Colorful graphic with icons of birds and mammals, a bigger graphic of a wood thrush and words that say Let your adventures begin...Become a Mass Audubon member. Join today.
Colorful graphic with icons of birds and mammals, a bigger graphic of a wood thrush and words that say Let your adventures begin...Become a Mass Audubon member. Join today.
Wachusett Meadow sheep grazing
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary

Hey Day Festival at Wachusett Meadow

Special Event: Saturday, October 3, 2026

11:00 am-4:00 pm

Rain Date: Sunday, October 4

Celebrate Wachusett Meadow’s agricultural history at our annual Hey Day Festival, a tradition that reaches back to the 1960s!

Hay rides at Hay Day 2022
© J Jones

Highlights

  • Journey by hayride through the meadow
  • Canoe on Wildlife Pond
  • Children's activities including pumpkin painting, crafts, and games
  • Live music by local musicians
  • Shop local vendors for handmade items and crafts, including art by the Princeton Arts Society members
  • Purchase local cheese, cider, & refreshments
Painting pumpkins at Hey Day © Bruce Dean
© Bruce Dean

Admission

Hey Day is Wachusett Meadow's largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the festival help sustain nearly all aspects of sanctuary operations including land conservation, environmental education, and maintenance of our buildings and trails.

Your admission includes all activities including hayrides, canoeing, pumpkin painting, and more! No preregistration required; pay upon arrival. 

$10 per person or $30 per carload
Free for ages 2 and under

Family canoeing on the pond

Hey Day Sponsorship

This festival routinely attracts over 400 people of all ages.  Local businesses, organizations, and individuals can support this popular annual event by becoming a sponsor.

  • Moose ($2,500+) 
  • Bobcat ($1,000+) 
  • Otter ($500+) 
  • Kestrel ($250+)

All sponsorship packages include one free family pass for every $250 donated, recognition at the festival, a post on Wachusett Meadow’s Facebook page and inclusion on our website. 

Interested in being a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer? Contact Us