This Fun Autumn Event In New York Is One Of The Best Fall Festivals On The East Coast

Fall has officially arrived, which means bursts of golden and red colors, the aromatic smell of fresh apple cider, and, best of all, fall festivals that combine everything fabulous about this time of year. One festival in particular has been dubbed one of the best fall festivals and fairs in America by Country Living, and after reading about it, you'll be as hard-pressed as an apple not to agree. 

Nestled in the colorful forests of upstate New York (a perfect place for leaf peepers to explore), just an hour south of Buffalo, Ellicottville is an ultimate Northeast bucket list destination for fall lovers, and the charming town truly comes alive during its two-day fall celebration. The village itself, with its brick-lined streets and quaint storefronts, provides the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates everything autumn has to offer.

Every year, in mid-October — October 11 and 12 in 2025 — the Ellicottville Fall Festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of sights, sounds, and smells. Craft vendors and artists line the streets, offering handmade crafts and unique gifts that make for perfect souvenirs. The aroma of kettle corn, pumpkin-flavored treats, warm apple cider, and fresh baked goods drifts through the crisp mountain air, mingling with the chatter of excited visitors. Live music sets provide the festive soundtrack, ranging from lively blues, Americana, and folk to '80s and rock covers, while street performers add bursts of theatrical fun to every corner. For families and the young at heart, the festival delivers endless entertainment, not to mention delicious food trucks serving up everything from classic dishes to seasonal specialties. The combination of artisan crafts, live entertainment, seasonal flavors, and scenic beauty creates a festival experience that feels immersive and magical — like stepping into a storybook autumn weekend.

Beyond the bustling vendor stalls and live entertainment, Ellicottville offers a mix of other activities that make the festival one of the best. Families flock to the chairlift rides at nearby Holiday Valley Resort to soar high above the fiery red and golden treetops for some of the best views in western New York. For even more of a thrill, consider the resort's mountain coaster, an exciting ride that whizzes through the colored hills at high speeds. 

Taking a stroll through Ellicottville's downtown is a delightful fall adventure in its own right. The streets are lined with historic brick buildings, each adorned with delightful seasonal displays. Cafés like Ellicottville Coffee Company invite you in with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries, perfect for sipping as you wander. Boutique shops showcase everything from handmade candles and cozy flannels to locally crafted gifts, making it impossible not to stop and peek inside each one. Midday, the savory smells of seasonal dishes from spots like Dina's Restaurant lure you in for a hearty lunch, while a short stroll later brings you to Anzivino's Sweets & Boutique for delicious ice cream or a peppermint white hot chocolate. By afternoon, a seasonal beer on the patio at Ellicottville Brewing Company pairs perfectly with the crunch of leaves underfoot and the golden glow of the trees. As the sun sets, dinner at Villaggio offers rustic Italian fare in a cozy, softly-lit atmosphere, and the day ends with a final drink at The Gin Mill, leaving you fully immersed in the sights, scents, and flavors of fall in this charming village.

Ellicottville offers accommodations to suit every type of visitor. For those wanting to be in the heart of the action, the Wingate by Wyndham or Edelweiss Lodge provides walkable access to shops, cafés, and festival events. Families or groups may prefer Holiday Valley rentals or The Inn at Holiday Valley or the Tamarack Club, offering condos and resort-style amenities like spas and chairlift access. Driving is straightforward, with Ellicottville about an hour south of Buffalo and roughly two hours from Rochester, New York. 

During the festival, parking in the village can fill quickly, so many visitors take advantage of shuttle services from designated lots. Be sure to book accommodations early, pack layers for crisp mornings and chilly evenings, and set aside time to explore both the festival streets and the stunning fall foliage in the surrounding hills. Whether you're wandering between shops, savoring a caramel apple, enjoying a concert in the crisp air, or simply taking in the riot of fall colors surrounding the village, the Ellicottville Fall Festival captures the essence of autumn in every sense. It's a celebration that brings the community together, delights visitors of all ages, and makes this small American town feel like something straight from your favorite fall movie.