Sep 26-Oct 4, 2011: HONK Festival, Salem Renaissance Days, Stargazing, Blacksmith Fest, and New England’s Largest Lists of Halloween Attractions and Corn Mazes!
I spent 40 hours this week researching events beyond a 90-minute drive from Boston. If you care about Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, please email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com and let me know!
This week you are really missing out if you don’t click through and scroll down to the bottom. As well as 7 giveaways, I list more Halloween attractions than anyone — more than 150, including haunted corn mazes! Cornfield mazes are great fun and I list more of them (42) than anyone else in New England also. Check it out and please tell your friends!
I hope you are having an awesome week. Now get out there and do something fun!
-Johnny
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and if you help get the word out, I’ll put you on my priority list to win free stuff and send you the FREE 27-page Events INSIDER New England Guide, with over 720 off-beat attractions you won’t find in the blog! 
| Starry Starry Night at Davis MegaMaze – ticket giveaway | Worcester
Thu 8/11 – Sun 11/13 |
 My favorite corn field maze is across the street from a big petting zoo with hayrides, go carts, and apple picking. It’s the best!! They have night mazes with telescopes and Halloween nights with monsters! Best of all, I have tickets to give away! Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA. |
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| Honk Festival – Concert & Cruise tix giveaway | Boston Metro
Fri 9/30 – Mon 10/3 |
 This spectacular music fest with brass instruments has an enormously fun parade (Sun 10/2), 7 music stages, and I’m giving away 2 pairs of tickets for the kickoff concert at Johnny D’s, Friday 9/30 at 10pm, and 2 pairs of tix for the HONK on the Water Boston Harbor Cruise, Sun 10/2 at 7:30pm! Johnny D’s Uptown Lounge, 17 Holland St, Somerville, MA.617-491-3434. |
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| Young Frankenstein – tix giveaway | Worcester
Fri 9/30 – Sun 10/2 |
 The Mel Brooks movie has been transformed into an award-winning Broadway musical! And yes, I have 2 pairs of tickets to give away for the Friday, September 30 show at 8pm. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com! 554 Main St, Worcester, MA. |
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| The King & I – tix giveaway | North Shore
Tue 9/27 – Sun 10/9 |
 Speaking of movies turned into musicals, in The King & I, an English schoolteacher tutors the royal son and the Thai king as well. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER to win a pair of tickets and tell me which show you want: Wed 9/28 at 7:30pm, Fri 9/30 at 8pm, or Fri 10/7 at 8pm. 62 Dunham Rd, Beverly, MA.978-232-7200. |
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| King Richard’s Faire – ticket giveaway | South Shore
Sat 9/3 – Sun 10/23 |
 I have more tickets to give away for King Richard’s Faire, good any weekend through Oct 23! Find 4 stages of music, comedy, theatre, and street performers, plus jousting! Twist my arm by emailing johnny@eventsINSIDER.com with how eagerly you’ve been urging friends to join Events INSIDER. (And thanks!). 235 Main St, Carver, MA.508-866-5391. |
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| Twelfth Night – tix giveaway | Boston Metro
Tue 9/27 – Fri 9/30 |
 Twelfth Night is a Shakespearean comedy about a shipwreck, mistaken identity, and two identical twins. I’m giving away a pair for each of the following shows: Tue 9/27, Wed 9/28, and Thu 9/30. Email johnny@eventsINSIDER.com to win tickets and say which shows would work for you! Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA. |
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| Terrorthon & J. Cannibal’s Feast of Flesh | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 Halloween is coming on strong now. Scroll down each week for New England’s largest list of Halloween attractions — more than 150! This is a zombie movie classic preceded by live music, burlesque, and a costume competition. I’ve been and it’s tons of creative, gorey fun. 12am. Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA. |
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| Fitchburg Forge-In and Blacksmith Festival | Worcester
Sat 10/1 |
 Out west, you can see blacksmiths compete to make the best metallic stuff. They’ll have lots of arts vendors, and pumpkin carving after dark, too. 10am-4:30pm. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA. |
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| Salem Village Renaissance Days | North Shore
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Salem Village is a re-enactment attraction with live actors, just like Plimoth Plantation, and they’re going renaissance this weekend, with human chess games, tug of war, birds of prey, storytelling, live music, and “wench” auctions. Pioneer Village, Salem Park, Salem, MA.978-867-4767. |
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| Annual Yankee Steam-Up | Rhode Island
Sat 10/1 |
 How about trying something old? Also 19th century, before they had gas engines, they used steam. Can they bring steam engines back to solve global warming? Probably not since all that steam came from coal. This festival showcases working steam engines of every kind. 8am-4pm. New England Wireless and Steam Museum, 1300 Frenchtown Rd., East Greenwich, RI.401-885-0545. |
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| AstroAssembly | Rhode Island
Fri 9/30 – Sat 10/1 |
 Also in Rhode Island, did you miss out on the last two big astronomy festivals? Here’s the last truly big stargazing conference of the year, the biggest annual event for this astronomy club. I’ve been to one of these and the folks are friendly and the sights are amazing. You’ll learn a lot. Seagrave Memorial Observatory,47 Peeptoad Rd, North Scituate, RI. |
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| Stargazing at Notchview | Western Mass
Sat 10/1 |
