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Annual Events in Glens Falls, NY: The Best Local Celebrations & Traditions to Enjoy Year-Round

By Erin Nudi

Glens Falls, NY, is a vibrant city with a small-town feel, a tight-knit community, and plenty of fun things to do year-round. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something to look forward to. Explore our top picks for annual events in Glens Falls, NY, that draw crowds and create lasting memories year after year.

Jump To: Fall | Holiday Season/Winter | Spring | Summer

Fall

Adirondack Balloon Festival

hot air balloon festival in park
Photo Credit: Alan Nudi

Mid-September

Experience a dazzling display of colors in the sky at the Adirondack Balloon Festival in Queensbury and Glens Falls. This is one of the most popular events in the region by far, and the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of fall.

The festivities usually kick off with a Thursday evening hot air balloon launch at Crandall Park in Glens Falls.

Apple VS Pumpkin Fall Throwdown

kids decorating pumpkins at apple vs pumpkin throwdown

Mid-October

Are you team apple pie or pumpkin spice? Come celebrate both apples and pumpkins at the annual Apple VS Pumpkin Fall Throwdown!

This year, the event will take place on October 12 at the Shirt Factory. A variety of delicious dishes featuring apple and/or pumpkin will be available from local food vendors. You can also check out fall-themed crafts and all the wonderful year-round shops inside the building.

Boo2You

crowd/line for trick or treating at fall festival in city

Late October

Calling all Halloween buffs - and their children! Free trick-or-treating, talented spooky dance performers, a pumpkin carving contest, and more await at the annual Boo2You block party celebration that takes place in downtown Glens Falls.

Glens Falls Fall Restaurant Week

restaurant dishes

Early November

Whether you're a foodie or love a good deal, Glens Falls Fall Restaurant Week has something for you. This special week is focused on showcasing the diverse array of restaurants throughout Glens Falls, so residents and visitors can find their new favorite restaurants.

There is also a Spring Restaurant Week!

Glens Falls Gobble Wobble

glens falls gobble wobble

Thanksgiving Day

Looking to start Thanksgiving off on the right (running) foot? Sign up for the annual Glens Falls Gobble Wobble, which begins and ends at the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls.

The first 800 registrants are guaranteed a shirt on race day, and proceeds will benefit the Open Door Mission and their programs.

Holiday Season & Winter

Adirondack Holiday Festival

family sits with Santa on the left, dad and son mail letter to Santa on the right

Early December

The Adirondack Holiday Festival comprises a series of holiday and Christmas-themed happenings, including the Festival of Trees at the Queensbury Hotel, a tree lighting in City Park, and more.

Winter Meltdown Spicy Food Festival

winter meltdown spicy food fest

Late March

Add some spice to your cold winter days with the annual Winter Meltdown Spicy Food Festival! This is a great opportunity for local food trucks to show off their hot and spicy flavors.

If you aren’t that interested in spice, that is okay too. There are some non-spicy options so everyone has something to enjoy.

Spring

Glens Falls Brewfest

women sampling beer at glens falls brewfest

Mid March (now a full weekend long!)

Get a taste of the region's craft beer scene at the annual Glens Falls Brewfest, now featuring a full weekend of fun at the Queensbury Hotel and other area hotspots, with tastings, brewery tours, games, and more.

Spring is Sweet, Maple in April

desserts and maple products

Mid-April

Kick off the spring season by celebrating all things maple! This festival takes place every year in April at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. If you love maple syrup and treats, this is the event for you.

Wing Fest

chicken wings

Late April

Are you a chicken wing lover? Then come to Glens Falls Wing Fest! Wing Fest happens in Glens Falls every April, and allows chicken wing lovers to sample wings for a fee from a variety of restaurants and vote on their favorites.

And if you think you can beat the heat, there is also a hot chicken wing eating competition!

Glens Falls Pet Fest

glens falls pet fest

Mid_May

Bring your furry friends with you to the annual Glens Falls Pet Fest. Typically happening in May at Glens Falls City Park, Pet Fest is a fun way for pets and their owners to get together and participate in a variety of activities, such as a dog talent competition, a lure course, face painting for the kids, and more.

Summer

LARAC June Arts Festival

aerial view of street festival

Mid-June

With the Glens Falls Arts Trail, downtown murals, and more creative initiatives happening all the time, it's no surprise that the LARAC June Arts Festival is one of our favorite annual events.

This is the largest juried art show in the Adirondack region, with over 100 participating artists represented from around the country. The festival also includes kids events, live music, and plenty of great food.

Summer Pops Concert

fireworks at crandall park

Early July

Every year the night before the 4th of July locals head to Crandall Park for the Glens Falls Symphony Summer Pops Concert to enjoy an incredible performance from the Glens Fall Symphony along with a spectacular fireworks show.

Ahead of the festivities you can browse vendors, food trucks, and kids activities.

Take a Bite

take a bite in glens falls, little girl eats pizza

Early July to Mid-August

Take a Bite is a summer tradition in downtown Glens Falls. On Wednesdays during select weeks, local restaurants will offer small plates of food for a low price.

Stroll through the downtown area, try some different samples, and enjoy the live music and hometown atmosphere that Glens Falls is known for.

Glens Falls FitFest

glens falls fitfest

Mid-July

Attention all fitness enthusiasts! Head on down to the annual Glens Falls FitFest in City Park for a free workout and other outdoor activities.

Perfect for people of all fitness levels, FitFest allows you to learn new exercise routines and important tips, meet local instructors and like-minded fitness enthusiasts, and feel re-energized.

View the events calendar for more happenings >>

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woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.
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