Out & About | Favorite New England Fall Events for 2019

Favorite New England Fall Events | 2019

VERMONT

Garlic & Herb Festival | Aug. 31–Sep. 1 Get your garlic fix in the Camelot Village area of downtown Bennington, where nearly 200 vendors will be gathered. Chat with the growers and enjoy garlic jelly and other garlic-laced foods, along with live music, kids’ activities, and plenty of garlicky products for purchase. Bennington, VT.802-447-3311; lovegarlic.com

MAINE

Common Ground Country Fair | Sep. 20–22 Hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, this get-together at the fairgrounds in Unity highlights Maine’s rural and agricultural traditions with animal exhibits, cooking demos, blacksmithing, farm and fiber marketplaces, tasty food, and kids’ programming. Unity, ME.207-568-4142; mofga.org

CONNECTICUT

Apple Harvest Festival | Oct. 4–6 & 11–13 Head to Southington to join in seasonal family fun, including a parade, toe-tapping musical performances, an arts and crafts show, carnival rides, and fireworks. And come hungry: There will be apple crisp, apple pie, apple fritters, apple slushies, and fresh raw apples aplenty. Southington, CT.860-276-8461; southingtonahf.com

MASSACHUSETTS

The Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival | Oct. 10–13 Billed as the largest festival of its kind in New England, this extravaganza of flavors brings together top chefs, producers, wineries, and breweries at the WGBH studios in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. Past celebrity chef demonstrations have included such PBS stars as Kevin Dundon and Mary Ann Esposito. Boston, MA. 617-300-5400; wgbh.org/food-and-wine-festival

RHODE ISLAND

Scituate Art Festival | Oct. 12–14 What began as a way to pay for restoring the handsome 1830s Congregational church on the North Scituate village green has evolved into a major event that draws 200-plus exhibitors from across North America. Proceeds go toward town nonprofits, as well as the maintenance effort to keep that old church sparkling. North Scituate, RI.scituateartfestival.org

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 18–19 In addition to the obvious draw (20,000 carved pumpkins clustered around downtown Laconia, including those lined up on a 34-foot tower), offerings include fair foods and rides, live music, a pumpkin pancake breakfast, a pumpkin cook-off, and a zombie walk. Laconia, NH. nhpumpkinfestival.com

Additional New England Fall Events for 2019

CONNECTICUT

AUG. 30–SEP. 2: SOUTH WOODSTOCK,Woodstock Fair. Animals and exhibitions, entertainment on multiple stages, amusement rides, contests and family fun, plus more than 100 food vendors offering everything from treats to rib-sticking meals. 860-928-3246; woodstockfair.com

AUG. 31–OCT. 14: LEBANON,Connecticut Renaissance Faire. At the Lebanon County Fairgrounds, be transported back in time to a 16th-century English harvest festival. Expect songs and dances from days of yore, jousting, and archery, plus a bustling medieval marketplace and hearty fare such as roast turkey legs. 860-478-5954; ctfaire.com

SEP. 6–8: NORWALK,Oyster Festival. Oysters may be the headliners, but the festivities go far beyond shucking and slurping. Veterans Memorial Park will rock with live music, international foods, kids’ activities, a lumberjack show, and a juried arts and crafts show. 203-838-9444; seaport.org

SEP. 7: MYSTIC, Launch of the Mayflower II. Come to Mystic Seaport Museum to witness the lowering of the newly restored Mayflower II into the Mystic River in preparation for its return voyage to Plimoth Plantation next year, which marks the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing. 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org

SEP. 7–8: 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. 12–15: NEW LONDON,Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival. Among the highlights of four days of free, family-oriented fun on the waterfront are tours of Navy and Coast Guard ships, a chowder cook-off, a fishing tournament, and a celebration dubbed “The Burning of Benedict Arnold.” 860-447-2519; ctmaritimefest.com

OCT. 5: WETHERSFIELD, Old Wethersfield Arts and Crafts Fair. Peruse the wares presented by 60-plus artisans and crafters—clothing, furniture, seasonal decorations, jewelry, and more—while soaking up the fall weather, live music, and tasty food at scenic Cove Park. 860-529-7656; wethersfieldhistory.org

OCT. 5–6: GREENWICH, Outdoor Arts Festival. The Bruce Museum steps outside its walls for this 38th annual juried show of contemporary paintings, prints and drawings, mixed-media works, sculpture, and photography. Many of the 90 selected artists will be on hand, and all works are for sale. 203-869-0376; brucemuseum.org

