PREVIEW: Autumn Glow Festival Returns to Historic Mabee Farm in September
Photos courtesy of Autumn Glow Festival
“We’re bringing another year of dazzling lights and culture to Rotterdam Junction, and it’s sure to fill the night’s sky with a spectacle you don’t want to miss.”
After its successful debut in 2024, which garnered over 17,000 visitors, Discover Schenectady has announced the return of the Autumn Glow Festival at Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction next month.
“Building upon its successful debut last year, the Autumn Glow Festival has quickly become a fan favorite for the Capital Region and beyond,” said Discover Schenectady’s Executive Director Todd Garofano. “It’s fantastic that visitors will have another chance to experience this amazing outdoor display of illuminated lanterns.”
From September 4 to November 2, Thursday through Sunday, a dazzling world of handcrafted Chinese lanterns will paint the night sky. The lanterns, which are artisan-made and crafted from hand-painted silk cloth, will be illuminated with LED lights that depict various creatures and scenes inspired by Chinese legends and myths.
“We’re thrilled to return to Mabee Farm for another unforgettable year of family fun this fall,” said Mary Zawacki, executive director of the Schenectady County Historical Society. “This year’s festival will be nothing short of a mesmerizing experience of lights, color and culture as we bring Chinese tradition to upstate New York.”
Attendees can also expect interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels and a variety of food and beverage options at the event, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with last entry at 9 p.m.
Produced by Kaleido Arts and Entertainment, the Autumn Glow Festival is part of a series of lantern festivals that have drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees nationwide.
“We can’t wait to kick off the fall season with some family fun at Mabee Farm,” said Xiao Tian Falig of the Autumn Glow Festival. “We’re bringing another year of dazzling lights and culture to Rotterdam Junction, and it’s sure to fill the night’s sky with a spectacle you don’t want to miss.”
Tickets to the magical event start at $14.99 and can be purchased at feverup.com or at the festival. Children under three can attend for free. For more information, including ticketing and travel details, visit Discover Schenectady’s Autumn Glow Festival website: discoverschenectady.com/events/autumn-glow-festival/.
