It’s that time of year when literally everything has a pumpkin spice option, the leaves are showing their reds, oranges, and yellows, and the weather is just right for spending time outdoors. We at Liz & Ellie Real Estate love to pick apples and pumpkins, and we always make time to enjoy the various festivals that pop up right in our neighborhoods. We’ve shared our curated fall festivals here*, and we hope you get out to a few this autumn. These are in roughly chronological order, so scroll down and fill up that calendar.
*It looks like the weekend of October 18-20 is full to the brim with festivals. Do your research and choose the right one for you, or randomly select one and enjoy a spontaneous fall fest experience.
"Game of Thrones" fans, this weekend the Faire is themed just for you! Travel back to medieval times at the 37th annual King Richard's Faire—New England's largest Renaissance fair. Enjoy tiger shows, turkey legs, rides, royal parades, music, merriment, and more with the whole family.
HONK!, October 11–13 in Davis Square, Somerville
This extended marching band parade and festival takes place in one of Somerville’s coolest neighborhoods. You’ll listen to great music and see some of the most impressive marching bands from all over the country. If you’ve never been, this is the year to make it.
If you’ve never been to an Open Studios event, this would be a great one to start with. And if you’re a seasoned pro, add this one in. Artists who live in the Fort Point area will open their studios to the public. You’ll see art from all kinds of makers: pottery, painting, sculpture, and much, much more. You just have to get your map and show up!
Copley Square hosts this yearly event that “promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.” Check out their schedule and see Cameron Awkward-Rich, Jamaica Kincaid, Meghna Chakrabarti, and other incredible writers in person. Browse the incredible selection of books from Boston and beyond, and...READ!
Applefest, October 19–20 at Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
Visit the mountain before the snow comes and check out over a hundred crafts tables, farmers’ market, and take a spin on the SkyRide (ski lift above the lovely Fall foliage).
This is the 24rd annual festival, which features vendors, speakers, and chefs.
Highlights include a giant 50-foot tube slide, pumpkins galore, a corn maze and apple cannons. It’s one of the busiest farms in the area, so we suggest you get there early. They also charge admission, so check their website beforehand to understand how their fees work.
This Sudbury favorite farm and market features fresh-cut flowers, homemade apple cider doughnuts and caramel apples on the weekends, and potato blasters (in addition to their usual selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a great sandwich counter).
Davis Farmland is the Limousine of corn mazes, and is worth the drive if you can’t get enough corn-based challenges. Not only is the maze difficult to solve, there are all kinds of activities to complete while you’re in the labyrinth. Plus a zip line + dozens more activities. There are specific fees for Davis Farmland, so plan your trip accordingly.
Make the trek to this festival and you won’t be disappointed. Featuring a tower of 20,000 glowing jack-o-lanterns (you can reserve a place for your own pumpkin beforehand if you want to take part in the annual spectacle).
They also have horse-drawn hay rides, as well as live bands and performers.
Pumpkin Float, October 18 from 5-8 PM on the frog pond at Boston Common
Bring your kids and/or small, carved pumpkins and float them on the Frog Pond! The pumpkins, not the kids. This is a delightful, family-friendly event.
Did we miss your favorite fall festival? Contact us and we’ll add it to the list.