 This outdoor park also has an astronomy event. Make it your excuse to visit the Berkshires for an entire weekend. 9-11pm. Also Oct 22. Notchview Visitor’s Center, Windsor, MA.413.684.0148. |
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| Lumberjack Competitions & Festival | New Hampshire
Sun 10/2 |
 I’m a lumberjack, and I’m okay! Well… I’m not a lumberjack, but I can dream! This festival has competitive sports like log rolling, axe throwing, tree chopping, and two-person sawing. Berlin, NH.603-752-7202. |
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| Grotonfest | Metro West
Sat 10/1 |
 I don’t normally feature small town New Englandy fests with their live music, artists, and vendors, but this one adds an animal show and fireworks! Yippee! Have you figured out yet that I try to feature EVERY New England festival with a parade, fireworks, or hot air balloons? Legion Common, between Route 119 and Hollis Street, Groton, MA. |
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| Cambridgeport History Day | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 This outdoor festival has historical tours, a scavenger hunt, a Civil War exhibit, and living history performances in the park, where live actors portray characters from the past! Rain date the next day. Cambridge, MA. |
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| Roslindale Day Parade | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 Roslindale is having a parade which doesn’t seem to be affiliated with a festival. You can vote for who gets to march as mayor in the parade by contributing a dollar! They are having a pet contest, and last year they had a road race but i don’t see a mention of that this year. 1pm. Roslindale, MA.617-327-4886. |
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| Watertown Open Studios | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Open studios are when local artists open their work studios and private homes to the public. You get to stroll around (in this case, take the bus to just 5 destinations) and visit real artists instead of just art merchants. Get to know Watertown this weekend. Watertown, MA. |
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| Roxbury Open Studios | Boston Metro
Thu 9/29 – Sun 10/2 |
 Nearby Roxbury is having an open studios, too. Of course they want you to buy art, but at least you aren’t meeting vendors! It’s usually a fun time and this one has a trolley to get you everywhere! Sat & Sun 11am-6pm plus some receptions. Roxbury, MA. |
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| Lowell Open Studios | Northern Mass
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Lowell, like Salem, has very active tourist outreach, so I’m sure they have a good open studios as well. You can easily walk in-between the 11 locations. 11am-5pm. Lowell, MA. |
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| Wendell Phillips: A Voice against Slavery | Metro West
Wed 9/28 |
 In this one-man show a re-enactor plays a leading 19th century abolitionist. Re-enactments are a highly creative way to learn about history. Minuteman Visitor Center, Concord, MA. |
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| The Second Battle of Windy Knoll | Worcester
Fri 9/30 – Sun 10/2 |
 Civil War re-enactments almost always take the form of an “encampment”, where enthusiasts camp all weekend at a park, old-timey style, all in 1870s costume and with authentic tents and equipment. Apparently this one comes with a mock battle, too. Alta Vista Bison Farm, 80 Hillside Road, Rutland, MA. |
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| Revolutionary War Encampment | New Hampshire
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 And this one’s a similar encampment, but from 100 years previous. Sat-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 267 Springfield Rd, Charlestown, NH.603-826-5700. |
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| Maynard Fest | Metro West
Sat 10/1 |
 Maynard steps forward and dominates the region with the largest harvest fest in the area. Magic pumpkin painting, and the usual street vendors are pretty ordinary, but they end with fireworks! Maynard, MA. |
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| Harvest Moon Festival at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum | New Hampshire
Sun 10/2 |
 I’ve been to this museum and, well, it is small. Don’t expect more than a few dozen people to attend this festival. But the place is very genuine and worth a stopover if you’re on your way to or from the White Mountains, another great place to go for fall foliage! 10am-5pm. Warner, NH.603-456-2600. |
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| Topsfield Fair | North Shore
Fri 9/30 – Mon 10/10 |
 The Topsfield Fair is the largest and best of Massachusetts agricultural fairs, with a giant pumpkin contest, blacksmith shop, cider mill, parades, a carnival, pig racing, a petting farm, and demos of milking, bee keeping, and wood carving. Fireworks Sat Oct 1 at 9pm. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA. |
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| Map and Compass Treasure Hunt | North Shore
Sat 10/1 |
 Orienteering is the sport that happens when you don’t have handy your cell phone with GPS. Learn to use a map and navigate nature’s bounties. It could be useful if you ever get cast for one of those reality shows on a deserted island. Topsfield, MA. |
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| Fall Foliage Festival Parade | Western Mass
Sun 10/2 |
 Fall foliage season is starting, and here’s an excuse to head to Western Massachusetts to North Adams, where you can see the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). 1pm. From Wal-Mart down Curran Highway to downtown. Downtown, North Adams, MA. |
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| Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival | Western Mass
