9 Local Street Fairs And Festivals in Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley

Every year, Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley come alive with fairs that celebrate food, art, music, and community. Some close down historic streets for neighborhood block parties, while others spill across fairgrounds with a festival atmosphere.

Each event has its own spark, whether it’s garlic ice cream in Saugerties or lanterns lighting the Mohawk Valley sky. Here are nine gatherings I truly think are worth a visit, each offering something distinct and memorable for anyone wanting to experience true local color.

1. Little Italy StreetFest, Schenectady (Sep 2025)

Few events capture neighborhood pride like Schenectady’s Little Italy StreetFest. Every September, the heart of Little Italy turns into a lively street party where food and family traditions take center stage. Local bakeries and restaurants set up along the sidewalks, offering wood-fired pizza, cannoli, and homemade pasta.

Music drifts through the air, sometimes an accordion, other times a live band playing Italian classics, while kids dart between games and crafts. It’s common to see old friends greeting one another with hugs, and newcomers quickly feel part of the crowd. The atmosphere is equal parts festival and family reunion, grounded by businesses that have served the community for generations.

Whether you stop for olive oil, sample sausage and peppers, or dance in the street, the event delivers authentic warmth and flavor. For anyone curious about Italian-American heritage, Schenectady’s Little Italy district shines brightest on StreetFest day.

2. Nyack Street Fairs, Nyack (Apr 13, May 18, Jul 13, Sep 7, Oct 12, 2025)

Nyack hosts several street fairs each year, and every one feels like the whole town is in motion. Main Street and Broadway close down, making way for over two hundred vendors selling everything from hand-thrown pottery to artisan soaps and vegan street food.

Local musicians set up on corners while jazz bands add a festive soundtrack. Street performers keep families entertained, you might stumble into a puppet show or catch a magician delighting children with card tricks. Each fair reflects the season: spring brings fresh flowers and herbs, while fall highlights local apples, cider, and handmade scarves.

Visitors browse slowly, chatting with friendly vendors who share their craft stories. The blend of shopping, food, and entertainment creates a welcoming rhythm. Whether you come once or make it a yearly habit, Nyack’s street fairs always feel fresh, offering new discoveries alongside familiar neighborhood charm.

3. Stockade StreetFest, Schenectady (Sept 2025)

Set in Schenectady’s oldest neighborhood, Stockade StreetFest blends history with modern celebration. The streets of the Stockade Historic District, lined with 18th-century homes, create a striking backdrop for this one-day event. Vendors sell antiques, handmade jewelry, and local art, while food trucks serve up everything from kettle corn to barbecue.

Musicians set up along sidewalks, and bluegrass or folk tunes spill into the air as people lounge on stoops or wander between booths. One of the highlights is the storytelling and informal history tours that give visitors insight into the district’s rich past.

Neighbors greet one another, while visitors from outside the area soak in the charm of cobblestone streets and shaded courtyards. It feels like equal parts open-air market, music festival, and heritage walk. For those who enjoy local history paired with creativity and good food, Stockade StreetFest offers a uniquely Schenectady experience.

4. Mac-n-Cheese Bowl, Cohoes (Oct, 18 2025)

Cohoes transforms into a paradise for comfort food lovers during the annual Mac-n-Cheese Bowl. Stretching across several blocks on Remsen Street, this event features dozens of local restaurants competing to craft the ultimate mac and cheese dish. Some go classic, creamy cheddar with breadcrumbs, while others push the envelope with lobster, jalapeños, or smoky bacon.

For the price of a ticket, visitors can sample across the lineup and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award. The energy is upbeat and casual: families with kids wander between booths, foodies debate flavor combinations, and live music keeps spirits high.

It’s a festival that brings together all ages, with the simple joy of pasta and cheese at its heart. Beyond the food, the event also benefits local charities, making every bite part of a bigger cause. If you love creative takes on comfort food, Cohoes delivers a street fair like no other.

5. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, Saugerties (Sept 27–28, 2025)

The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival in Saugerties is one of the quirkiest celebrations around. Held at Cantine Field, the festival fills the air with the unmistakable aroma of roasted garlic, herbs, and sizzling pans. Vendors sell garlic in every form imaginable, braided ropes, spreads, dips, and even garlic ice cream.

Cooking demonstrations share tips on using garlic in everyday meals, while musicians provide a lively backdrop ranging from bluegrass to folk. For kids, there are crafts and hands-on activities, while adults browse rows of regional farmers and artisans.

Visitors often leave with bags of seed garlic for planting and jars of gourmet sauces. The vibe is equal parts agricultural fair and street party, celebrating a crop that’s central to the Hudson Valley’s food identity. It’s an offbeat, flavorful event where garlic isn’t just an ingredient, it’s the main attraction, proudly celebrated in every possible way.

6. Sleepy Hollow Street Fair, Tarrytown / Sleepy Hollow (Sept 21, 2025)

Each fall, Beekman Avenue in Sleepy Hollow becomes the stage for a lively, family-friendly street fair with a subtle spooky twist. Vendors line the street with crafts, clothing, and handmade candles, while food stalls offer everything from empanadas to funnel cakes.

The fair’s signature touches nod to local legend: pumpkins, scarecrows, and Headless Horseman motifs appear at every turn. Local bands provide a soundtrack that’s festive without being overwhelming, making it easy to linger all afternoon. Families enjoy the kid-friendly games and small rides scattered along the route, while adults chat with artisans and sample seasonal treats.

The event draws both locals and visitors from across the Hudson Valley, creating a bustling but welcoming atmosphere. For those who enjoy fall traditions with a hint of folklore, the Sleepy Hollow Street Fair is as memorable as the stories that made the town famous.

7. Autumn Glow Lantern Festival, Rotterdam Junction (Sept-Oct 2025)

Held at the historic Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction, the Autumn Glow Lantern Festival brings a magical evening atmosphere to the Mohawk Valley. Instead of streets, this fair lights up fields and pathways with colorful lantern displays that reflect Asian and Caribbean cultural traditions.

Performers like lion dancers and drummers weave through the crowd, while food stalls serve everything from curries to sweet buns. Families make lantern crafts with children, and neighbors gather for storytelling and dance performances. As sunset falls, the lantern procession begins, casting a warm glow across the festival grounds.

The blend of cultural heritage and local community makes this event feel both global and personal. It’s not a classic street fair, but the mix of food, music, and light creates the same communal joy. If you’re seeking something visually stunning and heartwarming, Autumn Glow is a must-see.

8. NY State Fair, Syracuse (Aug 20-Sep 1, 2025)

While not a traditional street fair, the New York State Fair is an upstate institution that feels like several festivals rolled into one. The sprawling fairgrounds outside Syracuse host everything from midway rides to livestock barns, but parts of the experience resemble a lively street fair.

Rows of food courts serve regional specialties, fried dough, sausage and peppers, and the famous “milk for 25 cents” stand. Vendors sell crafts, honey, and local products, while parades and concerts keep crowds entertained. Families spend afternoons exploring the barns, while music lovers gather for national acts on the main stage.

What makes the fair special is its mix of small-town traditions and large-scale entertainment. It’s one of the longest-running and largest fairs in the country, and each year feels like a late-summer homecoming. If you want a sampler of everything New York celebrates, this is the place.

9. StockadeFaire, Kingston (Autumn 2025)

Uptown Kingston’s StockadeFaire is a block party that fuses creativity, music, and community in one of the Hudson Valley’s most historic neighborhoods. Each fall, streets fill with artisan vendors selling ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, while food trucks serve up local flavors.

Live musicians set the mood, and pop-up art installations appear in unexpected corners. Families wander together, stopping for face painting or a quick snack, and even dogs seem to enjoy the lively atmosphere. What sets this fair apart is its relaxed yet vibrant feel, you never quite know what surprise you’ll stumble across.

One year it might be a street performance, another a new maker showcasing their craft. With its mix of heritage architecture and youthful energy, StockadeFaire manages to be both historic and fresh. It’s proof that a small city can host an event that feels bigger than the sum of its parts.