OCT. 6: WESTPORT,Chowdafest.With entrants from every New England state and beyond, Chowdafest has become one of the Northeast’s largest culinary competitions. Vote for your favorites at Sherwood Island State Park in the categories of classic New England clam chowder, traditional chowder, creative chowder, soups and bisques, and even vegetarian. 203-216-8452; chowdafest.org

OCT. 12–13: BETHLEHEM,Garlic & Harvest Festival. At the Bethlehem Fairgrounds, garlic lovers will find goodies showcasing their favorite allium, from garlic dips and spreads to deep-fried garlic, garlic sausage, and even garlic ice cream. Also on tap: cooking demos, crafts, and rides and games. 203-266-7810; garlicfestct.com

OCT. 13: SCOTLAND,Highland Games Festival. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Scotland as the Edward Waldo Homestead hosts a day filled with entertainment and education. There’s something happening everywhere you turn: live folk music, dancing, piping and drumming contests, sheepdog demonstrations, and, of course, the fabled Highland athletic competition. Cabers away! scotlandgames.org

OCT. 19: 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. 19–20: WOODSTOCK,Roseland Cottage Fine Arts & Crafts Festival. More than 175 artisans participate in this juried show on the expansive grounds of lovely Roseland Cottage. Enjoy live music, a food court, and first-floor tours of the historic home. 617-994-5914; historicnewengland.org

OCT. 25: HARTFORD,Hallowed History Lantern Tour. Established in 1864, Cedar Hill Cemetery welcomes nighttime visitors to its graceful grounds just once each year. Starring in this evening of spooky fun are actors portraying some of the dearly departed (many with dark tales to tell). Space is limited, so reserve your spot well in advance. 860-956-3311; cedarhillfoundation.org

MAINE

AUG. 30–SEP. 8: BOOTHBAY HARBOR,Boothbay Region Harbor Fest. This lively mix of music, food, and activities includes a 5K run and a half-marathon, a fashion show inspired by the sea, a restaurant crawl, a vintage market, and live music all around the harbor. Major events take place on Labor Day weekend and Sep. 7 and 8. 207-671-7676; boothbayharborfest.com

SEP. 5–8: GREENVILLE,International Seaplane Fly-In. Moosehead Lake is the place to be for seaplane enthusiasts, with organized fly-bys, a craft fair, demonstrations, and more. seaplanefly-in.org

SEP. 6–8: EASTPORT,Eastport Pirate Festival. Travel back to a bygone age of seafaring when pirates were no strangers to the Maine coast. Come in costume—if you’d like to blend in—and enjoy such wacky activities as bed races and pirate reenactments, along with live music, lobster boat races, and kids’ games. 207-853-0727; eastportpiratefestival.com

SEP. 14: STATEWIDE,Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Lighthouse Foundation, 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 website for full list and locations. lighthousefoundation.org

SEP. 22–28: CUMBERLAND,Cumberland County Fair. Now in its 148th 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

SEP. 25–29: BAR HARBOR,Acadia Night Sky Festival. Come see the Milky Way shining bright in the largest expanse of naturally dark sky east of the Mississippi, and learn from and with scientists, park rangers, photographers, artists, and fellow stargazers. 207-801-2566; acadianightskyfestival.com

SEP. 28: CASCO,Maine Lakes Brewfest. Hit the beach at Point Sebago for a day of live music, good food, and sampling nearly 100 creations by three dozen regional brewers. The sampling is unlimited, and you’ll go home with your own souvenir sampling glass. mainelakesbrewfest.com

SEP. 29–OCT. 6: FRYEBURG,Fryeburg Fair. This venerable fair (c. 1851) fills its eight-day run with livestock shows, races and competitions, and an array of garden and craft exhibits, plus midway rides and entertainment across five stages, all at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. Don’t miss the Woodsmen’s Field Day, which draws lumberjacks and lumberjills from across the U.S. to test their mettle. 207-935-3268; fryeburgfair.org

OCT. 4–6: FREEPORT, Fall Festival. With more than 150 artists exhibiting works of photography, oil painting, watercolor, mixed media, fine craft, and jewelry; live musical performances; and a wide range of Maine food specialties to keep you fueled (don’t miss the benefit Chowdah Challenge), this free family event at L.L. Bean Discovery Park and other downtown venues provides the perfect excuse for a visit to Freeport’s outlet-store wonderland. freeportfallfestival.com