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 This location is good, but smaller than you might expect. Yet they claim to draw 15,000 to their hay rides, a haunted house, a pumpkin toss, crafts vendors, live music, demonstrations of blacksmithing and wool spinning, and the ubiquitous face painting. Rtes. 102 and 183, Stockbridge, MA.413/298-3926. |
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| Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival | Worcester
Fri 9/30 – Sun 10/2 |
 Craft fair, parade, car show, what else do you need? A car! What the hell are these people doing and why is this the primary photo on their events website? This is the BEST photo you took last year? Shrewsbury, MA. |
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| Fort Adams in the Fall Car Festival | Rhode Island
Sun 10/2 |
 There are plenty of car shows in New England, but this park has a real old-timey fort and beautiful ocean views, and while you’re there, visit the Newport historic mansions! Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.401-841-0707. |
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| Pronk: Providence Honk Fest | Rhode Island
Mon 10/3 |
 Gee, this Honk thing is really taking off — and notice that the date does not conflict with the Honkfest in Somerville and Cambridge. 4-6pm brass band performances at India Point Park, then a 6:30pm parade down Wickenden St to a concert 7:15-10pm by the Providence River. Providence, RI. |
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| Eastern States Exposition | Springfield
Fri 9/16 – Sun 10/2 |
 The Big E is New England’s largest agricultural fair! I just attended and it’s enormous. My favorite part is the circus, but you’ll find a giant carnival, a small parade, a horse show, nationally touring musicians, and a giant slide! 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA. |
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| Oktoberfest in Harvard Square | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 Harvard Square’s “festival” is just an excuse for vendors to put booths out on the street. But it’s held in conjunction with Honkfest so see that entry above for the parade and music. Do me a favor and don’t make getting buzzed the limit of your creativity this weekend. Cambridge, MA. |
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| Davis Square Oktoberfest | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 I sort of don’t get Oktoberfest. German music, food, and beer. Lots of beer. Does that make a festival? At Red Bones is does! Yum! They serve BBQ. 12-6pm. 55 Chester St, Somerville, MA. |
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| Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in Boston | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 Unfortunately this tour costs $60, but — damn! — I’m so ashamed that I can’t tell an elm from an oak. Maybe it’s time for me to man up and attend this workshop. Arnold Arboretum, Hunnewell Building Lawn, Boston, MA. |
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| Franklin Park Fall Forest Festival | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 This festival looks ordinary, but at least there’s a park to explore, and it’s on the Boston bus system. Franklin Park, Boston, MA. |
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| Weir River Farm Fall Festival | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 As usual, these pony rides will be just for kids, pout pout. I guess I can enjoy the live music and live livestock. South Shore, Hingham, MA. |
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| Festival of the Hills | Northern Mass
Sun 10/2 |
 Oh Festival of the Hills. You had me at “Skillet tossing competition”. You’ll find a parade, a pancake breakfast, live music, and a log-splitting competition. Conway, MA. |
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| Night Sounds of Late Summer | Springfield
Fri 9/30 |
| Crickets! Hear them crick! Register in advance and wear long sleeves and long pants. 5:30-7:30pm. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Coombs Rd, Easthampton, MA.413-584-3009. more |
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| Jazzfest Falmouth | Cape Cod
Tue 9/20 – Sun 10/2 |
 Yo Daddy-o. It’s jaaaaaaaazz. (No, I have not been drinking. What about my erudite commentary makes you think I’ve been drinking?). Falmouth Harbor Band Shell, Falmouth, MA. |
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| Barnstable County Harvest Festival | Cape Cod
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Rain or shine, this one will have live music, hayrides, and the usual vendors selling handcrafted stuff. County Fairgrounds, Rt 151, East Falmouth, MA.508-563-3200. |
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| The Appalachian Dulcimer | Boston Metro
Mon 10/3 |
 If you haven’t heard one, a dulcimer is remarkably beautiful. This lecture presumably comes with a performance and is free with admission. 11am-12pm. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. |
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| Belle Isle Harvest Festival | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 Ooh! Horse-drawn hayrides, pumpkin decorating, live animals, and live music. 1-3pm. Boston, MA. |
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| HP Lovecraft Mini Film Fest | Rhode Island
Tue 9/27 – Fri 9/30 |
 I couldn’t confirm this, but one of these two websites lists it. Lovecraft was the famous 20th century horror writer in-between Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Bloch, the guy who wrote the film Psycho. Providence, RI. |
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| CollegeFest | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Every year the vendors who target college students hold a merchant event which is extremely commercial, but they’ll have top music performers, and you’ll pick up $100 or so in free samples if you go. I went once and grabbed a bunch! See website coupon. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston, MA. |
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| Vintage Baseball Doubleheader | North Shore
