Massachusetts Events You Won’t Want to Miss This August

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Here’s a roundup of some of the best fairs, festivals, and other fun times you can check out around Massachusetts during August.

 

Littleville Fair

Find some fun activities for the whole family, including tractor rides, facepainting, and more in this 3-day celebration of agriculture, crafts, and country events. Try your luck in a 50/50 raffle all 3 days!

Chester

August 4 – 6

 

Illumination Night

Thousands of red flairs will light up Onset Bay during this celebration with live music, dancers, balloon art, and more. Come and enjoy live entertainment including dancers and a brass band.

Onset Beach

August 5

 

Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

The 11^th-annual edition of this festival is much more than food and drink – there will also be family-friendly outdoors fun, including lawn games and live music! And, of course, some of the most popular local food trucks and over 50 craft beers will be on hand to whet your appetite.

Cape Cod Fairgrounds, East Falmouth

August 5

 

7th Annual Chatham Summer Craft Festival

Over 50 local artisans will come to Chatham to share and sell their special creations. Crafts include jewelry, home goods, photography, and more. Held in the Chatham Community Center right off of Main Street, admission is free!

Chatham Community Center Lawn

August 5 – 6

 

Red Coats & Rebels

The largest revolutionary historical reenactment in New England returns as hundreds of costumed reenactors come to Village Common to talk to interact with guests. Bear witness to some major battles or just walk around the encampment and learn more about revolution-era life. It is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance due to the popularity of this event.

Old Sturbridge Village

August 5 – 6

 

Plimoth Patuxet Adventure Camp

This immersive experience is perfect for any kids in your family who are history lovers. They can discover what life was like back in the 1600s through interactive activities like puzzles, games, and experiments. Preregistration is required.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

August 7 – 11

 

Family Fun Nights At New England Botanic Garden

Find fun for the whole family at the August edition of this recurring event – dress up in costume, meet classic fairytale characters, and participate in activities like face painting or crafts. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston

August 8

 

Cruisin’ The ’50s Car Show 2023

Over 250 classic cars are staged throughout downtown Newburyport overlooking the Merrimack River in the 2023 holding of this annual event.

Downtown Newburyport

August 10

 

History Camp Boston 2023

This adult-oriented event brings together presenter and attendees from across the country to explore and celebrate everything that’s great about history in over 50 sessions covering a variety of eras and topics. Preregistration is required.

Suffolk University Law School, Boston

August 12

 

Centuries Of The Soldier – History Timeline Event

Journey through multiple historical encampments filled with reenactors from a variety of different historical eras, from as early as Ancient Rome up to the Vietnam War. Live demonstrations – including battles – will take place throughout the weekend. Picnicking is allowed, and food and beverage will be available for purchase.

American Heritage Museum, Hudson

August 12 – 13

 

Now And Soon And Somehow Forever: Artists In Conversation

Join artists William Pettit and Candice Smith Corby for a roundtable discussion of their exhibition, which examines the histories and meanings of the artifacts in the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s collection in order to learn more about our past and our present. A brief reception will follow the event. Tickets are $20 for non-members.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

August 17

 

42nd Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival

Bring your wallet and your appetite to this celebration of artists and their work. Crafts for sale will include jewelry, pottery, home décor, and more; and food for sale will include jams, sauces, and desserts. Admission is free!

Stage Fort Park, Gloucester

August 19 – 20

 

Greenfield Annual Harvest Supper Celebration

Celebrate your local farmers and the community that they’re part of with this free dinner in the center of Greenfield. Over 30 farms and hundreds of volunteers participate to make this annual event a special success. There is no admission fee – just bring your own cups, plates, and utensils!

Court Square, Greenfield

August 26

 

11th Annual Kill Tide Arts And Craft Festival

Explore over 80 booths of arts and crafts on display and for purchase! Specialty foods will also be available to sample and purchase. Come rain or shine – free admission, pets welcome.

Drummer Boy Park, Brewster

August 26 – 27

 

Events are curated from the events section of our site. Are we missing an event? Let us know or join our business directory to create your own listings on VisitMA.com.

TOPICS: Boston, Brewster, Chatham, Chester, Falmouth, Gloucester, Greenfield, Hudson, New Bedford, Newburyport, Onset, Plymouth