OCT. 11–14: DAMARISCOTTA,Pumpkinfest & Regatta. A giant-pumpkin contest, pumpkin catapult, pumpkin derby, pumpkin drop, pumpkin pie eating contest—perhaps you’re detecting a theme? Don’t miss the great pumpkin boat regatta finale. 207-677-3087; mainepumpkinfest.com

OCT. 17–20: 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. 25–27: OGUNQUIT, OgunquitFest. Fall-themed attractions fill the downtown this weekend, including pumpkin and cookie decorating sessions, a costume parade, and a classic automobile 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

MASSACHUSETTS

AUG. 30–SEP. 2: GLOUCESTER,Schooner Festival. A downtown block party, a lighted boat parade, fireworks, more than 20 historic schooners—all this and more will pay homage to Gloucester’s working waterfront and seafaring and boatbuilding traditions. Don’t miss Sunday’s grand Parade of Sail before the schooners compete in the Mayor’s Race. 978-281-0470; gloucesterschoonerfestival.net

SEP. 5–8: GREENFIELD, Franklin County Fair. From parades and clowns to talent shows and Frisbee dogs, from agricultural exhibits and competitions to truck pulls, pie eating contests, and pig races, there’s something for everyone at this storied county fair. 413-774-4282; fcas.com

SEP. 13–29: WEST SPRINGFIELD,The Big E. When it comes to big fairs in New England, it’s impossible to top this one, which ranks the sixth largest agricultural fair in the entire country. Its mind-boggling array of food (barbecue brisket sundae, anyone?) keeps fairgoers fueled up for fun that ranges from agricultural competitions to midway rides, top-notch musical acts, and those amazing butter sculptures. 413-737-2443; thebige.com

SEP. 14: BUZZARDS BAY,Cape Cod Canal Day. Back for its second year in the recently renovated Buzzards Bay Park, this Saturday of free fun offers live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and a 5K race, with refreshments available for purchase from local food trucks and craft beer and wine purveyors. capecodcanalchamber.org

SEP. 19–22: BOSTON,Boston Film Festival. One of America’s longest-running celebrations of film returns with a roster of independent films from around the world—documentary and narrative features, shorts, animation, and experimental—plus panel discussions and post-screening parties with directors, producers, and actors. See website for schedule and venues. bostonfilmfestival.org

SEP. 21–22: DEERFIELD,Old Deerfield Fall Craft Fair. The historic village of Old Deerfield provides a picturesque setting for browsers as they peruse jewelry, furniture, and more on the grounds of one of New England’s oldest museums, Memorial Hall Museum. 413-774-7476; deerfield-craft.org

SEP. 26: BOSTON,Brian Jay Jones. The author of Becoming Dr. Seuss appears at the New England Historic Genealogical Society as part of its “American Inspirations” series. $30 admission includes a copy of the book. 617-226-1215; americanancestors.org

SEP. 28–29: PITTSFIELD, Country Fair. At Hancock Shaker Village, celebrate the bounty of the harvest with agricultural demonstrations, wagon rides, a quilt show, a farmers’ market, and handcrafted wares from the best regional crafters and artisans. Kid-friendly activities range from face painting and balloon creations to egg tosses and sack races. Plus, on Sunday some 400 cyclists will participate in the Farm to Fork Fondo, a bike ride from farm to farm that begins and ends at Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188; hancockshakervillage.org

OCT. 3: SALEM,Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. Though Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival runs throughout the month of October, the big costume parade is the town’s time-honored kickoff for the Halloween season. 978-744-0004; salem-chamber.org

OCT. 4–14: TOPSFIELD, Topsfield Fair. The country’s oldest continuously operating fair—which recently celebrated its 200-year anniversary—just keeps getting better. Enjoy headline entertainment and shows, 4-H competitions, midway rides, games, tempting treats, and more. 978-887-5000; topsfieldfair.org

OCT. 11: PLYMOUTH, New England Harvest Feast. Plimoth Plantation’s annual series of harvest dinners returns. Sit down to a 17th-century meal—mussels, turkey, corn pudding, and more—as your hosts lead a program of historic tales and songs. Advance reservations required. Additional dinner dates: Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 24. 800-262-9356 x8353; plimoth.org

