fall festival events along the Albany trail system
Albany’s Twilight Market — Halloween Edition
Date: October 11, 2025
Where: Washington Park Lake House, Albany
Free event with artist booths, “dark arts” displays, performances
Apple / Cider / Harvest Weekends
Local orchards in Albany, Colonie, and Schenectady host seasonal apple picking and cider tasting through October
Five Rivers Fall Festival
Outdoor event with nature programs, demonstrations, crafts
Held at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County
Upper Madison Street Fair (Albany – Pine Hills)
Local arts, vendors, food — usually in early fall
Great for strolling through neighborhoods and supporting small businesses
Recommended Weekend Route
Why This Season Matters:
Nature’s Art Gallery: Leaves in Guilderland, hilltops in Albany — natural color is stunning.
Photo Ops: The architecture, homes, strip malls — everything looks better framed in fall.
Neighborhood Traffic: Roads and parking lots near events (farm, festivals, markets) see extra wear.
Curb Appeal Push: Many homeowners use this season to prep for winter and holidays — paving or resurfacing now can give you a smoother spring.
