What's Happening September 29, 30, October 1

 “What’s Happening”

September 29, 30, October 1

29, 30, 1, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (and continuing until October 9) – Topsfield Fair, 207 Boston Rd., Topsfield MA - The colorful and often exciting history of Topsfield Fair began in 1818 when the Essex Agricultural Society, the non-profit organization that owns the Topsfield Fair, was officially granted a charter on June 12th of that year. The goal of the fledgling Society, formed by a group of "practical farmers" who first met on February 16, 1818, was "to promote and improve the agricultural interests of farmers and others in Essex County." Now, nearly 200 years later, the Society still strives to do this, "to encourage, promote and preserve Essex County agricultural activities and to educate the general public regarding their importance in an atmosphere of fun and excitement through the medium of the Topsfield Fair." For hours of operations, daily events, and other information, visit www.topsfieldfair.org.

29, Friday – The Seth Walker Band performs at the Bull Run, 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA – Over the past 10 years, Seth Walker has become recognized as one of the most revered modern roots artists in the U.S.; a three-dimensional talent with a gift for combining melody and lyric. His latest studio album, “Gotta Get Back”, is yet another masterwork that further expands upon this reputation. For tickets and more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com

30, Saturday – Introduction: The “Chicago” Music Experience, at the Bull Run, "Introduction" is a Tribute to the music of Chicago (formerly Chicago Transit Authority). 8:00 p.m., 215 Great Rd. Shirley MA - "Introduction" is the name of the first song of the first Chicago album and the beginning of a musical legacy that spans five decades. This project was born of a deep admiration and respect for Chicago's artists and their early music. Introduction has been performing throughout the east coast for seven years and have established themselves as one of the most sought after Chicago Tributes in the business, regularly drawing large audiences at well know venues such as Showcase Live, Infinity Hall, Norfolk and Hartford and Harrah's in Philadelphia. For tickets and more information visit, wwwbullrunrestaurant.com

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – Fall Festival Weekend, Sweet Harvest, at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 10:00-4:00, Satisfy your sweet tooth at this celebration of apples, pies, honey, and preserves. Enjoy food trucks – Home Grown on Saturday, September 30 and Say Cheese on Sunday, October 1. Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear farmer costumes. 11 French Dr., Boylston MA. For more information visit, www.towerhillbg.org

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday - 8^th Annual BBQ Fest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00, Join us for the 8th Annual Great New England BBQFest featuring some of the area's best BBQ vendors! Additional highlights of this year's event include the OYSTERFEST, now featuring Oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and shrimp, along with a daily Oyster Shucking Competition! The PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS will feature Chili on Saturday and Pulled Pork on Sunday! Then there's the ever-famous Farmers' Market and Craft Fair (including more than 75 vendors), and Beer Tent throughout the weekend. Also featuring an outdoor fire pit. Tickets: Adults $9.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door; Children 6-12, $4.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door. Skyride is additional. For more information visit, www.wachusett.com

30, Saturday – Oktoberfest Party in the Streets with Gardner Ale House, 11:00-11:00, 74 Parker St., Gardner MA, Oktoberfest is celebrated throughout the world because it is devoted to beer, food, fun and families. There is no other theme. There are no saints nor civil wars nor revolutions, just mostly beer & food & fun. It's pretty simple. In Germany, they love it so much it lasts for about 4 weeks. Maybe we can do that at the Ale House, too, someday. For now, let's just work on this one-day and make it great for all of us and for Downtown Gardner. Gardner loves you, baby! 9780353-7604, www.gardnerale.com

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – Global Harvest Festival at Heifer Farm, 10:00-4:00, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland, MA - Heifer Farm's annual Global Harvest Festival is a fun-packed cultural celebration for all ages! This festive weekend features international crafts and games in the Global Village, live music, delicious food, hay rides to the pumpkin patch and, of course, all the farm animals. Live bands will play on the main stage throughout the festival and the Dale Perkins Horse Show will perform daily. Bands include Boston-based Kat Kennedy, and local groups The Hip Swayers, Hard to Say, Deux Amis, and Lalla Rookh. 508-886-5000 www.heifer.org

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – The Profound Vintage Market at Kalon Farm, Rt. 117, Lancaster MA - We are excited to offer our debut, multiple vendor market, in central MA. We're Brimfield's cuter, more curated little sister! Offering 50 vintage dealers, creative artisans and makers. A fun weekend for the whole family. Local food, brew, wine, and music. The market is located at Kalon Farm and Winery on Rt. 117 in Lancaster and situated on a sprawling scenic landscape. The gorgeous setting of Fall in New England will set the tone for ou first market weekend. Tickets and more information is available at www.theprofoundmarket.com

30, Saturday - 14th Annual Blacksmith Art and Music Festival at River Front Park (Commercial St., and Boulder Dr.), Fitchburg MA - 10:00-4:30 - Coordinated by community volunteers, the Annaul Fitchburg Forge-In Blacksmith Festival has successfully showcased artisans from Western New England. We welcomed over 2,000 visitors at our last Festival and we expect many more this year. Live music, seasonal foods, and children's activities complete the day. Admission to the Festival is free and made possible by the many businesses, individuals, and organizations that contribute to this event. For more information visit www.fitchburgforgein.com. 