OCT. 12–14: NORTHAMPTON,Paradise City Arts Festival. The fall installment of this twice-yearly celebration brings together 240 fine artists and crafters from across the nation at Three County Fairgrounds. Plus good food, great live music, flowering sculpture gardens, special exhibits, demonstrations, activities, and more. 413-587-0772; paradisecityarts.com

OCT. 19–20: WELLFLEET,OysterFest.Give a nod to the town’s famous bivalves and fishing traditions with hometown fun and flavor. Lures include local cuisine (heavy on the seafood), arts and crafts, a marine-themed spelling bee, walking tours, live music, a 5K road race, and the must-see “oyster shuck-off” competition. 508-349-3499; wellfleetoysterfest.org

OCT. 20: NORTHAMPTON, Pioneer Valley Book & Ephemera Fair. Sponsored by Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers, this show at Smith Vocational School is chock-a-block with rare and unusual old books, maps, autographs, prints, posters, and ephemera. Look for the special presentations on bookbinding, preservation, and restoration. 603-509-2639; pioneervalleybookfair.com

OCT. 20: STURBRIDGE: Celebration of Cider and Music Festival. Building on its popular craft beer festival in July, Old Sturbridge Village showcases hard cider tastings along with live music on multiple stages throughout the day. While only those 21 and older are allowed to sip the ciders, kids are welcome, and there will be activities and demonstrations for guests of all ages. 800-733-1830; osv.org

OCT. 20–21: BOSTON,Head of the Charles Regatta. Only the Boston Marathon draws more sports spectators to the city than this, the world’s largest rowing regatta. Founded in 1965, it now attracts 300,000-plus people to the banks of the Charles River to watch both novices and champions navigate the famously tortuous three-mile course (and dodge seven bridges along the way). 617-868-6200; hocr.org

OCT. 23–27: EDGARTOWN,Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. Join Yankee in toasting the island’s rich tradition of farming and fishing with local culinary talent, and the farmers, fishermen, oyster producers, and artisans they work with. 508-939-0199; mvfoodandwine.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE

AUG. 29–SEP. 2: LANCASTER,Lancaster Fair. Now in its 148th year, this downtown Labor Day weekend celebration puts a spotlight on North Woods culture, with live music, horse pulling, the coronation of the county’s largest pumpkin, motorized competitions, and much more. 603-788-4531; lancasterfair.com

SEP. 2: FRANCESTOWN, Labor Day Celebration. This small-town festival offers a parade, a juried arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, and great food. 603-547-3600; francestownhistory.info

SEP. 6–8: HAMPTON BEACH,Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Live music and a fireworks show punctuate the seafood eating frenzy as festivalgoers sample delicacies from 60-odd local restaurants. Also on tap: chef demos, arts and crafts booths, a sidewalk sale, and a lobster roll eating competition. 603-926-8718; hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com

SEP. 13: PORTSMOUTH,Writers on a New England Stage. The Music Hall’s award-winning literary series continues with a visit from best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers, The Tipping Point). 603-436-2400; themusichall.org

SEP. 13–15: PLYMOUTH,White Mountain Storytelling Festival. Feel the power of the spoken word at Plymouth State University as accomplished tale-spinners hold forth. Don’t miss the Friday-night slate of hair-raising ghost stories. nhstorytelling.org

SEP. 14: ENFIELD,Harvest Festival. Among the old-school diversions on offer at the Enfield Shaker Museum: Take a wagon ride; make cider, churn butter, and crank your own ice cream; and dip handmade candles and learn other traditional crafts. 603-632-4346; shakermuseum.org

SEP. 20–22: LINCOLN,New Hampshire Highland Games. Don your tartan and step lively as Loon Mountain hosts more than 30 pipe bands and competitions in dance, fiddle, and harp, plus athletic contests, a clan village, sheepdog trials, and special ticketed events like a whiskey tasting and a harp concert. 603-229-1975; nhscot.org

SEP. 21: KEENE, Keene International Festival. See the world at this free event held at the Jonathan Daniels School, where folk dancing, musical instruments, and food and crafts from across the globe will be showcased. 603-352-1895; Facebook

SEP. 26–29: DEERFIELD,Deerfield Fair. Dating back to 1876, the Deerfield Fair bills itself as “New England’s oldest family fair.” It’s also one of the biggest fairs in New Hampshire, with livestock pulls and exhibitions, a demolition derby, sheep-shearing, midway rides, live entertainment, and all your favorite fair food. 603-463-7421; deerfieldfair.com

