If there is one season New England does better than any other, it’s fall. Not only do we have the most beautiful foliage on earth (no brag) just fact, but the temperature is just right. It lands perfectly between the heat and humidity of summer and the snowy cold of winter. This sweet chilly season weather means two things in New England: flannel and fall festivals. 

We may love the pumpkins, apple cider, and morning fires crackling away in the woodstoves. But we love fall festivals most of all! There’s nothing like getting outside to enjoy the weather before it’s too cold. 

From the revival of a Keene classic to a spooky circus show in Brattleboro, there’s no shortage of fun to be had during the crisp days of autumn. So grab your flannel and let’s get going to some of these amazing New England Fall Festivals! 

Enter the Jack ‘o Lanterns 

Started in 1991 as the Harvest Festival, the Keene Pumpkin Fest has been lighting up faces on both pumpkins and people for over 30 years. The event was originally created by downtown businesses in Keene’s Central Square. The city was aiming to grow its economy, and the Pumpkin Fest was proposed as a great way to bring excitement.

As anyone who has visited Keene today will know, the city is thriving and then some. The goal of the Pumpkin Fest remains simple: carve as many jack ‘o lanterns as possible! People flock to Keene to see the glowing pumpkins lining Main Street. They’re even stacked high into the air on a tower of scaffolding on the common. In 2013, Keene broke the World Record previously held by Boston, by lighting a whopping 30,581 jack o’ lanterns!

For a time, the event went on hiatus in Keene due to rising costs and the need for significant coordination of services to meet the arrival of thousands of festival goers. But it couldn’t be put on pause for long. Now it has returned, much to the delight of pumpkin-carving families across the county. 

On Saturday, October 21, starting at 2pm, members of the public can head to downtown Keene and stare in amazement at the literal miles of pumpkins lining the streets. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Businesses will be open, and there will be plenty of vendors, including face painters.

Please consider making a donation to Let it Shine, the non-profit organization that runs the Pumpkin Fest. Every dollar earned in donations goes right back into the festival and the community so that the Pumpkin Fest can continue for years to come. 

Did Somebody Say, Bacon?!

Yes, you read that right. Bacon! In fact, it’s the 2023 Twin State Bacon Festival at Frogg Brewing Company’s new location at 581 Sawyers Crossing, in Swanzey, NH. This carnivore-lovers event is presented by M&T Bank, and hosted by The Peak, 93.5 WEEI, Vermont and NH Oldies KOOL FM, and  The Greater Monadnock Collaborative. 

There will be over a dozen food trucks creating mouthwatering bacon creations. And, of course, the taps at Frogg will be open for anyone looking to try their renowned brews. There will also be a raffle for a cooler filled with North Country Smokehouse bacon, presented by our friends at The Greater Monadnock Collaborative. 

This event is free to the public and 100% family friendly. So hop on over to Frogg Brewing on Saturday October 28. This fall festival runs from 11 am to 4 pm. Be sure to bring your appetite! 

Family Fun in Turners Falls 

Those who have been to Turners Falls are likely already in love with its charm. As you cross the bridge connecting the village to Rte. 2 over the roaring Connecticut River, you’ll see why there’s something special about this beautiful little town just outside Greenfield in Western Massachusetts. 

The appropriately named Falls Festival is an annual celebration of the town and its surrounding neighbors. It’s on by The Great Falls Discovery Center, a nature-conservancy non-profit, in partnership with the Montague Town Libraries. The day features a series of family fun activities, food, and live music held on historic Avenue A. 

Come learn how to use a map and compass or drop in between 2 and 3 pm for an excellent live dance performance by Great Falls Creative Movement. Crafts, games, scavenger hunts, lessons on natural stewardship, and nature adventures await at Turners Falls! The Falls Festival runs from 1 to 6 pm on Saturday, October 21 and admission is free. 

Enjoy a Spooktacular Circus Performance in Brattleboro

In the long list of New England towns, none may be more unique than Brattleboro. It’s the only Brattleboro in the entire world (we’re serious, look it up!). This small city has an abundance of wonderful things to do throughout the year. But now that the famed Farmer’s Market is winding down for the season, it might be a good time to head over to the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) for their fall festival: the Circus Spooktacular! 

Don’t worry, this is PG rated spooky fun. This year, NECCA is showcasing “The Evil Red and the Wolf,” a new twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. Held in their amazing Trapezium, see the performers, including NECCA instructors and special guests, do jaw-dropping stunts! The performance is filled with acrobatics, aerial amazements, and plenty of circus fun for the whole family. It’s sure to be a fantastic time, filled with spooky fun! 

Admission is as follows: $12 for Under12/Seniors, $15 General Admission, $25 VIP, and children 2 and under are completely free. The show runs for two days, Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 22 at 4 pm. Head on over to enjoy some classic Halloween fun! 

We know we’ve given you all sorts of options for your late October weekends! Here at Masiello, we’ve been keeping up with community events for over 40 years. Whether we’re lighting pumpkins in Keene, enjoying bacon in Swanzey, scooting down to Turner’s Falls for some nature-based family fun, or over to Brattleboro for a spooktacular circus show, we know how a good fall festival lifts the spirits. 

But there’s nothing like a new job to take this festive season to fantastic new heights! If you’re looking to change careers or just starting out in the workforce, give us a call at 603-358-1000. You can also stop by our Elm Street office in Keene on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Our talented team will help you find the job that’s right for you. Why wait?! Come see us today!