Boston, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Boston is gearing up for a series of fall festivals and community events from September 15 to 21. Featuring activities like the Knight Carnival, Cambridge Science Carnival, and Somerville’s Fluff Festival, there’s something for everyone. With hands-on exhibits, live music, and local food, most events are family-friendly and budget-conscious, offering a great way for residents to enjoy the season’s change.
Boston
Multiple fall festivals and community events are scheduled in and around Boston from Sept. 15–21, offering family-friendly activities, hands-on science exhibits, seasonal food and music. Major highlights include two carnivals, a long-running local food festival, a city birthday celebration with hot air balloons, a museum evening program with reduced admission, and special offers for students. Most events are free or low-cost, with specific activities and limited-ticket elements noted below.
Quick overview (Sept. 15–21)
- Knight Carnival at the Brighton Bazaar, Sept. 18, 5–10 p.m., medieval-themed carnival activities.
- Cambridge Science Carnival, Sept. 21, noon–4 p.m., more than 150 STEAM booths and hands-on demonstrations.
- Somerville Fluff Festival, Sept. 20, 2–6 p.m., 20th annual celebration of Marshmallow Fluff with games and contests; free entry.
- Boston Figurative Art Center BYOBook, Sept. 17, 7–9 p.m., readings and discussion at 285 Washington St., Somerville.
- Boston Landing Fall Crawl, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., family activities including a reptile show, pony rides and live music.
- Quincy 400th Hot Air Balloon and Laser Light Show, Sept. 20, 4–10 p.m., Merrymount Park with tethered balloon rides and lawn games.
- Museum of Fine Arts $5 Third Thursdays, Sept. 18 and ongoing, 5–10 p.m., pay-as-you-wish entry with special Latinx Heritage programming this month.
- Handel and Haydn Society student pass, ongoing offer: full-time Boston students may purchase a $20 H+H Masterpass for access to up to eight performances through the 2025–26 season.
Featured events and details
Brighton Bazaar Knight Carnival — Sept. 18
The Brighton Bazaar will host a Knight Carnival with medieval-themed entertainment and activities from 5–10 p.m. The event is designed to mark the season with themed games and performances suitable for all ages. Attendees should expect a carnival atmosphere with family-focused programming.
Cambridge Science Carnival — Sept. 21
The Cambridge Science Carnival runs from noon to 4 p.m. and features more than 150 STEAM booths. Highlights include a robot petting zoo, hands-on activities, demonstrations from the MIT Physics Department, and interactive songs hosted by the “Tumble Science” podcast. The event emphasizes hands-on learning for children and adults and is structured for drop-in participation.
Somerville Fluff Festival — Sept. 20
Somerville’s 20th annual Fluff Festival will be held from 2–6 p.m., celebrating the region’s association with Marshmallow Fluff. The free-entry event includes Fluff-themed games and contests such as Fluff jousting and a Fluff hair-styling contest. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Free bike valet service will be provided at two locations to encourage cycling to the event.
Boston Figurative Art Center BYOBook — Sept. 17
The Boston Figurative Art Center is hosting a BYOBook night for readers and writers from 7–9 p.m. at 285 Washington St., Somerville. Attendees are invited to share short readings and discuss books in an informal setting. Snacks and beverages will be provided at the venue.
Boston Landing Fall Crawl — Sept. 20
The Boston Landing Fall Crawl runs from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and includes family attractions such as a reptile show with snakes and lizards, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, and live music performances by DJ Dukes and country singer Louis Bello. Free churros are available while supplies last. The event is intended as a community-oriented daytime festival.
Quincy 400th Hot Air Balloon and Laser Light Show — Sept. 20
Quincy’s 400th birthday festivities at Merrymount Park include a Hot Air Balloon and Laser Light Show from 4–10 p.m. Activities will feature tethered hot air balloon rides, lawn games, and evening laser and light displays. Free balloon ride vouchers are available online; attendees should check availability and redemption instructions in advance.
Museum of Fine Arts $5 Third Thursdays — beginning Sept. 18
The Museum of Fine Arts is resuming a $5 Third Thursdays program beginning Sept. 18 from 5–10 p.m., offering pay-as-you-wish entry during the evening hours. This month’s programming includes a special focus on Latinx Heritage Night as part of the broader series.
