Out & About | Best New England Fall Events for 2017

FEATURED SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 EVENTS

Tour a lighthouse, sample chowder, explore your Celtic roots, and more at our picks for the best New England fall events for 2017.

NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival | September 15–17

With roots that go back more than 40 years, this annual event at Loon Mountain has blossomed into one of the biggest, most diverse celebrations of Scottish heritage in the United States. Mingle with historical reenactors in Scottish military and civilian encampments, explore your own roots in the Clan Village, and soak up the entertainment, including dance, fiddle, and harp competitions and performances by 30-plus pipe bands. There also are sheepdog trials, a kilt run, and tests of physical strength and skill such as the caber toss, the hammer throw, stone carrying, and more. Lincoln, NH. 800-358-7268; nhscot.org

CONNECTICUT Chowdafest | October 1

Having started with just a dozen participants in 2008, Chowdafest is today one of the Northeast’s largest culinary competitions. Chefs and restaurants vie for honors in five categories: classic New England clam chowders, Manhattan/Rhode Island chowders, creative chowders, soups/bisques, and, new this year, vegetarian chowders. Spend your day sampling the contenders and cast your votes! Westport, CT. 203-216-8452; chowdafest.org

MAINE Open Lighthouse Day | September 9

Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF), and the Maine Office of Tourism, this event draws upward of 15,000 visitors each year. The attraction? More than two dozen historic Maine lighthouses, all open to the public and ready to be explored. Check the ALF website for full list and locations. lighthousefoundation.org

MASSACHUSETTS The Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival | October 5–8

Held at the WGBH studios in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, this extravaganza of flavors brings together New England’s top chefs, producers, wineries, and breweries, creating a sampling bonanza. Expect an irresistible lineup of live music, plus celebrity chef demonstrations that in past years have included such PBS favorites such as Kevin Dundon, Mary Ann Esposito, and the Brass Sisters. Boston, MA. 617-300-5400; cravingboston.wgbh.org

RHODE ISLAND Pawtucket Arts Festival | September 8–24

September is Arts Month in Pawtucket, and celebrations reach their peak at this citywide showcase of visual and performing arts. Built around a theme of “Work Hard, Play Hard, Make Art,” the 16-day festival brings a cavalcade of music, theater, and dance performances to Slater Park and the downtown area. Pawtucket, RI. 401-728-0500; pawtucketartsfestival.org

VERMONTMount Snow Oktoberfest | October 7–8

Germany comes to Vermont for a weekend! Eat some schnitzel and roasted sausage, sample German and domestic brews, and kick up your heels to the lively oompah music at the 20th installment of this popular Mount Snow event, which also features a yodeling contest and a keg toss. While you’re there, be sure to take in all the mountain has to offer—from the Harvest Arts and Crafts show in the Base Lodge to the scenic Bluebird Express chairlift ride to the summit. West Dover, VT. 800-245-7669; mountsnow.com

ADDITIONAL FALL EVENTS

CONNECTICUT

SEP. 1–4: SOUTH WOODSTOCK, Woodstock Fair. Animals and exhibits, entertainment on three stages, amusement rides, contests, 100-plus food vendors offering everything from sweet treats to hearty meals—there’s something for everyone at the Woodstock Fair, now in its 157th year. 860-928-3246; woodstockfair.com

SEP. 8–10: NORWALK, Oyster Festival. Oysters may be the headliner at this 40-year-old festival, but the celebration goes far beyond shucking and slurping. Veteran’s Park rocks with day-to-evening performances, international foods, kids’ activities, a lumberjack show, and a juried arts and crafts show. 203-838-9444; seaport.org 

SEP. 9–10: GLASTONBURY, “On the Green” Art and Craft Show. Glastonbury Arts hosts this traditional event on historic Hubbard Green, attracting more than 175 exhibitors of fine art and handmade crafts. 860-659-1196; glastonburyarts.org

