New York is one of the most popular destinations for tourists during the fall, thanks to its stunning foliage and reputation as one of the Halloween capitals of the world.
While some fall attractions can cost a pretty penny, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what New York has to offer on a budget. Many low-cost events offer free admission, with visitors paying separately for food, merchandise and other activities.
Read on to find out how to make the most of fall events in New York without breaking the bank.
Utica Zoo Spooktacular Harvest Festival
The Utica Zoo's two-day Spooktacular Harvest Festival offers guests an opportunity to trick-or-treat alongside more than 200 animals from around the world.
The festival features trick-or-treat stations, live music and magic shows, food trucks
and, of course, access to the zoo's animal exhibits.
The Spooktacular Harvest Festival runs Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The zoo will remain open until 4:30 p.m. throughout the weekend.
Tickets to the zoo start at $11 for adults, with prices varying for children, military personnel and guests 65 and older. Participation in the trick-or-treat stations costs an additional $5, bringing the total cost to about $20. For tickets, click here.
1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica
Sonnenberg Gardens Haunted Stroll
Sonnenberg Gardens is turning into a haunted mansion this Halloween during the Sonnenberg Gardens Haunted Stroll. Guests can explore the Gilded Age-era mansion grounds filled with witches, zombies and other spooky creatures.
The event takes place Sunday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults 16 and older and $5 for children ages 3 to 15. Children younger than 3 can enter for free. Food is available for an additional charge on the mansion grounds.
Tickets are available online and at the admission gate.
250 Gibson St., Canandaigua
Nyack Octoberfest Street Fair
Nyack will celebrate Oktoberfest with its final street fair of the year on Sunday, Oct. 11.
More than 200 vendors are expected to line the streets of downtown Nyack, including craft vendors, food stands featuring international cuisines, and thrift and consignment pop-ups.
Visitors can listen to live music from Hezekiah Easter Veterans Memorial Square on Main Street throughout the day and grab a bite at one of the local restaurants along Main Street and Broadway.
The Nyack Octoberfest Street Fair takes place Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Parking is free in the village on Sundays at all municipal parking lots.
Main Street and Broadway, Nyack
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Cheap fall fun in New York: Festivals, Halloween events and street fairs to check out
