The state of Massachusetts attracts thousands of tourists looking to visit historic locations such as the Bunker Hill Monument and to enjoy educational sites such as the Boston Science Museum. Plenty of state fairs and festivals are also held in Massachusetts, including the Wellfleet OysterFest that features an oyster shucking competition, arts and crafts tables and locally prepared food.
Held every year in the town of Marblehead, Massachusetts, the event features a chowder and chili fest and hay rides for the kids. Sponsored by the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce, this festival also includes a large art and exhibit display at Abbot Hall, at the festival site. The affair is held during the last weekend of every September, and also features local groups playing on the main stage. A healing arts tent is featured, and children are encouraged to show off their pumpkin-carving skills.
Marblehead's Annual Fall Festival
62 Pleasant St.
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-2868
marbleheadchamber.org
First organized by the Essex Agricultural Society in 1818, the Topsfield Fair has been held annually ever since and features a giant-pumpkin contest, sand sculptures located throughout the fairgrounds and carnival rides. This fair is held every October in the town of Topsfield, and features various farm animals such as goats, Shetland ponies and lambs that can be petted by children when accompanied by a parent. The midway area contains rides that include a 30 foot tall roller coaster, bumper cars and spinning teacups. Nationally touring musical artists such as Boys Like Girls, Uncle Cracker and Chubby Checker have played the main festival stage.
Topsfield Fair
207 Boston St.
Topsfield, MA 01983
978-887-5000
topsfieldfair.org
Featuring three large stages for music groups, the Life is Good Festival is a two-day event held on the Prowse Farm in Canton, Massachusetts. This festival's "Good Kids" zone features hands-on games with interactive arts activities for children. Kid-friendly music groups perform in this section as well. All festival profits go to The Life is Good Kids Foundation, whose goals include helping children overcome domestic violence. The Art for All Mural is composed of more than 1,500 images created by past festival visitors. Music performers such as Jason Mraz, Ziggy Marley and Ben Harper have played this event.
Life is Good Festival
Prowse Farm
Canton, MA 02021
888-339-2987
lifeisgood.com
