A day of fall flavor in the Lake Champlain Region
What better way to celebrate the season than by savoring the very best of the fall harvest? On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12–5 p.m., the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport will host the Adirondack Harvest Festival, a free, one-day community event that highlights locally grown produce, artisanal products, and the very best of the Adirondacks. Think of it as a fall farmers market come to life, with something for everyone: live music, hands-on workshops, scenic hikes, a petting zoo, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether autumn is your favorite time of year or you just need an excuse to indulge in all things fall, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Connecting local farms and community
The Adirondack Harvest Festival was first launched in 2016 to celebrate local farms and food, support the regional economy, and create experiences that help the community learn and grow together. Since 2018, the festival has been organized by the Adirondack Harvest Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County, continuing its mission to connect people, farms, and the flavors of the region.
Isabella Susino, Adirondack Harvest Program Leader at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County, explained that this year’s theme, “Bees & Honey,” shines a spotlight on the essential role pollinators play in agriculture. While fruits and vegetables may be the first things that come to mind when we think about farming, bees and honey are an important part of the agricultural landscape, and pollinators play a vital role in growing the crops we depend on. This year’s lineup brings the theme to life through hands-on experiences, including a DIY Herbal Skincare Workshop, Beeswax Candle Dipping, Cooking with Honey: Whipped Honey Butter Board, and Wild Fermented Mead Making Workshop.
The festival brings together local farms, businesses, and community members, giving farmers a platform to showcase their work while offering visitors the chance to sample foods, meet the makers, and explore the region’s agricultural heritage. For the second year, the festival will host a food drive in partnership with Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP) in recognition of Hunger Action Month. It’s another way the festival celebrates the connections between agriculture, community, and the people who make the Adirondacks such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Festival highlights
With this year’s theme being “Bees & Honey,” the Adirondack Harvest Festival offers a sweet take on the many ways agriculture connects with our everyday lives. Visitors can explore local farms and food producers, try their hand at hands-on activities, discover new flavors, and enjoy demonstrations that bring the harvest to life.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the festival’s bustling farmers’ market, featuring more than 30 local vendors offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal treats. Visitors can sample and purchase local favorites like Crown Point Bread Co., Lomelis Mexican Food Truck, and Love, Peace, and Grilled Cheese, or stop by the Local Libations Tent for craft beers from Ausable Brewing Company.
Families will find plenty to enjoy at the festival, with free kids’ activities in the Young Farmers’ Circle, brought to you by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County 4-H and the Farm to School team. Activities will be ongoing throughout the day and include take-home projects like rolled beeswax candles, lip balm, and antenna-making. Kids can also contribute to a giant mural, visit a photo station with props, color with beeswax crayons, and test their knowledge with on-theme matching games. Children must be supervised by an adult while in the Young Farmers’ Circle.
For those who love the outdoors, Champlain Area Trails is offering a pre-festival guided hike from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., winding through farmland and forest for 1 to 5 miles. Please be sure to register for the hike ahead of time! After the hike, participants are shuttled back to the fairgrounds in time to join the day’s festival festivities.
Join us for this year's Adirondack Harvest Festival
Don’t miss your chance to experience the flavors, fun, and community spirit of the Adirondacks at this year’s Harvest Festival! The event will be held rain or shine, so come prepared to enjoy a full day of local food, hands-on workshops, live music, and family-friendly activities. Be sure to bring cash for purchases at the farmers’ market and explore all the details at adirondackharvest.com. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the festival, and the parking lot is not shaded. River Valley Regeneratives (RiVR) will also be on site to help reduce waste and take food scraps for composting.
The festival is still looking for volunteers, and there’s still time to sign up! Volunteering is a great way to get involved, support the festival, and help make the day a success. Come celebrate the season and connect with the bounty of the Adirondacks!
