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Fan and follow us!
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Header Photos
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C lockwise from top left: Boston Bluegrass annual Joe Val Festival;
North Adams Fall Foliage Parade; Pilgrim girl at Plimoth Plantation, credit Don Teague; Central Massachusetts; American Textile History Museum in Lowell
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Massachusetts is rich in arts & culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 16 regions all year long. Find out more!
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Students as Tourists
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September in Massachusetts has a distinctly collegiate feel to it as 400,000+ college students return to campuses across the state. They are part of our prized education industry, but we also think of them as tourists. They represent all 50 states, and indeed, dozens of counties around the world. Their families stay at hotels and eat in restaurants. They visit our historical and cultural sites, spend money and have fun. They bring youthful energy and economic vitality to cities and towns across Massachusetts, and we are happy to welcome them back! Visit massvacation.com/explore/colleges/.
Plan your next getaway to Massachusetts!
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Featured Region: North of Boston
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River Ruckus. Photo İTeamHaverhill
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Summer may be ending, but the fun is just beginning this September in the North of Boston region! Step back into the past at the Bread and Roses Heritage Festival (September 7). The biggest Labor Day celebration in the region, the Festival celebrates the cultural diversity and labor history of Lawrence, MA. Then, unleash your spicy side at the Salem Spice Festival (September 12-13) as you celebrate the city's tasty history and learn how exotic spices were coveted and used. Indulge your taste buds again with Savor Newburyport (September 17-26), a 10-day celebration dedicated to the food, culture, and shopping of the charming seaside city. Finally, work off those culinary treats with a day of family fun at Team Haverhill's River Ruckus (September 26). Enjoy the Classic Car Show, boat rides, Rubber Duck Regatta, fireworks display and more! Find more information on North of Boston.
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Plymouth County
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 Minstrels, handsome knights, fire-eating entertainers, wacky wenches, frolicking faeries, talented dancers and artisans, and exotic tigers. This is just a sampling of what you will experience at King Richard's Faire in Carver, a place where visitors can travel back in time and escape reality on more than eighty acres of enchanted woods! Artisans from around the globe will be there to share beautiful handspun pottery, jewelry, clothing, leather, scented oils perfumes, armor, and moccasins Learn more by visiting seeplymouth.com/events/king-richards-faire. Find more information on Plymouth County.
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Southeastern Massachusetts
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 The Working Waterfront Festival takes place on September 26-27 in New Bedford! Experience the workings of the industry which brings seafood from the ocean to your plate. Walk the decks of a scalloper, dine on fresh seafood, see fishermen's contests, and watch cooking demonstrations. Also enjoy music, dance, tours of workboats, documentary films, children's activities, U.S. Coast Guard demos, whaleboat races and more. Admission is free! Find more information on Southeastern Massachusetts.
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The Berkshires
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FreshGrass Festival returns to MASS MoCA on September 18-20 for three days of bluegrass and roots music on four stages! FreshGrass showcases some of the hottest acts in bluegrass today, including Dwight Yoakam, Punch Brothers, Leftover Salmon, GreenskyBluegrass, and more. Join us for outdoor concerts, salutes to emerging talent, late-night parties, urban camping, workshops, jam sessions, instrument demos, free admission to MASS MoCA's galleries, local Berkshire food, and some serious fun. Find more information on The Berkshires.
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Greater Merrimack Valley
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The Arts League of Lowell presents its Fall Members' Show. This eclectic array of recent work by ALL's talented painters, craftsmen, sculptors, and photographers runs through October 4th, 2015. A BBQ reception will be held September 19th from 4 to 6 p.m. In addition to ongoing exhibitions, ALL offers numerous classes throughout the year, including painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, photography, creative writing and more. Find more information on Greater Merrimack Valley. |
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Central Massachusetts
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|  Come by Harding Street in Worcester's Canal District on Saturday, September 12th to experience the Blackstone Canal Fest, a classic street festival complete with music, entertainment, vendors, food, kids' activities, horse-and-wagon rides, kayak rides, and more! At the center of the festival will be an actual, re-created segment of the canal, 75 feet long filled with over 4,500 gallons of water. The Worcester Pride Parade takes place on the same day and will be on Water Street. Find more information on Central Massachusetts. |
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Franklin County
| |  The 2nd Great River Challenge Off-Road Triathlon will be held Sunday, October 4th from the Northfield Mountain Recreation Center, Route 63 in Northfield. The Triathlon consists of a 4-mile Trail Run, a 5-mile Kayak, Canoe or SUP, and a 7-mile Mountain Bike. Challenge yourself as a solo competitor or as a 2, 3, or 4 person relay team! Takes place on the beautiful Connecticut River and nearby hills. Registration on Saturday 3-5 p.m., Sunday 7-9 a.m. Race start at 9:30 a.m. Register at greatriverchallenge.com! Find more information on Franklin County. |
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Greater Boston
| |  Theatre marquees light up in September for The Book of Mormon, A Little Night Music, Broadway-bound Waitress, My Fair Lady and Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Festivals include Cambridge Carnival, Local Food, the return of Boston Calling and the BeanTown Jazz Fest. ArtWeek promises 10 days of fun creative experiences for all ages. Diana Ross and Josh Groban perform at the Wang and Let's Dance Boston debuts on the Greenway for 5 consecutive nights of free outdoor dance and music parties- including lessons. In between dances, catch a last look at As If It Were Already Here floating above the park. Find more information on Greater Boston. |
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Cape Cod
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The Truro Agricultural Fair on September 6th celebrates agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and farming! Offering a delicious variety of locally harvested foods from land and sea, the fair also includes live music, pony rides, craft tables, a bake sale, fun contests and more. Eastham Windmill Weekend is set for September 11-13, followed by the annual Scallop Fest at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth September 18-20. And mark your calendar for the annual Fall for the Arts Festival, happening October 2-November 1 across the Cape and Islands! Find more information on Cape Cod.