Sat 9/17 – Sun 10/2 |
 Teams demonstrate the old-timey original rules of baseball. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury, MA.978-462-2634. |
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| North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival | North Shore
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 This one’s not just a garlic festival, it’s an arts festival! They’ll have a bunch of cooking and artist demonstrations, workshops, and (for those who are gullible) ‘healing arts’. My favorite events on their schedule: clogging, yo yo-ing, Indian Bhangra dancing, a garlic sack race, and a garlic and egg toss. Vampires welcome! Orange, MA. |
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| Norman Bird Sanctuary Annual Harvest Fair | Rhode Island
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 This bird event says that 13,000 will attend. 10am-5pm. Animals, vendors, hay rides, pony rides, and what the heck happens at the “Mud Pit”? 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI.401-846-2577 ext.16. |
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| New Bedford Open Studios | Southeast Mass
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 New Bedford is also having an open studios, and you can check out the Whaling Museum while you’re there. New Bedford, MA. |
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| World’s Championship Chili Cookoff | New Hampshire
Fri 9/30 – Sun 10/2 |
 Do I want chili? Do I? Yes! Yes I do want chili! How about you? Veterans Park, Manchester, NH. |
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| NRT Harvest and Crafts Fair | Southeast Mass
Sun 10/2 |
 Here’s a tiny festival that seems to only feature vendors and unspecificed “kids’ activities” and “entertainment”. Easton, MA. |
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| National Solar Homes Tour | Rhode Island
Sun 10/2 |
 This isn’t a festival, but it sounds like a really interesting tour of the green buildings of the future. Center for Sustainable Living, 451 Hammet Rd, Coventry, RI. |
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| Green Buildings Open House | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 And a ton of private homes with green technology are opened to the public, too. Buildings all across New England are open for tours to show off renewable energy and energy conservation features. Various – see map, Everywhere. |
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| Harvest Festival and Perennial Divide | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 My first thought seeing this event was, they have events in Mattapan? And greenery? And I almost didn’t list it but I noticed they’ll have a bee-keeping demonstration. OoOoo!! 10am-2pm. BNAN’s City Natives Nursery, 30 Edgewater Drive, Mattapan, MA. |
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| Harvest Festival at The Growing Center | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 Although small, this harvest fest will have cider making, pumpkin decorating, music, and games. Rain date the next day. 1-4pm. Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Avenue, Somerville, MA. |
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| Juvenile Diabetes Walk | Boston Metro
Sat 10/1 |
 I don’t know why I list charity walks. There are a ton of them and they all sort of seem generic. But at least it’s outdoors and I’m sure a nice excuse to walk and help people. Esplanade, Boston, MA. |
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| Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk | Boston Metro
Sun 10/2 |
 This would be my pick, though, because it involves two of my favorite topics. Esplanade, Boston, MA. |
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| Walk the Walk for Adoption RI | Rhode Island
Sun 10/2 |
 This charity walk comes with ‘activities’ that are so awesome the organizers couldn’t be bothered to describe them. 11am registration. 12pm walk. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI. |
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| Autumn Escape Bike Trek | South Shore
Fri 9/30 |
 Why walk for charity when you can ride? Goes from Plymouth to Provincetown. Plymouth, MA. |
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| Family Weekend at Fitchburg State College | Metro West
Fri 9/30 – Sun 10/2 |
 I don’t usually list college events aimed at parents. But this one comes with a parade & fireworks! Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA. |
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| John Lithgow at the Harvard Book Store | Boston Metro
Fri 9/30 |
 Gee, a month after his one-man show (where I met him but did him the favor of immediately letting him go) John Lithgow (that’s LITH-goh) is on a book tour. (I also didn’t ask him to say, “Laugh while you can, Monkey Boy!”). Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, MA. |
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| White Mountain Storytelling Festival | New Hampshire
Fri 9/30 – Sat 10/1 |
 Waterville Valley is an entire “resort” town based on summer hiking and winter skiing. As an encapsulated for-profit community, their events will have higher polish but less local enthusiasm (crazy people who love their community running the event). This features an astronomy night, pie-eating contest, and other fun stuff. Waterville Valley, NH. |
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| Free Taiji Class at the Chinatown Gate | Boston Metro
Sun 9/18 – Sun 10/30 |
 There are too many yoga and tai-chi classes to pick one for its creativity, but I’ll pick this one because of it’s being free. It’s every Sunday, 10am-11:30am, weather permitting. Chinatown Gate Park, Boston, MA. |
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| Candide – Our Review | Boston Metro
Sat 9/10 – Sun 10/16 |
 This outrageous musical satire tells the story of the naïve Candide and his absurd hardships that challenge his optimistic outlook on life and love. Click for our review! Avenue of the Arts BU Theatre, Boston, MA.
