Discover some of the best annual October events to include in your next trip to sight-see the fall foliage in Washington County, NY! Beyond family-friendly festivals and unique agritourism destinations, you’ll find more many autumnal activities you won’t want to miss.
Let’s explore some of the most popular annual October events in Washington County, NY!
If you’re a lover of all things seasonal, spooky or Halloween, Washington County is the place for you! Explore our variety of thrilling countryside adventures, from barn dances and haunted tours to harvest celebrations and more.
Or, learn more about our best outdoor autumnal adventures or fun fall activities to do with your family.
Some of Washington County, NY’s Best Annual October Events Include:
Haunted Mazes, Barns and Bashes
Each October for two weekends, the Little Theater on the Farm in Fort Edward, NY, transforms into a Haunted Barn! Are you brave enough to face your fears? This terrifying adventure is reportedly one of the scariest in the area.
And, just down the road in Fort Ann, NY, you’ll find BooTown, open Fridays and Saturdays from Oct 10 through 25. During the daytime, the farm is home to a kid-friendly fall festival, with haystack climbing, arts & crafts, face painting, pony rides, and more. Each night, the BooTown Haunted Maze comes to life as a uniquely interactive zombie hunt set within a haunted town! Limited tickets are available, so don’t hesitate to get yours.
Last but not least, while it’s not quite a haunt, it may just drive you insane. Join in on the fun at Fort Salem’s The Rocky Horror Show, hitting the stage for just a few nights this season. Featuring cult-classic songs like “The Time Warp,” this high-energy, audience-participation extravaganza celebrates individuality, liberation, and all things weird. Perfect for the spooky season, this show will leave you dancing in your fishnets and begging for more.
Ghostly Tours of Haunted Historic Sites
Of course, as a region with a rich history, Washington County, NY also has its fair share of ghosts! Meet them as you explore our Haunted Trail, featuring some of the most spine-chilling experiences in the area.
Naturally, there are a few sites that stand out from the rest! Skene Manor in Whitehall, NY occasionally offers candle-lit ghost tours in their Gothic Victorian-era location. Additionally, you can enjoy occasional ghost tours by appointment at the Old Fort House Museum in Fort Edward (pictured above). Last but not least, the Historic Salem Courthouse sometimes hosts paranormal encounters and ghost tours within its halls. Check back periodically to see when the next haunted event takes place!
Yearly Trick-or-Treating Events
Naturally, you can’t miss out on one of the most beloved annual October events of all time: trick-or-treating. Luckily, locations across Washington County, NY host a variety of kid-friendly events perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!
Each October, the Historic Salem Courthouse hosts their Trunks & Treats near Halloween, as does the Whitehall PTA. Or, your family can visit Tiashoke: Farm, Store & More for their Tract-or Treat event around the same time! This costume-friendly celebration invites children to get their candy fix while checking out the farm’s collection of tractors.
Oktoberfests and Other Fall Fun
Finally, no list of annual October events would be complete without mentioning some of this area’s great Oktoberfest celebrations!
Chief amongst them is Locktoberfest, celebrating the harvest season on New York State’s historic canals. Held at the Canal Street Marketplace, this event features fun for the whole family, including free kids’ activities, live music, farm-fresh fall produce, food trucks, a beer-tasting tent for the adults and more.
In addition, many of our local craft beverage producers hold their own Oktoberfest traditions! These include Cigar Brothers Brewing and Slickfin Brewing Company.
If you’re looking for more fun annual fall experiences, visit during our Flannel Fall Crawl! This month-long event in October & November encourages visitors to taste the many different breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries within our slice of the Hudson Valley.
Also in October on Columbus Day weekend, the Washington County Antique Fair returns to Greenwich for a second weekend of picking, digging, and bartering. This end-of-season event is a great time to enjoy the last of the area’s foliage as you drive over to the fairgrounds, plus this event includes hundreds of antique and vintage vendors, plus food trucks and other seasonal snacks.
Want More Unique & Interesting Experiences to Explore?
Without a doubt, this is just the start of the many fun things to do in Washington County, NY! Other experiences of note include live music performances, dog-friendly activities, wildlife watching, cozy restaurants, on-the-farm encounters and more.
