September in Onondaga County started the fall season out perfectly, however, we're only just getting warmed up. October in Syracuse, NY is special for many reasons. We're hitting peak foliage season, there's plenty of ways to get spooky and festive, and a ton of fall themed events to keep us busy, so lets get into it. Here are the best 2023 Fall activities this October in the 315. 

 

Fall Festival at Abbott Farms

Weekends until Nov 1

Fall Festival weekends continue throughout the month of October at Abbott Farms. Wristbands will be available to purchase to gain access to autumn activities including apple picking, corn mazes, wagon rides, hay climbs and more.

 

Fright Nights

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the month of October!

Fright Nights is a one of a kind haunted experience right here in Syracuse. If you're brave enough, venture through 5 different themed haunted houses including a Penny's Playhouse and the Devil's Dungeon Slide to Hell. Tickets can be purchased per house of for all 5 at once. Food and drinks can be bought there as well. Get ready for a scare!

 

Lafayette Apple Festival

October 7-8

Join in on this celebration of all things apple. Apple cider, apple fritters, apple pie, apple dumplings and apple donuts are a few of the many apple-centric foods and drinks available at the 50th Annual LaFayette Apple Festival. Rides, crafts, a food court and pie baking contests are staples of this festival.

 

Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration

Now - October 22

Running through October 23, Critz Farms celebrates their Fall Harvest Celebration. Experience the quintessential fall season on the Farm—the perfect place to bring the family and soak in everything fall has to offer. Enjoy pumpkin picking, delicious handcrafted beverages, wagon rides, and of course our famous corn maze! Weekend tickets are $10.

 

RetroGameCon 2023

Oct 7-8

The Oncenter hosts RetroGameCon (RGC), Upstate New York’s largest game expo and New York State’s largest game expo. This epic two day event celebrates all things video games and includes vendors, artists, developers, and collectible vendors. A weekend ticket is $35 and children 7 and under will receive free admission. 

 

Zoo Boo

Weekends in October

Visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo during weekends in October between 14- 29th for Zoo Boo. This "kooky not spooky" Halloween event includes all the fun of the zoo plus trick-or-treat stations, games, activities, keeper chats and more. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. The themed weekends include, Superheroes, Witches & Wizards, and Your favorite movie or TV character.

 

Spooktacular Stroll

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sundays during the month of October 

Spooktacular Stroll, a family-friendly walk-thru experience ! This not-so-scary1/2 mile walk, now on a paved path at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, brings to life a fantasy Halloween world through large wooden structures and LED light displays. Themed areas include Witch's Way, the Ghost Barnyard, the Pumpkin Patch, Skeleton Graveyard, the Dinosaur Dungeon and more! There will also be food trucks in the park to grab a treat or dinner before or after. 

 

Tim's Pumpkin Patch

All season long

Tim's Pumpkin Patch is welcoming guests for their 37th season, Tim's is the definition of how to spend a fall day in Central New York. This real working farm allows you to visit animals, participate in wagon rides, corn mazes, and enjoy other farm fun. At Tim's, family and friends can enjoy picking their own pumpkins or choosing from a large display of pre-picked pumpkins, after that you can choose from a variety of baked goods made with farm fresh ingredients, and a special weekly  Head to Tim's Pumpkin Patch Instagram to check out their live music all season long.

 

Enchanted Beaver Lake (sold out)

October 19: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm | October 20: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm | October 21: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm | October 22: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Head to Beaver Lake Nature Center to see more than 500 specially carved jack-o-lanterns of different shapes and sizes, plus 500 glowing luminaria light the way along two winding wooded trails. Face painting, fortune telling, magic shows and storytelling add to the enchantment of the night. Enchanted Beaver Lake is the perfect October celebration and a must-see during pumpkin season.