These 6 New York Towns Have The Most Unique Festivals
New York is a renowned destination for festivals of all shapes and sizes, among other cultural offerings. It seems like NYC hosts a world-class event every other week, while other major cities like Buffalo and Albany don't slouch either in terms of interesting festivities throughout the year.
Today, however, we would like to narrow the scope a little bit and shine some light on this state's towns that are slightly more off the beaten path, and what they have to offer. See what unique festivals these 6 communities harbor, from seasonal celebrations to one of the country's biggest bike rallies, and more!
Saugerties - Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Late each September, the town of Saugerties becomes the garlic capital of New York with the arrival of the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. What began as a small celebration for the tasty little root vegetable in the late 1980s had evolved in 1992 into one of the region’s most anticipated fall events, now drawing tens of thousands of annual attendees in recent years.
Here, you can encounter dozens of garlic farmers selling every imaginable variety, alongside vendors offering garlic-infused foods, ranging from savory sauces to even garlic ice cream! The two-day festival also includes live music, cooking demonstrations, lectures on garlic cultivation, and an area dedicated to children’s activities.
Artisans and other local craftspeople round out the scene, creating a busy, market-style atmosphere for you to indulge in, with proceeds from the event supporting various local projects.
For many, this festival marks the start of autumn in the Hudson Valley, a wonderful time of the year to be in this scenic part of New York anyway.
Ithaca - Reggae Fest
Ithaca Reggae Fest brings the rhythms of the Caribbean to the Finger Lakes each summer, creating a weekend celebration centered on music and community events. Held at Stewart Park along the shores of Cayuga Lake, the fest invites international and local reggae acts, with idyllic lakefront views to match.
Attendees can also participate in yoga sessions, browse booths put on by local vendors and organizations, and sample regional food and drink. A separate youth zone also makes the festival accessible for younger families.
Since its founding in 2017, the festival has grown to include not just music but also educational programming about environmental stewardship on Cayuga Lake, clean water access, and social equity in Ithaca.
Taking place in June, this is just one more reason why the Finger Lakes region is among the best summer getaways in upstate New York.
Lake George - Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally
Every spring, the village of Lake George becomes the center of attention for motorcycle touring enthusiasts across the country during the Americade Motorcycle Rally. Founded in 1983, the event has grown into one of the largest multi-brand touring rallies in the country, known for its focus on scenic rides, safety, and community rather than loud partying. With its headquarters at Fort William Henry overlooking the water, Americade blends the natural beauty and deep-seated history of the region with America's prevalent biking culture.
The rally spans several days and features organized tours through the Adirondacks and into Vermont, with hundreds of miles of mapped routes for riders to explore. A large vendor expo, demo rides from major manufacturers, and seminars on riding technique are all part of the program, too.
Off the bikes, there is so much more to do in and around Lake George. Attendees can take a lake cruise, see a local park, or relax at one or more of the restaurants and bars downtown (with the Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery Lake George Tasting Room being a particularly renowned attraction).
Manorville - Long Island Tulip Festival
The Long Island Tulip Festival transforms Manorville into a lauded destination for flower lovers, families, and photographers alike. Held at Waterdrinker Family Farm, the event showcases millions of tulips across sprawling fields arranged in various colorful patterns. The bloom typically peaks in late April, drawing visitors from across the state to gawk at the wonderful sights.
Be sure to take a good, long walk through the displays, pick tulips by the stem in certain areas, and enjoy interactive installations, including a number of sculptures made out of tulips. The farm also features mini golf, a petting zoo, and other family-friendly attractions, making the event fun for all ages.
Live music and food trucks add to the celebrations, while the working Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden provides a hands-on connection to local agriculture in Long Island's interior countryside.
Margareteville - Cauliflower Festival
Margaretville celebrates its rich farming history every September with the Cauliflower Festival, a nod to a time when the crop was one of the Catskills’ most important agricultural products. In the early 20th century, cauliflower fields covered much of the region, earning it the nickname "white gold." Today, the festival brings together farmers, artisans, and visitors for a day filled with food and community pride.
Staged at Village Park, the event boasts a farmers' market, cauliflower-themed dishes, and educational exhibits on local history. Furthermore, a tractor parade showcases vintage and modern farming equipment, giving you a reminder of the area’s longstanding agrarian economy. Families can also enjoy children’s activities, craft vendors, and demonstrations on sustainable farming practices.
Kick off this fall in the Catskills with this fun and tasty event. Afterwards, make a point of seeing some of the area's wonderful parks and rural destinations, like Dry Brook Ridge. You can also easily take a simple stroll along the banks of the East Branch Delaware River, which flows adjacent to historic downtown Margaretville.
Wilmington - Mountain Bike Festival
Summer in Wilmington, a quaint town in the Adirondacks, hosts the Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival, a three-day event that highlights the region’s growing reputation as a trail-riding destination. With access to more than 25 miles of singletrack, the festival draws cyclists from across the Northeast looking to experience some of the most scenic and challenging terrain in New York State with a community of like-minded individuals.
Guided group rides accommodate a range of skill levels, from beginners to expert riders, and showcase trails in other nearby towns, like Keene and Lake Placid. You may also appreciate the live music, craft beer tastings, food being served up by local vendors, and camping areas for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.
Wilmington Bike Festival helps support trail maintenance and regional development efforts, keeping the area a well-managed hotspot for riders for years to come.
Experience these Interesting Events in the Empire State this Year
New York’s small towns, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Hudson Valley, host a surprising range of unique festivals that celebrate everything from local agriculture to international music. These events not only highlight the creativity and history of each community but also provide you with highly memorable experiences rooted in longstanding tradition.
Whether you are exploring the tulip fields of Manorville, riding the trails in Wilmington, or enjoying reggae by Cayuga Lake, each event mentioned above reveals a different side of the state’s vibrant culture outside of New York City.