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| Klezwoods and Elephant Wrecking Ball | Boston Metro
Wed 9/28 |
 When I heard the name of this band, Klezwoods, I breathed a silent prayer: please, please let this be Klezmer music set to rock and roll, and it is! They’ll also have belly dancing and Elephant Wrecking Ball, which is a trombone trio. 8-10:30pm. $10. Johnny D’s Uptown Lounge, 17 Holland St, Somerville, MA. |
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| Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony & Lectures | Boston Metro
Thu 9/29 – Sat 10/1 |
 With real Nobel laureates as guests, the Ig Nobels are the phony comic awards given to real scientists for bizarre and funny research. Unfortunately, the show is poorly managed, like a high school production, but it’s worth seeing once if you like science. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, MA. |
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| FirstWorksProv | Rhode Island
Thu 9/22 – Sat 11/12 |
 This random series of performances and gallery exhibitions is also not a real ‘festival’. But a number of its concerts look interesting. Various Places, Providence, RI. |
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| The Steampunk Bizarre Exhibit – Opening Reception | Connecticut
Sat 10/1 |
 Mark Twain is awesome. Steam punk is awesome. Are you ready for the collision?!? Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT. |
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| Webcomics Con | Connecticut
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 The Web is where it’s okay for comics to come with any level of quality — just like print comics! Do you really have to call it a Cosplay Contest instead of just a costume contest? It sounds like some kind of fetish. Norwalk, CT. |
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| St Andrew’s Society of CT Highland Games Fairgrounds Goshen, CT | Connecticut
Sat 10/1 |
 I love scottish festivals! These people know how to party! This one has dancing, music, some of which is participatory, sheepherding, and the usual crazy highland games, like throwing large stones. Don’t you guys have any atlatls? Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen, CT. |
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| New England Atlatl Day | Connecticut
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 How crazy is this? The atlatl is an ancient hunting spear and they have a competition this weekend. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT. |
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| The Connecticut Renaissance Faire – Fall | Connecticut
Sat 9/24 – Sun 10/16 |
 I’ve heard that this renaissance faire is better and bigger than King Richard’s, and it’s not too far: just 1.5 hrs from Boston. It’s just across the border into Connecticut. Raine or shine. Weekends & holidays, 11am-6pm. Woodstock, CT.860-923-0454. |
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| Kennebec River Brewery Octoberfest | Maine
Sat 10/1 |
 Northern Outdoors is the FANTASTIC whitewater rafting company I reviewed this summer, and for the close of rafting seasons the Kennebec River dam is opening up nearly TWICE the water! And the microbrewery at their resort is celebrating with an Oktoberfest. Northern Outdoors Brewery, The Forks, ME. |
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| Living History Days – Leonard’s Mills | Maine
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 The Maine Forest & Logging Museum is holding a 1790 re-enactment day. They’ll have boat and wagon rides, too. The Maine Forest & Logging Museum, Orono, ME.207.974.6278. |
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| Fryeburg Fair | Maine
Sun 10/2 – Sun 10/9 |
 This is the largest agricultural fair in Maine, with a carnival, a whoopie pie contest, live music, animal contests, and an “Open Pig Scramble” which is apparently children trying to chase down and bag small pigs! Fryeburg ME. |
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| Maine Starlight Festival | Maine
Fri 9/23 – Sun 10/2 |
 This stargazing festival has over 50 events from all over Maine. All Over. |
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| Vermont Foliage Open Studio | Vermont
Sat 10/1 – Sun 10/2 |
 Apparently a lot of artists are doing separate open house events under this umbrella event? All Over. |
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| Halloween Attractions | grade | Mon 9/26 | Tue 9/27 | Wed 9/28 | Thu 9/29 | Fri 9/30 | Sat 10/1 | Sun 10/2 | Mon 10/3 |
| Boston MetroBoston, MAGhosts and Gravestones Tour (in Boston) | ? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| 7 nights a week. 1.5 hour tour. Claim to be grounded, not “paranomal” weirdness. 100% moneyback guarantee. Evening tours hourly. Reserve way ahead for late October. , 617-908-8230. more |
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| Boston MetroQuincy, MAThe Haunted Ship aboard the USS Salem | B- | F | S | S | |||||
| Haunted house on a submarine. Also less scary “Family Days”. Inexpensive and convenient, great location, but the actors aren’t trying that hard, and the décor is only OK. 2011: 6:30-9:30pm. Do me a favor and avoid the hokey “ghost tours” run by wackos who think ghosts are really real. 739 Washington Street, 617-479-7900. more |
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| Metro WestLexington, MAHaunted Hayride at Wilson Farm | ? | S | S | M | |||||
| It’s a spooky but never scary daytime Halloween hay ride for kids. 2011: Weekends 10:30-4:30pm, Mon & Fri 3-4:45pm, Thu 12:30-4:45pm. 10 Pleasant St., 781-862-3900. more |
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| Metro WestWestford, MAWitch’s Woods | C | F | S | S | |||||
| Haunted house. Hayrides. 2011: Costume Ball and Fireworks 10/29. Rt 2W to Rt. 2A/119, 6mi to Powers Rd. 2011: 6:30pm-10:30pm. Nashoba Ski, 978-692-3033. more |
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| Southern MassFall River, MAAsylum of Horror | A- | F | S | ||||||
| Haunted house. See website for coupons. 2011: 7-10pm but to 11pm most nights. Anawan St., 508-324-7709. more |
