Fall Fairs and Festivals in Hampshire County
Belchertown Fair
Photo by Lynne Graves
It’s fall, which means it’s fair and festival season in Hampshire County. And to ensure your calendar is appropriately sprinkled with the perfect amount of candied apples and corn-maze wandering, we’ve created a comprehensive list to keep you organized.
September 2019
September 14-15: Chilifest! At Mike’s Maze — The crew at Mike’s Maze have a lot in store this fall, including this celebration of the chili pepper. Chilifest by The Kitchen Garden features a chili cook-off and hot sauce competition, local beer, live music, and your chance to taste some of the hottest peppers in the world — grown right here in Sunderland. Get a chili pepper tattoo, watch cooking demos by local chefs, bring the kids for fun activities!
September 17-November 6: Red Fire Farm Popcorn Maze — This is Red Fire’s first ever popcorn maze, and you’re in for a real treat. Open daily from 10-5 pm, traverse the magical story maze, answer riddles, and search for special stuff! This is a great activity for kids, families, and everyone else who likes fun. Bonus: you can pick your own pumpkin before you head for home.
September 19-22: Amherst Poetry Festival — Amherst Poetry Festival is a free event that celebrates the poetic legacy of Emily Dickinson and the contemporary creativity of the Pioneer Valley and beyond. The festival kicks off on Sept. 19th at the Amherst Block Party, and fills the weekend with poem recitations, a slam poetry contest, master classes, and more.
September 19: Celebrate Amherst Block Party — The Amherst BID’s annual Celebrate Amherst Block Party celebrates the businesses, culture, and community of Downtown Amherst with live music at the Futureliner Stage, food and drink from local eateries, and the return of pie (!!) from Judies (this was a hit last year, so get it while it’s hot).
September 21: Out! For Reel's LGBTQ Fall Film Fest — Out! For Reel’s LGBTQ FALL FILM FEST offers an outstanding lineup of eight award-winning short films that have been screened around the world at LGBTQ film festivals. From lighthearted romantic comedy to thought-provoking family dramedy to inspiring stories of courage and political activism, these engaging films will both entertain and inspire you. Join us for a wonderful, uplifting evening of community and connection. Everyone is welcome! Free admission will be given to all high school students.
September 20-22: Belchertown Fair — Don’t miss the 162nd annual Belchertown Fair — “A Salute to Farms”. There are plenty of family-friendly activities on tap for the weekend (most of which are free), and the midway never disappoints. Come for the rides (and fried dough), but stay for the inspiring celebration of this incredible farming community.
September 28: Arcadia Folk Festival — Signature Sounds presents the 2nd annual Arcadia Folk Festival at Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton. Enjoy music by Dar Williams, Martin Sexton, Anaïs Mitchell, the Mammals, and more, surrounded by the exquisite beauty of Arcadia. Local food and craft vendors will be on site for your eating and drinking delight.
September 28-29: North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival — Make sure to attend the 21st Annual Garlic and Arts Festival in Orange, Massachusetts — “celebrating 21 years of peace, love, and garlic!” There is something for everyone at this family-friendly fall event, held on a beautiful historic farm amidst autumn foliage. Meander among 100 booths featuring regional artists, farmers, community organizations, and garlic cuisine. There are over eighty engaging workshops, activities, and performances scheduled throughout the weekend (one of which is a garlic-eating contest). YUM.
October 2019
October 4-6: Northampton Jazz Festival — Enjoy the Northampton Jazz Festival all weekend long with 16 jazz performances by local and visiting artists at over a dozen different venues around downtown Northampton. Start with the Jazz Strut through Northampton Friday night, and cap it off with the Jazz Brunch at the Delaney House Sunday afternoon. This is a DO NOT MISS situation.
October 5-6: Kringle Candle Fall Festival — Come and celebrate fall at the Kringle Fall Festival. Enjoy great food, live music, and a craft beer garden with Hitchcock Brewing Company. Plus, pumpkins galore, and a fall market with crafters, vendors, artisans, family activities, and more.
October 12-14: Paradise City Arts Festival — This year, the Paradise City Arts Festival is celebrating its 25th year with 225 artists and makers from every corner of America. It’s three days of visual arts, design, food, and more, at the Three County Fairgrounds — held inside three large, airy Exhibition Buildings connected by covered walkways and under the 12,000 square-foot Festival Dining Tent. This sprawling, thrilling showcase for the arts is an experience like no other – beautiful, unique, festive, and fun.
October 14: OnTrend Fall Craft Fair — Plan on attending the OnTrend Fall Craft Fair on the beautiful and historic Hadley Town Commons (at the peak of fall foliage season). More than 60 of the region's top crafters and makers will be there, selling their high-quality handmade goods. Join all of the other smart people getting their holiday shopping done early.