Fall is finally here and I couldn't be more excited! There is so much to do during the beautiful season of fall in Massachusetts. My calendar is already filling up with plans to explore fun corn mazes, colorful fall foliage, and amazing autumn hikes. But the fall fair season is what I am most looking forward to!  Each weekend (and many weekdays) you can find fantastic fall festivals near Boston and beyond. Every event offers something a little different, but equally as fun and entertaining. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and join me in exploring the best fall festivals in Massachusetts.

1. King Richard's Faire

The fall fair season kicks off with the magical King Richard’s Faire which begins on August 31 and runs weekends and holidays through through October 20, 2024. I can tell you from experience that this unique festival, which takes place in Carver, near the city of Plymouth, is so much fun! Enjoy rides, food, and entertainment as you are transported back to medieval times. Each weekend of the fair has a special theme. Don’t be afraid to come dressed in your favorite Renaissance costume. Bring your finest medieval garb or buy some at the festival.

2. The Big E

The Big E in Springfield is one of the biggest and most popular agricultural fall fairs in Massachusetts. This year’s fair starts on Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 29, 2024. Fairgoers can enjoy a circus, rides, a farmer’s market, a parade, yummy food, and agricultural exhibits and competitions. There will also be several musical performances taking place throughout the span of the festival. Highlights include performances by Ludacris, America, and Public Enemy. It's going to be a truly fun event for all!

3. What the Fluff Festival

This one-of-a-kind fall festival is by far the stickiest of all of the autumn fairs. If you are a lover of melted marshmallows, this fair is a must-see! 2024 marks the 19th anniversary of Somerville’s annual What the Fluff Festival. There will be games, music, and more Marshmallow Fluff than you could ever imagine. The fun takes place on Sept. 23 in the city of Somerville, right outside Boston, where fluff was invented in 1917. Don't forget to eat a fluffernutter sandwich while you're here!

4. Harpoon Octoberfest

What better way to celebrate the fall season than with a cold beer or two? This year, you can enjoy a pint and have some fun at the 2024 Harpoon Octoberfest which takes place on October 4-5 in Boston. The festival is packed with activities such as a pretzel-eating contest, Oompa music, and a group chicken dance. Bratwurst, beer, and Bavarian pretzels await you.

5. Topsfield Fair

If you are looking for a quintessential New England Fair, the Topsfield Fair is a top choice! This historic agricultural fair dates back to 1818. Enjoy parades, performances, fair food, live music, animal shows, exhibits, rides, and games. The highlight of the fair is the annual pumpkin weigh-in, where farmers compete to see who has grown the biggest pumpkin. The fair takes place in Topsfield from October 4-14, 2024. This event is so charming and fun for the whole family.

6. Wellfleet Oysterfest

If you enjoy oysters, this is the autumn fair for you! The 2024 Wellfleet Oysterfest is one of the biggest fall events on the Cape. This year’s festivities will feature live music, a shucking contest, and lots of fresh seafood. This delicious event takes place in Wellfleet on October 19 - 20, 2024.

7. Applefest at Wachusett Mountain

You can celebrate Applefest at Wachusett Mountain during the weekends of October 19-20 and 26-27, 2024. The festival will feature live music, food trucks, and craft vendors. There will also be many family-friendly activities such as stilt walkers, inflatable slides, and pie-eating contests. End your day by taking a Skyride trip up the mountain to view the beautiful autumn foliage. It's one of the more silly and whimsical festivals and it's so fun.

Fall is such a fantastically fun season here in Massachusetts. Which events are you most excited to check out? Tell us in the comments which events you think are the best fall festivals in Massachusetts. Get up close to all the lovely fall colors by taking a hike at any of these beautiful destinations in Massachusetts:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/best-fall-festivals-in-ma/