Annual Events in Glens Falls, NY: The Best Local Celebrations and Traditions to Enjoy Year-Round
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
Dates: September 19-22, 2024
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, as well as a Balloon Moonglow after the sun goes down
Additional highlights include live music, vendors, and more balloon flights throughout the weekend.
Apple VS Pumpkin Fall Throwdown
Date: October 12, 2024
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.
If you've carved a pumpkin for the fall season, don't forget to bring it with you for the pumpkin carving contest!
Boo2You
Date: October 26, 2024
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.
Mark your calendar for October 26 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M., and get ready to wear a costume, and/or sign up to volunteer to give out candy!
Glens Falls Restaurant Week
Dates: November 3-9, 2024
Whether you're a foodie or love a good deal, Glens Falls 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.
Glens Falls Gobble Wobble
Date: November 28, 2024
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.
Tip: Be sure to dress for the weather, it is typically chilly on Thanksgiving morning!
Holiday Season & Winter
Adirondack Holiday Festival
Dates: December 6-8, 2024
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, a Nutcracker ballet performance from the Adirondack Ballet Theater, and more.
This year's festival takes place December 6 through December 8, and you do not want to miss this unforgettable holiday experience.
LARAC Winter Arts Festival
Date: December 8, 2024
Get your holiday shopping done at the LARAC Winter Arts Festival. This is a premier arts show featuring local and regional artisans selling their handmade, unique products.
You can look forward to pottery, fiber, jewelry, culinary items, wood, photography, and more. Admission is free!
Winter Meltdown Spicy Food Festival
Date: 2025 TBA
Add some spice to your cold winter days with the annual Winter Meltdown Spicy Food Festival!
This event takes place each March, and it 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
Spring is Sweet, Maple in April
Date: 2025 TBA
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.
Glens Falls Brewfest
Date: 2025 TBA
Get a taste of the region's craft beer scene at the annual Glens Falls Brewfest this spring. Held at Cool Insuring Arena, Brewfest features over 30 breweries and vendors, including local favorites like Mean Max Brew Works and Common Roots.
Walk around the venue and enjoy tasting all types of handcrafted brews, from IPAs to stouts, pilsners, sours, and more. Small bites will be available for purchase as well.
Wing Fest
Date: 2025 TBA
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
Date: 2025 TBA
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
Date: 2025 Date TBA
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.
Admission is free, and you'll find everything from home goods and unique jewelry to textiles and fine art.
Take a Bite
Dates: 2025 TBA
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
Date: 2025 TBA
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 >>
