For many, Labor Day marks the end of summer. The days get a little shorter, the weather gets a little cooler and the kids head back to school. Families can still have a little fun though throughout September and even into October in Central New York, where several fests extend your farewell to summer.
We’ll start with the incredible LUMA projection arts festival that takes place in Binghamton each September. Tens of thousands show up each year to witness the transformation of downtown buildings into canvasses for dynamic stories. The projection mapping that turns these buildings into storytellers is a fascinating intersection of art and tech you simply have to see to believe.
Next up is the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival hosted by Norwich in neighboring Chenango County. Each September, the free outdoor festival draws over 10,000 people to witness juried art and fine crafts for sale in an interactive atmosphere, acoustic music by professional singer-songwriters, literary arts, creative culinary arts and hands-on art experiences for all ages.
A little later in the month, it’s time to head to the historic and charming village of Sharon Springs in Schoharie County for the Harvest Festival. The free event draws one of the biggest crowds in Upstate New York. Thousands of visitors come to Sharon Springs, where they find tons of vendors and crafters, displays and demonstrations, entertainment, free horse-drawn carriage rides through the village, a children’s play area, pony rides, lots of food and more!
Finally, the Barn Festival of the Arts takes over the tiny town of Remsen in Oneida County in late September each year. The juried arts and crafts festival includes over 250 exhibitors and a wide variety of food and entertainment.
So, don’t get the late summertime blues. Gear up for some early-fall fun with the family in Central New York.