Irena Kaci

Fall is best served under a clear blue sky, and atop a bed of heartbreaking foliage. If you are lucky enough to spend fall in New England, you can get all that and more. Thanks to the tireless communities all over central Massachusetts whose work really culminates during harvest season, around here we have the benefit of countless means of celebrating the season.

I have said it before but it bears repeating that my favorite local festival of the year takes place every October at Dismas Farm out in Oakham. It is a particularly worthwhile festival if you’re a parent to young children, as Dismas affords the most enjoyment for the least effort. Located on a darling countryside hill, and serving the community year round, Dismas opens its doors and offers home cooked chili and squash soup, alongside standard grilling favorites like hot dogs and burgers. 

This year, Dismas’ Fall Festival will take place on Saturday October 5^th from 1-4. Visitors can enjoy the hay maze stuffed (and regularly replenished) with hidden candy waiting to be found, and then slide right down out of the barn. Dismas has a ‘pumpkin’ painting station, as well as a face painting station. There is always lively music in the background, and the friendly staff offers hayrides up the slow hill that overlooks the farm. I promise once you make Dismas part of your rotation, you’ll soon begin to prioritize it as I have for its classic New England charm, and cozy familiarity.

Not far from Worcester’s Tatnuck Square, the Leicester farm stand and local gem Breezy Gardens is located right down McNeil Highway. Every autumn, Breezy Gardens sets up their giant pumpkin slide for children to herald their busiest time of the year. Speaking to a representative on the phone about this year’s events, they said the following: “In the fall we have our annual Pumpkin Festival. Families can come spend a day outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. There is no admission fee, the only cost is the pumpkin you pick out on the hay ride! We have free hayrides. Take a tour through the scenic fields on your way to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Rides typically last about 15 minutes and are fun for all ages. There is a pre-set up Mini Corn Maze, which is perfect for young children who love mazes! We offer Pumpkin Decorating as well with stickers, markets, paint, and more!” 

Wachusett Mountain is undeniably a destination during peak foliage. Not only is hiking at its finest in the fall, but the views from the top of the mountain are absolutely worth the effort when the leaves are showing their true colors before the annual die-off. I spoke with Chris Stimpson, PR Manager for the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area and he gave me one more reason to recommend Wachusett Mountain this fall. I’m talking about Applefest. “Applefest at Wachusett Mountain is a local favorite for all things fall! The Skyride to the summit is the best way to see the fall foliage and the whole family will love the spooky spin we are putting on the second weekend this year. There is something for everyone with circus shows, live music, cider donuts, seasonal craft beer, costume contests, and games! Be sure to grab tickets online in advance for any of our upcoming festivals to save! “

Sturbridge Village has its own traditions when it comes to celebrating the descending darkness of winter. For the past 6+ years, they have been hosting a series known as ‘Phantoms by Firelight’. Phantoms by Firelight adheres to a theme, including things like Nevermore (an homage to Edgar Allan Poe) and Sleepy Hollow. This year, Phantoms by Firelight will be ‘a Cirque Du Soileil-esque performance with a vampiric twist.” I spoke with Barbara Jernigan from Sturbridge Village and she had this to say: “We will have so much stuff, we will have fire twirler and the ring in the air, it’s an amazing program and I would highly recommend it for children of all ages. This year we’ve added a labyrinth this year and added a few new acts. Really you don’t want to miss.” 

“Specifically the Labyrinth is the Reaper’s Labyrinth so beware. We will have a special Wicked Games Alley, where you can challenge your courage and skill at our eerie carnival games. Test your aim with the Pumpkin Ring Toss or solve mind-bending puzzles left by phantom magicians. There will be spooky tales by the campfire. Our clever storytellers will share legends of New England’s history, stories of eerie encounters, and ghastly happenings in nearby towns. These family-friendly tales will send a shiver down your spine! For a more lighthearted experience, enter our Spooky Selfie Contest. Come to the Village in your costume! Snap a spooky selfie and share it on Instagram with #OSVHalloween and tag @OldSturbridgeVillage. The most frightfully fun photo will win a 4-pack of tickets to our Christmas by Candlelight event in December!”

