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October always brings bright fall colors and tons of tradition in Massachusetts. This month’s featured events include fairs where you can sample and support local artists and businesses, parties where you can dress up in your wildest costume, or stroll along a garden or the seashore and learn all about the local landscape. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, you can find it this month in Massachusetts.
Halloween season kicks off in Salem this year with a month-long schedule chock-full of seasonal events. Don’t miss the parades, specialty shops, and fireworks throughout the month in Witch City. Salem is very popular during October, so if you are going – take public transportation and plan ahead!
Salem Massachusetts
Downtown Salem, Salem, MA, 01970
9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 1 – Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Learn about the history of the Halloween holiday and Sturbridge, and play fun Halloween-themed games while you’re there! Watch live performers including acrobats, fire spitters, and more and – if you dare – stick around for ghost stories by the bonfire! There’s no better place to spend an October weekend.
Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Friday, Saturday, Sunday October 6 – 29, 2023
4:30 – 9 p.m.
The rare occasion when you can walk along with Zombie in complete safety! Shuffle through Salem with performers in elaborate Zombie costumes. It’s a great way to take a slow walking tour of the city and have some Halloween fun at the same time. This free annual Salem event is not to be missed.
Salem Common
North Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
Zombies gather at 11, Walk begins at noon Saturday, October 7, 2023
This live two-day reading of Thoreau’s “Cape Cod” will explore how the natural beauty of Cape Cod’s environment has changed over time. Thoreau was inspired by the flora, fauna, and landscape of the region, as residents and visitors continue to be today. The event will also be live streamed!
Michael R. Kramer Center at Fuller Farm
995 Ma-149 (Cotuit Rd.), Marstons Mills, MA 02648
Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Sunday, October 8, 2023
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
29th Annual Paradise City Arts Festival
This annual Northampton staple is one of our state’s best places to see and support a wide variety of both new and established artists and artisans. Imagine visiting a fine art museum, but you can bring the art home with you!
Three County Fairgrounds
54 Old Ferry Road, Northampton, MA 01060
Saturday, October 7 – Monday, October 9, 2023
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What could be better than a guided after-hours tour of Naumkeag complete with a glass of wine? Learn all about the Naumkeag’s gardens in this leisurely tour with the resident horticulturist, and enjoy a sunset at the tour’s end. Tour topics change each month, so you can come again and again and learn new things.
Naumkeag House & Gardens
5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA, 01262
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
4 – 6 p.m.
Boston Public Market Harvest Party
Celebrate and support the work of the Boston Public Market and their mission to build community around small businesses and food. The Public Market space does more than host small businesses – they also regularly put on fun and educational events for the local community. Your support helps them continue their mission.
Boston Public Market
100 Hanover St, Boston, MA, 02108
Thursday, October 12, 2023
7- 9 p.m.
Explore Lexington Center with in the 30th edition of this annual event. Meet and support local artists including painters, photographers, jewelers, and more. Other fun activities will include live music and pumpkin painting!
Visitors Center Lawn
1875 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02421
Saturday, October 14, 2023
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fall fun for the whole family, including live music from local bands, local art available for purchase, and the regions favorite food trucks! Explore everything there is to enjoy about Newburyport in this annual event.
Waterfront Park
36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950
Saturday, October 14, 2023 – Sunday, October 15, 2023
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Massachusetts state berry is the star of Middleborough’s annual celebration. Participate in a cranberry bakeoff, watch the annual kid’s Halloween costume parade, and be sure to stick around for the crowning of 2023’s Miss Crantoberfest!
10 Nickerson Ave, Middleborough, MA, 02346
Saturday, October 14, 2023
12 – 5 p.m.
Taste a variety of different beer and food options and vote for your favorites! Your ticket also comes with a commemorative pint glass and free tours of the museum. Stick around for live music, raffles, and games.
Cape Cod Museum of Art
60 Hope Ln, Dennis, MA, 02638
Saturday, October 14, 2023
3 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate Ireland with a cider, a pint of Guinness, or even a whiskey! Dance along to live traditional Irish music, test your skills with a bow and arrow, browse products from local businesses, and participate in fun activities for kids too!
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
Route 138, Canton, MA, 02021
Saturday, October 21, 2023
11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Black Cat Bash Halloween Party
Get ready for Halloween with this adults-only, 21+ party. Dress up in your favorite costume (or don’t – costumes are encouraged but not required) and enjoy live performers, food stations, dancing, a photo booth, and more! This year’s theme is “Carnival of Chaos.”
Catamount Mountain Resort
78 Catamount Road, South Egremont, MA, 01258
Saturday, October 28, 2023
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
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