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Friday, March 29, 2024
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Around town: fall activities in Western New York

Fall-themed activities that won't break the bank

<p>The Great Pumpkin Farm offers a wide variety of fall-themed hun for people of all ages. From haunted hay rides to classic apple and pumpkin picking, there's something for everyone to participate in.</p>

The Great Pumpkin Farm offers a wide variety of fall-themed hun for people of all ages. From haunted hay rides to classic apple and pumpkin picking, there's something for everyone to participate in.

Leaves are changing and pumpkin spice lattes are taking eminent domain. Fall is on its way.

Buffalo’s autumn activities are back in full swing, bringing with them all the delectable treats of the season. It’s time to whip out those cozy sweaters for some fall fun at some of Buffalo’s best venues.

The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival

Free admission weekdays, $7 weekends, discount tickets available at Wegmans

The Great Pumpkin Farm offers classic pumpkin picking and a fun corn maze that will keep you busy all afternoon. The farm’s unique fall activities also include a zombie train and a pumpkin slingshot. Who could resist slingshotting a pumpkin?

The farm’s fresh apple and pumpkin doughnuts are only available during the weekend and pair perfectly with their fresh-squeezed apple cider.

Each weekend, the farm invites and hosts a series of contests and vendors.

This weekend is the Oinktoberfest BBQ Cook-Off, the perfect way to relish these last summer vibes as you treat yourself to grilled food and drinks.

Ellicottville Fall Festival

Oct. 7-8, Free admission, activity costs vary

Don’t miss out as the streets of Ellicottville transform for fall. There will be vendors selling food and handcrafted goods, so prepare to do some shopping as you walk the streets.

Ride the chairlift to Spruce Lake or Mardi Gras to catch some stunning views of the fall colors. If you land at Mardi Gras, the festivities follow you up with a mountaintop cookout and live band. Ride the lift back down or walk the trek for some more scenic actions.

If you want to treat yourself to some exercise before the sweets, join Hudson Valley on their 5K run on Saturday or their Mountain Bike Race on Sunday. Activity costs for both events can be found on their website.

Pumpkinville

Free admission, activity costs vary

Similar to the Great Pumpkin Farm, Pumpkinville offers a wide selection of pumpkins and apples to pick, as well as fall themed activities.

Hop on the farm’s hayride to get a beautiful tour of the 200-acre farm or head to their apple cider press and watch how the juice is made from feet away.

Located in Great Valley, the farm is only minutes from Ellicottville, making this the perfect stop after you’ve had your fix of Ellicottville’s fall festival.

Becker Farms

Free admission, activity costs vary

Apple picking, wine tasting and fresh baked goods call for the perfect afternoon at Becker Farms.

If food isn’t what you’re interested in, the farm is hosting their annual Pumpkin Fiesta and Becker Mountain activities. These include pedal car rides on their race track, goat races, pumpkin slinging and much more.

Also beginning Oct. 13 is the farm’s annual Haunted Hayride. This year’s theme is a biogenetic farm testing system gone wrong. Do you have what it takes to survive the ride through the disaster zone?

Letchworth State Park Arts and Crafts Show

Oct. 7-9, $10 per car, activity costs vary

Deemed as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth is a must-see for out-of-towners or anyone that enjoys a good hike. The park features three gorgeous waterfalls with easy to moderate hiking trails, depending on your comfort level.

The park’s annual arts and crafts show is filled with live music, dancing, food and vendors, catering to all audiences.

For any art students who are looking to display their work, there’s a competition for artists, jewelry and other art forms.

Buffalo Beer Week

Sept. 22-Oct. 1

If you’re tired of seeing Instagram pictures at pumpkin farms, this is the festival for you.

Celebrate Buffalo’s beer, bars and bands by heading to various participating local breweries to taste some of the best brews Buffalo has to offer.

Each day during the ten-day bar crawl features activities including brew-themed DJ trivia and arts and crafts. Lyft is also partnering with the Buffalo-Niagara Brewers Association to offer discounted rides with code “BNBA.”

Wanly Chen is a features staff writer and can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com

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