The Best of Niagara Falls in October

The month of apple cider, pumpkin spice, spooky sites and foliage-filled hikes: here is the best of October in Niagara Falls, New York.

October Events in Niagara Falls USA

Locktoberfest

October 3, 2026. Soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall at Locktoberfest, a celebration of the Erie Canal featuring local food, music, vendors, family-friendly activities, and more. With the historic Flight of Five Locks as its backdrop, this annual festival offers a unique way to experience Lockport’s rich canal heritage.

Hallowine Murder Mystery

October 17, 2026. Sip, sleuth, and celebrate spooky season along the Niagara Wine Trail during the annual Hallowine Murder Mystery. Dress up (or don’t!) and visit participating wineries to collect clues, question suspect characters, and crack the case — glass in hand!

Marble Orchard Ghost Walks

October 24-30, 2025. Niagara County is an area rich in history, and with that history comes a fair number of tragic tales. Led by offbeat theatrical guides through the historic Village of Lewiston, guests take an eerie adventure back in time to hear mystical, musical, and murderous accounts of the town's sailors, soldiers and saloons. Learn more and get tickets here.

Additional Activities to Do in October

Apples and Cider and Donuts, Oh My!

Experience the joy of plucking ripe, juicy apples straight from the tree at one of the many u-pick apple orchards in Niagara County. Afterward, treat yourself to cider slushies and delicious donuts, too! Bonus tip: Hard cider fans can enjoy cider tastings, flights, and to-go options at Stolen Apple Estate Ciders, all while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the orchard along Lake Ontario.

Tour Historic Haunts... If You Dare

Dare to be scared? There are plenty of options for a spine-tingling adventure in Niagara Falls USA: taking after-dark lantern tours of Old Fort Niagara; exploring real-life haunted mansions like Graestone Manor and the Van Horn Mansion; finding ghosts in the graveyard in Oakwood Cemetery; and enjoying spirits with the spirits at The Winery at Marjim Manor. Take your pick from these 13 spooky sites in Niagara County.

Meander Among the Leaves

Take an autumn amble through Niagara Falls State Park and these other leaf-peeping hot spots. For a more adventurous view of the fall colors, head down to the Cave of the Winds or hop on the Maid of the Mist before it closes for the season! Prefer to drive instead? Check out these scenic routes and essential pit stops.

Pick Pumpkins on the Farm

Becker Farms is your one-stop shop for fall fun for the entire family! Think of all-ages activities like apple and pumpkin picking, playgrounds, animals, live music, and corn mazes every weekend in October. Plus, adult delights like beer, wine and cider tastings, haunted hayrides, and bonfires at night round out the experience.

Discover New Heights

Float above the fall foliage on a helicopter tour with Rainbow Air or a balloon ride with the Fallsview Balloon! Enjoy sprawling scenes of warm-toned leaves set against the cool-colored waters of Niagara Falls USA, all from a perspective you can't get anywhere else.