Make These September Events Part of Your Stay at The Cove

Summer fun keeps going straight through September at The Cove at Sylvan Beach, where guests are close to some of the best events Upstate New York has to offer. This is the perfect time for a weeklong stay at The Cove, complete with your own pontoon boat, or a shorter trip to check out one of these can’t-miss happenings. Plan your trip today with our favorite regional events and other nearby things to do this September.

Cooperstown Artisan Festival 

Photo credit: Cooperstown Artisan Festival

On September 3 and 4, a huge selection of artisan vendors will offer unique handcrafted goods at the Cooperstown Artisan Festival. The event will also feature a visit from the Utica ZooMobile on Saturday, plus a variety of fun-filled activities for kids from the Fenimore Museum and Farmers’ Museum. After shopping, grab a bite to eat at the food trucks onsite and stick around for music from local performers. While you’re there, check out a few other Cooperstown attractions, like Brewery Ommegang, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, or a cruise on Glimmerglass Lake. 

East Coast Watercross Tour 

Photo credit: East Coast Watercross

The East Coast Watercross Tour returns to Sylvan Beach on September 10 and 11 when personal watercraft racers of all ages, skill levels, and styles from across the U.S. go head to head in this fast-paced competition. Watch as competitors face off on a challenging natural course that can change minute by minute throughout each race. Grab a camp chair, enjoy the beautiful late summer weather, and get an adrenaline rush as the action unfolds! After the event, stroll the streets of Sylvan Beach to enjoy shops, dining, and more. 

Photo credit: Chenango Arts Colorscape Festival

The Chenango Arts Colorscape Festival will continue its nearly 25-year run on September 10 and 11, taking over two parks with fine arts and crafts for sale from more than 120 artisans. The event also includes a juried art and fine crafts show, plus two interactive Art Zones where kids and adults can make their own projects at no cost. There will be all-day music in both parks, a competitive poetry slam, delicious food, cooking demonstrations, puppetry, drumming circles, and other activities all weekend long.  

Golden Harvest Festival

Photo credit: Beaver Lake Nature Center

Ready for a taste of fall? If so, head to the Golden Harvest Festival on September 10 or 11 for an old-fashioned, country fair-style event that’s fun for all ages. Kids will enjoy hands-on nature activities, horse-drawn hayrides, scavenger hunts, live animal demonstrations, games, and more. The event also includes local art and craft vendors, live music and entertainment, and a chance to explore Beaver Lake Nature Center, home to beautiful trails that circle a glacial lake with swamp and wooded areas. Our best tip? Grab a hot, fresh donut during your visit!

Oneida Lake Chicken Wing Run 

Come out to Sylvan Beach September 15 through 18 for the 10th annual Oneida Lake Chicken Wing Run, a charity boating event held to benefit the village’s fire department. Hundreds of boaters turn out for this popular local tradition, racing between Sylvan Beach and Brewerton. That’s where competitors will celebrate with a feast of chicken wings! The Oneida Lake Chicken Wing Run is fun for competitors and spectators alike – and a classic Sylvan Beach experience to add to your itinerary. 

Madison County Hop Fest

Did you know that the first commercial hop yard was planted in Madison County? The Madison County Hop Fest will once again celebrate New York State’s incredible hop culture on September 16 through 18. A great opportunity for home brewers as well as beer enthusiasts, the festival will include home brewing demos, exhibits on the history of hops, hop merchandise, hop farmers and local beer clubs on hand, food trucks, a raffle, the crowning of a new Hops King and Queen, and live music. Stop by to sample a variety of craft brews, or treat yourself to a seat at the event’s paired beer dinner. 

Entertainment at Turning Stone

There’s also plenty to enjoy at Turning Stone Resort Casino in September with concerts and comedy shows throughout the month. Visit the resort casino online to find tickets for: 

• Hotel California, the Original Eagles Tribute Band
• Candlebox with Hold On Hollywood
• Staind
• Rodney Atkins
• Amy Schumer
• The Killers
• Love and Theft

You can also check out some of Upstate New York’s best regional acts at Exit 33, home to venues like The Gig, Tin Rooster, and Turquoise Tiger. 

Plan Your September Getaway at The Cove

Summer may be coming to an end, but there is still plenty to enjoy at The Cove at Sylvan Beach this September. From a romantic weekend away to a family trip in the fall, you’ll find events, attractions, and more to make your stay one to remember. Reserve your September lakeside vacation today with just a two-night minimum stay beginning September 10.