Fall is the best time to be in New England. And it is even better when you get to enjoy the foliage, local arts and crafts, cider, pumpkin picking and all the other seasonal activities that make living here so special. We have rounded up our favorite fall harvest festivals to check out to have the best season possible. And keep the fall mood going by checking out our guide to the best Halloween events in Boston and the best places to go pumpkin picking.
Maine
Acadia’s Oktoberfest
Enjoy beer, food, music and a crafts festival at Acadia’s Oktoberfest. Archie’s Lobster in Bass Harbor is proud to host Acadia’s Oktoberfest for another year. Starting October 6 with the 12th annual wine tasting the festivities continue on October 7 with the 26th annual Brewfest. Bring your friends for drinks and bites, guests can also participate in a game of corn hole, participate in a keg toss or a stein hoisting contest. Get all the details and buy tickets here.
Freeport Fall Festival
Starting Friday October 6 and running through Sunday October 8, Visit Freeport will partner will L.L. Bean for the 24th Annual Freeport Fall Festival. Taking place on the L.L. Bean Freeport campus, over 200 vendors will come together to celebrate New England artists, makers and local food producers. In additional to shopping local vendors guests will enjoy three days of live music, free activities for the kids and more. Get all the details here.
The Fall Makers Market at Cliff House
Sunday October 22 10am-2pm, Cliff House will host the Maine Makers Market in collaboration with Makers of the USA and Meet York County. Over 45 talented makers from an array of industries will be showcasing and selling their handcrafted products. Free and open to the public, get all the details here.
Massachusetts
The Topsfield Fair
Running September 29 through October 9, the Topsfield Fair is a must visit for the whole family. One of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States, the Topsfield Fair has been captivating visitors for over two centuries. Located just a short drive north of Boston, this annual event celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of New England, featuring everything from livestock exhibitions to thrilling carnival rides. Get all the details here.
Berkshire Botanical Gardens Harvest Festival
Celebrate the autumn harvest October 7-8 at the annual Berkshire Botanical Gardens Harvest Festival, a beloved tradition for over 80 years now! From face painting and petting zoos for the kids to a beer garden for the adults there is something for everyone. Get all the details here.
Applefest at Wachusett Mountain
Two weekends in a row Wachusett Mountain will host Applefest. Running October 14-15 and again October 21-22, the 39th Annual Applefest features all things apple, local beer, great food, live music and more! Take a Sky Ride over the fall foliage on the chair lift, then indulge in all the best fall activities and fall foods. Purchase tickets ahead of time at a discount rate of buy tickets for full price at the window day of, get all the details here.
New Hampshire
Deerfield Fair
The annual Deerfield Fair will take place September 28 – October 1. Boasted as New England’s oldest family fair, the Deerfield Fair celebrates146 years of agricultural history. Guests can expect a delightful blend of agricultural exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment and mouthwatering fair food. Get all the details and purchase tickets here.
White Mountains Oktoberfest
Head to Loon Mountain Resort October 7-8 for the White Mountain Oktoberfest. Get a taste of the Bavarian Alps right in New England during White Mountain Oktoberfest, the region's largest celebration of German food, drink and music. There will be indoor/outdoor beer gardens, stein-hoisting contest, keg toss and kid friendly activities. Admission is free, view the full schedule of events here.
Keene Pumpkin Festival
Taking place Saturday October 21 at 2pm, the Keene Pumpkin Festival is renowned for its attempt to break the world record for the most lit jack-o'-lanterns in one place, creating a mesmerizing sea of glowing pumpkins that illuminates the night sky. Families and visitors gather from far and wide to participate in pumpkin carving, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and soak up the festive atmosphere at this beloved fall tradition. Get all the details here.
Vermont
Killington Harvest Faire
The Killington Harvest Faire will take place Saturday October 7, enjoy fall in the mountains with amazing food, fun and games for the whole family. Throughout the day there will be free kids activities and for the adults there will be axe throwing and a stein hoisting contest. See the full schedule of events here.
Spruce Peak Harvest Party
Sunday October 9 from 12-5pm visit Spruce Peak Village Green for the ultimate harvest party. With live music from local bands, pumpkin painting, BBQ and more there is something for the whole family. Get all the details here.
Southern Vermont Flannel Festival
Celebrate Fall in southern Vermont, put on your favorite cozy flannel and head to Rockingham Hill Farm October 14 and 15. There will be live music, pies, cider, crafts beer and of course lots of flannel! Free and open to the public, get all the details here.
Rhode Island
Autumnfest
Northern Rhode Island’s largest festival is back, October 7-9 will be the 45th Autumnfest. Taking place in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Autumnfest draws over 100,000 attendees featuring over 50 handmade and artisan vendors, visitors can also enjoy local food, rides, games and more. Get all the details here.
Rodger Williams Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
Taking place from September 28 to October 31, the Rodger Williams Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular promises fun for the whole family. One of New England’s favorite Halloween traditions, this year’s theme is Pumpkins Around the World. Illuminated pumpkins will magically transport visitors from a European vacation, or a wildlife safari, to the Pyramids of Giza and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The trail is open nightly from 6-10:30pm, tickets sold online only, get all the details and buy tickets here.
Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards
Celebrate the 6th Annual Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards October 28-29. Guests can join in on the fun with grape stomping, wine and beer tasting and enjoy festive bites. There will even be a costume contest with special prizes to kick off Halloween! Buy tickets here.