Fall in Franklin County & Western Massachusetts 🍂
Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Western Massachusetts. The leaves are changing, the back roads are beautiful, and there is so much happening throughout Franklin County and the surrounding area.
Whether you've lived here your whole life, recently moved to the area, or you're just looking for something fun to do this fall, here are some local events worth adding to your calendar!
🎡 The Big E | September 18 – October 4
You know fall is here when The Big E comes to West Springfield!
Running September 18 through October 4, The Big E brings all six New England states together for 17 days of food, rides, shopping, agriculture, animals, entertainment, concerts, and more.
Of course, you can't go without walking the Avenue of States and finding at least one ridiculously delicious thing to eat!
🧄 North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival | September 26 & 27
Head over to Orange for the annual North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival.
This unique local festival combines local artists, agriculture, food, live entertainment and, of course, plenty of garlic!
It's one of those events that really captures what makes our area special: local farms, small businesses, artists, and a strong sense of community.
🍂 Conway Festival of the Hills | October 4
The Conway Festival of the Hills returns Sunday, October 4.
This longtime Conway tradition includes a road race, parade, live music, local food, arts and crafts, children's activities, and some classic Western Mass competitions, including log splitting and the famous skillet toss.
It's a great way to spend a fall day right here in Franklin County.
🍁 Ashfield Fall Festival | October 10 & 11
If you're looking for the definition of a small-town New England fall weekend, the Ashfield Fall Festival is pretty close!
Downtown Ashfield comes alive with handmade crafts, local food, live music and dance, children's activities, and plenty of beautiful fall scenery.
It's always a fun weekend to explore one of Franklin County's quintessential small towns.
🎀🐴 Mount Holyoke Breast Cancer Awareness Horse Show | October 11
Horse families will want to add this one to the calendar!
On October 11, head to Mount Holyoke in South Hadley for a Breast Cancer Awareness Horse Show.
It's a chance to enjoy a day of horses and competition while bringing the equestrian community together in support of breast cancer awareness.
My daughter will be there showing her horse, Tito! This will be their very first time showing together. Wear some pink, come say hello, and support the riders! 🎀🐴
🚗 Franklin County Fall Festival & Round House Rally | October 17
Head to the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield on October 17 for the Franklin County Fall Festival and Round House Rally.
Expect classic cars, food, local vendors, crafts, family activities, and plenty of reasons to spend another fall day outside.
🍎 Franklin County CiderDays | November 6–8
This one is about as Franklin County as it gets!
Franklin County CiderDays celebrates everything apple, with events happening at orchards, cideries, and other locations throughout the county.
You'll find tastings, demonstrations, workshops, educational events, local food, and plenty of opportunities to visit our area's farms and businesses.
It's also a great excuse to take a drive through towns like Shelburne, Buckland, Colrain, Heath, Deerfield, and Greenfield during one of the prettiest times of year.
🐴 Equine Affaire | November 12–15
And we're ending the list with another big one for the horse people!
Equine Affaire returns to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield November 12–15.
It's four full days of all things horses, including clinics, demonstrations, competitions, breed exhibits, shopping, educational opportunities, and a massive equestrian trade show.
And don't forget Fantasia, the evening equestrian performance that combines horses, music, and some seriously impressive riding.
If you're a horse person, you already know this is basically a horse person's version of Christmas. 🐴😂
🍁 Why We Love Fall in Western Mass
The big events are fun, but some of the best parts of fall here are the simple things: stopping at a roadside farm stand, visiting an apple orchard, driving through the hilltowns when the foliage is at its peak, checking out a local farmers market, or spending a Saturday at a small-town festival and running into half the people you know.
It's part of what makes Franklin County and Western Massachusetts such a special place to call home.
As someone who grew up here and now gets to help people buy and sell homes here, I love sharing more than just real estate. I want this site to be a place to discover the communities, events, and little things that make our corner of Massachusetts feel like home.
Thinking about buying or selling in Franklin County or the surrounding Western Massachusetts area? I'd love to help.
Amanda Rivera, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Community REALTORS®
📞 413-824-2622
Local Roots. Brighter Tomorrows.