September 10, 2025

New England Celebrates Autumn with Vibrant Festivals

New England, September 10, 2025

News Summary

As autumn peaks in New England, a variety of food and harvest festivals are set to take place from September to November. Attendees can enjoy local produce, oyster and seafood celebrations, wine tastings, and family-friendly activities throughout the region. Major events like The Big E, Mount Snow Wine & Food Festival, and the Salem Food Truck Festival promise a rich showcase of culinary delights and community traditions. Visitors are encouraged to check official event websites for updated schedules and ticket information.

Boston — New England enters peak autumn festival season with a wide array of food, drink and harvest celebrations across the region from September through November. Major multi-day fairs, town pumpkin festivals, oyster and seafood celebrations, wine and cider events, and family-oriented activities will bring seasonal produce and local traditions into the spotlight. Attendees are advised to check each event’s official site for the latest schedules, ticketing and lineup updates.

Key information up front

Fall festivals across New England will showcase peak seasonal crops such as pumpkins, apples, cranberries and oysters, and will include tastings, vendor markets, live music and hands-on activities. Events range from large, multi-week fairs to single-day neighborhood celebrations. Many festivals take place in September and October; some are family-friendly while others emphasize culinary demonstrations and alcohol tastings. A small number of events are explicitly listed as admission-free, while others may require advance tickets or have limited-capacity tastings.

Major festival highlights and dates

The Big E — Sept. 12 to Sept. 28, West Springfield: A large multi-day fair featuring a broad array of food options spanning fried, baked and specialty items.
Mount Snow Resort Wine & Food Festival — Sept. 19 to Sept. 20, West Dover and Wilmington, Vermont: A grand tasting event with more than 70 vendors including wineries and chefs.
What the Fluff? Festival — Sept. 20, Somerville: Neighborhood celebration centered on the regional confection, with games, music and food offerings.
Asian Night Market — Sept. 20, Cambridge: Evening market featuring roughly 15 vendors offering street food and drinks, including kebabs and Vietnamese dishes.
Salem Food Truck Festival — Sept. 20 to Sept. 21, Salem: A large gathering of more than 100 food trucks presenting diverse cuisines.
High Street Place Fall Festival — Sept. 27, Downtown Boston: Family-focused event with pumpkin decorating and an adult dance party.
Pumpkinfest — Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, Damariscotta, Maine: Parade, pumpkin weigh-off and a pumpkin boat regatta among seasonal activities.
Boston Public Market 10th Anniversary & Autumn Celebration — Oct. 16, Downtown Boston: Market tastings, vendor showcases and a silent auction-style fundraiser.
Plant-Based Festival — Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, Roxbury: Admission-free event focused on vegetarian and vegan foods and lifestyle programming.
Wellfleet Oyster Festival — Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, Wellfleet: Oyster-centric celebration with raw bars and culinary demonstrations.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival — Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, Newport, Rhode Island: Waterfront seafood vendors and live music performances.
Laconia Pumpkin Festival — Oct. 25, Laconia, New Hampshire: Costume parades and food vendors, with family activities.
CiderDays — Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, Franklin County: Orchard tours, tastings and organized cider pairings.

Supporting details and what to expect

Many events pair food and drink with seasonal entertainment such as live music, cooking demonstrations and contests. Large fairs and multi-vendor tastings can include dedicated areas for alcohol samples or chef demonstrations that may require separate tasting tickets. Family-friendly elements commonly include pumpkin decorating, parades and hands-on activities for children. Coastal towns host seafood-specific festivals timed to local harvests like oysters and clams, while inland communities emphasize apple picking, cider, and pumpkin-themed contests and regattas.

Regional destinations with notable fall offerings

Provincetown and North Conway — Known for scenic foliage drives and complementary local food and drink options.
Damariscotta — Noted for oyster events and a pumpkin regatta as part of broader autumn festivities.
Various small towns across New England — Offer apple orchards, winery and brewery tastings, craft fairs and local harvest markets.

Practical tips for attendees

Check event websites or official social channels ahead of arrival for the most current lineup, vendor lists and schedule adjustments.
Purchase advance tickets when offered, particularly for timed tastings or limited-capacity events.
Expect variable weather in autumn; bring layered clothing and rain gear if forecasts call for changeable conditions.
Plan travel and parking in advance for popular events, especially multi-day fairs and waterfront festivals.
Confirm family amenities if attending with children, such as designated kid zones or stroller access.

Background and seasonal context

Autumn in New England traditionally brings the harvest of pumpkins, apples and cranberries and the peak of oyster and shellfish seasons in coastal areas. The season’s festivals reflect both agricultural traditions and contemporary culinary trends, showcasing local producers, independent food businesses and seasonal menus. The concentration of events in September and October aligns with foliage season and holiday lead-ins, making the period a highlight for both residents and visitors seeking regional flavors and outdoor activities.

FAQ

Which months host most fall festivals in New England?

Most festivals take place from September through October, with some events extending into early November.

Are events family-friendly?

Many events offer family-friendly activities such as pumpkin decorating, parades and children’s zones, though some tastings and demonstrations may be restricted to adults.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Some festivals require advance tickets for general admission or for specific tastings and demos. A small number are admission-free. Confirm ticketing details on each event’s official information page before attending.

Where can I find updates and vendor lineups?

Organizers typically post lineups, schedules and vendor lists on official event pages and social channels. Check those resources for the latest information before traveling.

What should I bring to outdoor fall events?

Prepare for variable fall weather by bringing layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a rain jacket or umbrella, and any tickets or confirmations required for entry.

Quick reference table

Event	Dates	Location	Main focus	Ticket/Notes
The Big E	Sept. 12–28	West Springfield	Large fair with diverse food options	Check event site for tickets and schedules
Mount Snow Wine & Food Festival	Sept. 19–20	West Dover/Wilmington, VT	Grand tasting with 70+ vendors	Advance tasting tickets may be required
What the Fluff? Festival	Sept. 20	Somerville	Fluff-themed games, music and food	Check local event listings
Asian Night Market	Sept. 20	Cambridge	Street food and drinks	Evening market; vendor list subject to change
Salem Food Truck Festival	Sept. 20–21	Salem	100+ food trucks	Plan for crowds and parking
High Street Place Fall Festival	Sept. 27	Downtown Boston	Pumpkin decorating; family activities	Family-friendly; check schedule
Pumpkinfest (Damariscotta)	Oct. 10–13	Damariscotta, ME	Pumpkin parade, weigh-off, boat regatta	Popular local event; arrive early
Plant-Based Festival	Oct. 18–19	Roxbury	Vegetarian/vegan foods and lifestyle	Admission-free
Wellfleet Oyster Festival	Oct. 18–19	Wellfleet	Oysters, raw bars, demos	May include ticketed tastings
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival	Oct. 18–19	Newport, RI	Seafood vendors and live music	Waterfront access and entertainment
Laconia Pumpkin Festival	Oct. 25	Laconia, NH	Costume parade and food vendors	Family-focused activities
CiderDays	Oct. 31–Nov. 2	Franklin County	Orchard tours and cider pairings	Tickets may be required for tours

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

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.

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