SEP. 28–29: 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

OCT. 5: CLAREMONT, Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off. Visitors Center Green heats up with a lively competition leading to the crowning of a chili champion. Also on tap: live entertainment, arts and crafts, seasonal brews, and tasty food. 603-543-1296; greaterclaremontnh.org

OCT. 5: DOVER,Apple Harvest Day. More than 300 vendors, artisans, and organizations make for a busy scene downtown during this family-focused event, which comprises a craft fair, five stages of live entertainment, a 5K, an apple pie contest, and dozens of kids’ activities. 603-742-2218; dovernh.org

OCT. 12: NEWPORT,Corbin Covered Bridge Festival. The town of Newport invites everyone to join in as it marks the 25th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Corbin Covered Bridge. More than two dozen events are planned, horse-drawn wagon rides, a parade through the bridge, and fireworks. 603-863-1294; corbincoveredbridgefestival.com

OCT. 12–13: LINCOLN,White Mountain Oktoberfest. Get a taste of the Bavarian Alps at Loon Mountain during the region’s largest celebration of German food, drink, and music. Enjoy beer and brats alongside terrific views of the White Mountains, and take in such entertainment as an oompah band performance, a stein-hoisting contest, a keg toss, and kids’ activities (including a root beer “keg toss”). 800-229-5666; loonmtn.com

OCT. 12–14: CENTER SANDWICH, Sandwich Fair. Swing by the fairgrounds for a true New England agricultural fair, complete with arts and crafts, a midway, 4-H shows, competitions of all kinds, an antique car parade, and live entertainment. 603-284-7062; thesandwichfair.com

OCT. 12–14: MONADNOCK REGION, Art Tour. Enhance a foliage drive through this picturesque region by picking up a map and following the “Art Tour” signs leading to the homes and studios of artists in towns including Dublin, Harrisville, and Peterborough. Have a visit, ask questions, and view a variety of fine artwork. monadnockart.org

OCT. 19: BERLIN, RiverFire. On the schedule at this full day of family fun at Service Credit Union Heritage Park are hay rides, a costume parade, live music, helicopter rides, a “not so scary” Halloween party, and—when the sun dips below the horizon—floating bonfires on the Androscoggin River. Stretch your legs in the RiverFire 5K earlier in the day. 603-752-6060; androscogginvalleychamber.com

OCT. 25–26: PORTSMOUTH, Ghosts on the Banke. Long-dead sea captains, 17th-century shopkeepers, and wayward privateers haunt the streets of Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood, as you trick-or-treat by jack-o’-lantern light. 603-433-1100; strawberybanke.org

RHODE ISLAND

AUG. 30–SEP. 1: CHARLESTOWN,Rhythm & Roots Festival. With more than 40 musical acts on the roster—including the Mavericks, Los Texmaniacs, and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys—this Ninigret Park festival promises a rocking Labor Day weekend. rhythmandroots.com

SEP. 7: NARRAGANSETT,Rhode Island Calamari Festival. Come out to Veterans Park to taste and vote for the best calamari offerings as local restaurants battle for top honors. Among the other enticements: live music, cash bar, food trucks, shopping, and kids activities. ricalamarifest.com

SEP. 7: PAWTUCKET,Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival. Watch the colorful dragon boats—crewed by both professionals and amateurs—as they race along the Seekonk River, and then join in the fun on land (think: cultural performances, an arts and crafts display, and a dumpling eating contest). 401-724-2200; dragonboatri.com

SEP. 12–15: NEWPORT,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. 14, OCT. 5, NOV. 2: PROVIDENCE, WaterFire. Fall brings the last full WaterFire lightings of the 2019 season, when more than 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park are ceremoniously lit by torchbearers boating their way down the river. Side streets fill with food vendors and performers, and attendees stroll along the river to take in the spectacle in its entirety. waterfire.org

SEP. 14–15: PAWTUCKET, Slater Park Fall Festival. A celebration of art and culture set on the grounds of historic Slater Memorial Park, this special weekend features a marketplace with 100-plus artisans, a performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, and a fireworks display. pawtucketartsfestival.org/slaterparkfallfestival

