Best Fall Festivals and Fairs of New England

The Big E

Known as the cream of the crop of New England fall festivals, The Big E is the largest agricultural event on the east coast and the sixth-largest fair in the nation.

Not only does The Big E have the usual: food, entertainment, and amusement park rides, but it also boasts the Avenue of States.

The fair has a replica of each statehouse in New England. Inside each replica, experience what makes the state unique. Stop by the Lego exhibit in Connecticut and taste the maple syrup in Vermont.

Top off the day with a visit to the circus.

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King Richard's Faire

Knights, kings, queens, jesters, and peasants! All are invited to King Richard's Faire.

The longest-running renaissance fair in New England includes jousting, acrobats, minstrels, and a royal court.

This recreation of a 16th-century marketplace is spread over 80-acres.

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Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival

The event consists of dragon boat races for professional and amateur teams as well as the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture.

Watch fiberglass dragon boats race for the top prize. These boats were a gift from the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Experience the Lion Dance and compete with the family in a Chinese dumpling eating contest.

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Photo credit: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

Newport International Oktoberfest

Spend Columbus Day Weekend on Newport’s downtown waterfront.

There will be two Biergartens brimming with frosty heads of seasonal and international beer varieties.

Stillen your thirst with Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin, Harpoon Cider, Harpoon IPA, Harpoon Octoberfest, Harpoon UFO Pumpkin, Heineken, Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Magic Hat #9, Magic HatCircus Boy, Magic Hat Dream Machine, Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, Leinenkugel Harvest Patch Shandy, Newcastle, Newport Storm Hurricane Amber Ale, Newport Storm Rhode Island Blueberry, Newport Storm India Point Ale, Newport Storm R.I.P.umpkin, Sam Adams Octoberfest, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Sam Adams Jack-O Traveler Pumpkin Shandy, Shipyard Export, Shipyard Monkey Fist IPA, Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale, Shipyard Sea Dog Blue Paw Blueberry Wheat Ale and Strongbow.  

Don't schuplattle on an empty stomach by eating plenty of Austro-German cuisine from Schnitzels & Giggles, fresh baked pretzels, spiral potatoes and more.

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Photo credit: Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography

Misquamicut FallFest

Before hibernation sets in, spend your last day on the beach at Misquamicut FallFest.

FallFest will include carnival rides from Rockwell Amusements, the International Outdoor Food Festival, a petting zoo, a car show, and live entertainment.

Music Lineup

Mainstage

Friday
5 pm - 6:15 pm: Haunt the House
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm: The Savage Brothers
8:30 pm - 10:45 pm: Who Are You: A Celebration of The Who

Saturday
12 pm - 1:45 pm: Tumblin Dice: Tribute to the Stones
2 pm-3 pm: The Whole Façade
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm: Spirit Shaker
5 pm - 6:15 pm: Roger Ceresi’s “All Starz”
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: The Beach Band
7:45 pm - 9:15 pm: Elliot Lewis of Hall and Oats
9:30 pm - 10:45 pm: Weekend Wilburys: Tribute to Roy Orbison,
Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Jeff Lynn

Sunday
12 pm - 1:15 pm: The Steamuhs
1:30 pm - 3 pm: Freddy and the Yetis
3 pm - 5 pm: Black and White feat. Erik Narwhal and Gary Gramolini (Beaver Brown Band)

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Pawtucket Arts Festival

Now in its 16th year, the Pawtucket Arts Festival lasts through the whole month of September.

Events include theater performances, Louisiana Night, the Pawtucket Film Festival, and the Irish Music Festival.

Blackstone River Party/Taste of the Valley -- Food and dessert samplings from community restaurants at the historic Slater Mill Museum.

Steampunk Soiree at Slater Mill for Steampunk fans, guests, and gear & water wheel geeks. This is an evening of music, dance, spectacle, and merriment under the tent and on the dance floor.

Samfest at Slater Mill offers a concert retrospective featuring the repertoire of American music great, Nat King Cole and daughter Natalie.

Don't forget to see the the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Pops perform at Slater Park. Performance followed by fireworks.

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Photo credit: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

stART on the Street

stART on the Street is Massachusetts's largest arts, music and cultural festival. More than 250 artists and crafters will display handmade goods.

A variety of food trucks are on hand including Vegan and vegetarian options.

Don't miss the street performances, dance troupes, and live music.

There will also be activities and interactive exhibits for the little ones.

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New Hampshire Highland Games

Grab your kilt, bagpipes, and head up north to New Hampshire for the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast.

This event features bagpipe bands, Highland dancers, and whisky tastings.

Test your mettle in competitions such as tests of strength, sheepdog trials, Highland Dance, and fiddling and drumming contests.

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Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival

Live the high life for the day at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.

With tickets starting at $135 and headliners such as Martha Stewart, this is one of the most anticipated food and wine events in the country.

Sample the finest wines on the lawn of Marble House.

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Acadia Night Sky Festival

Leave the city lights behind, head to Acadia National Park, and look towards the heavens.

Attend astronomy workshops and take a nighttime boat cruise.

Spread out the blanket and set up the telescope to spy a few shooting stars.

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