Fairs and festivals happen across the state of Massachusetts throughout the course of the year. These events offer an interesting blend of both East Coast culture and New England tradition, with unique, locally made crafts on display, sheepshearing at the farm, and bluegrass musical jams on stage. You don't want to miss out on these must-see cultural and regional displays on your next vacation to the state of Massachusetts.
The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs offer goodies, such as quilts, pottery, carvings, dolls and jewelry, for sale a few times each year in West Springfield. Organized by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, a non-profit organization, the fairs' proceeds benefit historical and educational programs. The Spring Sampler happens in March, the Summer Fair in June, the Fall Fair in September and the Christmas sampler in November. The Fairs are the perfect opportunity for selecting holiday gifts or special occasion décor pieces.
Old Deerfield Craft Fairs
P. O. Box 323
Deerfield, MA 01342
413-774-7476, Ext. 18
deerfield-craft.org
Rain or shine, the Gore Place Sheepshearing Festival happens in April each year at the Gore Place in Waltham. The Gore Place is a Federal period historic home operated by nonprofit members. In addition to seeing sheepshearing demonstrations, you're sure to enjoy lots of spinning and weaving demonstrations as well as farm animals, food vendors, Morris dancing, music, crafts and even kilt-making classes.
Gore Place Sheepshearing Festival
52 Gore Street
Waltham, MA 02453-6866
781-894-2798
goreplace.org
Massachusetts culture will burst into song at the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival in Framingham. This annual event has gone on for over two decades in February and features national and regional musical talent who showcase their best jams. In addition, you can take advantage of music workshops and educational programs. This event won "Event of the Year Award" in 2006 from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Joe Val Bluegrass Festival
P.O. Box 650061
West Newton, MA 02465-0061
617-782-2251
bbu.org
