Harry Potter Day, Food Truck Fest, Fairies, American Girl Train Ride, and Pumpkin Festivals: New England Fall Events for Sept 16-22, 2015

Delicious fun at Mike's Maze ChiliFest!

It's been a fun week for us here at New England Fall Events. It really does feel like fall is in full swing. Even though we continue to have some warm weather, the leaves are ever so slightly starting to show more autumn color.

Last weekend we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at ChiliFest at Mike's Maze. It was a gorgeous day in Sunderland and a delicious time was had by all. We also attended the Boston Indie Games Festival which gave us a fascinating window into the thriving local digital and board game industry. We met designers, developers, game design students and more. We'll post our coverage of our time at these events soon so keep your eyes peeled for the wrap-up!

Apples! Apples! MORE Apples! 

We know—you can’t get enough. Neither can we! With apple season getting a little farther along every week, we have even more varieties popping up and ready for pick-your-own.

To make it super easy, New England Fall Events has your complete guides, features, maps, and contact details for your local or destination-area New England PYO apple orchards. Here are your quick links to our apple picking guides:Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

Where is New England Fall Events Headed this Weekend?
We have a few events lined up for the weekend. You might catch us at the Grace Thomas American Girl Train Experience in Pawtucket, RI, the Newington CT Waterfall Festival and Chalk Walk, the Harvest and Fiber Festival at Tangerini's Farm in Millis, MA, and the Annual Revels ReverSing in Cambridge. 

FOUR Contests are up on New England Fall Events

We're so excited to give you three chances to win tickets to some wonderful upcoming events! The first contest has a short window--enter to win a pair of tickets to the Grace Thomas American Girl Train Ride this Saturday in Woonsocket. Win a family pass to the Portsmouth Fairy House Tour, try for a four-pack of tickets to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo, and enter your name to win passes to the Discovery Museums in Acton, MA! Click to find all contests can be found at our website New England Fall Events.

New England Foliage Report from our favorite foliage tracker Jeff-Foliage:

This week Jeff Foliage says "For this foliage this Wednesday I have three things for you to enjoy. First we have some events for this coming weekend, Next I have a photo of the day  from Maine and lastly is the comment to win announcement. So let’s get started..."  Click here to read Jeff's full report.

New England Fall Events' Top Recommendations for this Weekend's Fall Fun

With the number of fun and charming events and festivals going every weekend it keeps getting harder to whittle down our Top Picks to just a handful. Thankfully, these are just a few of the many terrific events listed on every New England state’s Fall & Activities guide and Food & Harvest Festival Guide. 

Here are our recommended activities for Sept 17-23:

Food Truck at Mike's Maze

Food Trucks in the CT Valley - FREE
Shelton, CT     Click for details
Thursday, September 17th, 2015

Tunbridge VT World’s Fair
Rte 110. Turnbridge, VT     Click for details
Thursday through Sunday, September 17th-20th, 2015.

Fairies and Magical Creatures at Black Mountain
Jackson, NH     Click for details
Friday and Saturday, September 18th & 19th, 2015

Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science at the Discovery Museums
Acton, MA   Click for details

Tractor Fun at Tangerini's Farm

Friday, September 18th, 2015

FreshGrass Bluegrass Festival
North Adams, MA   Click for details
Friday through Sunday, September 18th-20th, 2015

NH Highland Games and Festival 
Lincoln, NH   Click for details
Friday through Sunday, Sept 18th – 20th, 2015

Antrim Home & Harvest Festival - FREE
Antrim, NH     Click for details
Friday through Sunday, September 18th - 20th, 2015
Read about our visit to the Antrim Home and Harvest Festival

Pumpkin Festivals are upon us!

The Big E - Opening Weekend
West Springfield, MA     Click for details
Friday Sept. 18 through - Sunday, October 4th, 2015

Newington CT Waterfall Festival and Chalk Walk – FREE
Newington, CT      Click for details
Saturday, September 19th, 2015 (rain date: 9/26)

Great Pumpkin Festival - FREE
North Smithfield, RI     Click for details
Saturday, September 19, 2015

Grace Thomas American Girl Train Ride 
Woonsocket, RI     Click for details
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Enter to WIN a pair of tickets to this train ride.
Contest ends Thurs 9/17, noon.

Corn Mazes are kicking into high gear!

Dog Walkers Weekend at Mike's Maze
Sunderland, MA   Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th, 2015

Harwich Cranberry Arts and Music Festival- FREE
Harwich, MA   Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th, 2015

Plymouth Notch Antique Apple Fest
Plymouth, VT     Click for details
Saturday, September 19, 2015

Harry Potter Day at Escobar’s Highland Farm 
Portsmouth, RI   Click for details

King Richard's Faire runs through Oct 25

Saturday, September 19th, 2015   (rain date: 9/20)
And here's a coupon! 
Read about our adventure at Escobar Farm!

International Observe the Moon Night and
Star Party at the Northern Skies Observatory 
Peacham, VT     Click for details
Saturday, September 19th, 2015

Seymour Pumpkin Festival
Seymour, CT      Click for details
Sunday, September 20th, 2015

Annual Revels ReverSing
Cambridge, MA      Click for details
Sunday, September 20th, 2015


Heading out for some fall fun this weekend? 

Need help mapping out where to go? New England Fall Events’ state page maps are handy for scrolling and spotting farms near home or near your road-trip destination.

Orchard and fall attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they close to allow more time for fruit to ripen.

