Celebrate in Massachusetts: Festivals and Events to Attend (2024)

Massachusetts, with Boston as its state capital, is the most populated state in New England. No wonder the city boasts of its culture and people. From hosting festivals and events to showcasing the glamorous glory from the past to the present, Massachusetts is anything but boring. Most of Massachusetts’ festivals are dedicated to colonial traditions of Boston, Plymouth, and Topsfield. The local people are fond of art, music, and parties. This is why festivals in Massachusetts focus on promoting local music and art. No matter the season here, you will never run out of options for festivals and events in the city. Music, art, culture, ethnic vibes, carnivals – you will have a fun time in Massachusetts!

Notable Events in Massachusetts

Make your next trip to Massachusetts and revel in all the festivities there. Here are the most sought-after festivals and events in Massachusetts, USA.

1. The Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon globally. The Boston Athletic Association is responsible for managing and organizing the marathon. The marathon is also rated as one of the most prestigious races worldwide, requiring a performance time to qualify.

The marathon is scheduled annually on St. Patrick’s Day. The event is evidence of the rich history and tradition of the city. The course of marathon starts in rural Hopkinton. Next, the marathon passes through several New England towns and finishes in Boston. Each runner participating in the marathon must secure an entry permit with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).

Website: https://www.baa.org/

Month: April

2. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial Lantern Tour

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial Lantern Tour is held in the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts. If you are interested in experiencing some of America’s scariest and spooky areas on a walk, this lantern tour is just for you! Go for an adventurous tour under lamp-lit streets in the museum to catch a sight of the city’s haunting history. Keep an eye out while you are on this guided tour.

Address: 24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

Website: Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Month: Not Available

3. The Big E

The Big E, true to its agricultural vibes, is among the top-rated annual events in Massachusetts. Every year more than 7,100 4-H and FFA participants, and 1,100 open-show exhibitors, participate in the event. The educational displays and other attractions make the event more lively and engaging.

You will also find livestock displays at The Big E. In the fair complex, the Big E Coliseum and the Mallary Complex feature daily horse shows, livestock (goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep), etc.

Address: 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089, United States

Website: https://www.thebige.com/

Month: Second Friday after Labor Day (for up to 17 days)

4. Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair, the oldest American agricultural fair, was started in 1818. Originally it was a one-day cattle show started by the Essex County Agricultural Society. The fair lasts ten days and receives approximately 450,000 and 500,000 people. Some of the notable exhibitions at the fair include:

• Cattle barn
• Beekeeping and honey
• Flower barn
• Goat and sheep barn
• Rabbits and cavies barn
• Fruit barn
• Poultry barn
• Coolidge Hall (arts and crafts exhibition)

Like the famous exhibitions, major cultural events occur in the fair’s central arena throughout the week. Other notable events and exhibitions include concerts by national and local artists, horse shows, the great pumpkin weigh-off, and demolition derbies. Still, the fair is going strong with its lively activities and, of course, the New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off!

Address: 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA 01983, United States

Website: https://www.topsfieldfair.org/

Month: September

5. Country Roads Christmas

If you are ready to experience the beautiful backroads of Central Massachusetts while cruising, it is among the most loved Massachusetts events that are just for you. During this holiday season, explore the breathtaking shops while you are on the Country Roads Christmas tour. On your tour, go shopping from the local country shops to buy lip-smacking cheese, locally grown food items, natural body products, home decor items, candles, and more.

Website: https://www.countryroadschristmas.com/#home-section-3

Month: Not available

Notable Festivals in Massachusetts

1. Castleberry Fair Arts & Crafts Festival

If you are eager for a quirky experience, then you must not afford to miss the Castleberry Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival. The festival is among the most notable ones that never run out of unique stuff. You can shop for wooden puzzles, jewelry, folk art, Victorian wreaths, pet gifts, and more!

The fair is held annually to promote the creativity and sustainability of the local artisans. Apart from local art and crafts, the fair is a perfect festival for live music, jazz from reputed singers, and a cuisine extravaganza.

Address: Shriners Auditorium, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA

Website: https://castleberryfairs.com/castleberry-spring-craft-festival-2023/

Month: November

2. Lowell Folk Festival

The Lowell Folk Festival, one of the biggest folk festivals in the United States, has everything to make you rejoice. From ethnic food, traditional music, art and craft, and more: everything about this folk festival draws you.

Want to know what is more amazing? The event is free for all! It means there is no need to pay any entry fee or extra charges to enjoy the entertainment. If you are looking for a great opportunity to indulge in the city’s culture, visiting the festival is a great opportunity.

Address: Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, USA

Website: https://lowellfolkfestival.org/

Month: July

3. Bread and Roses Heritage Festival

The Bread and Roses Heritage Festival marks the celebration of the ethnic diversity of the region. It is a multicolor festival filled with positive vibes. The annual festival honors the social justice legacy and local history.

In 1912, Lawrence textile’s immigrant workers held a strike. The strike was held under the leadership of the Industrial Workers of the World and became famous as the Bread and Roses strike. The purpose of the festival is to honor the laborers who fought for their justice. The notable attractions of the festival include several events and exhibitions.

Address: 200 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, USA

Website: https://www.breadandrosesheritage.org/

Month: September

4. Boston Book Festival

Are you a book lover? Whether you are a book hoarder, reader, or both, the Boston Book Festival is a real treat! The book festival in Massachusetts is held annually to encourage the enthusiasm and effectiveness of reading.

Various renowned public speakers, authors, and lecturers attend and represent the book fair. Every year more than 30,000 bibliophiles visit this fair. And what is more intriguing? You can easily visit the book fair without any entry fee.

Address: 32R Essex St. Suite 5, Cambridge, MA 02139

Website: https://bostonbookfest.org/

Month: October

5. Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival

Feel like grooving to classic beats? Visit the Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival and explore the different genres of music. Locals and tourists love the annual event for its best-in-class live music and performances. Enjoy the line of musical performances while enjoying the vista of the waterfront – all these without any cost! Entry to the music festival is entirely free for all.

Address: Newburyport and Waterfront Park, Massachusetts, USA

Website: https://theriverboston.com/attend/riverfest/

Month: August

6. Boston Harborfest

Are you planning to celebrate the Independence day weekend? If yes, Boston Harborfest is the celebration to be a part of. The festival is the latest Fourth of July celebration in the United States. By celebrating the history of revolution and maritime, the festival is dedicated to the region’s age-old tradition.

Whether exploring the Freedom Trail or engaging yourself in the historic enactments, the festival is the right choice to enjoy your day. Entertainment, boat tours, food challenges, and more interactive events add to its remarkable attractions.

Address: c/o Conventures, Inc. 88 Black Falcon Avenue, Suite 202, Boston, MA 02210

Website: https://www.bostonharborfest.com/

Month: July

Summing up

Thanks to the festivals and remarkable events that are held annually, Massachusetts could never disappoint! The Massachusetts festivals and events are perfect for discovering culinary delights, cultural richness, and grand local traditions. Come and be a part of the events and festivals in Massachusetts and immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and heritage.