New England in the Fall: Seasonal Festivals and Events

New England is every bit as charming as it seems in the movies. It’s got the fishing villages, the peaceful lakes and quaint historical neighborhoods. But beyond all that, New England’s appeal comes from the deep ties and unique traditions of its local communities. In the region’s six states – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont – people get together year after year to share and celebrate what makes their hometowns special. There’s never a bad time to plan a trip, but if you really want to see what New England is all about, visit in autumn. Mild weather, bountiful harvests and brilliant fall foliage keep spirits high, setting the tone for good old-fashioned fun. Get a taste of authentic New England hospitality by exploring annual fall events by state.

Connecticut

Meet the sailors keeping up Connecticut’s ties to the sea at the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival. This annual event brings historical ships, lively tunes and maritime skills demos to the port city of New London in September. Rock ‘n’ roll fans can catch Connecticut’s biggest music festival in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. Set in late September, the Soundside Music Festival is two days of rock, folk and alternative concerts on the shores of Long Island Sound. Foodies won’t want to miss the Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival, which fills small-town Bethlehem with tempting tastes and aromas in mid-October. Garlic ice cream, anyone?

Maine

Sustainable, local and super fresh: dig into Maine’s bounty at the Common Ground Country Fair. The September event is a big celebration in the little town of Unity, with over 1,000 exhibitors on rural living, organic agriculture and more. Come hungry – concessions at this fair are proudly made from Maine-grown ingredients. Catch more good vibes at the Freeport Fall Festival in early October, where you can shop artisan goods and explore the campus of famed outfitter L.L. Bean. By mid-October, Maine’s giant pumpkins are just the right size for the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta. They line the streets, star in fall desserts and carry brave boaters down the Damariscotta River during the always-exciting Pumpkinboat Regatta. With activities for all ages, this four-day celebration is enough to satisfy even the biggest fall fanatic.

Massachusetts

At The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts, explore all six New England states in one unforgettable day at the fair. This huge September celebration brings the best parts of a classic American carnival, plus a unique regional experience: the Avenue of the States, where you can visit large-scale replicas of each of New England’s original statehouses. Step inside each to connect with friendly locals and browse their traditional food and crafts. History buffs and Halloween fans flock to the coast for Salem Haunted Happenings in October. The world’s largest celebration of Halloween, this monthlong phenomenon includes costume parties, parades and vendor fairs. Guided tours share true tales from the “City of Witches,” where the Salem Witch Trials occurred from 1692 to 1693. AppleFest Weekend at Wachusett Mountain brings crisp Massachusetts apples from local orchards to your plate. Celebrating all things apple, this mid-October event features themed treats, local beer, live music and chairlift rides above the vibrant fall foliage.

New Hampshire

Portsmouth’s coastal charm gets a sprinkling of whimsy when the Fairy House Tour comes to town in mid-September. Find hundreds of fairy houses on the grounds of the Strawbery Banke Museum and the Governor John Langdon House, local landmarks preserving hundreds of years of New Hampshire history. Before the slopes of Loon Mountain Resort open for skiing, they make a colorful fall backdrop for White Mountain Oktoberfest. German-style beer, food and games fill this three-day celebration in mid-October. If you’re traveling with kids, head to picturesque small-town Warner, where the Warner Fall Foliage Festival has been an October tradition for over 75 years. Go leaf-peeping along Main Street and enjoy crafts, carnival rides and food truck fare.

Rhode Island

Despite being the smallest U.S. state, Rhode Island packs a lot of fall fun within its borders. WaterFire Providence is one of the Ocean State’s great treasures. On select nights in the summer through November, over 80 floating bonfires illuminate the city’s three rivers, casting a captivating glow on street performers in Waterplace Park. Another cultural gem comes the third weekend of September: The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival seamlessly blends gastronomy, luxury and history on the coast. Buy tickets in advance for this intimate tasting experience at Rosecliff, one of Newport’s stunning Gilded Age mansions. For a more casual celebration of cuisine, kick back at the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival in downtown Newport. The October event celebrates the “Harvest of the Sea” with food, music and fun along the harbor.

Vermont

The Green Mountain State is gorgeous in autumn, when its rural landscapes blaze red and gold. More than 70% of Vermont is forested, so even if you’re celebrating in a city, you’re never far from foliage views. Mount Snow Resort is a stunning backdrop for the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival. The September event brings over 70 vendors to Southern Vermont’s Deerfield Valley, including local vintners, distillers and cheese makers. Also in September, the charming town of Peru puts on the annual Peru Fair with all sorts of vintage fun. Get travel tips from friendly locals, sway to old-timey music and pick up a few Vermont-made crafts. Ever heard of a Gilfeather turnip? Wardsboro, between the Stratton and Mount Snow ski areas, has a whole festival devoted to the heirloom turnip, the state vegetable of Vermont. Check out the Gilfeather Turnip Festival in late October to try turnip soup and other turnip-flavored foods, while also enjoying craft vendors, games for kids and a book sale.