Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October

Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
8/31/25 - By Drew Kristofik

Fall festivals in NYC punctuate the changing of seasons with all the pleasures autumn conjures: apple cider doughnuts, hay rides, the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and cozy family vibes. New York City fall festival favorites include the Richmond County Fair, the West Side County Fair, and the Brooklyn Children's Book Fair. Plus, Mommy Poppins is hosting a Back to School Fall Fest at Pier 57 on Sunday, September 21, and programming Playtopia at the Atlantic Antic on Sunday, October 5, with help from our friends at Brooklyn Bridge Parents.

There are also some cool under-the-radar events you may not have heard of, including an Italian fair in the Bronx that is a lot less crowded than Little Italy's San Gennaro and the Annual Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Tips for Visiting Fall Festivals With Kids

  • Go early to avoid crowds.
  • Bring cash for food vendors and rides.
  • Check for online tickets or reservation requirements.
  • Be sure to wear sunscreen!
  • Dress in layers and bring extra sunscreen and water.
  • Keep your phone and/or camera ready for photo-ops. NYC loves to "dress up" for the season, so you might come across some cool decorations as you walk the city streets.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fall Festival Fun in New York City

Q: When do fall festivals in New York City typically happen?
Fall festivals abound in September and October in NYC. The weekend after Labor Day and the week of Halloween are particularly busy for festival fun.
Q: Are these festivals stroller-friendly?
Festivals can be quite crowded and busy, and if you want to take the kids on rides, stroller parking might be an issue. We recommend leaving the stroller at home if you can.
Q: Do we need to buy tickets in advance?
Better safe than sorry. But don't despair if you've left things till the last minute.
Q: What age are these festivals best for?
It depends on the festival, of course! Even very little ones enjoy a music fest or food fest. Carnivals and rides are usually best for older kids, especially if there are height restrictions.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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Places featured in this article:


Various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn & Queens

Inwood Hill Park - Pat's Lawn

Riverside Park South - Pier I

LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Multiple locations in Brooklyn

Emily Warren Roebling Plaza

Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park)

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Citywide and online

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.