The first official weekend of fall is right around the corner. Are you looking for family-fun activities this weekend to celebrate the change of season?
Look no further than the Finger Lakes Region. Known for its scenic fall foliage, wineries, charming lakeside towns and delicious food, the Finger Lakes is a beloved New York treasure- especially during the fall season.
Here are four fun fall-themed activities to do this weekend, Sept. 27 and 28, in and around the Finger Lakes Region:
Naples Grape Fest
What: The 64th annual Naples Grape Fest returns to the Village of Naples this weekend, Sept. 27 and 28, for two days full of free live music, artistic vendors, food, wine and of course- the iconic “World’s Greatest Grape Pie Contest.” Festival-goers 21 years old and older can also enjoy the Brahm Moore Craft Beverage Garden, which will feature various businesses representing Finger Lake Region wineries, craft brewers, and distillers.
When: Naples Grape Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27 and 28, rain or shine. Live music will run from 10:45 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more about the upcoming performances at this year’s festival, visit https://naplesgrapefest.org/music.php.
Where: The festival will be held in the Village of Naples on State Route 21, also known as Main Street in Ontario County.
Schuyler County Farm Tour Day
What: The 6th annual Growin’ Around the Glen: Schuyler County Farm Tour Day, organized by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, will offer people the opportunity to visit and tour local farms in the area. Many of the participating farms will also hold family-fun experiences that guests can enjoy along with the tours. There are currently 10 Schuyler County farms participating in the tour day, including Four Season Alpacas and Rug Weaving, which will offer free horseback rides for kids. To see the full list of participating farms and their experiences, visit https://www.glengrown.com/2025farms.
When: The Schuyler County Farm Tour Day will be held on Sept. 27. Tour times vary between farms, but most begin between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. A full breakdown of operating tour times for each farm can be found on the Growin’ Around the Glen website.
Where: Farm locations vary around Schuyler County.
Bristol Mountain Fall Sky Rides
What: Every weekend in the fall, Bristol Mountain offers 15- to 20-minute Fall Sky Rides on the Comet Express chairlift to the summit of Bristol Mountain in Ontario County. The ride allows you to see all of the stunning fall foliage in the Bristol Hills. Bristol Mountain suggests purchasing tickets in advance online, as admission is limited. Tickets are $15 per person if you reserve them three days before your ride, or $20 if you purchase them less than three days ahead of your ride. Children two-years-old and younger can ride free. For more information about the Fall Sky Rides and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bristolmountain.com/fall-sky-rides/.
When: Fall Sky Rides at Bristol Mountain operate every Saturday and Sunday through the fall.
Where: Bristol Mountain is located at 5662 Route 64 in Canandaigua, Ontario County.
Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA Resort Fall in the Finger Lakes Weekend
What: The Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA Resort is a luxury campground in the Finger Lakes Region that offers RV hookup sites, tent camping and rental cabins. There are also many recreational activities on the grounds, including an indoor and outdoor pool, a large waterslide, mini golf, movie nights, a jumping pillow, a playground and more. The campground’s “Fall in the Finger Lakes Weekend” will offer guests fall-themed activities, seasonal treats and opportunities to explore the beautiful scenic views in the Finger Lakes. For more information about the campground and to book your next trip, visit https://koa.com/campgrounds/watkins-glen/.
When: The Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA Resort’s “Fall in the Finger Lakes Weekend” will take place on Sept. 26 and 27.
Where: Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA Resort is located at 1710 State Route 414 (GPS address, 1710 KOA Drive) in Watkins Glen, Schuyler County.
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fall activities in the Finger Lakes this weekend: See the list