Summer’s end is coming, but there’s still plenty of fun around.
Weekend of Sept. 15-17
KING RICHARD’S FAIRE — Weekends, Sept. 2-Oct. 22, including Columbus Day. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. New England’s greatest Renaissance fair returns to the grounds at 235 Main Street, Carver. Information: here.
APPLEFEST — Sept. 14-17, Algonquin Regional High School athletic fields. Fireworks on Sept. 16 from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Information: here.
THE BIG E — Sept. 15-Oct. 1, 1305 Memorial Avenue, Springfield. The best from the six New England states and New York will be on display. Music, demonstrations, car shows, midway and much more. Information: here.
GREEK FESTIVAL — Cathedral Greek Festival, 162 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, on Sept. 15, 16 and 17, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Free. Plenty of dancing, Greek foods, delicious Greek pastries, A new Taverna on the lawn, six acres for our guests to become Greek for a day or three days. Open to the public and free entry. Across from the Park School. Plenty of parking at the Park School and on Avon Street.
COLONIAL CIDER FESTIVAL — Sept. 15, 6:00 p.m., Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury. Come enjoy, and celebrate, America’s most beloved beverage, all while helping to raise funds towards the restoration of the Wayside Inn Cider Mill. Try some fresh-pressed cider in your commemorative 2nd Edition Stoneware cider mug, alongside the delicious traditional pig roast provided by Firefly’s, all while immersing yourself in bluegrass music by Sandy Ridge Boys. Whether you want to enjoy a beautiful hay ride around the property with our favorite horse Molly, or simply want to immerse yourself in authentic barn dancing and traditional tricks, this festival is the one for you. And if you find yourself needing to get away, take a one-of-a-kind tour of Henry Ford’s cider mill, gristmill, and apple storage cellar. Tickets are $65 per person, plus addition charges through purchasing online here, OR call 978-443-1776 for more information, and to make your reservations.
CELEBRATE HOLLISTON — Sept. 16, parade at 9:00 a.m., field day from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Goodwill Park. This is a townwide fundraising event. Celebrate Holliston’s mission is to raise money for town improvements and beautification. Recently, onations have been used to purchase the downtown clock, provide plantings around our Holliston Green, support student scholarships and provide electricity to Goodwill Park. Information: here.
ASHLAND DAY — Sept. 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Stone Park, 73 Summer Street. Information: here.
MEDFIELD DAY — Sept. 16, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 26 North Street, Medfield. The event consists of more than 150 booths highlighting Medfield businesses and organizations. To add to the fun, we have an entertainment stage and Kids’ Alley filled with rides. This is the social event of the year for Medfield residents, now in its 38th year. Information: here.
CRAFT FAIR — Sept. 16, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Framingham Common, Edgell Road, Framingham. Proceeds benefit the Metrowest Humane Society. Information: here.
APPLE HARVEST FAIR — Sept. 16, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole.
HARVEST FESTIVAL — Sept. 16, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Powisset Farm, 37 Powisset Street, Dover. Join the Trustees of Reservations to celebrate the bounty of local Massachusetts food while learning just what it takes to bring this food to your table. You’ll discover the ways farms have modernized the harvest while looking back at traditional methods employed by farmers of the past. Make a “stone soup” in Powisset Farm’s teaching-kitchen, enjoy a hay ride around the beatiful property, meet members of the local community who are a part of the Powisset family. The event will bring the history of the farm to life, expose you to the workings of our current food system, and provide plenty of traditional farm festival fun for all. Information: here.
GREEK FEST — St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church, 340 Calpboardtree St., Westwood, Sept. 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sept. 17, noon – 8:00 p.m. Kids’ Corner, music, vendor village, Greek food and more. Free parking at Westwood High School on Nahantan Street. Information: here.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL — Holy Family of Nazareth, 750 Union St, Leominster, on Sept. 16, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. There will be an array of international cuisines from Columbia, Dominicana, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, USA, and new this year, Haiti. Of course there’s our ever popular pig roast, which sells out every year; so you might want to come early. There will be inflatables and games, with prizes, for the children, raffles, baked goods and yard sale. The kitchen will prepare food until 7 p.m., but live music and the rest of the fun will continue until 8 p.m.