SEP. 22–DEC. 31: MYSTIC, International Marine Art Exhibition and Sale. Mystic Seaport’s Maritime Art Gallery puts the spotlight on recent works by more than 100 marine artists from around the world as this popular annual show makes its return. 860-572-5388; mysticseaport.org

SEP. 29–OCT. 1, OCT. 6–8: SOUTHINGTON, Apple Harvest Festival. Stop by the town green for some apple-inspired food and entertainment. Among the highlights are a parade, an arts and crafts show, a pie baking contest, bed races, and fireworks. 860-276-8461; southington.org/ahf

OCT. 7–8: BETHLEHEM, Garlic & Harvest Festival. For two days, the Bethlehem Fairgrounds becomes the garlic capital of the world. Expect lots of recipes and cooking demonstrations (with free samples), farm produce, crafts, rides and games, a garlic-inspired food court, and live entertainment. 203-266-7810; garlicfestct.com

OCT. 8: SCOTLAND, Highland Games Festival. The Edward Waldo Homestead comes alive with piping, dancing, drumming, and athletic competitions. There also will be swordplay demonstrations, storytelling, sheepdog demonstrations, and all manner of Scottish foods and products. scotlandgames.org

OCT. 21: PUTNAM, Great Pumpkin Festival and Train Ride. While waiting for your train ride through the Last Green Valley (tickets must be purchased separately), you’ll find plenty of entertainment at this fall festival, as a crafts show, live music, great food, and some truly epic pumpkins take over the downtown. 860-428-1278; discoverputnam.com

OCT. 27: HARTFORD, Hallowed History Lantern Tour. Cedar Hill Cemetery opens after dark just once each year, the reason being this annual evening of spooky fun. During the tour you’ll meet actors portraying the dearly departed with dark tales to tell. Reserve a space early for this popular event. 860-956-3311; cedarhillfoundation.org

MAINE

SEP. 1–10: BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Boothbay Harbor Fest. One of the Midcoast’s signature events, this festival offers harbor crawls and tasting tours of local restaurants, a live music marathon, shopping, art shows, tea tastings, a 5K run, a wellness fair, and a “Fishin’ for Fashion” style show.boothbayharborfest.com

SEP. 8–10: EASTPORT, Eastport Pirate Festival. Hark back to days of yore, when pirates were no strangers to the Maine coast. Come in costume—if you’d like to blend in—and enjoy wacky activities including bed races and pirate reenactments, along with live music, lobster boat races, and kids’ games.eastportpiratefestival.com

SEP. 23: AUGUSTA, Wood Carvers Show and Competition. The Maine Wood Carvers Association takes over the Buker Community Center for its annual show of members’ work, from decoys and other functional carvings to purely decorative creations. mainewoodcarvers.com

SEP. 24–30: CUMBERLAND, Cumberland County Fair. Now in its 146th iteration, this family-friendly favorite includes two pro rodeo events, fireworks, a midway, a demolition derby, livestock shows, and the official Maine state pumpkin and squash weigh-off. 207-829-5531; cumberlandfair.com

OCT. 1–8: FRYEBURG, Fryeburg Fair. Known as “Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic,” the Fryeburg Fair offers livestock shows, baking competitions, harness racing, and an array of garden and craft exhibits, plus midway rides and live entertainment. 207-935-3268; fryeburgfair.org

OCT. 7–9: DAMARISCOTTA, Pumpkinfest and Regatta. At Pinkham’s Plantation, Maine Maritime Museum, Boothbay Railway Village, and other Damariscotta locations, you’ll find a giant-pumpkin contest, pumpkin catapult, pumpkin derby, pumpkin drop, pumpkin pie eating contest … perhaps you’re detecting a theme? Don’t miss the big pumpkin-boat regatta finale. 207-677-3087; mainepumpkinfest.com

OCT. 16–22: PORTLAND, Harvest on the Harbor. Foodies converge on Portland as the city toasts its talented chefs. Stop by the waterfront for cooking contests and demonstrations, wine seminars, and live music. 207-772-4994; harvestontheharbor.com

