There certainly may be plenty going on in our big cities once things get warm, but it's whimsical events that are taking place in our small towns that you'll want to make a point of visiting this year. From food festivals to themed events that will trigger your curiosity, there's something on this list for everyone to enjoy. Prepare to fill up your calendar because you're going to want to experience these festivals in New York that you've never heard of!

1. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival - Saugerties

The perfect way to kick off a new season, Hudson Valley's Garlic Festival general takes place at the end of September or early October. The unique festival is where visitors can come an enjoy things like garlic ice cream to garlic chocolate bars and garlic knots to garlic rice balls, you'll leave this festival with enough garlic in you to fight off an entire squad of vampires.

To find out more information about this festival, click here.

2. French Festival - Cape Vincent

Happening this year on July 8th & 9th, Cape Vincent's French Festival is one you'll want to visit at least once during your lifetime. For nearly 50 years the festival has been one that locals look forward too annually, with many of the the town's residents having French roots. Featuring a pancake breakfast, breads and pasties for sale, crafts and many more activities, this festival is the perfect excuse to spend the weekend in Cape Vincent.

To find out more information about this unique festival, click here.

3. The Naples Grape Festival - Naples

Each and every September since the early 1960s, residents of Naples anticipate the delicious Grape Festival. Many may be familiar with the fact that this beautiful town is home to the famous Monica's Pies, but just as many are not aware that the town hosts this scrumptious festival every year. At this festival you'll be able to experience wine tastings, grape pies, live music and so much more.

To find out more information about this tasty festival, click here.

4. Riverhead Mosaic Street Painting Festival - Riverhead

Spend the day out on Long Island and watch locals bring the streets to life with vibrant works of art. Taking place on Sunday May 28th, the 21st annual festival will take over East Main Street in Downtown Riverhead. A local tradition for residents of all ages, everyone is encouraged to get creative with chalk during this festival! To get a glimpse of what it's like to experience this festival, check out the footage by Newsday from YouTube above.

To find out more about this colorful festival, click here.

5. Narrowsburg Honey Bee Fest - Narrowsburg

Coming this September 23rd, the Narrowsburg Honey Bee Fest is one that will bring a smile to your face. Most of our residents may not know about this festival because of how new it is, only starting up in the past few years. The pet-friendly event is one that's perfect for all ages, the festival is made up of the perfect combination of education and fun!

To find out more information about this delightful festival, click here.

6. Gardiner Cupcake Festival - Gardiner

Ever wonder what it's like to be at a festival where you're surrounded by over 20,000 cupcakes? Let your mind wander no further because that's exactly what you can experience when you spend the day at the Gardiner Cupcake Festival! Located in one of our scenic small towns along the Hudson River, this year's festival will take place on Saturday May 20th.

To find out more information about this sweet and tasty festival, click here.

7. Pine Bush UFO Fair & Parade - Pine Bush

Ready to kill two birds with one stone? Just a 20-minute drive away from the Gardiner Cupcake Festival, the Pine Bush UFO Fair & Parade is also taking place on Saturday May 20th. If you're unfamiliar with the strange, paranormal history of the town of Pine Bush, find out more by reading our article here. But to quickly sum things up, every year the town celebrates and embraces its history of unusual activity with an alien-themed parade and fair through town. Featuring a variety of vendors, you'll find food, crafts and plenty of UFO novelties. To get a taste of this festival, check out the footage above brought to you by the New York Post via YouTube.

To find out more information about this otherworldly festival, click here.

8. Finger Lakes Lavender Festival - Skaneateles

One of New York's most stunning small towns, Skaneateles is the host of the Finger Lakes Lavender Festival every year. Taking place at the picturesque Lockwood Lavender Farm, you'll have a lovely view of the lake while you spend the day outdoors picking your own lavender and enjoying all the different products that vendors have to offer. Taking place this year on July 8th & 9th, there's no admission charge to enjoy this festival from 9AM until 5PM.

To find out more about this wonderful festival, click here.

9. Village of Waterford Canal Festival - Waterford

Once the weather gets warm, you'll almost always see our residents starting to gravitate towards the water. Taking place on Saturday May 20th, the Canal Festival is the perfect way to spend the day outside by the water. With live music and plenty to keep you busy, you can enjoy this event from 10AM until 6PM.

To find out more information about this waterfront festival, click here.

What event in the Empire State do you look forward to every year? For another incredible festival that you won't want to miss out on, take a look at The Small Town In New York That Transforms Into A Magical Harry Potter Wonderland!