Ellicottville Fall Festival Returns October 11-12 with Music, Food, and Family Fun
Ellicottville Fall Festival Returns October 11-12 with Music, Food, and Family Fun
Celebrate autumn in Ellicottville with food, music, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadine Saviano
Communities everywhere are gearing up for the change of seasons, evident in the trees which have already transformed into vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold. Here in Ellicottville, a tradition that brings people together to celebrate autumn’s beauty and the excitement of the upcoming winter is the annual Fall Festival, set for October. 11-12th. Produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, Fall Fest is the largest gathering on the Chamber’s event calendar, welcoming 10,000+ visitors in one single weekend! And word is definitely making the rounds, as Country Living recently ranked Ellicottville’s Fall Festival #12 in their 2025 roundup of top fall festivals in the entire country!
From the downtown business district to the tops of the ski hills, the weekend packs a full schedule of activities, live music, and spectacular fall foliage views spanning as far as the eye can see. Approximately 200 vendors will set up in the streets downtown for one of the largest arts & crafts shows in the region. From handcrafted jewelry and home decor to seasonal items like pumpkin-spiced candles and scarves, attendees can browse unique creations that embody the spirit of autumn. And yes, an entire section dedicated to merchandise inspired by WNY’s favorite football team will be returning in full force. Look for these vendors to set up in front of the 1887 Building.
Add in a full outdoor food court along with the flavors of Ellicottville’s already-established restaurants, and you will without a doubt satisfy your taste buds. Plus, live music is woven throughout the weekend - from cozy bars and cafés to lively open-air patios.
For those looking for more adventure during Fall Fest, head to Holiday Valley and enjoy another round of fun! The resort will be offering chairlift rides to the top of the mountain, where leaf peeping and live entertainment await. HoliMont will also offer chairlift rides to the top of Expo, plus the HoliMont Bike Park will operate Friday through Sunday, adding in a bonus operation day on Monday, October 13th. And just down the road from Ellicottville, Pumpkinville of Great Valley is one of the largest pumpkin patches in the region which also boasts a corn maze, beer garden, its very own cider mill, cow train, and plenty of new games and activities for the whole family.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
This year’s Fall Festival in Ellicottville will welcome Hope Rises. Be sure to stop by their tent, where the Buffalo-based nonprofit will be sharing its mission of supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Founded in 2017, Hope Rises shines a light on young warriors battling cancer, raises funds to support local families, and spreads messages of resilience and kindness throughout Western New York. Their team will be on-hand with information, stories, and ways festival-goers can get involved in giving hope - making it a meaningful stop during the weekend’s celebrations.
Speaking of giving back, students and faculty from Ellicottville Central School will be volunteering to park cars in the new Mill Street parking lot for a fee, with all proceeds channeled directly into the Sports Boosters’ programming needs. Also be on the lookout for the Ellicottville Playground tent, where you can learn about the proposed inclusive playground which will replace the outdated playground at the Village Park.
Fall Festival continues to showcase Ellicottville’s strong sense of community while drawing visitors from across the region. Watch next week’s issue of ellicottvilleNOW for important updates on activities, traffic detours, and parking details to help you make the most of this unforgettable weekend. Additional information can also be accessed at ellicottvilleny.com.
