Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall in New England-Columbus Day Weekend Fun

Every Season has events that ring in a new Season and with summer passing on September 22nd one must start thinking about fall if you haven’t started thinking about fall when Labor Day Weekend hits. When we think of fall we think of the leaves changing colors, apple picking, wine tasting along with beer festivals. Here is a rundown of events going on Columbus Day Weekend throughout New England.

 

Maine

Sugarloaf is located in Carrabassett Valley, ME and during winter season you can find some great skiing, but it’s also a great place to visit before you have to break out those skis. It’s a great weekend to hike, Mountain Bike, check out the foliage and if you’re looking for a deal on ski passes or even a ski rental it’s a great time to come up. There is something for just about everyone. It’s a very family-friendly event, and if you don’t have a family and looking for something fun you won’t be left out. If you’re looking for a place to stay there are plenty of hotels and Inn, but if you’re lucky you can find a rental through a private owner. Sugarloaf Festival goes on Columbus Day weekend Oct 7th-Oct 10th.

Sunday River is located in Newry, ME and is close to Bethel Maine. Most events during Sunday River Fall Festival happen on Saturday and Sunday, but if you decide to come up Friday night there are plenty of things to enjoy. Some of the best Hiking, Bike Trails are in Newry Maine. Fall Foliage typically is starting to turn. They offer something for just about everyone from wife carrying competition,

 

wine tasting, Blue Mountains Arts Festival. There are plenty of activities for the little ones from Pumpkin eating contest, obstacle course, bungee cord ride and if you want to take a Gondola ride up the mountain you can. Events go on all weekend and there really is something for everyone. It’s a great time to also secure a deal on ski’s snowboards and ski season passes. Many people who come up this is the first chance they secure what they will do during the winter months.

Vermont

Killington is located in Killington Vermont. Killington has events going on every single weekend but a big weekend also on Columbus Day Weekend is Witchfest, which is an early celebration of Halloween. It is a very kid friendly weekend. Hayrides, Haunted houses, craft beer, and pumpkin painting, The Same weekend you can get a great deal on Ski and Bike’s alone with Ski and Snowboarding passes. There are plenty of places to stay both on the mountain and around the area, but book a place early for Witchfest and if you’re hoping to secure a ski rental for ski season do it early since again this is a big weekend for ski kickoff to the 2016-2017 season.

Stratton is located in Stratton Vermont and during Columbus day weekend you should take a moment and take in the scenic views while you enjoy Brewfest where you can enjoy craft beer and enjoy watching the chili cook-off competition and once you have fueled up with chili and craft beer you might want to work on it by doing the heels to paws 5K or the north face race to the summit. Many you’re not feeling a workout and instead want to enjoy some great live music. You can also take a gondola ride and just take in all that Vermont offers your eyes and like all these other places its a great time for deals for the winter season

Okemo is located in Ludlow VT and Columbus Day Weekend they have fallen into fall festival. During the Fall into Fall Festival, you can enjoy all the elements of all from live music, free hayrides, face painting, pumpkin painting, a kid’s pie-eating contest, local craft vendors, scenic train rides from Chester, apple cider and hot chocolate. Okemo adventure zone is a place for the whole family. While at Fall into Fall you can dip your toe into winter by checking out the season deals on ski passes and equipment.

New Hampshire

Loon Mountain is located in Lincoln New Hampshire and during Columbus Day Weekend they hold their Annual White Mountain Oktober Festival where you can enjoy the scenery of fall while enjoying great German food and of course beer. They have events for all ages even if someone isn’t of legal drinking age. The Kids can enjoy tossing the root beer keg and pumpkin painting and water balloon launching contest along with Relay Races. Besides the events, you can also check out the ski tent to see what deals are being offered for ski passes, equipment, and lodging during the ski season all while hearing great music in the background.

Mount Sunapee is located in Newbury NH and like many other ski mountains, they offer a fall festival that happens Columbus Day weekend. Their festival is called Fall Festival and pig roast. It is fun for all ages from water balloon toss, a zip-line course, hiking and hay rides. Mount Sunapee festival has music, food and again a great time to prepare for ski and snowboarding season.

 

Waterville Valley is located in the town of Waterville. They host a Fall Festival Columbus Day Weekend and like all these other festivals they offer something for everyone from music and food to games that all ages can enjoy. If you don’t own a home up there book early for the weekend or for the ski season. Some of the events you can take in and meet and greet the snow dogs, Boat rentals and live music, food and much more.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you won’t find ski mountain festivals but there is no shortage of things to do. Columbus Day Weekend you can take in the Cranberry Festival that goes on. The Harvest Celebration takes place in Wareham MA. Visitors are treated to demonstrations of the wet cranberry harvest, cooking demonstrations, an enormous tent full has juried crafters, and paddleboat rides on scenic Tihonet Pond, food vendors, music, and more. Admission is $10, $5 for seniors and military, and children under 7 are admitted free. Admission includes the continuous viewing of our wet harvest operations, animal demonstrations, live music, cooking demonstrations, and many children’s activities. Some activities have fees and others are available by donation to the non-profit organizations that offer them. A portion of the admission fees goes to local nonprofit organizations that help staff the event and to local food pantries. Parking and shuttle transportation are free. With the exception of service animals, pets, and other animals are not allowed.

For more information, visit the Cranberry Harvest website.

If you live in Boston or surrounding areas and looking to go to something closer to home then you can check out Harvard Square OKTOBERFEST. While attending Oktoberfest you can enjoy live music features food from all over the world, arts, crafts, vintage goods, sidewalk sales and one-of-a-kind gifts during the Columbus Day weekend.

If you’re wondering what to do I hope this gives you some ideas. Whatever you do have fun and stay safe.