Everyone knows that there’s no better place to be in fall than New England. The northeastern area of the country boasts the most beautiful fall foliage as well as fun fall-themed festivals to keep you warm and happy during the crisp September and October days. Here are some to check out this year:
Cape Cod Brew Fest
If you’re a fan of craft beers, the Cape Cod Brew Fest is where to be in September. Enjoy more than 250 styles of beer from 76 breweries along with live music, food trucks, and a custom glass with the price of admission.
When: Saturday, September 26th
Where: East Falmouth, Massachusetts
Stonington Vineyards Harvest Festival
For wine tastings, hay rides, local crafters, live music, and plenty of gourmet food, head to Stonington for the Harvest Festival. The weekend is full of fun and activities for couples, families, and friends.
When: September 19th & 20th
Where: Stonington, Connecticut
The Great New England BBQ Fest
This October will mark the 5th year for the Great New England BBQ Fest and if you’re a fan of barbecue, you’ll want to be there. The festival features the area’s best barbecue vendors, an Oysterfest, a chili cook-off, a pulled pork cook-off, and a pig roast both Saturday and Sunday.
When: October 3rd & 4th
Where: Princeton, Massachusetts
Lake Placid Oktoberfest
Lake Placid’s version of the traditional German Oktoberfest is a Bavarian celebration. The weekend includes live German musicians (including bands like die Schlauberger and SPITZE!), kids’ activities, a lederhosen 5k trail run, a 1k “fun” run, and lots of food and beer.
When: October 3rd & 4th
Where: Lake Placid, New York
Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
Come mid-October, the foliage in Vermont is at its peak and is especially charming in the small village of Stowe, Vermont. Each year, the Foliage Arts Festival features more than 150 arts & crafts exhibits with handmade gifts, decor, art, and more. Visitors can also enjoy a food tent, wine tastings, fresh espresso, live music, and craft beer.
When: October 9th, 10th, & 11th
Where: Stowe, Vermont
THE Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Every year during all of October, the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence hosts a jack-o-lantern festival. Each night, the zoo lights up with over 5,000 jack-o-lanterns (with more than 100 carved into unique works of art).
When: October 1st through November 1st
Where: Providence, Rhode Island
Apple Harvest Festival
If you love apples, Connecticut is the place to be in October. During the Apple Harvest Festival, you’ll find more than 100 apple vendors, 30 food trucks, 40 bands on three stages, local beer and wine, fireworks, a petting zoo, silent movies after dark, and more.
When: October 16th, 17th, & 18th
Where: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Monadnock Pumpkin Festival
It wouldn’t be fall without a pumpkin festival. This annual event in Swanzey, New Hampshire features a costume parade, a jack-o-lantern display, a baking contest, a craft fair, a pumpkin-carving contest, and its very own Fright Fest. You can also enjoy fireworks, amusement rides, and food vendors.
When: Saturday, October 24th
Where: Swanzey, New Hampshire
