Leaves, Laughs & Haunted Paths

The Haunted Barn at Goodnow Farms. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

As the air turns crisp and leaves crunch underfoot, it’s time to embrace the beauty—and mystery—of fall in MetroWest Massachusetts. Just a short ride from Providence, this region shines in October, offering colorful adventures, festive flavors, and just the right dose of fright. Here are two themed paths to spark your seasonal spirit.

🍁 Fests, Feasts & Fireside Fun

Start in Framingham, where Jack’s Abby Oktoberfest brings Bavarian flair with a week-long celebration (Sept 27–Oct 5), packed with German-style beer, brats, and the MA Steinholding State Championship.

Next up, Framingham Fest lights up the Centre Common on Oct 4 with community vibes, local vendors, and a seasonal buzz.

For fans of the sweet and tart, historic Daniels Farmstead’s Cider Fest (Oct 5) in Blackstone offers live entertainment and plenty of local flavor to celebrate New England’s favorite fall beverage.

Phantoms by Firelight. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Further west in Sturbridge, Phantoms by Firelight haunts Old Sturbridge Village for the last time, Fridays to Sundays, Oct 10–26. Step into the shadows of flickering lanterns and explore historic buildings haunted by whispered secrets. Fire dancers light up the night, acrobats soar through the dark, and ghostly melodies echo across the fields. Gather around a roaring bonfire for eerie tales, and revel in the magic that’s earned this event the title of New England’s Best Halloween Attraction (Providence Journal). Thrills, chills, and delights await visitors of all ages—but this is your last chance to see the show that will haunt your memories long after the final ember fades.

On Oct 17, the Holliston Historical Society is serving up an Oktoberfest of their own—with authentic German food, drinks, polka dancing, and plenty of laughter. Prost!

Then it’s Ashland’s Fall Fest on Oct 18 at The Corner Spot. Expect live music, food trucks, face painting for the kids, and beer and wine to toast the season.

Wrap up your fall feasting on Oct 25 at Medway Community Farm’s Autumn Night Out, a cozy farm-to-fork evening with locally sourced appetizers from beloved caterers, Aliquot’s. This charming event under the stars is one of the area’s hidden gems.

🎃 Ghosts, Ghouls & Glowing Lanterns

The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey at Mendon’s Southwick’s Zoo. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Kick off the spooky season with The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey at Mendon’s Southwick’s Zoo, running Sept 26 – Oct 31. When night falls, explore this popular Halloween event, from live musical entertainment to acrobats and juggling to intricate carved pumpkin displays that bring to life your favorite animals and beloved storybook characters. Step inside the Haunted Outpost…if you dare. Navigate through the smoke and sounds but watch out for the ghouls! Enjoy cider donuts and other seasonal treats plus hand-crafted adult beverages at Boos & Brews.

On Oct 17, head to Natick’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary for All About Bats, a family-friendly nighttime hike that uses high-tech echolocation tools to track and learn about these misunderstood creatures.

Carnival at Deadwoodville. Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau

Carnival at Deadwoodville, hosted by Hopkinton Center for the Arts, isn’t your average haunted house—it’s a full-on descent into a twisted, otherworldly circus. For two uncanny weekends (Oct 17–18 & Oct 24–25), Deadwoodville comes alive with the sights, sounds, and spirits of a dark carnival like no other.  Imagine strolling beneath tattered big-top tents, where ghostly jugglers toss flaming skulls and skeletal acrobats soar through the fog. The air is thick with the scent of sour candied apples… and something far more mysterious. Every booth, game, and shadowed corner hum with anticipation as the living and the departed prepare for a union that defies the grave. Kid-friendly nights (Oct 20 & 27) dial down the fright but keep the magic alive for little thrill-seekers.

Things get even spookier in Sudbury on Oct 24 at Jerusha’s Halloween Ball at the Wayside Inn (21+ only), featuring tarot readings, a costume contest, dancing, and a whiskey & wine pull for the brave and bold. Meanwhile, at Goodnow Farms’ Halloween Barn Party on Oct 24–25, century-old rafters creak and mischief-making spirits come out to play during a delightfully creepy night of fun.

🍂 Ready to Road Trip?

From sipping cider to dancing with ghosts, MetroWest Boston brings fall to life like nowhere else. Download the free MetroWest visitors guide and come see what’s hiding just beyond the leaves…