Your Guide to Fall Festivals Across MA & RI This Year

It is never too early to start planning your fall itinerary, especially with so many events, festivals, and traditions happening across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With two of summer’s most popular Commuter Rail fare promotions extending through November, there are even more ways to get out and explore. 

Now is the perfect time to start planning. If you want to make sure you hit all the must-see and must-experience events this autumn, we have just the lineup for you! 

October 1st-31st: Haunted Happenings in Salem  

Halloween might only be one day a year, but in Salem, MA, the holiday lasts all month long. Take a trip to the Witch City to experience Halloween unlike ever before with Haunted Happenings, from spooky parades to magical balls. 

Save the Date for Some of Salem’s October Events

• October 1st: Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade 
• October 10: Howl-o-ween Pet Parade 
• October 15: Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show 
• October 24: Heaven vs Hell Ball at Colonial Hall
• October 31: Halloween Night Live Music

How to Get to Downtown Salem with the Commuter Rail 

Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Salem Station, and travel to downtown Salem (.4 mi) for a day where spooky sights and sweet treats await.

October 12: Providence PRONK! Fest  

Inspired by Somerville’s HONK! Fest, the city of Providence, RI, is hosting PRONK! FEST, a music and art creative activist-centered festival. This event celebrates creativity through music, art, movement, and community, creating an energetic experience that inspires learning and connection. For more information and the latest developments, visit PRONK’s! Website. 

What to Know About PRONK! Fest

• Free
• Family-friendly
• Live music featuring local, national, and international musicians 
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
• Location is TBD as of August. Please check the event website for details.

How to Get to Pronk! Fest with the Commuter Rail 

While the location is still to be determined, getting to downtown Providence, Rhode Island is easy. Take the Providence/Stoughton Line to Providence Station, and downtown Providence (.6 mi) awaits to be explored. 

October 16-18, 2026: Boo in the Woo  

Get in the Halloween spirit at Polar Park in Worcester! The WooSox home stadium is trading home runs for haunts for one weekend. From October 16th through the 18th, enjoy fall and Halloween-themed fun from corn mazes to movie nights on the field. 

Mark Your Calendars for Fun in Worcester 

• Movie Night on the WooSox Field at 5 p.m. on October 16, 2026
• Pumpkin decorating, mazes, and carnival games from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on October 17–18
• Live music from local artists throughout the weekend
• Ticket prices: $12 for kids, $15 for adults, $33 for beer garden access on the weekend 
• $20 weekend package 

How to Get to Polar Park with the Commuter Rail 

Getting to Polar Park is easy with the Commuter Rail. Take the Framingham/Worcester Line to Worcester Station, and begin your journey towards the park for a fun fall day at the ballpark (.7 mi).

October 17, 2026: Rockport Harvest Fest 

Rockport’s Harvest Fest is the perfect way to wind down from summer and gear up for fall festivities. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., spend the day wandering through this quaint oceanside town north of Boston, breathing in the crisp, salty ocean air and enjoying festive activities the whole family will love.

Why You Won’t Want to Miss Rockport Fest

• Apple Pie Bake-Off
• Live performances from local musicians
• Shopping Local Vendors
• Lawn Games
• Kid-friendly activities (face painting, arts & crafts, and live animal exhibit) 

How To Get There With the Commuter Rail 

From North Station, take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Rockport Station, and travel to Harvey Park or Dock Square (both .7 mi) to join in on the festivities. 

October 25, 2026: Monster Bash in Lowell 

From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, downtown Lowell is transforming into a monster-filled Halloween celebration with tricks, treats, and fall fun for the whole family.

What to Expect at Lowell’s Monster Bash 

• Trick-or-treating at JFK Plaza 
• Haunted house at Lowell City Hall 
• Carnival rides, food trucks, and live music on Merrimack Street 

How to Get to Monster Bash Without Worrying About Parking

Take the Lowell Line to Lowell Station, then make your way downtown for a day of tricks, treats, and monster-sized fun. 

November 20-22, 2026: America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade & Celebration 

Spend the day or weekend in Plymouth, MA, and celebrate Thanksgiving in the place where it all began. From live music to parades, America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade & Celebration deserves a place on your fall bucket list. 

Event Lineup: America’s Hometown Parade & Celebration 

• Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7 p.m.: Plymouth Philharmonic Concert at Memorial Hall 
• Saturday, November  21 at  9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Thanksgiving Parade 
• Saturday, November  21: Food trucks and craft wine & beer garden 
• Saturday, November  21 at  6:30 p.m.: National Senior Alumni Drum  & Bugle Corps Reunion
• Sunday, November 22  at 10 a.m.: Harvest Market

How To Get There With the Commuter Rail 

Travel along the Kingston Line to Kingston Station. From there, you will need to take an 11-minute rideshare to Water Street, Main Street, or Court Street to get to downtown Plymouth. 

Other Events to Know About Across MA this Fall 

There’s still more to discover this fall, from quintessential New England experiences to hidden local events!

• Oktoberfest in Scituate on October 17: Take the Greenbush Line to North Scituate Station,  and then take a rideshare for a 6-minute drive away. 
• Essex Clam Fest on October 24: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to West Gloucester Station and take a 10-minute rideshare to Essex.
•  Beverly Downtown Trick-or-Treat on October 29: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Beverly Station; downtown Beverly is .9 mi.