Crisp air, golden leaves, and the sweet scent of apples filled the Catskills as families gathered at the Ashokan Center for this year’s Fall Family Fun Fest. With 232 attendees, it was a lively day of music, laughter, and hands-on experiences that brought people of all ages together to celebrate the season.

Celebrate Fall in the Catskills

Guests were invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in one of Ashokan’s most beloved autumn traditions: fresh apple cidering. Families helped crush and press apples the old-fashioned way, then sampled their hard work — both hot and cold — for a true taste of fall.

Nearby, kids and parents dove into pumpkin decorating, explored guided and self-guided hikes through Ashokan’s trails, and watched the rhythmic sparks of live blacksmithing demonstrations. Local food vendors kept everyone fueled and smiling, offering hearty bites perfect for a cool October afternoon.

Live Music All Day Long

Music filled the meadow from start to finish, creating the soundtrack for a perfect day outdoors:

🎻 12:00 – 12:30 PM: Jay & Molly opened the day with welcoming waltzes.
🎸 12:45 – 1:30 PM: Uncle Rock brought energy and laughter with his “rock of all ages.”
🎶 1:45 – 2:45 PM: Hey Bub charmed the crowd with their old-time harmonies.
💃 3:00 – 4:30 PM: Jay & Molly returned for a fiddling folk set that led straight into a joyful family dance called by Nicole Ball.

Children twirled, parents clapped along, and the field buzzed with the simple joy of live music and community connection — an Ashokan hallmark.

Tradition, Nature, and Community

More than just a festival, the Fall Family Fun Fest captured what Ashokan does best: bringing people together to celebrate the land, traditions, and each other. From cider pressing to trail walks to music under the maples, the day reminded everyone why fall in the Catskills feels like home.

Mark Your Calendar: Hot Chocolate Fest 2026!

If you missed this year’s Fall Family Fun Fest, don’t worry — there’s another chance to gather and celebrate soon! Join us for our next seasonal favorite:

☕️ Hot Chocolate Fest 2026
📅 Sunday, February 15
❄️ Enjoy everyone’s favorite hot beverage — with eight delicious flavors to choose from — in a cozy winter setting! Plus live music, kid-friendly activities, great food, guided hikes, and more.

Stay tuned at ashokancenter.org/events for details on upcoming seasonal celebrations. Whether it’s cider in October or cocoa in February, Ashokan is where nature, music, and community come together all year long.