Jennifer Russo

I LOVE Fall! Though Summer is my favorite season, there is just something magical about Fall in New England. People flock here from all around the world to get a glimpse of our gorgeous foliage, smell that crisp, clean air and enjoy the windy (but not yet cold) days. We start trading our shorts and flip-flops for jeans and boots, the pumpkin spice flavored…well, everything…hits the shelves and we start dreaming of apple pie, fire pits, and long hikes through the trees.

Thankfully, because we do live in the hub of Autumn, there is no shortage of seasonal celebration!

Aug. 31-Sept. 2 – The Appleseed Country Fair at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston is an annual must see.  From hot air balloons to puppies that do amazing tricks, delicious food and drinks, vendors, and live entertainment, this has something for everyone.  $10 admission per car, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Aug. 31-Sept. 2 – King Richard’s Faire in Carver is an autumn stable. Grab your tights and corsets and join in the fun during their opening weekend or visit another time for one of their special events. 

Sept. 6-8 – The Sterling Fair comes back with great food and music.  This event is free and happens at the Sterling Airport.

Sept. 13-15 – The 39th Annual Cracker Barrel Fair at the Wrentham Development Center: Great for all ages, the fair has amusements, fireworks, food trucks, vendors, live music and more.  Free admission, $3 to park.

Sept. 13 – Leominster Food Truck Festival – from 5-9 p.m., go to the Monument Square Historic District in Leominster for food trucks and live music!

Sept. 13 – Worcester Wine Festival Signature Wine Dinner

Sept. 14 – Pulse Magazine’s College Shuffle on Shrewsbury Street will be from noon to 3 p.m.

Sept. 21 – Worcester Chili and Chowder Fest – get your tickets now for the ultimate chili and chowder battle as local restaurants compete to see who makes the best. What better thing to do as the weather starts getting a little cooler! 1-5 p.m., 90 Harding St.

Sept. 22 – Holliston Harvest Fair – from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Holliston Historical Society  presents a fair featuring tons of beautiful handmade items, art and collectibles as well as a silent auction. Lots of food and drink and Pie Night apple pies too!

Sept. 28 – Fitchburg Renaissance Fair – At River Front Park from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., this small blacksmithing and Renaissance Faire has knights and jousting and is free to the public.

Sept. 29 – The Artisan Market at Vandervalk Farm & Winery in Mendon: From 12-4 p.m. there will be local Artisans and delicious fruit wines – what could be better? Play some corn hole, bring a picnic and sit out on the lawn.

Oct. 5 – Oktoberfest in Marlborough – Ring in October with Marlborough’s Oktoberfest celebration, being held at Flying Dreams Brewery from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Begin with a fun run, enjoy some German food and of course…beer from three local breweries.

Oct. 13 – Taste of Shrewsbury Street Fall Edition – You know all about this!  Amazing food and live entertainment await you as Worcester’s restaurants let you sample some of their best dishes from 2-6 p.m.!

Oct. 19 -20 – Wachusett Mountain Apple Fest – Over 150 exhibitors, a farmer’s market, SkyRide, live music, apple pie eating contest and more from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Oct. 20 – Southwick Zoo Harvest Fest – Southwick Zoo in Mendon has their Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. where you can not only see some cool animals, but enjoy live music and entertainment, a beer garden, a craft and farmer’s market and more.

Oct. 20 – Celebration of Cider and Music Festival – Come over to Old Sturbridge Village from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. to have a photo near the cider mill, taste several hard ciders and hear some live music!

Oct. 26 – Participate in festive fun during this year’s Canaloween sponsored by Pulse Magazine!