SEP. 19–22: NEWPORT,Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. A sophisticated event held at the Gilded Age mansions of Rosecliff, Marble House, and the Elms brings together some of the best vintners and fine-food purveyors for a two-day Grand Tasting of hundreds of wines, celebrity chef appearances and cooking demonstrations, a vintner dinner, a Sunday jazz brunch, and more. 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org

SEP. 21: LINCOLN, Great Road Day. Several historical sites on the 17th-century highway Great Road (today’s Route 123) welcome the public with free admission today, including “the house that love built,” Hearthside; the architecturally rare “stone-ender” Arnold House; and the circa 1812 Moffett Mill. hearthsidehouse.org/great-road-day

SEP. 26: CRANSTON, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The Park Theatre will be swinging with the music of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, known to jazz and swing music lovers around the world for selling millions of records, playing sold-out concerts on famous stages such as the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center, and appearing everywhere from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII. 401-467-7275; parktheatreri.com

SEP. 27–29: BLOCK ISLAND,Experience Block Island. More than just a culinary event, this weekend aims to give the full flavor of Block Island. Over 50 local businesses join together to host a variety of gallery openings, wine and beer tastings, and tours, while offering discounts and specials at a number of shops, hotels, and restaurants, too. 401-466-2474; blockislandinfo.com

SEP. 28–29: PAWTUCKET, Oktoberfest. Organized by the German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island, this annual weekend celebration welcomes all ages with live music, Bavarian folk dances, and plenty of food (bratwurst, knackwurst, leberkase, and potato pancakes, to name a few). For the grown-ups, of course, hearty biergarten quaffs beckon. gacsri.org

OCT. 3–NOV. 3: PROVIDENCE,Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular.The only thing more magical than walking through the display of 5,000 lighted pumpkins at Roger Williams Park Zoo? Flying over it on the zoo’s Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, which for an extra fee will carry you up to 115 feet high on a side-by-side bench seat. 401-785-3510; rwpzoo.org

OCT. 5–6: MIDDLETOWN,Harvest Fair. If you’ve never been to the natural treasure that is the 325-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary, this long-running old-timey fair is a great excuse to visit. Among the highlights are barrel train rides, pony rides, a mud pit, midway games, and a crafters’ tent—with plenty of food and music, too. 401-846-2577; normanbirdsanctuary.org

OCT. 19: PROVIDENCE,Carol Burnett. The format of this “evening of laughter and reflection” at the Providence Performing Arts Center harks back to the opening of The Carol Burnett Show, during which the studio audience had the chance to hear the beloved comedian’s spontaneous answers to their questions. 401-421-2787; ppacri.org

OCT. 19–20: NEWPORT, Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. Savor the bounty of the sea as presented by area restaurants and fishermen’s associations. There’s lobster, chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters, and clams, as well as dishes tailored for kids and/or landlubbers. Local-favorite bands keep the beat while you eat. 401-849-2243; bowenswharf.com

VERMONT

AUG. 23–SEP. 1: ESSEX JUNCTION, Champlain Valley Fair. Expect loads of classic fair fun with 4-H events, horse pulls, cooking contests, and the judging of everything from home-brewed beer to Christmas trees. 802-878-5545; champlainvalleyfair.org

AUG. 31–SEP. 1: BENNINGTON, Garlic & Herb Festival. Gardeners and garlic lovers are invited to downtown Bennington to chat with growers and enjoy garlic jelly, garlic ice cream, and other garlic-laced foods. lovegarlic.com

SEP. 1: RANDOLPH, New World Festival. A tribute to the vitality of small-town Vermont and the Celtic/French-Canadian heritage of northern New England, this full-day event brings downtown Randolph alive with music, storytelling, and dance. 802-728-6464; newworldfestival.com

SEP. 6–8: 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. 12–15: TUNBRIDGE, Tunbridge World’s Fair. Head to the fairgrounds to explore family-farm traditions from the past, view antique machinery and implements, and tour an authentic one-room schoolhouse. Also on the lineup: pig races, harness racing, livestock and gardening competitions, fair foods, and an old-fashioned carnival. 800-889-5555; tunbridgeworldsfair.com

SEP. 21: FAYSTON, Sip-temberfest. In a state that knows a thing or two about craft brewing, this celebrated small festival brings together two dozen makers, including a number of Vermont favorites, at the base of the Mad River Glen slopes to showcase some of the state’s newest and hardest-to-find beers. Food, hard ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Note: Only 800 tasting tickets are made available, and they tend to go fast. siptemberfest.com

