Massachusetts - Fairs and Festivals

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Adams Agricultural Fair
Bowe Field, Old Columbia Street
Adams, MA

July 31-August 2, 2009

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Live music and dance, livestock displays, tractor pull, demo derby, Berekshire Highlanders, sheepdog demo, illusionist, knife-throwing, clowns, fiddlers, midway, petting zoo. Admission: Adults, $5; children, $1; Three-Day Pass, $10. Information: http://aafadams.tripod.com/adamsfair/

Berkshires Arts Festival
Ski Butternut, 380 State Road, Route 23
Great Barrington, MA
Phone: 800-834-9437

July 3-5, 2009

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A juried exhibition and sale of work by 175 artists and artisans. Also, food, live music, demonstrations, hands-on workshops indoors and outdoors. Free parking and air-conditioned lodge. Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission; Adults, $11; seniors $9; students, $5; weekend pass, $13; children under age 10, free.

City Hoopla: A Community Hooping Festival
Springside Park, 874 North Street
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: 508-499-9348

July 11, 2009

Springside Park gets taken over by hoopers from across New England. There will be courses on hoop-making, as well as classes taught by experts for all ages and skill levels. Vendors and music will complete this day-long extravaganza. Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Green River Festival
One College Drive
Greenfield, MA
Phone: 413-773-5463

July 17-18, 2009

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This celebration combines music on two stages, food, crafts, dancing, an array of kids’ activities and hot air balloon launches (weather permitting). This is the only music festival in Massachusetts that features hot air balloons and rides. Music includes: Michael Franti and Spearhead; Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; Kathleen Edwards; CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band; and more.Time: Friday, Gates open at 5 p.m.; balloon launch at 6 p.m..; Saturday, Balloon launches at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Gate opens at 1 p.m.. Information: www.greenriverfestival.com

Pittsfield Ethnic Fair
North Street
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: 413-443-6501

August 2, 2009

The fair features two entertainment stages with lively music and dance from round the world, more than 50 booths with international food and crafts, the famous Birds of Prey show, children’s activities, and much more. Past performers include the Albany Berkshire Ballet, the Central African group Diata Diata, the Polish Falcons folk dance and many more. People will be strolling the streets of Pittsfield enjoying the many different cultures and cuisine offered. Cost: Time: Noon-6 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.culturalpittsfield.com.

Barnstable County Fair
Barnstable Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Hwy / Route 151
East Falmouth, MA
Phone: 508-563-3200

July 17-25, 2009

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Fair includes animal shows, 4-H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, live music, arts and crafts, food and commercial vendors. Live music by Herman’s Hermits, Eddie Money, the Bellamy Brothers, Josh Gracin and Brian Howe. Demo derby, Great Bear Show, birds of prey display. Admission: Adults. $10; seniors and military, $8; children under age 12, free; discounted multi-day passes available. Hours of Operation: Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Monday –Thursday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Midway closes 11:30 p.m. Information: www.barnstablecountyfair.org/

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Powwow
483 Great Neck Road South
Mashpee, MA
Phone: 508-477-0208

July 3-5, 2009

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Grand Entry on July 3 at noon, Warwick Gombey Troupe from Bermuda, New England Birds of Prey, Wampanoag Princess Contest, Sly Fox Mishoon Race, Jazbo’s Indigenous Jazz Ensemble, fire ball game, clam bake, Native American art, jewelry, wampum, gifts, crafts, dancing, drumming, food, games and clothing. Time: Gates open at 10 a.m. General Admission: Adults, $8; children and elders, $6; 3-day pass: Adults; $20; children and elders, $15.

SandwichFest Street Fair
Jarves Street
Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-833-9755

July 11, 2009

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This street fair includes loads of activities for all ages, including the Best Sandwich in Sandwich competition, a $10,000 raffle, chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree, the Pup Tricks Competition & Parade, street vendors and a farmers market, live entertainment, Sandwich Bag Races, the Sandwich Library Arts & Crafts Fair, and the Heritage Museums & Gardens Antique Car Show. Time: noon – 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.SandwichChamber.com.

Blackstone Valley Celtic Festival
Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road
Webster, MA
Phone: 508-943-3871

July 25, 2009

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Celebrate traditional Celtic arts. Enjoy Irish music, step dancers, crafts, pipe bands, heritage, food and fun. Time: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Information: www.blackstonevalleycelticfestival.com

North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road
Orange, MA

October 3 and 4, 2009

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The Festival that Stinks is a celebration for the whole family. At the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival you can support and enjoy the bounty of over 100 artists, farmers and organizations; strengthen communities by purchasing locally grown and crafted goods; learn to grow garlic, press cider, mill lumber, make paper, coil clay, grind grain, do tai chi, go solar; nourish yourself through chef demos, food and the wood fired bread oven; enjoy live music and entertainment on two solar powered stages, wonderful workshops and garlic games galore. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Rain or shine. Admission: Adults, $5 per day, $8 for weekend pass; children age 12 and younger, free. Information: www.garlicandarts.org

Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Road
Worcester, MA  01605
Phone: 508-753-8183
Fax: 508-797-5626

Expand your horizons

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Our Festival of Crafts on Thanksgiving weekend is an exciting and much-anticipated Worcester event. This year will have extra special happenings to celebrate the Festivals 25th birthday. The Festival is a juried show and includes 55 of the finest artists who will be selling their hand-crafted work including: jewelry, pottery, glass, hand-woven textiles, wood turned bowls, furniture & lamps. Visitors to this warm and intimate crafts fair, held in our gallery and studios, will find unique items for everyone on their gift lists while being able to meet with artists at the forefront of contemporary craft. Bake sale, food & refreshments available to purchase and as in past years there is the Artisans’ Shoebox Raffle. Image: Anne Havel

The event also serves as a fundraiser, providing support for ongoing programs, services and general operations of the Craft Center.

Farm City Festival
Prowse Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road
Canton, MA
Phone: 781-828-3276

September 9-10, 2006

Raptor project, Dale Perkins horse show, farmyard demo, heifer international project, farmers’ market, maple sugar demonstration, Early American artisans, antique cars, trucks and tractors, cavalcade of horses, barnyard petting zoo, championship oxen pull, agricultural products, crafts, hayrides, pony rides, rock climbing wall, food court with barbecue and clam shack, live music all day, kids stage and much more. Cost: $5; children, $3 ($15 maximum per car family); free parking. Information: www.prowsefarm.org

Hub On Wheels
Ride leaves from City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA

September 27, 2009

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This is a chance to ride along the Charles River with no cars in your way – explore the greenways and the shoreline, the neighborhoods and the communities. With fully supported 10, 30, or 50 mile routes available, anyone can participate. This year’s ride will once again feature the popular extended Storrow Drive/Back Bay route (10-mile loop), which means riders can cycle up and down the Charles River in just 45 minutes. Participants will roll out of City Hall Plaza at 8 am and head down Storrow Drive. Longer routes will then pedal through the Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, the Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Pond, along the shoreline, and beyond. After the ride, enjoy good eats from local restaurants, great tunes from WZLX, and all-around fun at City Hall Plaza. Time: 8 am: Ride begins at 8 a.m.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., post-ride food, music, and bike expo. Cost: $45 to register. Information: www.HubOnWheels.org.

Sail Boston '09
Seaport District, Fan Pier Basin, Rowes Wharf, North End, Charlestown
Boston and Charlestown, MA

July 8-12, 2009

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The five-day Sail Boston Festival will begin with ship arrivals into Boston Harbor on July 8, continue with a crew and cadet parade through the downtown streets of Boston, crew and cadet soccer tournaments, exciting harbor tours, shopping, music, entertainment and the best cuisine in New England. Vessels will dock in the Seaport District, Fan Pier Basin, Rowes Wharf and at the historic wharfs of the North End and Charlestown. In addition to the many activities and events, Sail Boston will entertain its younger audience with educational programs focusing on US and international maritime history. Cadets and crewmembers will be available to educate children of all ages of their personal experiences at sea, home countries and more. Information: http://www.sailboston.com/home.html

Summer Family Festival
Quincy Center, Hancock St.
Quincy, MA  02169
Phone: 617-471-3232

July 19-21, 2007

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Local vendors, crafters, musical programs and inter-active games for all ages.

Tanglewood Jazz Festival
Tanglewood Music Center, 297 West Street
Lenox
Phone: 508-637-1600

September 4 – 6, 2009

This season's Jazz Festival will take place with evening and afternoon concerts featuring performers like Paquito d'Rivera, the Regina Carter Quartet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and many more, as the season finale of the Tanglewood music series. Time: see website for full schedule. Information: or visit www.bso.org.

Nantucket Wine Festival
Various Locations
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-1128

May 13 - 17, 2009

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This promises to be a multi-faceted exploration of food and wine emphasizing Nantucket's historic celebration of all things gastronomic. For the past twelve years, Nantucket Island has been host to over 100 wineries of international acclaim with special events including celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, seminars, auction and new Lunch Symposia. Come sip wine in grand homes and dine in Nantucket's world-class restaurants. Locations and time vary. Information: www.NantucketWineFestival.com.

International Ipswich Sunday
Ipswich, MA

July 19, 2009

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Downtown Ipswich will be filled with food, music, and dance from Ipswich’s diverse communities. Musical artists and dance performers to be announced. Time: 1 to 5 p.m. Information: www.ipswichma375.org/events/

Lowell Folk Festival
67 Kirk Street
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-970-5000

July 24-26, 2009

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The largest free folk festival in the nation is happening once again this summer. The Lowell Folk Festival has brought an international array of folk music, ethnic foods, craftspeople and artisans to New England every summer for more than 20 years. Don’t miss the lineup of top-notch performers this year. Time: Friday, 6:45 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.lowellfolkfestival.org.