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Greater Springfield
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They are back! The Big E kicks off September 18th and is fun for the entire family. You can see a circus, a Mardi Gras Parade, the Avenue of the States, animals, crafts, food and more at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield until October 4th. Another favorite, the 43rd Annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival, September 12-13 on Mattoon St. in downtown Springfield. For more information on these events and more visit valleyvisitor.com. Find more information on Greater Springfield.
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Hampshire County
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Northampton Jazz Fest,
by Robert E. Davis,
New Dawn Photos
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If you find yourself in western Massachusetts in early September, you might find that it's still pretty hot - jazz hot, that is! The Northampton Jazz Festival begins Tuesday, September 8th with daily events leading up to the main event Saturday, September 12th. These events include downtown "jazz struts" in Amherst, Easthampton & Northampton, and a special artist at the weekly Northampton Jazz Workshop. The much anticipated Northampton Restaurant Week runs the following week September 14-20. Find more information on Hampshire County.
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Johnny Appleseed Country
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Do tunes played on a fiddle get your toes tapping? Or would you rather listen to classical music played on a piano built during the composer's lifetime? All this - and more - is on tap in Johnny Appleseed Country this month. Hear fiddlers compete at the Appleseed Country Fair on Labor Day weekend. Enjoy the sounds of Reggae Day at Wachusett Mountain's MusicFest. Or head to Ashburnham for the fall season of Historical Piano Concerts. There's music to soothe every soul in Johnny Appleseed Country! Find more information on Johnny Appleseed Country.
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Martha's Vineyard
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The Martha's Vineyard Ukulele Festival will be held Saturday, September 19th at Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs! Catch featured artists Faith Ako, Jim & Liz Beloff, Ken Middleton and Steve McNie and local leaders Andy Herr, Ilka List and Jonah Maidoff. Other highlights include workshops, a vendor area, a Uke Jam, Luau Dinner (East Coast style) and a concert. Check out the workshops and register early at mvukefest.com! Find more information on Martha's Vineyard.
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Mohawk Trail Region
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Celebrate the 17th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival September 26-28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Forster's Farm in Orange! Support the bounty of over 100 booths featuring regional artists, farmers, and community organizations. Also enjoy live music, dancing, exhibitor demos, kids' activities, the famous raw garlic-eating contest and celebrated chef demos. Fill your belly with glorious, farm fresh and savory cuisine as you relax in the food courts overlooking the festivities! Find more information on the Mohawk Trail Region. |
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MetroWest
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MetroFest 2015, the region's arts, music, and food truck festival, returns to Bowditch Field in Framingham on September 26th with two dozen food trucks; beer-and wine-tasting; 100 crafters, cultural & community groups and other exhibitors; Main Stage performers; a crowd-creation mural-painting project; and free kids activities, including gaming for tweens and teens and the American Girl Red Carpet. Free parking and shuttles at this family-friendly, affordable annual festival! Find more information on MetroWest.
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Nantucket Island
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 Labor Day marks the beginning of the "shoulder season" for this beautiful island 26 miles out to sea. September on Nantucket is ideal, the crowds have dwindled, the weather is sublime and there is ample space to spread out on the beach after enjoying nearly perfect water temperatures. Take in a nature walk or whale watching cruise by day and enjoy all of our local evening offerings. Celebrate the Artists Association's 70th Anniversary September 4-7! Find more information on Nantucket Island. |
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