October is the perfect month to embrace the fall season in Cortland County, where you'll find many fun festivals and events taking place throughout the county. From all things pumpkin spice to Halloween parades, beer tastings to celebrations of the fiber arts, there is no shortage of things to do this autumn.
So throw on your favorite flannel and join the Cortland County community for these family-friendly events!
PUMPKINFEST
Saturday, Oct. 5 & Sunday, Oct. 6 | Cortland Courthouse Park
The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest has been one of the county's most anticipated fall celebrations since 1996. It is a family-friendly experience that has become a favorite of adults and children alike. The two-day event was recently named the 4th Best Fall Festival in the United States by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, an annual contest hosted by the magazine to determine the best in US travel.
The festival will begin on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continue on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over the course of the weekend, festival goers can shop locally-made crafts from more than 100 local artisans and crafters, enjoy festival food from a variety of food trucks and local favorites, and, of course, get your first pumpkins of the season. The young ones will have plenty to keep them busy as well. From pumpkin decorating contests to hayrides, carnival-style midway to arts & crafts in the Kids' Zone, there will be no shortage of fall fun to be had.
For those 21 and older, the Pumpkin Pub will have a selection of beer both days. The beer tent is cash only so don't forget to hit the ATM before coming to the festival.
Talented performers will rock the stage all weekend, including the Fall Creek Brass Band (Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.), Tribal Revival (Oct. 5 at 4 p.m.), Kitestring (Oct. 6 at 12 p.m.) and Tailor Made (Sunday, at 3 p.m.).
8TH ANNUAL LITTLE YORK FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, Oct. 12 & Sunday, Oct. 13 | Little York Pavilion
Whether you're a knitter or a weaver, interested in learning about the art of spinning yarn, or just searching for that perfect holiday gift, the 8th Annual Little York Fiber Arts Festival is the place to be. The fine arts and crafts festival is held at the historic Little York Pavilion in beautiful Dywer Memorial Park at 6799 Little York Lake Road in Preble.
The festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continue on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a wide variety of vendors selling a collection of fiber products, including yarn and knitting supplies, raw fleeces, blankets and shawls, unique jewelry and seasonal art. Also available will be unique gift ideas such as handcrafted woodworking, pottery, soaps, maple products and more!
The Cortland Repertory Guild will be selling light refreshments and coffee.
There is a $5 entrance free; children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Don’t forget to bring cash as many vendors only accept cash or check, and there is no ATM on site.
5TH ANNUAL HOPS & SWAPS
Saturday, Oct. 12 | Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Winter is just a few short months away and there is no better place for skiers and boarders to stock up on equipment for winter sports than at Greek Peak's 5th Annual Hops & Swaps. The Swaps portion will include more than a million dollars worth of new and used merchandise starting Saturday, Oct. 11 (3 p.m. - 9 p.m.), and continuing over the weekend (Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to Noon). Tune, wax and sharpen or skis and boards for the upcoming season, or fit your new ski and/or boots to your equipment. Don't forget to take advantage of the roll back prices on season passes.
As for the Hops, Greek Peak is welcoming over 30 wineries, breweries and distilleries for a full day of tastings on Saturday, Oct. 12 starting at 12:30 p.m. For $15 you receive 15 tickets to sample from your favorites including, but not limited to, Middle Ages Brewing, Southern Tier, Saranac Brewery, and Long Trail Brewing Company.
Hit the trails before the tastings commence during the 5K Trail Run (12:30 p.m.) and/or a Vertical 1K Run (2 p.m.). Signing up will not only give you free entry to Hops and Swaps, but also earns you a free tasting glass. Also new this year is the partnership between Rocky's Cigar and Greek Peak Mountain Resort. For an additional $15 receive a unique experience in the comforts of a VIP tent to include whiskey tastings, cigar pairing and an informative presentation from Rocky's team.
The Unknown Woodsmen will kick off the live music schedule at 1 p.m. on the Trax Pub & Grill deck, followed by Sera Bullis and Band (4 p.m.) and Steven Cali Band (7 p.m.).
Mountain biking, chair lift rides, mountain coaster rides and fall-themed festival games will also be available.
6TH ANNUAL CORTLAND COUNTY HALLOWEEN PARADE
Thursday, Oct. 24 | Cortland Elk Lodge 748
Get ready for a spooky procession down Main Street in Historic Downtown Cortland during the annual Cortland County Halloween Parade.
Families and children under 18 years of age are invited to participate in the trick or treating hour which will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Main Street. Those wishing to participate in the costume contest are required to check-in at the Cortland Elks Lodge before 6 p.m. in time for the start of the parade. Preregistration is not necessary is you simply wish to come in costume and walk in the parade. The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. at the Cortland Elks Lodge, making its way to Main Street.
The Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown will welcome all parading children in the costume contest at 7:30 p.m. where winners will be announced.
This year's parade theme is 'Nightmare on Main Street' so come dressed as your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas character or your favorite Halloween character.
Share your fall adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.