Westchester Fall Guide: Festivals, Halloween Events, Apple Picking and More

Fall has arrived, and so have all the many fall festivals and events. For a lot of people, this is their favorite time of year. What with the cooler temps, changing of leaves and all the amazing foods that abound from fall harvest, plus Halloween awaiting, it’s no wonder people love this season. My family and I love it too and look forward to all the fun activities that happen this time of year. Below is a chronological list of the many October goings-on (including apple picking and on-going events at the bottom) in our part of Westchester County, NY, as well as a few beyond. Happy Fall!

Harvest Fest at Stone Barns in Pocantico Falls, NY, Saturday, October 3, 10 – 3. I’m starting the list off with an event that’s sold out – sorry! – but worth mentioning not only for its popularity but so you’re in the know for next year. With farming and food activities, live music, a turkey parade, hayrides and more at one of Westchester’s most visited farms. Tickets: $40/adults, $20/ages 2 – 15. 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591

Fall Festival and Hawk Watch Weekend at Greenwich Audubon in Greenwich, CT, October 3 and 4, 11 – 5. Live birds of prey show, games, arts and crafts, face painting, food, live music and more. This unique fall festival is fun for the whole family. $7/members and $10/non-members. Kids 3 and under FREE. 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831

Fall Festival at Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, NY, October 11, 11 – 3. This super fun event includes scarecrow building, pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, cider making, meet the animals, tractor riding and more. Kids under 2 FREE. Tickets purchased by October 10, $5/member and $10/non-member. Day of event: $8/member and $15/non-member. 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Ragamuffin Parade in Larchmont, NY, October 17. This Halloween parade epitomizes small town living at its best – starting at the corner of Larchmont and Palmer Aves and walking down Larchmont Avenue to Constitution Park, the local stores and vendors are out and about for some much fun trick or treating. Free hot dogs and water await you at the end! Line-up at 12:30. Walk at 1.

Fall Festival at Sheldrake Environmental Center in Larchmont, NY, October 18, 1 – 4. Pumpkins, crafts, animals, music and more at Larchmont’s local nature preserve. Tickets, Members – $7/ Non-members- $10. 685 Weaver Street, Larchmont, NY 10538

Autumn Celebration at Muscoot Farm in Katonah, NY, October 18 in the afternoon. Music, games, hay rides, crafts, blacksmithing demonstrations and farmers market at one of Westchester’s most popular farms. 51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 10536

Bronxville Children’s Halloween Festival in Bronxville, NY, October 18, 12 – 4. With carnival rides, pony rides, food, live music and more! Leonard Morange Park Parkway Road, Bronxville NY 10708

Harvest Fest on the Hill at Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers, NY, October 24, 12 – 4. This fall festival has it all – petting zoo, pony rides, live music, pumpkin decorating with Whole Foods, trick or treating, and arts and crafts with Wee Westchester. See website above for line-up of events and times. One Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710

Halloween Spooktacular in Mamaroneck, NY, October 25, various times, see below. This annual event is a big attraction, with a costume parade down Mamaroneck Ave, a haunted house in the Stephen E. Johnston pavilion, crafts, games, treats and more! 11:00 a.m.: sign up at Robert’s for Window Painting; 12:30 p.m.: Costume Parade, meet at Halstead and Mamaroneck Aves; 1:30 p.m.: Tricks & Treats Kids Korner – crafts and holiday fun at Harbor Island Pavilion; 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Haunted House at Harbor Island Pavilion.

Scarecrows and Pumpkins Parade at Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, NY, October 25, 11 – 3. Put on your costume and follow friendly scarecrows on a pumpkin trail. Cider and treats. Register by October 24 – $5/members, $10/non-members. Day of event – $8/member and $15/non-members. Kids under 2 FREE. 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

On Going Events

The Great Jack O’ Lantern BLAZE in Cortlandt Manor, NY, October 2 – November 15. This spectacular pumpkin show sells out fast, so purchase tickets now. With more than 7,000 hand-carved illuminated pumpkins, this annual event is a spectacle of a site, and the sheer artistry behind it is enough to make anyone swoon. It’s simply amazing. 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

 “Boo at the Zoo” at the Bronx Zoo, weekends October 3 – November 1. Dress up in costume and head to one of the city’s most popular Halloween events. Costume parade, magic shows, hay maze, arts and crafts, Jack O’ Lantern Illumination are just some of the activities and events that go on. For a full list and times, see website above. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460

Apple Picking

There are many great farms to go apple picking, many of them with pumpkin picking as well. Below is a list of our personal favorites, along with some others that come highly recommended.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem, NY

This is one of our favorite farms due to its super fun fall festivals on weekends in October. With live music, pony rides, bouncy castles, face painting, hay rides, bbq food, and of course, apple picking. Also some of the best home-made apple cider donuts around. 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY

Outhouse Orchard in North Salem, NY

Across the street from Harvest Moon is another hugely popular farm. With corn mazes, hay rides and food, it’s fun for the whole family. 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights, NY

With three farm markets, including a bakery and gift shop, this scenic farm offers more than just apple picking. They have peach and pumpkin picking as well. Get there early to avoid the long bakery lines. 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY

Stuart’s Farm in Granite Springs, NY

This family-operated farm has been around since 1828 and has some of the best apples around. There is also pumpkin picking, hay rides and delicious baked goods. 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY

Apple Dave’s Orchards (formerly Applewood Orchards) in Warwick, NY

With live music, puppet shows, wagon rides, face painting and more, this orchard is consistently voted one of the most popular around. There is also a winery adjacent for some grown-up fun. 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY 10990