25TH ANNUAL BBQ FUNDRAISER — Riverside Community Care, 255 Highland Ave., Needham, on Sept. 16, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The BBQ is a carnival-themed event that will be fun for all ages. Entrance tickets, $5 for kids and $10 for adults, include free access to food, games and live music. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for prizes from companies such as the Red Sox, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. For information, call 781-449-1212.
MILL CITY GROWS HARVEST FESTIVAL— North Common Park, 413 Fletcher Street, Lowell, on Sept. 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The festival is an annual celebration of local food and the harvest season, featuring live music and entertainment, kids and family games and craft activities, food trucks, local food vendors, face painting, garden tours and more. Information: here.
ENDLESS SUMMER WATERFRONT FESTIVAL — Nantasket Beach, 176 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, on Sept. 16, noon – 5:00 p.m. Free. Food, terrific vendors, fun contests, great live bands including Johnny Bluehorn, Divas with a Twist and The Fat City Band, music down the avenue all day, bounce house, kids art tent, chalk art, hot dog and pizza-eating competitions. Sponsored by the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Town of Hull with support from Aquarion Water Company and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Information: here.
FESTIVAL AT THE FARM — Sept. 16 and 17, 1:00 – 10:30 p.m. both days, Prowse Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road, Canton. Two stages of live music, children’s activities, games and more. Information: here.
VOLKSFEST — Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, Harvard, on Sept. 16, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. Rain date Sept. 30. Volksfest is a Bavarian-style festival featuring bed races, where Harvard continues its version of a growing local event found throughout the country. People are encouraged to not only be spectators but create a team, build a bed and race. Races start at 2:00 p.m. For rules and registration forms, visit the event website. Bands will start playing at 3:00 p.m. There will be craft exhibitors with a range of handmade goods on display. Kid’s area/games where children are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for donation and join in the Stuffed Animal Parade, starting at 3:00 p.m. Food offerings will feature specialties starting at 2:00 p.m. No BYOB; adult beverages in the biergarten (beer garden) starting at 3:00 p.m., to include Massachusetts breweries, local hard cider and wine. No admission fee. Information: here.
HOPKINTON FAMILY DAY — Sept. 16, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hopkinton High School, 97 Hayden Rowe St. Join us for family fun for all ages! Amateur Woodsman Competition, live entertainment, food trucks, inflatable fun house, dunk tank, games and contests, scavenger hunt. Information: here.
LEXFARM HOSTS HARVEST FESTIVAL — Lexington Community Farm, 52 Lowell Street, Lexington, on Sept. 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. LexFarm invites everyone to celebrate the end of the summer on the farm. Enjoy vegetable racing, farm animals, pumpkin painting, a farm tour, and our pick-your-own fields. Children’s musician Jeff Jam plays at 11:00 a.m. and Fiddlin’ Quinn and his Big Folks Band play bluegrass and fiddle music at noon. Local food vendors Butternut Bakehouse and Magic Bites Cafe will be on site. Admission: $10/household, $7/LexFarm member households. Information: here.
BOSTON LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL — Sept. 17, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Milk Street, Boston. The opening program and festival kick-off will take place at noon at Fish Stock in Zone C. More than 40,000 local eaters will purchase local dairy, meat, produce and fresh cooked dishes made with food grown in New England as well as try new dishes and products made close to our backyards. More than 100 vendors will be featured at this year’s festival. Information: here.
Weekend of Sept. 22-24
WESTWOOD DAY — Sept. 22 and 23, grounds of Westwood High School. The event kicks off on Friday evening with a Westwood Wolverines football game followed by a fireworks display. On Saturday, the crowds come out for a full day of fun. This unique community event has something for everyone with a 5K road race, car show, vendor village, two stages featuring local talent, food court and much more. Information: here.
AMESBURY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL— 12 North Hunt Road, Amesbury, on Sept. 22-24, 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. Enjoy three days and evenings of concerts in Amesbury featuring award-winning national and regional country and americana musicians, including the Charlie Daniels Band, Travis Tritt, Craig Morgan, The SteelDrivers and many more. While you are there, enjoy the specialized craft vendors and try a wide variety of gourmet food we have to offer while listening and dancing to our incredible artists. Information: here.