OCT. 20–22: OGUNQUIT, OgunquitFest. Fall-themed attractions fill the downtown, including pumpkin and cookie decorating, a costume parade, and a classic-car show. Shop at the craft bazaar, thrill to the haunted house, compete in the high-heel race or bed race, and take a ghost tour or a wagon ride. 207-646-2939; visitogunquit.org

OCT. 28: SOUTH BERWICK, Victorian Frightful. Spend a spooky evening listening to tales of hauntings and horror read by actors portraying Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Gaskell, and especially Sarah Orne Jewett, whose Victorian house museum hosts the event. 207-384-2454; historicnewengland.org

MASSACHUSETTS

SEP. 5–10: BRIMFIELD, Antiques Show. The largest outdoor antiques show in the country offers its final dates for the year as dealers set up shop along a mile-long stretch of Route 20. If you can’t find it at Brimfield, it may not exist. brimfieldshow.com

SEP. 7–10: GREENFIELD, Franklin County Fair. Celebrating rural life since 1848, this country fair today boasts a lineup of entertainment that ranges from tractor pulls to talent shows, and pig races to demolition derbies. 413-774-4282; fcas.com

SEP. 15–OCT. 1: WEST SPRINGFIELD, The Big E. The largest fair in the Northeast is home to such supersize treats as the Big E Cream Puff and the Craz-E Burger. Enjoy top-name entertainment (on this year’s lineup: Sheila E., the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Village People), the Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, and animal shows, rides, shopping, and crafts. thebige.com

SEP. 21–24: PROVINCETOWN, Tennessee Williams Theater Festival. From his classics to his experimental work, with performances at various venues, the town comes alive with the spirit of one of America’s greatest playwrights. This year’s event pairs several of Williams’s works with Shakespeare’s plays for side-by-side comparison. 866-789-8366; twptown.org

SEP. 22–OCT. 1: CONCORD, Nature: A Walking Play. This performance on the grounds of the Manse explores the friendship—and mutual fascination with nature—of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. The actors lead the audience on a walk through the natural environment as scenes unfold through a combination of music, song, and story. thetrustees.org

SEP. 22, 29, OCT. 6, 13, 20, 27: LENOX, Ghost Tour. Explore the haunted history of Edith Wharton’s historic homestead, the Mount, through this guided tour of its eeriest areas. Advance registration required. 413-551-5111; edithwharton.org

SEP. 22–24: EAST FALMOUTH, Cape Cod ScallopFest. Award-winning scallops, seafood, and chicken dinners combine with midway rides and games, live music, and a juried craft fair at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds. 508-759-6000; scallopfest.org

SEP. 23: NEW BEDFORD, Working Waterfront Festival. Explore the historic and contemporary roles of fishing families while enjoying music, cooking demonstrations, vessel and harbor tours, fishermen’s contests, author readings, film screenings, local seafood, and a maritime artisans marketplace. 508-993-8894; workingwaterfrontfestival.org

OCT. 14–15: WELLFLEET, OysterFest. Give a nod to the town’s famous oysters, clams, and shellfishing traditions with some hometown fun and flavor. Enjoy local cuisine, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities, walking tours, live music, a road race, and the annual oyster shuck-off, all in the downtown area. wellfleetoysterfest.org

OCT. 19–22: EDGARTOWN, Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival. Celebrate the island’s rich tradition of farming and fishing with local chefs and the farmers, fishermen, oyster producers, and artisans they work with. 617-267-2244; mvfoodandwine.com

OCT. 20–21, 27–28: STOCKBRIDGE,Haunted House at Naumkeag. The southern Berkshires’ only haunted house returns with more scares and bigger haunts. This year the spooky fun will happen in the historic mansion Naumkeag itself and along a new, frightening path through the gardens. Ages 12 and up. 413-298-3239; thetrustees.org

OCT. 21: ESSEX, Essex ClamFest. Stop by Memorial Park to sample the offerings of area restaurants as they compete for your vote in the clam chowder competition. Look for kids’ games, arts and crafts, a raffle, and more. 978-283-1601; visitessexma.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE

SEP. 1–4: FRANCESTOWN, Labor Day Celebration. Now in its centennial year, this festival offers a parade, contra dancing, tennis, mud volleyball and golf tournaments, a juried arts and crafts fair, a road race, live entertainment, and great food. 603-547-3600; francestownhistory.info

SEP. 8–10: HAMPTON BEACH, Seafood Festival. Hit the beach for a weekend of live music, seafood delicacies, chef demonstrations, contests, arts and crafts, fireworks, and the ever-popular lobster roll eating competition.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com

SEP. 16: CANTERBURY, Canterbury Artisan Festival. Celebrate traditional arts with a juried craft fair, a farmers’ market, musical performances, and demonstrations of blacksmithing, basketry, tea making, and more. 603-783-9511; shakers.org

SEP. 23: LITTLETON, Schilling Oktoberfest. A bit of Bavaria comes to small-town New Hampshire as Schilling Beer Co. hosts pig roasts, live music, games, arts events, and a beer tent– well stocked with lagers and hefeweizens—the perfect kickoff to leaf-peeping season. 603-444-4800; schillingbeer.com

SEP. 23–24: PORTSMOUTH, Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival. Market Square and other downtown venues host traditional American and English folk music performances, celebrating our maritime history and the “Age of Sail.” pmffest.org

SEP. 28–OCT. 1: DEERFIELD, Deerfield Fair. This time-honored tradition returns to the Deerfield Fairgrounds with livestock competitions, a variety of entertainers and musical performers, concessions, midway rides, a demolition derby, and more. 603-463-7421; deerfieldfair.com

SEP. 30: ENFIELD, Harvest Festival. At Enfield Shaker Village you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride or hunt for prizes in a haystack; make your own cider, churn butter, or crank your own ice cream; dip candles and learn other traditional crafts; then sit down to a savory harvest lunch of homemade soups. 603-632-4346; shakermuseum.org

OCT. 1: PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire Food Truck Festival. Red Hook Brewery hosts the state’s biggest congregation of food on wheels, with offerings ranging from Vietnamese sandwiches and lobster rolls to duck tacos and fresh, bubbling pizza. 617-782-7117; foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com

OCT. 7–9: LINCOLN, Fall Craft Festival. The Village Shops and town green host more than 100 juried artists and crafters presenting jewelry, scarves, ceramics, leather, furniture, blown glass, and folk art. 603-332-2616; castleberryfairs.com

OCT. 28: CANTERBURY, Ghost Encounters. As darkness falls, prepare for an otherworldly experience at the 200-year-old historic Shaker Village, where you can do some trick-or-treating, listen to ghost stories, and enjoy other Halloween-themed food and fun. 603-783-9511; shakers.org

RHODE ISLAND

SEP. 1–3: CHARLESTOWN, Rhythm & Roots Festival. With more than 40 musical acts on the roster—including Roseanne Cash, the Mavericks, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers—this Ninigret Park festival will have the audience swaying to the beat for hours on end. rhythmandroots.com

SEP. 9: PAWTUCKET, Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival. Grab a prime spot along the banks of the Blackstone River as colorful dragon boats race from the School Street pier. Also on tap: cultural performances, arts and crafts, and the popular dumpling eating contest. 401-724-2200; dragonboatri.com

SEP. 14–17: NEWPORT, International Boat Show. This annual Newport Yachting Center event is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country. Nearly all makes and models of powerboats and sailboats are represented, as are many other products and services to enhance the boating lifestyle. 401-846-1115; newportboatshow.com

SEP. 15–17: BLOCK ISLAND, Taste of Block Island. More than 60 local businesses participate in a weekend of gallery openings, wine and beer tastings, shopping and hotel discounts, restaurant specials, kayak tours, and more. 401-466-2474; blockislandchamber.com

SEP. 21–24: NEWPORT, Wine and Food Festival. Some of the area’s best vintners and purveyors of fine food join forces at Rosecliff, Marble House, and the Elms to offer tastings, silent and live auctions, wine seminars, celebrity chef appearances, and cooking demonstrations. 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org