New England Botanical Gardens at Tower Hill will ring in the season with their Enchanted Forest installation and Fairies Aglow display. Enchanted Forest has been running since mid-August in a ramp up toward the season of spooky delights. My faithful correspondent Liz Nye has shared The New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill offerings for the season. “The enchantment continues this summer and fall – everyone’s favorite mythical creatures have returned to the Garden! Sally J. Smith’s intricately designed one-of-a-kind fairy houses have transformed The Ramble into a whimsical fairyland that is sure to leave you charmed. Experience the magic as you journey through our enchanted fairy forest exhibition, Enchanted Forest, featuring over 30 magical fairy houses built with natural and nature-inspired materials. Immerse yourself in a magical miniature world where fantasy meets nature and let your imagination soar.” 

Moreover, Enchanted Forest will be enhanced by the addition of Fairies Aglow. “On select evenings this fall, Enchanted Forest becomes even more mesmerizing with dazzling light displays and illuminated fairy houses. This special after-hours event offers a unique opportunity to see the fairy houses illuminated at night, providing a different way to experience the exhibition. This family-friendly event also includes enchanting activities, ethereal music, and real-life fairy friends. Explore the wonders of the season and experience the Ramble in a whole new light. All ages are welcome. Don’t forget your wings and wands! Please note that other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings.” 

For the more daring looking for a thrill, Hillando’s Haunted Hay Maze is back with a new twist this year. Instead of its usual location in the McNamara family’s backyard, Hillando’s Haunted Maze will relocate to its new home at the Ski Ward. The new location promises to really allow for the installation to spread out and elaborate on the themes even more confidently than before. Hillando’s Haunted Hay Maze has been raising money for the Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, donating all of its proceeds back into the community. 

The options are nearly endless, as even Worcester Public Libraries are getting in on the spirit of Halloween. Great Brook Valley’s branch is hosting a Trick-Or-Treating extravaganza on Halloween between 3:30 and 4:30 for anyone looking to kick off the Halloween Celebration, preceded only by the October 30^th showing of the original Hocus Pocus at the Main Branch (3 Salem Square) for Teen Halloween Movie Night. Showtime begins at 6pm, so be sure to get your popcorn and candy beforehand.

Lastly, the Great Pumpkin Nights at the Ecotarium are back! There are some modifications this year in that it is now a possible ‘date night event’, encouraging adults to spend the evening at the Ecotarium. “Wear your Halloween costume and get a sneak peek at over 1,000 carved pumpkins for our 13th Annual Great Pumpkin Fest! Also, enjoy a Science Thrills Live! show, presented by Science from Scientists, where actual scientists perform exciting science demonstrations that will excite and amaze you! And, join local food truck The Dogfather and DJ Jon Strader for a night at the museum.”

So there you have it, another year in the great book of fall festivities. As always, Central Massachusetts has a great showing lined up and ready to go. Whether you are looking for fright, or folly or just old fashioned good times, you can be sure to find it for yourself or your family by visiting so many of the local farms and museums nearby. We are always glad to point you in the right direction, as Halloween season is the last bastion of frolicking good times before the quiet of winter sets in with its solemnity. So go out there and pick your pumpkins and gourds, and drink up the seasonal lattes while there’s foliage to be observed and enjoyed, and candlelight to read stories by in the deepening night. We, at Pulse, wish you the happiest of hauntings!

“We’re thrilled to bring the Jack O’Lantern Journey back for its second year! This event has quickly become a staple for families in the community, and we’ve worked hard to make this year’s experience even more exciting than the last. 

The artistry is truly something special… Our team spends countless hours making sure every display is captivating and unique! 

We wanted to create something for everyone…Whether you’re here with kids or enjoying a night out with friends, there’s something exciting for all ages to enjoy. The blend of the artistry, food, and entertainment makes this a one-of-a-kind event” – Southwick’s Zoo