SEP. 21: DOVER, Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival. Makers of all stripes descend on Mount Snow for this 11th annual homage to the season and to local spirit. Taste locally made wines, sample specialty foods, and take in the work of local painters, publishers, cheese makers, potters, and others. 800-245-7669; mountsnow.com

SEP. 21–22: CHESTER, Chester Fall Foliage Festival. Located on the town green of a postcard-perfect village, this event features a bevy of crafts for sale, from quilts and pottery to soaps and jewelry. Plus: live music, a beer garden, children’s activities, and the chance to sample locally made foods. 802-297-7583; chesterfallfestival.org. 

SEP. 28: BURKE,Fall Foliage Festival. Autumn in a small town doesn’t get any better than this day of horse-drawn wagon rides, a parade, a petting zoo, crafts, music and food, and a tag sale. Plus: a live raptor show presented by the bird experts at VINS. 802-626-4124; burkevermont.com

SEP. 29–OCT. 5: NORTHEAST KINGDOM,Fall Foliage Festival.Come for not one but seven festivals in seven days, each in a different town: Marshfield, Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet, and Groton. From church suppers to parades and live music, the lineup changes but the appeal remains the same. nekchamber.com

OCT. 4–5: WESTON,Weston Antiques Show.A benefit for historic-preservation projects in the heart of Weston, this long-running event at the Weston Playhouse draws dealers from across the nation to present Americana, silver, furnishings, and other treasures. Note: A preview gala will be held Oct. 3; see website for details. westonantiquesshow.org

OCT. 5–6: TUNBRIDGE,Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival.Small farms and natural fibers are the focus as more than 70 vendors offer fleece and yarn, fiber crafts, and other homespun wares. Check out the classes and workshops, herding and shearing demos, and local music—and don’t forget the maple creemees! 802-685-3267; vtsheepandwoolfest.com

OCT. 11–13: STOWE,Foliage Arts Festival. More than 150 juried artisans will bring their creations to Topnotch Field for the area’s biggest autumn arts festival, complete with delicious food, wine, beer, and live entertainment. 802-316-5019; craftproducers.com

OCT. 12: PUTNEY, Anaïs Mitchell. A native of Vermont, this folk singer-songwriter has been the toast of Broadway for her Tony-winning musical, Hadestown. She performs her music at the Next Stage Arts Project as part of a tour ranging across the U.S. and the U.K.; her other Vermont date is Oct. 11 in Burlington. anaismitchell.com/tour

OCT. 12: WOODSTOCK, Harvest Festival. At what must be the most Instagram-friendly museum ever, Billings Farm and Museum invites guests to assist in preparing for the coming winter months. Learn how to harvest root vegetables and “put up” food. Live music gives the workday a lively soundtrack, and hot spiced cider and fresh doughnuts are your well-earned rewards. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org.

OCT. 12–13: WEST DOVER,Mount Snow Oktoberfest. German culture comes to a head at Mount Snow Resort with this beer-centric weekend, which offers not only fine brews but also a stein-holding contest, a keg toss, and a “Gulp and Gallop” beer run. There’s plenty to amuse tots and teetotalers, too, from oompah music and yodeling to games and hearty German fare. 800-245-7669; mountsnow.com

OCT. 17–20: BRATTLEBORO,Brattleboro Literary Festival.Since its founding in 2002, this festival has presented 400-plus authors—including winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award—in its schedule of readings, panels, and other events. 802-365-7673; brattleboroliteraryfestival.org

OCT. 17–27: BURLINGTON,Vermont International Film Festival.Venues around the Queen City light up with the best independent features and short films from around the world. Look for panel discussions, special events, and a Vermont filmmakers’ showcase. vtiff.org

OCT. 26: WARDSBORO,Gilfeather Turnip Festival & Contest. At this townwide party, the state’s official vegetable—the Gilfeather Turnip—is the guest of honor. Sample turnip treats, see would-be prizewinners, and snag a turnip T-shirt to show your tuber pride. friendsofwardsborolibrary.org

OCT. 27: WARREN, Tiny House Fest. At this not-so-small festival at the Sugarbush Ski Resort, visitors can tour sample tiny homes, learn about the latest in design and approach, and hear directly from veteran tiny-home dwellers. 802-496-5545; tinyhousefestvermont.com