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 20, 2025, from 12 p.m.–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 the Cornell Cooperative Extension in 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, “Seeds & Grains,” offers a full-circle look into farming and agriculture—tracing the journey from planting to harvest and getting to the very root of farming (pun intended!). She emphasized that signing up for a workshop is a memorable way for visitors to learn about farming communities, offering insight into local agriculture for people who may not regularly have exposure to local produce or farming.
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. Workshops and demonstrations highlight the role of seeds and grains while celebrating harvests from across the Adirondacks. This year, the festival also announced its first food drive, held in partnership with Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP).
Festival highlights
With this year’s theme being “Seeds & Grains,” the Adirondack Harvest Festival celebrates the variety and richness of locally-grown and produced foods. Visitors can enjoy hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and kids’ activities that explore creative ways to use seeds and grains. For an additional fee, attendees can take part in interactive sessions like growing microgreens, making corn cakes from freshly milled grains, crafting seed paper, or learning to grow wild rice in Essex County.
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 Peace, Love, and Grilled Cheese, or stop by the Local Libations Tent for craft beers from Ausable Brewing Company, NYS hard cider, or a glass of award-winning wine from Four Maples Vineyard & Winery.
Families will find plenty to enjoy at the festival, with free kids’ activities in the Young Farmers’ Circle, including face painting and hands-on seed and grain themed self-guided projects. There are also four guided workshops for kids, such as grain milling, seed mosaics, “garden in a glove,” and making seed balls. For those who love the outdoors, Champlain Area Trails is offering a pre-festival guided hike at 10 a.m., winding through farmland and forest for 1 to 5 miles. 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. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting the region, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season and connect with the bounty of the Adirondacks.
For those looking to extend the fun, the day after the festival, the Adirondack North Country Association’s Bike the Barns event invites riders to stop at farm stops along the route, connect with the producers driving the region’s local food revolution, and finish with a celebration complete with local food, beverages, and live music.