Summer’s Last Hurrah
Here we are in the second half of August. Summer is winding down, and everyone is scrambling to squeeze in that last vacation, beach day, or backyard barbecue before school starts. Summer always feels too short — but the good news is that fall in New England has a special magic all its own.
The First Signs of Fall
Apple picking season arrives with pies, cobblers, crisps, and even apple pancakes. Cranberry bogs turn brilliant red as farmers flood the fields for harvest. Everywhere you look, there’s a sense of change in the air — and that brings us to one of the best parts of autumn: the fairs.
Cranberry Bog
The Big One: The Big E
Let’s start with the biggest fair of them all. The Big E, located in Springfield, offers a full 17 days of fair fun. Some years you’ll find camel and elephant rides for the kids. One year when I visited, the Budweiser Clydesdales led the parade — a sight you never forget. There’s so much to see and do, it’s practically its own season.
2026 Dates: September 18 – October 4
The Topsfield Fair
If that’s not enough for you, head to the Topsfield Fair — one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the country. They’re famous for their Giant Pumpkin Contest. In 2022, a record was set with a 2,480‑pound pumpkin grown in Tyngsboro, MA. That’s a lot of pumpkin pies.
2026 Dates: October 2 – October 12
More Great New England Fairs
Miss those two and you still have plenty to choose from. New England is packed with fall fairs, each with its own charm:
- Fryeburg Fair (ME) – Early October
- Deerfield Fair (NH) – Late September
- Durham Fair (CT) – Late September
- Franklin County Fair (MA) – Early September
- Spencer Fair (MA) – Labor Day Weekend
- Three County Fair (MA) – Labor Day Weekend
There’s truly something happening every weekend.
Specialty Fun: King Richard’s Faire
Now for the specialty faire — spelled with an e, of course. King Richard’s Faire is New England’s ultimate Renaissance experience. So my Lords and Ladies, dust off your swords and join the fun. Watch jousting and jugglers, enjoy turkey legs and mead, and step back in time for a day.
2026 Dates: August 29 – October 25
Food Festivals & Coastal Celebrations
Fall isn’t just about fairs — it’s also prime time for food and coastal festivals.
Bourne Scallop Festival
One of my favorites. It features one of my favorite foods — scallops. Succulent, deep‑fried, golden scallops. They also have craft booths, but let’s be honest… I go for the scallops.
Gloucester Schooner Festival
If you want boats and fireworks, this is the place to be. Historic schooners, races, and nighttime fireworks light up the harbor.
2026 Dates: September 4–7
Peak Foliage: Nature’s Grand Finale
And just wait for that burst of color from the trees. Fall foliage usually peaks around mid‑October in southern New England, but it depends on where you are. Farther north — say in Maine — peak color can arrive as early as late September. Plan accordingly if you’re chasing the brightest leaves.
Welcome to Fall in New England
It’s a busy, beautiful season filled with fairs, festivals, food, and foliage. Whether you’re apple picking, wandering a fairground, or watching the trees turn gold, fall in New England never disappoints.