New England in October: Seasonal Festivals, Shows, and More

Happening from September 19th through the 22nd, The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival in Rhode Island promises to be a tasty affair. The festival's feature events include a series of tasty seminars, a well-stocked Tasting Tent each day, Connoisseur's Dinner, Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Buffet Brunch, and a special guest appearance by celebrated Chef Jacques Pépin and his daughter and co-star, Claudine Pépin. This event is sure to round out your autumn in all the best ways. 

For the past 25 years, Freeport, Maine has brought together over 225 of the best New England artists, makers, and local food producers for a three-day festival during the first weekend of October. Held throughout the town, this free fall festival brings the community together to browse local art, listen to live music, and partake in free crafts and activities. 

New England in October is not complete without a bit of a spook! Salem Haunted Happenings in Massachusetts is the largest celebration of Halloween in the world as the town welcomes more than a half-million visitors to the parties, parades, vendor fairs, walking tours, museums, attractions, and special events that take place throughout the month of October. Put on your costume, and join in the spooky fun filled with historic tales, haunts, and a bit of magic.

The Fall Festival in Plymouth Notch is sure to be a family favorite. Held on October 5, this celebration features hayrides with Farmer Fred, taste tests of multiple varieties of Vermont-grown heritage apples, grilled BBQ chicken picnics, and cider pressing demonstrations. Fall foliage in Plymouth will likely be at its peak by early October as well, providing a quintessential fall backdrop for the activities.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! This fall, explore the Southington Apple Harvest Festival in Connecticut. A six-day event that takes place over the course of two weekends each fall, this annual event is one of the largest and longest running festivals in the Northeast. Held during the height of New England's beautiful fall foliage, you can enjoy a jam-packed schedule of events, entertainment, activities, specialty foods, crafts, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on this family fun. 

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location. 

This is your sign to embrace all things pumpkin, cozy, and fall. Start by booking your stay in New England this October. You’ll be so glad you did!