Scavenger Hunts, Dragon Boats, Garlic Fest, Blues, OdysseyFest, and Pooches: Top Picks for Sept 2- 8, 2015

Donuts from Northborough's Tougas Farm 

This is it--the moment you've been waiting for: Fall has arrived in New England!

Okay, we know that Sept 23rd is really the "official" first day but New Englanders can all agree Labor Day is when we turn the corner on summer and embrace our favorite season of all--fall!  

Feeling glum about turning that corner? Read New England Fall Events' Top Ten Reasons to Be Happy Summer is Over in New England and you may have a change of tune.
Besides, if you're following us this fall, you'll be in good hands with more than your fair share of terrific ideas for fall adventure.

Pawtucket Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival coming up Saturday, Sept. 5th !
One of the most interesting events in New England is coming up this Saturday--The RI Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival. It's a full day of family-friendly activities and performances. 

The Boston Chinese Folk Art Workshop delivered numerous traditional dances, demonstrations, and other folks arts (video left) which were a feast for the eyes and ears. Other hilarious goodies on the schedule include the dumpling eating contest (our video here) which is open to anyone--just sign up when you arrive!

If you'd like to see even more wonderful performance clips from the festival, visit the New England Fall Events You Tube Channel. We have videos of the Dragon Boat Race, the Joyful Celebrations Dance, the Peacock Dance, Spears and Sleeves, and The Beating of the Drums. 

The dragon boat races take place at intervals throughout the day while other festivities take place on the stage under the tent. If you're thinking about checking out this joyful event, read about our visit to last year's festival complete with insider tips for you to help you get the most from the experience.
"Pawtucket Comes Alive with Dragon Boats and Chinese Folk Art at Rhode Island's Taiwan Day Festival."

Celebrating the harvest at Red Fire Farm

We've just posted our wrap up from the Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival. If you are a tomato-lover you'll drool over the photos from this event held on this picturesque farm in Granby, MA.

New England Fall Events also just posted our article on the Twilight Hikes at Sholan Farms. Click here if you missed it!

Where is New England Fall Events headed this weekend?
With the long weekend ahead we have some exciting trips lined up! New England Fall Events will be visiting King Richard's Faire opening weekend and attending the Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival. If we're lucky we'll also swing up to Lawrence for the Annual Bread and Roses Festival!

New England Fall Events' Top Recommendations for this Weekend's Fall Fun

We’ll always list our Top Picks for the weekend below but don't forget to visit your state’s Fall and Activities Guide or Food and Harvest Festival Guide for even more wonderful festivals and fun.

Here are our recommended activities for September 2nd-8th, 2015:

Family Fun Day Weekend at Old
Sturbridge Village is always special.

Linden Place Museum Scavenger Hunt
Bristol, RI    Click for details
Tuesdays through Sunday, Through October 12th

North Branch Bluegrass Festival
Bridgewater, VT    Click for details
Wednesday, September 2nd - Sunday, September 6th, 2015

KEVA Construction Challenge at the Discovery Museums
Acton, MA    Click for details
Wednesday & Thursday, September 2nd and 3rd, 2015

Odyssey: Greek Festival - FREE
Orange, CT    Click for details
Friday through Monday, September 4th- 7th, 2015

Taiwan Day in Pawtucket, RI

RI Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival - FREE
Pawtucket, RI    Click for details
Saturday, September 5th, 2015
Read about New England Fall Events' visit to this incredible event!

Family Fun Days at Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA    Click for details
Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2015

Carnivorous Plant Show at Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Boylston, MA    Click for details
Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2015

VT Garlic and Herb Festival is
coming up this weekend!

Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival
Bennington, VT    Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, September 5th & 6th, 2015

Blues, Views, and BBQ Festival
Westport, CT    Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, September 5th and 6th, 2015

Pooch-A-Palooza
Topsfield, MA    Click for details
Saturday and Sunday, September 5th & 6th, 2015

Annual Bread and Roses Heritage Festival - FREE
Lawrence, MA    Click for details
Monday, September 7th, 2015 (Labor Day)

Plan ahead! Read about more about some very special events coming up later this month

Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

Ready for Creve Coeur to begin at the
Provincetown Theater Festival

Provincetown, MA  Click for festival details.
Thursday-Sunday, Sept 24-27th, 2015
New England is fortunate to host an annual festival as special and acclaimed as this one! 

We know that a trip to beloved and charming P-Town can take a little extra planning so here's your official heads up to buy your festival pass and line up your housing if you plan to stay the weekend. 

Curious what it's all about? Read our article "The Provincetown Tennessee Williams' Theater Festival is Cultural Gem in New England" to learn more about our visit and why it's an incredible annual event.

Mystic's Wild Mushroom Festival

Wild Mushroom Festival
Mystic, CT  Click for event details
Sunday, 27th, 2015

If you fancy yourself a mushroom lover, you will not want to miss this insanely delicious and educational fungi festival.

Read about this festival in our piece "Fit for Foodies - Wild Mushroom Festival" where you can learn about what to expect, see photos, and find out our festival-goer and family tips for getting the most out of your trip.

Zestar! apple from DeMerrit Hill Farm

Heading out apple picking this weekend? New England Fall Events has researched and confirmed features, maps, and contact info for your local or vacation-area New England PYO apple orchards. Here are your quick links to the apple picking guides:

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Know you'll be in an area but aren't quite sure what farms are in your neck of the woods? New England Fall Events' state maps allow you to scroll to find farm locations on the interactive maps-so easy! Find orchard, farm and attraction maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Remember, always call ahead before heading out to PYO as some farms will adjust their hours for weather or they close to allow more time for fruit to ripen.