Kinetic Sculpture Race

The third Saturday of every September, the City of Lowell hosts the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race. Contestants build human powered, all-terrain vehicles out of repurposed materials. The contraptions navigate the streets of Lowell, the waters of the Merrimack River, and the difficult terrain of mud and sand obstacle. This is not an event for just professionals – people from all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join in on the challenge.

Before, during, and after the race, activities, live music, food trucks, and opportunities to talk with the race contestants makes this an interactive experience for all ages.

King Richard’s Faire

Back when I was in high school, the Renaissance made a comeback with places like Medieval Times opening up as a dinner and a show. This was when I first visited King Richard’s Faire. I have been back to this faire a few times since, and each time, I’ve enjoyed being transported into a different time and place. Set in the woods in Carver during September & October, King Richard’s Faire includes several stages, food and drink stalls, game areas, art & clothing stands, and the jousting arena. Most people who attend dress in costume – check the website to see what each week’s theme is – and most of the shops on site can help you add to your wardrobe. The performances and food are hokey and fun, and every day ends with the “Joust to the Death” performance.

Boston Book Festival

As an English teacher, it’s not hard to guess that I love this festival. Taking place on a Saturday in mid October, The Boston Book Festival brings together readers, writers, musicians, and thinkers of all ages. The hub of the festival is Copley Square where food trucks, book vendors, and live performances are stationed to enjoy at any time of the day. From there, the festival spreads throughout neighboring churches, libraries (including the iconic Boston Public Library), and cultural centers. All the paneled talks are free, and the hardest part of the day is figuring out which ones to pick & how to get from one to the next on time. It is a festival definitely made for a quick walker. Besides hearing from authors – some famous, some new to the scene – I also love just being in Boston in the fall. This is one of my can’t miss events every year.

Iron Pour & Sims Ave Festival

The Steel Yard is an industrial art space with studios and classes for the public in Providence. Their annual Iron Pour, which happens one Saturday between mid October and mid November, has historically been a time for where they offer tours of the studios, showcase welding skills through demonstrations, and activate larger than life sculptures through live iron pours. In the past I have created my own iron casting, watched Raku pots being fired, and participated in puppet theatre. Over the years it has grown as the area has grown. With studio spaces & a distillery on site and in the neighboring streets, the festival now represents the culture of the community. Still, the elements of fire and molten lava that are at the heart of this festival is what makes it unique.

Roger Williams Pumpkin Spectacular

The Roger Williams Park Zoo transforms into a lighted pumpkin walk every October for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Each year the Providence based zoo chooses a different theme and the pumpkins closest to the path follow this; however, I love that behind these beautiful creations are thousands of other carved pumpkins with more tradition designs. The layers of pumpkins create this other worldly atmosphere, which amps up at the finale with massive pumpkins, smoke machines, and spooky music.

Dancing Witches Parade

The Wicked WeekS of Wickford takes place the 2 weeks before Halloween. The village of Wickford, Rhode Island has several events both during the week and the weekends. One of the highlights is the Witches parade. People come from across the country to don their hat & broom and learn the dance to participate. Anyone can join for a small donation or can watch & cheer on from the sidelines.