Fall festivals, corn mazes, and more, oh my!
Photo by Lynne Graves
It's nearly time to throw those hands in the air, full of leaves: it's almost FALL in Hampshire County! Like a true New Englander, we love fall just as much as you do, from the abundance of apples and pumpkins to the stunning foliage and crisper weather. Western Massachusetts has an abundance of can't-miss fun fall activities including Amherst's Apple Harvest Festival and Belchertown's Austin Brothers Valley Farm annual corn maze and hayrides right here in Hampshire County.
Pumpkin and Haunted Hayrides at McCray's Farm
South Hadley, MA
From mid-September to Halloween, visit McCray's farm to pick your own pumpkin. Their haywagon will take you right to the field to the find that perfect pumpkin!
And if spooks are what you're looking for, McCray's Haunted Hayride celebrates its 22nd AnniverSCARY. Opening night is September 27 at 5:30 p.m. for the Munchkin Mash and 7 p.m. for the Monster Mash.
27th Annual Amherst Apple Harvest Festival
Amherst, MA
Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Amherst Town Common
The Apple Harvest Festival is a re-creation of an old-fashioned New England community fair, featuring local food, music, and beautiful arts and crafts for sale to benefit the Amherst Family Center.
Austin Brothers Valley Farm Corn Maze
Belchertown, MA
Open Saturday, September 28 through November 2
Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; last "flashlight" entrance at 7:30
Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open Columbus Day 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get lost in a corn maze! Great fun for the kids with hay pyramind, tunnel, corn box, bean bag toss, sack races, mini trikes, pedal tractors and more. Pick your own pumpkins and take a hayride through the fields.
Rolling Acres Farm Corn Maze and Fall Fun
Southampton, MA
Open Sept. 15
Saturdays 1 to 9 p.m.; Sundays 1 to 6 p.m.
Open Columbus Day 1 to 6 p.m.
When fall arrives, Rolling Acres opens its gates to visitors young and old to enjoy adventures among its various attractions. Birthday parties, field trips, and family outings descend upon the farm throughout the fall to explore the corn maze, which, in the past, has sent groups zigzagging through labyrinths shaped like an elephant, a lion, and a castle. Outside the maze, putters earn holes in one or 12 on the mini-golf course, and nearby, jumpers launch skyward on a giant jumping pillow.
Pumpkin Festival
Northampton, MA
Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event is great for little ones of all ages. Actitivies at the event include bounce Houses, carnival games, pumpkin painting, and more!
Barley Fest
Hadley, MA
Saturday, October 12, 1 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate Valley Malt's third anniversary with local music, local beer, home brew demos, and more.
Open Farm Sunday
Fletcher Farm in Southampton, MA and Barstow's Longview Farm in Hadley, MA
Sunday, October 13 11 to 2 p.m.
For the third year, dairy farms across New England and New York that belong to the Cabot Creamery Cooperative will open their farms to visitors for Cabot Open Farm Sunday.
Clarketoberfest Family Fun Day
Northampton, MA
Saturday, October 19, Noon to 3 p.m.
Join Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech for a fun day full of fall-themed activities for the whole family.
The Westhampton Fall Festival and Great Pumpkin Roll
Westhampton, MA Town Center
Sunday, October 20, 10:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The festival offers food, games, music and more. This year's event includes a 5K benefit Walk/Run, "Cow Pie Bingo," church steeple tours, a jeep show, classic cars, live music, cider making, community supper and bonfire.
And since we're just a quick drive away from the rest of the region, our neighbors in Western Massachusetts have some great events to check out this fall, too! Save the dates for...
Mike's Maze in Sunderland
Open weekends and holidays through November 3
Old Deerfield Fall Craft Fair
September 21 and 22
The 15th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
October 5-6
Conway Festival of the Hills
October 6
Ashfield Fall Festival
Columbus Day Weekend, October 12-13
Franklin County Cider Days
November 2-3