Handel and Haydn Society student offer
Full-time Boston students may purchase a $20 H+H Masterpass that provides access to up to eight Handel and Haydn Society performances through the 2025–26 season. The pass is intended to increase student access to classical music performances at a reduced rate.
Practical information and accessibility
Most events are designed for families and community participation. Several events offer free entry, while some features such as balloon rides or food and merchandise may require separate registration or payment. Attendees should plan for possible crowds at popular time slots and check event-specific guidance for accessibility services, ticket vouchers, and arrival recommendations such as public transit or bicycle options where available.
Background
Seasonal festivals and community events in the Boston area traditionally mark the transition into fall with a mix of cultural programming, local food celebrations and science outreach. These events are often hosted by municipalities, cultural institutions and neighborhood organizations to engage residents, support local businesses, and encourage family-friendly outdoor activities before colder weather arrives.
FAQ
Are these events free to attend?
Many events listed have free entry. Specific activities within events—such as tethered balloon rides, food purchases, or certain hands-on workshops—may require tickets or separate payment. Somerville’s Fluff Festival is free, and the Cambridge Science Carnival is structured for drop-in participation.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Some activities with limited capacity, like balloon rides in Quincy, offer vouchers or advance reservations. Other events are open admission but may have limited-capacity attractions on a first-come, first-served basis. Check event details for any reservation requirements before attending.
Are these events family-friendly?
Yes. Most events feature family-friendly programming, including children’s activities, live demonstrations, pony rides, and science booths. Events such as the Cambridge Science Carnival and Boston Landing Fall Crawl are designed for families with children.
Is public transit or parking recommended?
Public transit is often recommended for city and neighborhood events due to limited parking and expected crowds. Some festivals provide bike valet services, such as the Somerville Fluff Festival, to encourage bicycling. Attendees should consult event notices for parking and transit guidance.
How can I get the free balloon ride voucher in Quincy?
Quincy’s tethered hot air balloon rides use free ride vouchers that are made available online. Interested attendees should look for the official voucher distribution details and redemption instructions provided by Quincy event organizers prior to the event date.
Quick reference table
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Cost / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knight Carnival (Brighton Bazaar) | Sept. 18 | 5–10 p.m. | Brighton area | Medieval theme; check local listings for details |
| Cambridge Science Carnival | Sept. 21 | Noon–4 p.m. | Cambridge | 150+ STEAM booths; hands-on demos |
| Somerville Fluff Festival (20th) | Sept. 20 | 2–6 p.m. | Somerville | Free entry; food/drinks for sale; free bike valet |
| BYOBook (Boston Figurative Art Center) | Sept. 17 | 7–9 p.m. | 285 Washington St., Somerville | Readings and discussion; snacks provided |
| Boston Landing Fall Crawl | Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Boston Landing | Reptile show, pony rides, live music, free churros while supplies last |
| Quincy 400th Balloon & Laser Show | Sept. 20 | 4–10 p.m. | Merrymount Park, Quincy | Tethered balloon rides; free ride vouchers online |
| Museum of Fine Arts $5 Third Thursdays | Beginning Sept. 18 (monthly) | 5–10 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | Pay-as-you-wish evening entry; Latinx Heritage programming this month |
| H+H Masterpass (students) | Ongoing | N/A | Various venues | $20 pass for full-time Boston students; access to up to eight performances through 2025–26 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pleasant Weather Expected in Boston Next Week
Boston Local Food Festival Set for September
Comfortable Fall Weather Expected in Boston This Weekend
Boston Local Food Festival Celebrates 15 Years of Local Flavors
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South Shore Fall Guide: Pumpkin Patches and Scenic Trails
New England Celebrates Autumn with Vibrant Festivals
Seisiún Festival Celebrates Irish Music Amid Weather Delays
Seisiún Festival Set to Return to Boston This Fall
Massachusetts Faces Decline in International Tourism
Additional Resources
- Boston Uncovered: Fall Guide
- Boston.com: Best Fall Events
- Mommy Poppins: Fall Festivals for Kids
- Boston Globe: Free Things to Do
- Mommy Poppins: Things To Do This Weekend
- MassLive: Major Conferences This Fall
- Boston.com: Perfect Fall Weekend
- CBS News: Weekend To-Do List
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston Fall Events
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
