Just because summer is over, that doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop.
There are plenty of events, and even festivals, to last SouthCoast residents long into the fall season.
With food festivals, concerts, musical tributes, historical re-enactments, corn mazes, and so much more, there’s a little something for everyone.
As there is a whole lot happening this fall, we took a look at some of the “top” things to do, whether because they’re the most anticipated, or they’re trying something new, or they are old favorites and crowd pleasers.
Here are some of the top fall events and festivals happening around the SouthCoast:
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Foodies of all ages: Garlic Roast at Tiverton Farmers Market
The first-ever Garlic Roast at Tiverton Farmers Market will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Rd. Admission and parking are free. There will be all kinds of garlic-infused and garlicky specialty items, from local vendors like Spoon and Board, The Cheese Wheel Village Market, The Perfect Empanada, Dee’s Little Sweets, Brightside Seafood, and many more. We’ve got everything you need to know before you go at HeraldNews.com. For the latest updates, visit www.tivertonfarmersmarket.com.
What to know before you go:Tiverton Farmers Market to host first ever Garlic Roast
Live music: The Z’s Stage Door Live series at Kilburn Mill
While The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is undergoing renovations, it’s taking its 2023-24 season on the road. The Z’s Stage Door Live Series is being held at the Kilburn Mill Event Center, 127 W. Rodney French Blvd. They’ve got an impressive line-up of local and regional talents. Coming up next in the series, on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m., is Ladies Night, featuring Lori Gomes, Ashley Victoria, Jacquelyn Legendre, and Millisa Henderson. They’ll be taking the audience on a musical journey through time and different genres. General admission tickets are $20 and premium seating is $29. To purchase tickets, visit zeiterion.org or contact the box office by phone at 508-994-2900 or in person at its temporary location in the lower lobby of DeMello Center at 128 Union St., New Bedford.
Ready for a night of frights?:5 things to know before venturing into the Factory of Terror
Fall foodie trip: Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival
Looking for a little fall getaway? Hop on a ferry and catch the annual Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival. The four-day event, running from Oct. 19 through 22, features culinary artists from all over the island, with multiple locations holding tastings and fine dining experiences. You could even make a long weekend of it, with accommodations ready to accept guests for the festival. For more information about the planned events, and to purchase tickets, visit https://mvfoodandwinepackages.com.
For Swifties: Taylor Swift Eras brunch at Barrett’s Waterfront
Calling all Swifties! You could be in your brunch era when Barrett’s Waterfront, 1082 Davol St., hosts a Taylor Swift Eras brunch on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be themed drinks, Taylor Swift trivia, prizes for best dressed, every era playing on repeat, and of course delicious brunch fare. Tables are $13 per seat, not including food and beverage. Tickets are only available on Eventbrite, and they are on sale now.
Fun with history: Annual Liberty & Union Festival in Taunton
Celebrating Taunton’s history, the Liberty & Union Festival draws visitors from all around. Held each year to commemorate Taunton raising the Liberty and Union flag in opposition to British rule in 1774, this year’s festival will be on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is hosted by the Old Colony History Museum, 66 Church Green, Taunton. Historical re-enactors bring the past to life — including the annual flag-raising — and there will be loads of family-friendly activities, vendors, food, crafts, and unique artisan products. For more information, visit oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org.
For music lovers: Greg Harrison “Harrifest” tribute at White’s of Westport
It’s Beatlemania and beyond at the 2023 “Harrifest” George Harrison tribute. Held at White’s of Westport, 66 State Rd., this year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3:45 to 11:59 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Celebrating the music and life of George Harrison, from his time with The Beatles to his solo years, this even is suitable for older teens and adults. Musical performances will include: Derek Dibberns, By George, Double Bill, the Oh Nos!!!, Rockin' Legends, the Larrys, Get Back, and Billy Shears Band. There will be a discussion panel hosted by Ken Michaels of “Every Little Thing”; a Beatles trivia and magic show with ChaChi Loprete of Breakfast with the Beatles and magician John Logan; plus a raffle and vendors. Tickets/wristbands are $25, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. To reserve ahead of time, use the Venmo code Rachel Cabral@GHT-HARRIFEST, or visit the Harrifest website. Donations from this event will be made to the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association hospice program for cancer treatment and research.
Corn maze: Find your way out at Buzzards Bay Brewing
Get a little lost at Buzzards Bay Brewing, 98 Horseneck Rd., Westport. But in a fun way! They’ve got a corn maze for all ages, open Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. They’ve also got a scavenger hunt. Corn maze tickets are sold on site: $10 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 4 to 11, and children under 3 get in for free. For more information, visit buzzardsbrew.com.
Ultimate food truck experience: New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
After being postponed due to Hurricane Lee, the New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon 5 p.m., at 1000C South Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford. Local food trucks will be dishing out customers’ favorite dishes, with concoctions from dozens of craft breweries. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 the day of, and there are other ticket packages that range up to $68. There will also be lawn games, music, and fun for the whole family. For more information, as well as a full schedule and list of vendors, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6w7s4h.
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached atkfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
