As the leaves in Ithaca begin to turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, the city comes alive with a variety of activities to celebrate the changing of the seasons. From pumpkin patches to apple cider tastings, there are endless opportunities to indulge in the joys of fall. In particular, the month of October is a vibrant and bustling time that promises to be full of exciting events and memorable experiences.

No Tricks, just Halloween-inspired Treats

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Ithaca City Cemetery Tours hosted by Historic Ithaca, October 26 and 27 11 am and 2:15 pm

Registration is required. Learn about the Ithaca City Cemetery's evolution from a village burying ground to a Victorian landscape for the dead as we walk through various sections of this 16-acre municipal cemetery and green space. Tours will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Haunted History Tours hosted by The History Center, October 11-12, 17-19, 24-26

Join a downtown walking tour exploration of murder, jealousy, insanity, and perhaps some ghostly visits along the way. This program is for ages 16 to 116; tickets are $20 per person, and a reservation is required. All tours will begin at 6 or 7:30 pm, with Saturday 10/19 and 10/26 having late night tours beginning at 9 pm, in the atrium of The Tompkins Center for History & Culture on the Ithaca Commons.

Adult Halloween Parties

Spookween: Songwriter Edition, October 31 at The Downstairs

Enjoy some great live music by Mandy Goldman, Samuel B. Lupowitz Trio ft. Simon Bjarning & Michael Wu and Penelope Vossand at The Downstairs, 121 E. MLK Jr St, Ithaca, NY, from 7:30 pm, $10/PWYC. Get ready for spine-chilling vibes and electrifying live music that will keep the energy high all night long!

Liquid State Brewing Co Halloween Dance Party

Dance the night away in your wildest costumes and drink some great local brews. The event is free and starts November 1st at 9pm.

If you want to explore more exciting events in October, look at our full event calendar!

Discover outdoor dining options with heated seating and delicious food.

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Craft cider, farm visits, and locally sourced menus for fall comfort

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South Hill Cider

Open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, South Hill Cider is a must-visit this October. Catch live music on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays while enjoying a beautiful sunset outdoors or getting cozy in their inviting tasting room.

Grisamore Farms / Cider Works 

U-pick: apples, pumpkins, gourds, farm store: produce, baked goods, flowers. Join cider tastings at Grisamore Cider Works Saturday and Sunday 12-5, indoor and outdoor seating. Open every day. The Farm Store is open Monday-Friday 10-5pm, Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm.

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Get lost in the Moore Family Farm's 5-Acre corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, test your aim with their apple cannons, take Instagram-worthy photos & much more. With over 30 attractions, there's farm fun for everyone.