Fall Festivals & Halloween Happenings with a Wild Twist

From moonlit walks with costumed characters to hayrides, pumpkin carving, and live music, fall and Halloween events for all ages are right around the corner. 

Explore these special events, nature programs, and at-home activities to inspire your celebrations.

Hitch a Hayride at the Hey Day Festival at Wachusett Meadow, Princeton

Saturday, October 3

This favorite fall tradition invites you to celebrate Wachusett Meadow’s agricultural roots with live music, local vendors, delicious treats, and hayrides through the sanctuary. Take the scenic route through fall foliage with us this season!

Save Your Spot

Sing Along to Tunes & Tales on the Trails at Wellfleet Bay, South Wellfleet

Saturday, October 3

Embrace the magic of fall with music, storytelling, and nature. As you wander Wellfleet Bay, discover live trailside performances by beloved local musicians, poets, and storytellers. At each stop, soulful melodies, captivating tales, and powerful poetry deepen your connection to the season and the landscape. 

Sign Up

Get Pumped for Pumpkin Fest at the Boston Nature Center, Mattapan

Saturday, October 17

Celebrate all things orange, round, and gourd-eous at BNC's Pumpkin Fest. Carve your own pumpkin to take home and explore the history of this iconic harvest symbol—from its agricultural origins to the jack-o'-lantern tradition we know today.

Carve Pumpkins

Make Some Noise: Halloween Hoot & Howl at Ipswich River, Topsfield

Saturday, October 17

Take a woodland walk to meet nocturnal animal characters in fun costumes, say hello to live owls, visit our jack-o’-lantern display, and browse the “Closet of Curiosities” featuring natural history pieces.

Looking for something for something a little more lively? Carve and create the pumpkins that will be on display at the Hoot & Howl while playing nature trivia and sipping local brewery beers at the Trick or Trivia adults-only night on Thursday, October 15.

Have a Hoot & Howl

Combine the Best of Fall and Halloween at Fall-o’ween at Drumlin Farm, Lincoln

Saturday, October 24

Dress in your best costume and explore the farm in fall with your friends and family! Meet the Drumlin Witch, take a hayride around the sanctuary, get up close with wildlife and farmyard friends, listen to music from the Harmony Highway Band, enjoy delicious treats, and more.

Get Tickets

Explore the Night at the Halloween Prowl at Moose Hill, Sharon

Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24

Discover the history of Halloween in New England before setting off on a guided forest walk. Along the way, you'll meet costumed characters with their own spooky stories to tell. Return to the Nature Center for up-close owl encounters, seasonal crafts, live music, and light refreshments.

Join the Prowl

Craft Creepy Crawly Creations at Magazine Beach, Cambridge

Saturday, October 31

Visit the Nature Center-turned-haunted-house to learn from the creepy crawly animals who do Halloween best at this free mini festival. Meet some of our live ambassador animals and find out how they got their spooky reputations. Visit craft stations to make your very own masterpieces and join in as we build a bat-inspired community art display. Show us your best spooky grackle cackle in your Halloween costume while enjoying snacks and cider.

Craft Your Creations