September in Syracuse started the fall season out perfectly, however, we're only just getting warmed up. October in Onondaga County 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 2022 Fall activities this October in Syracuse, NY. 

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

1 LePage St. Syracuse, open 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 Jurassic Dark dinosaur attraction 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 8-9

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 LaFayette Apple Festival. Rides, crafts, a food court and pie baking contests are staples of this festival.

 

Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration

September 17 - October 23

Running through Columbus Day Weekend, 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. We’ll have apple and pumpkin picking, delicious handcrafted beverages, wagon rides, and of course our famous corn maze! Weekend tickets are $9 ahead of time and $12 at the door. 

 

RetroGameCon 2022

Oct 8-9

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 15- 30th 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 character.

 

Enchanted Beaver Lake 

October 20: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | October 21: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | October 22: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | October 23: 6:00 pm - 8:00 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.

 

Halloween at the Park

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

Halloween at the Park, a family-friendly drive-thru experience, is back for another year! Vehicles will be able to follow a lighted path and view festive Halloween-themed displays along the way. Halloween at the Park runs Oct 1-31st and is a spooktacular experience, instead bringing to life a fantasy Halloween world through large wooden structures, LED light displays and costumed actors. 

Oktoberfest throughout Onondaga County

Meier's Creek Brewing Company - Saturday, September 24th at their main location in Cazenovia, NY

The Brasserie Bar and Bistro - Saturday, October 1st, kicking off at 2 pm in Township 5 outside the restaurant. Traditional, rich food, delicious drinks, live music and a full day of fun will be had! This event is open to all ages.

Heritage Hill Brewery - Friday September 30th & Saturday October 1st will offer fun throughout the weekend including German beer and food, bounce houses, hot air balloons and more fall fun.

Central New York Oktoberfest - Saturday, October 15th & Sunday, October 16th head to the NYS Fairgrounds. Oktoberfest 2022 is here! The German American Society of CNY is partnering with The Great New York State Marathon to host a weekend full of road races and German cultural celebration at the New York State Fairgrounds. You'll find traditional German food and music. Imported German beer as well as domestic favorites. Local wine selection. Vendors including German apparel and crafts. There will be raffles, Stein hoist contest, the Bier Puppet, and a variety of activities! Traditional Oktoberfest music and dancers provided by Syracuse Oktoberfest Band. 

Tim's Pumpkin Patch

All season long

Tim's Pumpkin Patch is welcoming guests for their 36th 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 then head over to the brew barn for a cold pint of beer or cider, or warm up with mulled wine and other seasonal cocktails. Head to Tim's Pumpkin Patch Instagram to check out their live music all season long.