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL — Regatta Point Park and Lake Quinsigamond, 10 Lake Avenue, Worcester, on Sept. 23. This event is great for businesses looking for team building, family, friends and community groups looking for a good time. It includes dragon boat races for amateurs and club teams, performances, food, music, activities for kids & much more. Information: here.
ANNUAL BAZAAR — Ste. Anne’s Church, Bazaar will take place in the school hall at 11 Cleveland St., Salem, on Sept. 23, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sept. 24 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free. Home-made baked goods, knitted goods and hand-crafted items, kids’ games with prizes, Lottery tree raffle, anything goes raffle, $2,500 big money raffle and more! Plus, the Silent Auction, with items up for bid that include an overnight stay at one of Salem’s finest hotels, a three-month YMCA membership, or a four-day Cape getaway. Food bar featuring some of Salem’s finest vendors. Information: here, 978-744-1930.
ARTS IN COMMON — Bay State Common Bandstand, 10 Union Street, Westborough, on Sept. 23, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Performances of local groups on two stages, crafters, kids activities, and a variety of food from area restaurants highlight this annual festival of the arts.
ANNUAL WOOFSTOCK DOG FESTIVAL — Hudson Elks Pavilion, 99 Park St., Hudson, on Sept. 23, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Buddy Dog Humane Society, the festival features more than 100 vendors, K-9 demos, educational presentations, food,live music, raffles, contests and much more. $7 admission donation. All dogs and kids younger than 12 are free. Information: here.
NORDIC BITES FOOD FESTIVAL — Scandinavian Cultural Center, 206 Waltham St., West Newton, on Sept. 23, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. $7-$25. Enjoy tastes from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland while visiting Nordic vendors, listening to live music and taking part in other foodie fun. Don’t forget the return of everyone’s favorite Vikings. Visit their encampment, listen to their music and watch them fight to the “death.” General Admission: $20 advance ($25 at door)/$15 SCC Members/ Kids 12 & under: $7. Information: kerry@scandicenter.org, here, 617-795-1914.
WORKING WATERFRONT FESTIVAL — Steamship Pier on New Bedford’s historic waterfront and at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, 38 Bethel Street, Sept. 23, 11:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m., with with whaleboat races kicking off the morning at 8:00 a.m. Cooking demonstrations, food court, scallop shucking, safety demonstrations, music and more. Free parking. Information: here.
THE FALL FESTIVAL — at Gore Place Museum, 52 Gore Street, Waltham, on Sept. 23, noon – 5:00 p.m. Craft beers, food, and live music are on tap. There will be games and children’s entertainment, a fun exhibit and house tour and an afternoon pumpkin drop. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Children must accompanied by an adult. No pets. Free parking. Tickets are available online here.
DEDHAM DAY — The Friends of Dedham Recreation and the Friends of the Dedham Pool will hold their 27th annual Dedham Sept. 24 starting at noon at John Barnes Memorial Park. There will be a barbecue, games, rides, crafts, shows and music. There will also be the annual Memorial Cow Flap. A field will be divided into 3,000 individual deeded one-yard squares. Deeds will be sold at $10 per square. First prize $5,000, second prize $2,500, third prize $1,000 and fourth prize $500. At 2:00 p.m., Juliette the cow will be led onto the field. The first plot that she fertilizes will earn first prize, second plot gets second prize, and so on. Information: here.
FALL FESTIVAL — Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton, on Sept. 24, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us on the farm for a day of family fun. Celebrate the fall season with music, food, activities and games. We’ll have live music from the High Strung Strummers and a kids’ sing-along with Julia Priest of Music Together. Come for pumpkin decorating, face painting, tasty autumn treats, a farm scavenger hunt, lawn games, great photo ops and more.
Weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 1
TOPSFIELD FAIR — Sept. 29-Oct. 9. Music, animal displays, demonstrations and the Great Pumpkin contest. Information: here.
TWENTY YEARS AT ADAMS FARM — Sept. 30, starting at 9:00 a.m., 999 North Street, Walpole. Daylong activities include walks, hayrides, K-9 demo, and wine and cheese event. Information: here.
