October means peak leaf-peeping in Upstate New York, but this weekend it’s all about cheese.
Little Falls, once the cheese capital of the world, is throwing the state’s biggest dairy bash — and it’s only a few hours from NYC!
Now in its 10th year, the Little Falls Cheese Festival has grown into New York State’s premier celebration of artisan cheese.
What started in 2015 as a small community event has become a statewide destination — last year, more than 15,000 people showed up to sample and shop!
This year’s milestone anniversary promises to be the cheesiest yet, with over 90 vendors from across New York and more than 120 different varieties of cheese to try.
Nearly half of the vendors are cheesemakers, from all across the Upstate NY regions—ranging from Adirondack Cheese Company to Original Herkimer Cheese and Shtayburne Farm Creamery.
And it’s not just about cheese either — visitors can purchase gourmet foods, taste-test craft beverages, and even shop handmade goods from regional artisans!
While snacking your way through Little Falls, don’t forget to catch performances from local musicians, browse artisan crafts, and sip regional brews or ciders while you’re in the charming area.
There’s so much to do in the town—which was of course was even named the friendliest in the entire state— so don’t be afraid to ask those in town about the best ways to spend your time here!
Know before you go
📅 When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 am – 5 pm
📍 Where: Main Street, Little Falls, NY (about a 4-hour drive from NYC — perfect for a fall weekend escape)
💵 Admission: Free