Fall has officially begun, and Boston is more festive than ever. Every year, a variety of autumn-themed festivals pop up around the city, and each one caters to different audiences and activities. Here are some of the highlights.
A new festival this year is Boston’s Wicked Haunt Fest in Charlestown, which promises to be “an immersive fall festival packed with thrills for all ages.” It spans more than a month, running from Oct. 2 to Nov. 3, and each day is full of spooky activities. Seasonal foods, pumpkin painting and other family events are paired with four haunted-house-style attractions and an Oktoberfest Beer Garden.
The haunted attractions range from a house full of haunted pumpkins to the tomb of a vicious mummy spirit. Although guests must pay extra for the haunted attractions, they promise to be the most interesting part of the entire experience. The concepts are truly bizarre in a good way. The venue offers free parking for three hours, which might make up for the higher cost of the haunted houses.
For the more faint of heart, King Richard’s Faire in Carver is a classic place to visit. Though not particularly made for fall, it’s a festive and cozy place for all sorts of people — and costumes are always welcome. It runs on weekends until Oct. 20, which means it’s happening during the prime fall weather.
King Richard’s is a renaissance faire that includes all sorts of fun medieval activities. Vendors sell handcrafted jewellery and armor right across from a stage that offers a fire-eating show. Booths hand out whole turkey legs and ears of corn to snack on. There’s even axe throwing and pirate ship rides. It’s a truly unique experience that has a little something for everyone.
The Harvest Fair in Newton offers a free, carnival-style family event. It takes place over the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20, and each day has its own specific activities planned. On Oct. 19, the fair will be open with small carnival rides for kids along with food trucks and games. The same attractions will be around Oct. 20, but with the addition of a full community market.
Local business will set up booths at the Harvest Fair to sell hand-crafted goods at Sunday’s market, and local musicians will perform live on stage. Visitors can also stop by the GreenEXPO section provided by Green Newton — an organization that serves to highlight sustainable local businesses and teach younger audiences how to live more sustainably. The Festival will also offer pumpkins from Wegmans Chestnut Hill, which visitors can decorate.
Music lovers can head to Seaport to enjoy the Play It By Fear event Oct. 18. Starting at 6 p.m., the event showcases music, food and baked goods from Puffy Clouds catering, and a quirky art installation. Glass Artists, a Boston-based string quartet, will play traditional Halloween songs and themes from classic horror films, and a DJ will keep the beat going afterward.
The event is open to all ages, and alcohol will be available. It is public and free, but visitors are encouraged to reserve a spot online in the event of changes or cancellations.
Boston is the best place to be for fall fun and unique activities — stop by one of these and take advantage of the season.
