Fall festivities north of the city become even more exciting this month.  Here are three one-of-a-kind local events to kick off October:

Hefestus Iron Pour
Where: Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY
When: Saturday, October 4, 2pm-10pm

Beacon's hottest event returns for its second round.  Founded last year by local metallurgic artists, this unique celebration includes sculpture casting workshops, live music, local food, and the expected pouring of molten iron from an outdoor furnace, bridging a connection to Beacon's industrial roots. Iron sculpture demonstrations will be ongoing. Free admission. More details.

Hudson Hop & Harvest
Where: Peekskill Riverfront Green (80 Hudson Ave, Peekskill, NY)
When: Saturday, October 4, 2:00pm

This free festival spotlights the Hudson Valley's bounty, featuring farm-to-table fare, craft beer, live performances and a farmer's market. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste Riverkeeper's "Lucky Sturgeon" IPA, a joint project by Peekskill Brewery and Captain Lawrence.  Admission is free — pay-as-you-go. More details.

Headless Horseman Hayride
Where: 778 Broadway (9W), Ulster Park, NY
When: Select dates through 11/2

We'd rather not talk about "haunted houses," but this one is all a show!  Headless Horseman isn't just the Hudson Valley's favorite scream test; it's continually ranked among the top Halloween attractions in the country by national outlets including MTV, the Weather Channel and AOL News. More details.

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