Looking for fall events in Boston and nearby suburbs? October brings food festivals, street music, family fairs, and Halloween fun. Here are 11 ways to enjoy the season across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Revere, Newton, and Wellesley in 2026.
2026 Fall Events in Boston and Nearby Suburbs
Harpoon Octoberfest in Boston’s Seaport
Raise a stein at Harpoon Brewery’s Octoberfest. Friday’s Octoberfest After Dark brings DJs and dancing; Saturday follows with oompah music, stein hoisting, games, and plenty of pretzels. This event is for ages 21 and older.
October 2, 2026: 6–11 p.m.
October 3, 2026: Noon–7 p.m.
SpicetoberFest in Downtown Boston
Turn up the heat at SpicetoberFest, a spicy harvest festival at City Hall Plaza. Sample food from local vendors, browse hot sauce makers and artisans, and enjoy live entertainment. Admission to the main festival is free; the Taste of the Harvest bar lounge is a separate 21+ experience.
October 3, 2026: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Bates School Pumpkin Fair in Wellesley
Bring the family to the Bates School Pumpkin Fair for games, rides, treats, and plenty of fall fun. This longtime school tradition also supports the Bates PTO.
October 3, 2026: Noon–4 p.m.
Revere Fall Festival at Beachmont Square
Celebrate the season at Revere’s annual Fall Festival. This city-hosted gathering brings live music, food trucks, a farmers market, local artisans, and activities for all ages to Beachmont Square. There’s also a pumpkin patch while supplies last. The festival is steps from the Beachmont Blue Line station.
October 3, 2026: 1–6 p.m. Rain date: October 4.
HONK! Festival in Somerville and Harvard Square
Follow the sound of brass bands through Somerville during the three-day HONK! Festival. Street performances and dancing fill Davis Square and nearby neighborhoods. On Sunday, the bands parade to Harvard Square, where Oktoberfest brings more music, food, and festivities.
October 9–11, 2026. Harvard Square Oktoberfest begins at noon on October 11. Check the festival website for performance and parade times.
Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival at Boston Common
Boston Common gets a Halloween makeover for the Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival. Come in costume for music, crafts, treats, rides, and field games at the Frog Pond. Young visitors can also try the Monster Dash Obstacle Course, Alpine Slide, Jumpin’ Pumpkin, and Scarecrow Slide. Admission is free.
October 16, 2026: 4–8 p.m.
Newton Harvest Fair
Spend a fall weekend at the Newton Harvest Fair. Saturday features carnival rides and food, while Sunday adds live music, local vendors, and family activities in Newton Centre.
October 17, 2026: Carnival, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
October 18, 2026: Fair and carnival, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Harvest Party at Boston Public Market
Love fall flavors? Boston Public Market’s Harvest Party brings together tastings from Market vendors, local drinks, live entertainment, and a silent auction. This ticketed evening supports the Market’s nonprofit work with New England food producers.
October 22, 2026: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Doggone Halloween Pet Parade in Downtown Crossing
Costumed pups take center stage at the Doggone Halloween Pet Parade. Head to Downtown Crossing to watch the parade, enjoy family activities, and see which dogs earn prizes for their Halloween looks.
October 24, 2026: Noon–3 p.m.
Inmanween in Cambridge
Inman Square celebrates Halloween with Inmanween. Families can trick-or-treat at neighborhood businesses and enjoy crafts and games before the evening’s outdoor movies.
October 30, 2026: 4–6 p.m. for the neighborhood activities; check the event page for movie details.
Beacon Hill with a BOO! in Boston
Explore Beacon Hill’s darker stories with Boston By Foot, a local nonprofit devoted to the city’s history. Its Halloween walking tour has been a Boston tradition for more than 30 years. Guides lead visitors through the neighborhood’s decorated streets and share tales of mystery and murder from Boston’s past.
Halloween season: Check Boston By Foot’s website for 2026 tour dates and times.
Make the Most of Fall Around Boston
From city festivals to neighborhood traditions, fall offers plenty of reasons to explore Boston and its surrounding communities. For another autumn outing, try our Massachusetts pumpkin patch guide or apple picking guide.
If one of these communities feels like a place you’d like to call home, explore Boston-area homes with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties.
Explore more fall events: Cape Cod · South Coast
Event dates, times, locations, and activities may change. Please check each organizer’s website before making plans.