30, Saturday – 2017 Monadnock Fall Festival, Downtown, Keene NH – 10:00-7:00, Celebrate all the great things about the Monadnock Region at the 2017 Monadnock Fall Festival! Enjoy music, great local food, and kid friendly activities. Free Admission.

What's Happening September 22, 23, 24, 2017

“What’s Happening”

September 22, 23, 24

22, Friday – Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick at Thayer Memorial Library, 7:30-10:00 p.m. 717 Main St., Lancaster MA - Guy Van Duser’s exquisite guitar styling coupled with Billy Novick’s jazzy clarinet playing have all the makings for a memorable concert. They perform swing, jazz, and ragtime pieces from the 1930’s and ’40s.  Event is free. Doors open at 6:45pm.

Come early because seating is limited! thayermemoriallibrary.org.

22, Friday – David Mega Maze Farm Festival! 134 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling MA – The festival will feature Kansas City BBQ, locally crafted beers, the world famous mega maze, live music and over 40 family attractions! davisfarmland.com

22, Friday – Murder Mystery at The Old Mill – 6:30-10:30 69 State Rd., Westminster MA – Enjoy dinner and theatre rolled into one! 978-874-5941, www.1761oldmill.com

23, Saturday – Johnny Appleseed Festival – 9:00-5:00 p.m. – Downtown Leominster - Enjoy a day with crafters, charitable organizations, vendors, amusement rides, petting zoo, entertainment, and much more!

23, Saturday – Ashby 5 Mile Road Race, 9:00-3:30 p.m. – We will celebrate the 250^th anniversary of Ashby with a road race and walk. Gather your friends and neighbors and come out to run, walk, or simply enjoy the day on the historic Ashby Common. www.ashby250.org.

23, Saturday – GrotonFest, 10:00-4:30 p.m. Visit more than 150 artisans, food, business, and non-profit booths at this community event with continuous music all day on the Legion Common, located on Hollis Street in Groton. (Rain date, September 24th), www.grotonfest.org.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday - North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival, 10:00-5:00 p.m. - Forster's Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange MA - A celebration of the artistic, agricultural, and cultural bounty of the region at Forster's Farm. Over 100 booths feature regional artists, farmers, and organizations. There will be music, performances, spoken word, and dance performances on solar powered stages and adventure activities for kids and families. Get silly with garlic games including the famous raw garlic-eating contest! $5 per day for adults; $8 for a weekend pass; kids 12 and under free. Free shuttle and parking! www.garlicandarts.org.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday – 27^th Annual KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00 p.m. 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA - KidsFest is two full days of music, food, and family fun! Live shows, walk-around entertainment, magic shows, scenic summit SkyRide, and more! Enjoy great food and product sampling. Supporting the Life is Good Kids Foundation! Sponsored by: Brain Injury Association of MA. www.wachusett.com.

23, Saturday - Motorpalooza 2017, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Templeton Common, Templeton MA -The Narragansett Historical Society's annual engine show features cars and trucks, both vintage and unusual; along with farm engines from the Central Mass Steam Gas and Machinery Association. Admission is free! Free museum tours and music provided by Boothill Express. www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org

23, Saturday – Step into Nature at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 127 Goodnow Rd., Princeton MA - Are you counting steps or miles as part of your daily health and wellness? The peaceful and beautiful trails at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary are a terrific alternative to treadmills and dodging traffic on roadways. Register at massaudobon.org/wachusettmeadow or call 978-464-2712. 

23, Saturday - Dahlia Day at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Free with admission. Join dahlia enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, from novices, to experienced growers who all share something in common - an interest in these beautiful and diverse blooms. See hundreds of colorful blooms in every size imaginable - from silver dollar to dinner plate - at the second New England Dahlia Show. 11 French Dr., Boylston MA, towerhillbg.org

23, Saturday – Beatles Tribute Band at Monument Park in Gardner MA 5:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy music of the Fab Four at this free concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!Free! 

23, Saturday - Annual Smithsonian Day at the Gardner Museum, 1:00-4:00 p.m. 26 Pearl St., Gardner MA - Free. No reservation needed.

23, Saturday - 2017 Schnitzel Fest New Hampshire, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Butler Park, 5 Central St., Hillsborough NH. Now in its 15th year, Schnitzel Fest New Hampshire has entertained and successfully brought authentic German food to thousands at the fun event held each year in September during the beautiful New England fall foliage season. www.schnitzelfestnh.org.

23, Saturday - 20th Annual Winchester Pickle Festival, 1-:00-4:00 p.m., 128 Main St., Winchester NH. For more information call 603-239-4239.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday - Fruitlands 7^th Annual Craft Festival, 10:00-4:00 p.m., Enjoy original handmade crafts by 48 New England Artisans during the 7th Annual Craft Festival at Fruitlands. The Festival is a two-day outdoor-tented show set on the picturesque grounds of the museum. Quality juried craft, museum offerings, and stunning views has made the Festival a popular September destination for all. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping and find that original gift for the hard-to-buy-for! For your entertainment, there is a food truck, the Café, and live music, courtesy of the Summertime Trio, on both days of the Festival. The Guests’ admission also includes entry to the Museum exhibits and trails. It’s a fun day out with family and friends. Member $5.00; Non-member $10.00; Kids 12 and under Free. For more information and a full listing of featured artists please visit fruitlands.org/craftfestival