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| Southern MassFall River, MAFactory of Terror | B | F | S | S | |||||
| Haunted house. Rt 195E to exit 5. Left off exit. Behind Dunkin Donuts. See website coupon. 2011: M-R 6:30-10pm, FS 6:30-11pm. 18 Pocasset Street more |
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| North ShoreSalem, MAHaunted Harbor Cruise | ? | S | S | M | |||||
| 90 minute cruise with spooky stories. 2011: 5 trips a day from 11am to 7pm. Pickering Wharf, 978-825-0001. more |
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| North ShoreSalem, MASalem Halloween Happenings & Year-Round Attractions | C+ | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| Haunted houses. Frankenstein’s Laboratory, The Haunted Witch Village (Salem Witch Village). more |
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| South ShoreAbington, MABarrett’s Haunted Mansion | A+ | F | S | ||||||
| Rt 3S to Rt 18S. Great! See website coupon or get one at the restaurant next door. 2011: 7-10:30pm. 1235 Bedford St, 781-871-4573. more |
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| Southeast MassFoxboro, MAOrpheum House of Horrors | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Haunted house. 2011: Fri, Sat 7-10pm. Sundays kid-friendly 1-3pm. Was “The Haunted Theatre”. Orpheum Theatre, 1 School St, 508-543-2787 ×4. more |
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| Southeast MassNorton, MAFriendly Haunted Woods at Winslow Farm | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Haunted walks both for kids and adults. $10. 2010: Fri & Sat 7-9pm, Sat & Sun 12-4pm. 37 Eddy Street, 508-285-6451. more |
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| Northern MassFitchburg, MAHaunted Mansion at Halloween Costume World | B+ | S | |||||||
| Haunted house. Next to the largest costume store in New England. Excellent actors, some good props, location is not large and not overly spooky (a warehouse). The store itself is truly amazing: they have everything. 2011: 7-9pm. 480 Water St, 978-343-6666. more |
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| Western MassAgawam, MAFright Fest at Six Flags New England | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Haunted house as part of largest amusement park in New England. 1623 Main Street, 413-786-9300. more |
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| Western MassLenox, MAFright Tours at Edith Wharton’s The Mount | ? | F | |||||||
| 2011: Fridays at 6pm and 7pm. Bring a flashlight. Partly outdoors. 2 Plunkett St, 413-551-5111. more |
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| Western MassSouth Hadley, MAHaunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| Hayrides: kids 5pm+, adults 7pm+. Animal farm, ice cream, & mini-golf. 55 Alvord Street, 413-533-0775. more |
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| Western MassSpringfield, MAFaces of Phobia | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| 2011: Fri Sat 7-11pm, Sun 7-10pm. Indoor haunted house. 53 Turnbull St, 413-313-4207. more more |
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| New HampshireGilford, NHMorbid Mountain | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Haunted Houses at the grounds of ski area Gunstock Mountain. 2011: 7-10:30pm. 719 Cherry Valley Road, 603-293-4341 x164. more |
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| New HampshireJefferson, NHGhost Town Spooktacular Adventure | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Day and nights at this amusement park. 2011: Fireworks Oct 29. 1492 Presidential Highway, 603-586-4592. more |
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| New HampshireLitchfield, NHSpooky World / Nightmare New England | ? | F | S | ||||||
| 2011: Ticket sales 6-10:30pm, or 6-11pm Fri/Sat. Four attractions. Looks great, but I’m told the lines are impossibly long, so arrive early. 454 Charles Bancroft Highway (RT 3A), 603-424-2292. more |
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| New HampshireNashua, NHFright Kingdom | ? | F | S | ||||||
| You can pay extra to skip to the front of the line. 2010: 6:30-12am except Sunday 10pm. Kids matinee Sunday 10/23. “Haunted Circus” performances. 12 Simon Street more |
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| New HampshireNorth Conway, NHGhoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Ride | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Board the ski lift for a Halloween experience on the ride up and on the peak! $25. 2011: 6-10pm. 1 Skimobile Rd, 603-356-5544. more |
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| New HampshireSalem, NHCanobie Lake Screeemfest | A | F | S | S | |||||
| Canobie Lake Park is the 2nd biggest amusement park in New England, and while its attractions aren’t top-rate (Merriment: B, Dead Shed B-, The Village C), being at a giant carnival at night is glorious, thus the “A”! 2011: Fri, Sat to 11pm, Sun to 9pm. Lines close before the park closes. So come early. They have this great innovation where you can buy a “glowing charm” for your kids and the actors playing the monsters know to not be so scary. 85 North Policy Street, 603-893-3506 or 617-653-5959. more |
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| New YorkUlster Park, NYHeadless Horseman | A | F | S | ||||||
| Haunted house. Outside New England but a “Top Ten in USA” haunted house according to the industry magazine. more |
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| Rhode IslandCranston, RIHaunted Labyrinth | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| 2011: 7pm until the last person screams. Pro FM radio personalities on Fridays. See website coupon. Rejoice in Hope Youth Center, 804 Dyer Avenue, 401-943-8686. more |
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| Rhode IslandHope, RIScary Acres | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| Haunted corn field maze at a local farm. 2011: 6-10pm. Confreda’s Greenhouses and Farm, 2150 Scituate Av, 401-827-5000. more |
