Fall Events in Oswego County for the Entire Family to Enjoy

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, Central New York celebrates all things fall. Harvest festivals, pumpkin carving, apple picking, haunted happenings, and more fill the calendars. So if you’re looking for something to do this autumn, check out the great variety of fall events in Oswego County. Whether it’s a day out with the family, date night, or an adventure with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Autumnal Equinox Hike at Amboy 4-H Center

Saturday, September 16

There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a beautiful fall hike. The crisp coolness in the air and the leaves changing colors are just magical this time of year. Adventurous families can head out to the Amboy 4-H Environmental Center to enjoy a guided walk through the trails. Admission is just $4 per person or $12 per family (children under 3 are free).

Later this month the center is also hosting a night hike!

Fall Jamboree at Ontario Orchards

Saturday & Sunday, September 16-17

Fall season in upstate New York just isn’t complete without a multitude of fall festivals. Ontario Orchards kicks things off with their annual Fall Jamboree. The weekend-long event features a corn maze, wagon rides, wine tasting, arts & craft vendors, live music, apple & pumpkin picking, face painting, and so much more. Bring the family out to enjoy a day at the farm.

The Stowell Sanatorium at Schroeppel Historical Society

Monday, September 25

The perfect way to kick off spooky season is at the Schroeppel Historical Society. On Monday, September 25th, they are hosting a talk about the Stowell Sanatorium. Now a beautiful home in the heart of Phoenix, NY, the building has had an interesting history. Learn about its time as both a hospital and maternity ward. Admission to the talk is FREE and refreshments are provided.

Law & Disorder Lantern Tours at Fort Ontario

Thursdays, September 21 – October 12

When it comes to seasonal events, For Ontario never fails to impress. From ghost hunts and paranormal adventures to historical lectures and reenactments, they always have something exciting planned for the fall season. This year, the staff are leading visitors on lantern tours throughout the fort. The evening will be filled with tales from the fort’s history, highlighting the crime and punishment that took place there.

Campfire & Night Hike at Amboy 4-H Center

Friday, September 29

If you loved the previous fall hike and want more, or maybe you missed your chance, there’s another hike at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Center. This time the hike takes place at night and kicks off with group campfire and s’mores. Then guides will take participants on a moonlit walk through the trails looking for native nocturnal animals. As with all events, admission is just $4 per person or $12 per family (children under 3 are free).

Looking for more fall hikes? Check out these other trails to explore in Oswego County.

CNY Pumpkin Festival

Saturday & Sunday, September 30 – October 1

The annual pumpkin festival is back at Washington Square Park in Oswego. The festival features two days filled with live music, food, craft vendors, and more. The main event is the pumpkin decorating contest (for a $5 entry). Plus, kids will enjoy meet and greets with the “Sanderson sisters” and “Jack & Sally”. Admission is FREE.

Family Fall Festival at Oswego County Fairgrounds

Friday – Sunday, September 29 – October 1

Following in the festive footsteps of the Oswego County Fair, the county continues their celebrations in the fall. At the same county fairgrounds, the Family Fall Festival invites visitors to enjoy chicken bbq, scarecrows, tractor & truck pulls, fair food, rides, live music, craft vendors, and plenty more.

Locktoberfest

Saturday, September 30

While breweries and bars around the world celebrate Oktoberfest, places in New York celebrate Locktoberfest along the canals. Huge celebrations are planned for Phoenix, with several local businesses participating. Lock 1 Distilling, Gingersnap Bakery, Duskee’s Sports Bar, and more have special menus and activities planned as part of the festival. Live music, food trucks, and fireworks round out the festivities.

NAPA Super Dirt Week

Oswego County is no stranger to car races. Both Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway are known for their weekly dirt car races in the summer. But the party really happens every October at Oswego Speedway for NAPA Super Dirt Week. The monumental event attracts visitors from all over the US and Canada who are eager to watch the best racers take on the “Steel Palace”. Hundreds of cars compete throughout the week in 4 different race series.

Tickets are available for various events and races.

History on Tap at GS Steamers

Wednesday, October 4

Oswego’s History on Tap continues with a presentation about Oswego Market House/Old City Hall. Stories about the buildings history will blend with ideas for its future. Visitors can buy their own drinks at the bar and enjoy them during this FREE event.

Fulton Fall Festival

Saturday, October 7

This time it’s Fulton’s turn to celebrate all things fall. The Fulton Fall Festival features live music, pony rides, local food, vendors, inflatables, and more.

Fall Fest at Selkirk Shores

Saturday, October 14

A fall festival at a state park? Yes, please! Selkirk Shores State Park brings the fall fun with pumpkin decorating, crafts, and trick-or-treating for the kiddos.

Ghost Hunt at Fort Ontario

Saturday, October 14

Fort Ontario is bringing back their famous ghost hunts for one night only! Tickets must be purchased in advance for $20 each by visiting the fort or calling 315-343-4711.

Geocaching at Amboy 4-H Center

Saturday, October 21

Geocaching is continuing to grow as a popular outdoor activity. And you may be surprised to know that there are 388 geocaches hidden throughout Parish, New York! Amboy 4-H Environmental Center is celebrating the local geocaches with an event for both beginners and experts alike. For those new to geocaching, they will learn how to use the geocaching app and local coordinates to find hidden goodies.

As with all events, admission is just $4 per person or $12 per family (children under 3 are free).

Creepy Crawl

Friday – Sunday, October 26 – 28

Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow is bringing back the popular Creepy Crawl at Oswego’s haunted tunnel. The final weekend of October goes out in true Halloween style with live music along the Riverwalk. Guests can enjoy a haunted trail, face painting, an a rock climbing wall. Canale’s is catering the event with food, beer, and wine.