Summer is always the best time to really get out and see what the city (and New York, overall), has to offer. Festivals are always a big thing to do if you are in the mood for a mixture of food, music, fun and more, all in one big location. Luckily, we here at Manhattan Digest have found some great festivals to bring your friends and family to, and have a great time at.
Check out what New York has to offer for the summertime-
The Great New York State Fair
The longest-running state fair in the country, the Great New York State Fair (August 25 – September 5) in Syracuse, NY draws an estimated one million people annually. Highlights include the signature butter sculpture, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, wine slushies (from the Finger Lakes’ 120 wineries!), deep fried foods (fried butter, Ramen, gummy worms, burgers, etc.), big-name artists at Chevy Court or the Grandstand, numerous exhibitions (chainsaw sculpting) and an array of rides. Admission to the festival ranges from $1- $10.
Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Offering the largest showcase of New York State wines with over 90 wineries, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival (July 15 – 17) fuses wine tasting with regional artisans, music, culinary classes, and breweries. Friday night is Toga Night; show up in Greek toga apparel as Bacchus blesses the festival in all its wino glory. Enjoy one-stop sipping and shopping with over 600 wines, a beer garden, and gourmet food. There is even on-site camping available at Watkins Glen International so visitors won’t ever feel the need to leave. One Day Tickets start at $45.
Hawaii Comes to NYC: Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge
On June 11 (from 10am – 5pm), the 20th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge will take over Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 in Manhattan by bringing the Aloha state-of-mind with the East Coast’s largest outrigger canoe race and festival of authentic music and hula, Hawaiian food, and more. Appearing for the first time is Hōkūle’a, the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s famous canoe representing the legacy of exploration that brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii. Admission to the festival is free.