Wicked Fall Guide

Wicked Fall Guide

Wicked Fall Guide

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The Top 9 New England Fall Food Festivals You Must Visit This Autumn

Fall in New England is like nature’s way of showing off, and if there’s one thing we New Englanders know how to do, it’s celebrate the season in style.

And by style, I mean devouring delicious food at New England fall food festivals!

If you haven’t experienced the gastronomic wonders of New England during autumn, you’re missing out on a mouthwatering adventure.

Picture this:

You’re sitting by the sea, salty breeze in your hair, and a plate piled high with fresh oysters in front of you. That’s right, oysters by the sea! New England’s coastal charm and bountiful seafood make it the perfect place to slurp down some briny, succulent mollusks. At fall festivals, you can feast on these oceanic treasures while taking in the stunning waterfront views.

But it’s not all about seafood.

New England takes the whole “farm to table” concept to a whole new level during the fall. You won’t find food fresher than at these festivals, where local farms showcase their finest produce. Crisp apples, juicy pumpkins, and everything in between—these festivals are a cornucopia of autumnal delights. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie or a hearty bowl of pumpkin soup on a crisp fall day?

Speaking of pumpkins and apples, they are the undisputed kings of fall in New England.

Pumpkin patches as far as the eye can see, apple orchards ripe for picking—you’ll feel like you’re in a fall wonderland. And the best part? You can taste the fruits of your labor! Freshly baked apple pies, cider donuts that practically melt in your mouth, and pumpkin-flavored everything—it’s like autumn threw up in the best way possible.

But wait, there’s more!

New England’s fall food festivals are a testament to the region’s culinary prowess. From clam chowder competitions to lobster roll showdowns, you’ll be in seafood heaven. And let’s not forget about the chowder. Creamy, savory, and oh-so-delicious, a steaming bowl of clam chowder is the ultimate comfort food on a brisk fall day.

New England’s fall food festivals are a must-visit for anyone who wants to savor the flavors of the season in a picturesque setting.

Oysters by the sea, farm-fresh goodies, pumpkins, apples, and a whole lot more—these festivals have it all.

So, pack your appetite and get ready for a foodie adventure that’ll leave your taste buds singing and your stomach happily full. New England, we salute your culinary delights!

  • The Big E, Sept. 15 – Oct. 1, Springfield, Mass.

    The Big E in Springfield, MA is a fantastic food festival because it brings together the best of New England’s culinary delights all in one place, offering visitors a chance to savor the region’s iconic dishes and unique flavors. With a diverse range of food vendors, you can explore everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to farm-fresh produce, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every palate at this epicurean extravaganza.

  • Fryeburg Fair, Oct. 1-8, Fryeburg, Maine

    Pig scrambles, sheep dog trials, draft horses show, an anvil throw, a woodsman’s field day? This is an outdoorsy person’s NIRVANA. Not to mention the FOOD: BBQ, deep fried everything and homemade jams and other delights!

  • Billings Farm and Museum’s Harvest Celebration, Oct. 7-8, Woodstock, Vt.

    OK, so there’s traditional barn dancing, live music, pumpkin bowling, crafts and beautiful fall foliage. Guests can take a wagon ride through the pastures, husk and shell corn, and press apples into cider. And definitely try the cheese!

  • Connecticut Garlic and Harvest, Oct. 7-8, Bethlehem, Conn.

     

    Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival - Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival

    We would like to invite you to join us for the 19th Annual Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival. It will be held on October 12-13, 2024 at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds on Route 61 in Bethlehem , Connecticut (just north of town).

  • Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Oct. 14, Newport, R.I.

    Fish tacos, lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, oysters, signature cocktails and cold beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. And it was voted one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” by Coastal Living Magazine!

  • Keene Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 14, Keene, N.H.

    Giant pumpkin weigh offs, pumpkin pyramids, pumpkin illumination…this festival is a pumpkin-palooza. Orange you glad we suggested it? (Get it??)

  • Wellfleet Oysterfest, Oct. 14-15, Wellfleet, Mass.

    t an oyster festival, you can expect to savor a variety of oyster dishes, including raw oysters on the half shell, grilled oysters with delectable toppings like garlic butter or parmesan cheese, and fried oysters for those who love a crispy crunch. These events often feature creative oyster-inspired recipes, such as oyster po’ boys, oyster chowder, and oyster shooters paired with zesty sauces. With oysters harvested fresh from the sea, you’re in for a briny, oceanic feast that celebrates this delectable mollusk in all its culinary glory.

  • Applefest at Wachusett Mountain, Oct. 14-15, Princeton, Mass.

    At Applefest, you can expect a delightful array of apple-themed treats, from freshly baked apple pies and cider donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar to crisp caramel apples dipped in sweet, gooey goodness. These festivals also offer savory options like apple-infused sausages and hearty apple cider-based dishes, making it a true apple lover’s paradise.

  • Harvest on the Harbor, Oct. 25, Portland, Maine

    Harvest on the Harbor is back for 2023, showcasing premier Maine distillers, brewers, oyster farmers, and purveyors of outstanding hospitality. Since 2007, this festival has delivered unforgettable culinary experiences. And it’s on the harbor in Portland, which is a scene all by itself!