There's nothing quite like autumn in New England, and if you're planning a getaway around one of the region's best fall festivals in New England, you're in for a treat. From giant pumpkin weigh-offs to a month-long Halloween celebration in Salem, this part of the country turns harvest season into a full-blown event calendar. Here's a look at some of the top festivals happening across the region in 2026, and why Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres is the perfect home base for exploring them.

The Big E

Kicking off the season is The Big E, New England's largest fair, running September 18 through October 4 in West Springfield. Six state buildings, livestock shows, a towering Ferris wheel, and the famous cream puff make this an only-in-New-England experience that draws well over a million visitors every year. It's a bit of a drive from Carver, but for anyone building a longer trip around the region, it's worth the trek at least once.

Topsfield Fair

Closer to home, the Topsfield Fair has been running since 1818, making it America's oldest agricultural fair still held on its original site. From October 2 through 12, expect giant pumpkin weigh-offs, livestock competitions, carnival rides, and plenty of fried dough, making it a classic stop for anyone looking for genuine fall events in New England without straying too far from the coast.

King Richard's Faire

You won't even need to leave Carver for this one. King Richard's Faire, the region's largest Renaissance festival, sets up shop just down the road from the Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres and runs weekends from early September through October 25. Jousting matches, live music, and a sprawling marketplace make it an easy add-on to a stay at the park, and one of the most beloved fall traditions for families who love a little theater with their harvest season. Staying at Cranberry Acres makes the faire even easier to enjoy, since the campground sits just 5 minutes from the gates. From September 7 through October 31, 2026, guests can save 30% on stays, making it an excellent place to stay for those attending the King Richard's Fair, so it's worth booking early to take advantage of this deal!

Haunted Happenings in Salem

No list of fall events would be complete without a mention of Salem. Haunted Happenings takes over the entire city for the month of October, with the torch-lit Grand Parade kicking things off on October 1 and events running all the way through Halloween night. Between the Haunted Happenings Marketplace on Salem Common, the glowing Hollowed Harvest jack-o'-lantern display, and the historic ghost tours, it's an iconic stop on the New England Halloween calendar. Salem is about an hour and a half from our New England campground, making it a very doable day trip.

More Harvest Fun Around the Region

Beyond the headline fairs, the towns surrounding Cranberry Acres fill up with smaller harvest markets and farm festivals all season long, from local harvest festivals with pumpkin patch and craft vendors to apple picking and corn mazes at local farms throughout Plymouth County. These smaller-scale gatherings are some of the best New England fall festivals for families who want a relaxed afternoon without the crowds of a major fair, and there always seems to be one happening within a short drive of camp.

Ready to Book?

With so much happening across the region this autumn, Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres is the best option for your home base. Book your cabin or campsite and reserve your stay today so you can spend your days exploring New England's best fall festivals and your evenings back at camp around the fire.