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| Rhode IslandValley Falls, RIHaunted Hill at Diamond Hill State Park | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Forest walk. Rt 95S to Rt 295N to ex 11. Right off exit, go 2 mi. Fri & Sat 7-10pm. Sun 7-9pm. 190 Pine Swamp Road, 401-728-2400 or 401-334-9996. more |
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| Rhode IslandWakefield, RITrails to Terror | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Haunted hayride and forest trail. 2011: Ticket sales start at 6:30pm. 4235 Tower Hill Rd (Rt 1), 401-792-8188. more |
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| Rhode IslandWest Greenwich, RIField of Screams | ? | F | S | ||||||
| 2011: Thu & Sun, 6:30-9pm, Fri & Sat, 6:30-10pm. 3 attractions. Website coupon. Outdoors, call if bad weather. , 401-884-7369. more |
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| Rhode IslandWesterly, RIBates Haunted Motel | ? | F | S | ||||||
| 2011: 6-11pm. 149 Atlantic Avenue, 401-596-5616. more |
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| ConnecticutBristol, CTThe Haunted Graveyard | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Six haunted houses and a graveyard! 2011: Fri & Sat, dusk to 12am, Sun dusk to 10pm. Lake Compounce, 822 Lake Avenue, 860-583-3300. more |
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| ConnecticutEast Hampton, CTPumpkintown USA | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Hayride through “town” of pumpkin dioramas, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm. Looks small but adorable. 93 East High Street, 860-267-0143. more |
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| ConnecticutEast Haven, CTHaunted Isle at the Shore Line Trolley | ? | F | S | ||||||
| 2011: 7-10pm. Last ride leaves at 10pm. Trolley carries you through haunted woods. 17 River St, 203-467-6927. more |
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| ConnecticutBaltic, CTDark Manor | ? | F | S | S | |||||
| Plenty of matinees for kids. 25 Main St, 860-822-TOMB. more |
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| ConnecticutPortland, CTBrownstone Halloween Extravaganza | ? | S | S | ||||||
| Weekends 12-9pm. Launch pumpkins, zipline costume contest, rock climb. Haunted peninsula, pumpkin smash. 161 Brownstone Ave, 866-860-0208. more |
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| ConnecticutWallingford, CTThe Trail of Terror | ? | S | |||||||
| Outdoor woods halloween attraction. Speed Pass tix available. 2011: 7pm+. 60 North Plains Highway more |
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| MaineLebanon, MEDestination Haunt | ? | S | |||||||
| Cemetery, trail, and two buildings. 2011: Thu 6:30-9pm, Fri & Sat 6:30-10pm. Sunday matinees for kids, 4:30-9pm. Check website for rain cancellations. , 207.351.5443. more |
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| VermontDanville, VTDead North at The Great Vermont Corn Maze | ? | F | S | ||||||
| Wagon ride, corn maze, and 3 haunted buildings. 2011: 7:30pm. , 802-748-1399. more |
| Cornfield Mazes (Day/Night) | grade | Mon 9/26 | Tue 9/27 | Wed 9/28 | Thu 9/29 | Fri 9/30 | Sat 10/1 | Sun 10/2 | Mon 10/3 |
| WorcesterSterling, MADavis MegaMaze Halloween Fright Nights | A | N | D | ||||||
| My favorite corn field maze is across the street from a big petting zoo with hayrides, go carts, and apple picking. It’s the best!! They have night mazes with telescopes and Halloween nights with monsters! 145 Redstone Hill more |
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| Metro WestBolton, MASchartner Farms Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. 211 West Berlin Road, 978-779-0212. more |
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| Metro WestFramingham, MACorn Maze at Hanson’s Farm | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Days only. 2011: 9am-6pm. 20 Nixon Rd, 508.877.3058. more |
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| North ShoreIpswich, MAMarini Farm Corn Maze Flashlight Nights | ? | D | D | N | N | D | D | ||
| 2011: Mon Thu Fri 3-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Some nights, bring your own flashlight, 6-10pm. 259 Linebrook Rd, 978 471-9203. more |
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| North ShoreDanvers, MAHaunted Cornfield at Connors Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | N | D | D |
| 2011: Daily 9am-6pm. See website for coupon. Halloween night maze some nights. Singles night Oct 8. Halloween Kids Day Oct 31. 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35), 978-777-1245. more |
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| LowellDunstable, MAGoss Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| There’s no Halloween theme this year, but is a corn maze open some nights! Days Sat Sun 10am-5pm. 14 15 21 22 28 29. 446 Pleasant St, 978-649-7688. more |
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| Northern MassHaverhill, MAKimball Farm Haunted Maze | B+ | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| 2011: Daily, mainly 10am-6pm. Some nights to 8:30pm. October nights, costumed actors chase you around a maze cut into a corn field at night! Small but combine it with a visit to the Castle of Fear, also in Haverhill. 780 East Broadway, 978-521-3990. more |
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| South ShorePlympton, MASauchuk Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: Days 10am-6pm. Last admission 1 hour before close. Some nights. Bring a flashlight. 234 Center Street more |
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| WorcesterWhitinsville, MAWest End Creamery Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | |||||
| 2011: 12-6pm. Some flashlight nights. 481 Purgatory Road, 508-234-2022. more |
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| Western MassSunderland, MAMike’s Maze at Warner Farm | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: 10am-5pm. Last ticket sold at 5pm. No nights. South Main Street, 413-665-8331. more |
