Fall Foliage, Festival Fun & Finger Lakes Views

Written By Claudia Milroy

Bristol Mountain’s Fall Festival Returns

There’s something special about autumn in the Finger Lakes—the crisp air, brilliant foliage, and the unmistakable feeling that it’s time to slow down and savor the season. This weekend, one of the region’s best vantage points for taking it all in will be buzzing with activity as Bristol Mountain Ski Resort hosts its 2026 Fall Festival on October 10 and 11.

Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the festival brings together fall scenery, live entertainment, food, vendors, and family-friendly activities in the Bristol Hills. The star attraction, of course, is the Fall Sky Ride, which carries visitors toward the summit for sweeping views of the changing landscape.

A Perfect Weekend for Leaf Peeping, Hiking, & Live Music

For anyone who loves the colors of a Finger Lakes autumn, the Fall Sky Ride is reason enough to make the trip. From the chairlift, visitors can take in the hills and valleys as they transition into their seasonal palette—a perspective that's difficult to appreciate from the road.

At the summit hop off and stay awhile. The Summit Stage offers an incredible music lineup. Enjoy a hike and immerse yourself in nature. Hikers can make their way to the Morning Star Café, located along the mountain, for refreshments including beer, wine, and snacks.

Hop back on the chairlift to head back to the base. Sample SweeTango apples and cider, and explore activities including the Kids Adventure Park, rock wall, bungee trampolines, and the Aerial Adventure Park.

Come Hungry

Fall festivals are never complete without good food, and Bristol Mountain is bringing plenty to the table. This year's lineup includes everything from chicken and waffles and Italian fare to fried desserts, sandwiches, and local-inspired festival favorites. FLX Fizz will also be on hand with its specialty dirty sodas.

Shop Local

The festival will also feature a collection of artisan vendors, making it an easy place to browse for handmade goods, gifts, art, jewelry, farm products, and other local finds. With vendors ranging from Aurora Lavender Farm and Lazy Acre Alpacas to local artists and makers, there's plenty to explore between activities.

With this Fall Festival you have spectacular scenery, local food and makers, and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer. Grab a sweater, bring the family, and head up the mountain—the Finger Lakes are putting on their annual autumn show.

Plan Your Visit

Bristol Mountain Fall Festival
October 10–11, 2026
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, NY

Fall Sky Ride admission is currently listed at $20 for ages 2 and up, including the ride and general admission, while general admission is $12 for ages 12 and up without the Sky Ride. Children under 12 receive free general admission, and children under 2 ride free. Bristol Mountain recommends purchasing tickets in advance as they limit the number of admissions.

If you can’t make the festival this weekend, the Sky Ride is open on Monday October 12 for the Holiday as well as on Saturday and Sundays through the end of October.

Claudia Milroy

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you stay awhile and come back often. I started the weekly newsletter and this website for tourists and locals alike. I once was a tourist (over a decade ago) and now I’m a local, living here, working here, raising a family here! And I sure do love it!

Naturally I first fell in love with the rolling hills and cool lake breezes. But as I returned again and again, for a different season and different reason, Penn Yan stuck with me. I recall first it was the hint of grape when you drive by a vineyard and then the caramelized, roasted air that wafted down Main Street from Birkett Mills. Visit after visit my husband and I hit all the tourists stops because of my curiosity. Full disclosure - my husband was raised in Penn Yan and he knew all the ins and outs of the area to woo me! Travel & history nerd here! So, through our years of dating and early years of marriage (p.s. we got married in the Finger Lakes!) we would visit family, friends, and our favorite spots. Then the day came when our son was just 6 months old and we decided it was time to move to Penn Yan! Now 10 years later I’m here to share my love of this place with you!

I hope you enjoy this, I hope you take away some cool and fun inspiration for your next adventure. If you're planning a trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out - I’d love to personalize an experience or a 7 day itinerary for you.

https://waterandwineweekly.com
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Celebrate Autumn on Main Street this Fall