SEP. 30: PROVIDENCE, TEDxProvidence. Now in its sixth year, this innovative platform for community connection, storytelling, and performance returns to the Vets for an evening of compelling conversation. This year’s theme is “Past, Present, and Future.” 401-421-2787; ppacri.org

SEP. 30–OCT. 1: MIDDLETOWN, Harvest Fair. The Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts this family tradition, an old-fashioned fair with local food and beer, games and competitions, hay rides, the “Mabel Express” barrel train, a mud pit, a craft fair, and a full lineup of musical acts. 401-846-2577; normanbirdsanctuary.org

OCT. 5–NOV. 5: PROVIDENCE, Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Visit Roger Williams Park Zoo after dark for a display of 5,000 carved and illuminated pumpkins, presented in themed scenes with music. This year’s event will take you through time to visit the dinosaurs, explore the Ice Age, and peek into the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Rome. 401-785-3510; rwpzoo.org

OCT. 7–9: NORTH SCITUATE, Scituate Art Festival. Spend a lovely day strolling the picturesque village green as some 300 juried artisans present their creations. Good food and live entertainment complete the scene. scituateartfestival.org

VERMONT

SEP. 3: RANDOLPH, New World Festival. Revel in the vitality of small-town Vermont and the Celtic and French Canadian heritage of northern New England with a day of music and dance. Six stages in the historic village center feature a succession of entertainment, with children’s activities, crafts, and great food, too. 802-728-6464; chandler-arts.org

SEP. 8–10: BURLINGTON, South End Art Hop. Visit the city’s original arts district and discover thousands of works of art as well as outdoor sculpture, performance art, live demos and workshops, kids’ activities, and a fashion show. 802-859-9222; seaba.com

SEP. 14–17: TUNBRIDGE, World’s Fair. Explore family farm traditions from the past with antique farm machinery and implements and an authentic one-room schoolhouse. But the fun at the fairgrounds doesn’t stop there: There are pig races, harness races, and an old-fashioned carnival, too. 802-889-5555; tunbridgeworldsfair.com

SEP. 16–17: BENNINGTON, Bennington Quiltfest. Featuring more than 100 quilts, this annual show at Mount Anthony School also has demonstrations, raffles, and vendors. 802-823-4631; benningtonquiltfest.com

SEP. 23–24: WOODSTOCK, Vermont Woodworking and Forest Festival. Billings Farm and Museum and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park host this weekend of woodworking demonstrations and events, where you can meet the artisans who create fine wood furniture, utensils, jewelry, bowls, cutting boards, toys, cabinetry, and flooring. 802-747-7900; vermontwoodfestival.org

SEP. 29–30: WESTON, Weston Antiques Show. This benefit show at the Weston Playhouse has dealers from across the nation presenting Americana, silver, furnishings, jewelry, and other treasures. weston-vermont.com

SEP. 29–OCT. 1: MANCHESTER, Manchester Fall Art and Craft Show. Riley Rink at Hunter Park plays host to more than 175 exhibitors selling fine art, crafts, and more. Make it a family outing and spend the day enjoying live entertainment and great local foods. 802-425-3399; craftproducers.com

OCT. 6–8: STOWE, Stowe Foliage Arts Festival. More than 100 juried artisans come to beautiful Topnotch Field at the height of foliage season for the area’s biggest autumn arts festival. 802-425-3399; craftproducers.com

OCT. 7–8: WINDSOR, Harpoon Octoberfest Vermont. With the upper valley’s peak foliage scenery as the backdrop, visit Harpoon Brewery and toast the season with live music, chicken dancing, hearty German fare, and freshly brewed beer. harpoonbrewery.com

OCT. 12–15: BRATTLEBORO, Brattleboro Literary Festival. Multiple locations host readings, panels, and special events featuring emerging and established authors. Past participants have included winners of the Pulitzer, the National Book Award, and the Newbery Medal. brattleboroliteraryfestival.org