If you’re a fan of our blog, then you probably know that in general, we only write about destinations and activities that we have actually been to and experienced firsthand (like those on our recent Fall Bucket List). And for the most part, that approach works well for us.
There are some exceptions though. You see, sometimes, events are so short-lived that by the time we could go there and then get a blog posted about them, the event is over! Sometimes we hold onto the pictures and do our write-up in advance of the next year’s event. But honestly, that is hard too because it means trying to remember everything for a whole year! And you know how we loooooove our details here at Out and About Mom 🙂
So this year I thought we’d try something a little different. I thought, why not let our readers make the recommendations for a change? If we couldn’t be there ourselves, having our readers voice their opinions is the next best thing!
A couple days ago, I asked our Facebook followers to tell us their favorite fall fairs and festivals. And we got nearly 50 comments with suggestions!
Today, I’ve narrowed that list down to 10. I’ve focused on events that have a short timeframe (not that we don’t love ongoing fall festivals at some of our favorite farms and orchards, but we’ve already blogged about many of those). Some of these items are well-known standard-bearers of the fall season (like the Big E and the Durham Fair). But others are smaller events that were new to us (like the Northwest Park Country Fair and the Plainville Pumpkin Festival).
Either way, here are TEN fairs to try this season (in chronological order). Courtesy of our amazing Out and About Mom readers 🙂
10 Fall Fairs to Try This Season
Connecticut Renaissance Faire September 2nd-October 9th (weekends, Labor Day & Columbus Day); Watch shows on stages around the faire, listen to minstrels playing in the streets and experience the old-world charm of a 16th century village filled with good, old-fashioned family fun. And food. Lots of food. 122 Mack Road, Lebanon
Berlin Fair September 15th-17th, 2017; Rides and games for all ages, live music, a huge variety of food choices, craft exhibits, contests, livestock competitions and more. 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin
The Big E September 15th-October 1st, 2017; This is THE big one. Rides, carnival games, animal expositions, competitions, live entertainment, a circus spectacular, the Avenue of the States and food, food, food, food, food! 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA
Northwest Park Country Fair September 16th, 2017; A full day of fun, family activities, good food and entertainment including a Cake Walk or Egg Drop Contest, pumpkin carving, scarecrow building, live music and more. Northwest Park, Lang Road, Windsor
Seymour Pumpkin Festival September 17th, 2017; Carnival rides, exotic petting zoo, games, crafts, food, live music, children’s costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest and more. French Memorial Park, 73 Spruce Street, Seymour
Durham Fair September 21st-24th, 2017; Live entertainment, rides and games on the Midway, animal competitions and discovery events on the Corn Stalk Stage. Along with a trove of crafts, exhibits, shopping and fun food. Durham Fairgrounds, 24 Town House Road, Durham
South Windsor Apple Harvest Festival October 1st, 2017; Craft vendors, food vendors, kids’ games, pumpkin painting, bounce house, pony rides, hot air ballon rides (at 3pm), music and dance showcase, mini-train rides, Martial Arts demo, Kids ID Program, apple pie & ice cream, apple fritters, candied apples. Nevers Park, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor
Buell’s Orchard Harvest Festival October 7th & October 9th, 2017; Live bluegrass, famous chicken barbecue, hayrides to apple picking and the pumpkin patch, donuts, and more. View their brand new cider making/pasteurizing/bottling plant too. 108 Crystal Pond Road, Eastward
Putnam Pumpkin Festival October 21st, 2017; This year’s events will feature The Official Great Pumpkin, 9th Annual Scarecrow Contest, train excursion, craft and art vendors, live music, activities for the kids, special pumpkin themed menus and more. Downtown Putnam
Plainville PumpkinFest October 21st, 2017; Outdoor festival featuring live music, a kids’ costume parade, kids’ games, pie eating contest, a haunted house and many local vendors. More than 25 food trucks! Bring your own carved pumpkins or carve one at the Pumpkin Patch. Downtown Plainville (in front of Town Hall)
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If you try out one of these fairs this fall, please let us know what you thought by leaving us a comment on this post! And if you have a favorite fair to add (for this year or next), please tell us that as well.
We’re looking forward to sharing more reader recommendations in the future.
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The Renn Faire was awesome! I think it’s important to note that kids are encouraged to dress up for it. My daughter chose to wear her Elsa dress and everyone there interacted with her as if she were a queen. There are lots of adults in character and my daughter can’t wait to go back to the Faire “where people bow to me!” It’s going to be a new annual event for us.