Merrimack River Maritime Festival
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, State Reservation Road
Salisbury, MA
Phone: 978 462-SBPI

July 25 - 26, 2009

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Between three and six historic sailing vessels will visit the shores of Salisbury Beach State Reservation for the weekend. Visitors can tour the beautifully appointed historic and educational class A and B and the Tall Ship Atlantic Challenge, an international trans-Atlantic regatta. A celebration of the region’s rich maritime history, the Merrimack River Maritime Festival will also feature themed interactive demonstrations and activities for children, a live concert and fireworks display on the waterfront. Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. –10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 978 462-SBPI or visit www.sbpi.org.

Topsfield Fair
207 Boston Street, Route 1
Topsfield, MA  01983
Phone: 978-887-5000
Fax: 978-887-3016

America’s Oldest Fair!
October 2 - October 12, 2009

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The 191st annual Topsfield Fair will run from Friday, October 2, 2009 through Columbus Day, October 12, 2008. The country's oldest continuously operating county fair features family entertainment, agricultural exhibits including the New England Giant Pumpkin weigh-off on opening day, a premier fall flower show, poultry, fruit and vegetables, rabbits, 4-H, a draft horse show, horse and oxen pulling, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas, the Essex County Farm Yard, a Farm/Fair Museum, Home Arts, art show and much, much more including the Fiesta Shows Midway.

Yankee Homecoming
Waterfront Park, Merrimack Street, and other locations
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-462-7676

July 26-August 3, 2009

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Annual New England festival, now in its 52nd year. Many attractions, family entertainment and activities. Among the week’s events are the Olde Fashioned Sunday, a golf tournament,a juried craft show, live music and entertainment downtown, evening concerts at Waterfront Park on Merrimack Street, family day at Maudslay State Park, a beach blast party, historic cemetery tours, fireworks, and a parade. Information: www.yankeehomecoming.com

Brockton Fair
Belmont Street (Route 123 East)
Brockton, MA
Phone: 508-586-8000

July 1-12, 2009

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In addition to a midway full of rides, other featured entertainment includes live music, a surprise-filled magic show, exciting demolition derby, professional wrestling, mud bogging, livestock display, truck pull, and our always spectacular fireworks displays. Admission: Pack ‘em in and save admission includes parking and admission for everyone in the vehicle, $15; Adults, $5; children age 12 and younger, $1. Information: www.brocktonfair.com

Hull Lifesaving Museum Maritime Festival
Hull Lifesaving Museum on Nantasket Ave
Hull, MA
Phone: 781-925-5433

July 8-12, 2009

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Highlights include a Jolly Rogues concert (sea chanteys & Celtic), concert and clambake with Noddaclu (a reggae band) at Fort Revere, outdoor movie night, Newfoundland Dog Water Rescue Demonstration, Tall ship viewing opportunities, traditional boat gatherings, and the revival of an old tradition, the illumination of the Hull coastline. For more information, visit www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org.

King Richard's Faire
235 Main Street
Carver, MA
Phone: 952-238-9915

September 5-October 25, 2009

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At King Richard's Faire, the New England Renaissance Festival, enjoy musicians, jugglers, and acrobats, contests and games for all ages, knights on horseback. Enjoy turkey legs, ears of corn,fresh baked cookies, chocolate, wine and beer and a 16th-century marketplace filled with handmade clothing, costumes, pottery, jewelry, toys, leather goods, face painting and more. Dates: Open weekends from September 5 through October 25 and Labor Day and Columbus Day Mondays. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: Adult $26; child age 5-11, $15; seniors age 65 or older, $24; Information: www.kingrichardsfaire.net

New Bedford Summerfest
New Bedford, MA
Phone: 508-979-1745

July 3-5, 2009

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The New Bedford Summerfest is three days of folk music, original crafts, and local food. The kick-off concert on July 3 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. will singer Maria Muldaur and the Red Hot Bluesania Band with singers Ellis Paul and Peter Mulvey. The festival continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day with well-known national and international artists, including the Jonathan Edwards Trio, Richard Shindell, John Gorka, the Lovell Sisters, Red Molly, Harry Manx and Tom Erickson. Summerfest also offers an artisan’s marketplace, juried crafts, international bazaar showcasing a diverse selection of imported goods, variety of delectable food vendors, whale boat races and harbor tours. Location : Custom House Square. Information: www.newbedfordsummerfest.com

Plymouth Harbor Folk Festival
Pilgrim Memorial Park, Water Street
Plymouth, MA
Phone: 508-747-7727

July 11-12, 2009

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Folk music, crafts, food and a farmers market a just a few of the attractions. Time: Noon to 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.www.project-arts.com

Whaling City Festival
Veterans' Memorial Buttonwood Park, Route 6
New Bedford, MA
Phone: 508-996-3348

July 10-12, 2009

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This year’s festivities in the historic former whaling town of New Bedford mark the 40th anniversary of this celebration. The festival will feature dozens of international food vendors, more than 200 craft and flea market dealers, six staging areas of entertainment, and so much more. Time: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.whalingcityfestival.com