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| Rhode IslandPortsmouth, RIEscobar’s Highland Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| 2011: 10am-dusk except Fri (3:30pm), Sun (11am). No nights. Pumpkin Fest 9/24. Harry Potter 10/15. Halloween Party 10/29. 251 Middle Road, 401-683-1444. more |
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| New HampshireEast Conway, NHMaze Massacre at Sherman Farm | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: 10am-5pm (to 4pm after 10/15). Haunted nights, 7-9pm. Some dates non-scary for kids. , 603-939-2412. more |
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| New HampshireGilford, NHBeans & Greens Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | N | N | D | D |
| 2011: Days 10am-5pm. Some nights but not haunted, 8-10pm. 245 Intervale Road, 603.293.2853. more |
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| New HampshireLee, NHCoppal House Farm Night Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | ||
| 2011: Weekdays 12-5pm, Sat Sun 10am-5pm. Some nights 7-9pm. Bring a flashlight. Not “haunted”. Huge bonfire. Free cider & donuts. 118 North River Road (Route 155), 603.659.3572. more |
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| New HampshireHopkinton, NHBeech Hill Farm & Ice Cream Stand | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Daily 11am-dusk. No nights. 107 Beech Hill Road, 603-223-0828. more |
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| New HampshireMeredith, NHMoulton Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| 2011: 8am-6pm. No nights. $5. Trivia questions in the maze. 18 Quarry Road, 603-279-3915. more |
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| New HampshireMilford, NHTrombley Gardens Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | N | D | D |
| Days to 6pm. Saturdays in October haunted maze to 9:30pm. 150 North River Road, 603-620-5785. more |
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| ConnecticutCoventry, CTHaunted Corn Maze at Nathan Hale Homestead | ? | N | N | D | |||||
| Days Fri-Sat 12-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Some evenings Haunted Maze 7-9pm. 2299 South St, 860-742-6917. more |
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| ConnecticutGriswold, CTButtonwood Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | |||||
| 2011: Fri 3pm-dusk, Sat-Sun 10am-dusk. 471 Shetucket Turnpike, 860-376-4081. more |
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| ConnecticutMiddlefield, CTLyman Orchards Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | |||
| Corn maze but also a SUNFLOWER maze! 4 acres. Trivia challenges. 2011: Wed-Fri 3-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. No nights. Routes 147 & 157, 860-349-6015. more |
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| ConnecticutNorth Granby, CTSpookfest at Hayes Corn Maze | ? | N | N | D | |||||
| 2011: Website says 2010 but I called to confirm dates. Fri 4-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-6pm. Bring a flashlight. Hayes Dairy, 151 East St, 860-653-4157. more |
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| ConnecticutSomers, CTScantic Valley Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: 11am-dusk. 327 Ninth District Rd, 860-749-3286. more |
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| ConnecticutSouth Windsor, CTFoster Family Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | N | N | D | D |
| Sun-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9:30pm. Last ticket 9pm. Bring a flashlight. 90 Foster Street, 860-648-9366. more |
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| ConnecticutSterling, CTEkonk Hill Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | |||||
| Fri 3pm-dusk, Sat-Sun 11am-dusk. Some nights to 11pm. 227 Ekonk Hill Rd, 860-564-0248. more |
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| ConnecticutThompson, CTFort Hill Farms Corn Maze Adventure | ? | D | D | D | D | N | N | D | D |
| 2011: Sun-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm. Bring a flashlight. more |
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| ConnecticutTrumbull, CTPlasko’s Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | |||||
| 2011: Fri 3-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Last ticket sold one hour before close. 670 Daniels Farm Rd, 203-268-2716. more |
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| MaineYork, MEZack’s Corn Maze Flashlight Tag | ? | N | N | D | |||||
| 2011: Fri-Sun 12-6pm. Nights Fri-Sat, 7-10pm. Play flashlight tag! 7 Colby Turner Rd, 207-475-7857. more |
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| MaineDayton, MEPumpkin Valley Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Some nights, last admission 8pm. Union Falls Rd, 207-929-4545. more |
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| MaineFarmington, MESandy River Farms Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Haunted maze nights 6-9pm. 560 Farmington Falls Rd, 207-778-3835. more |
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| MaineCorinna, METhunder Farm Road Corn Maze | ? | D | D | ||||||
| 2011: Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Nights 6:30pm-10pm with haunted hayrides! 185 Newport Rd. Rt. 7/11, 207-278-3708. more |
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| VermontDanville, VTThe Great Vermont Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | N | N | D | D |
| 2011: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Some haunted nights, starting 7:30pm. Haunted attraction has 3 buildings not just the corn maze. 1404 Wheelock Road, 802-748-1399. more |
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| VermontColchester, VTSam Mazza’s Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| 2011: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. No nights. Last ticket sold one hour before close. , 802-655-3440. more |
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| VermontGuilford, VTGaines Farm Haunted Hayride and Haunted Maze | ? | N | D | ||||||
| 2011: Daytimes 11am-5pm, plus some nights 6:30-10pm. Twilight maze Saturdays thru Oct 8. Haunted hayride and corn maze after Oct 8. 6343 Coolidge Hwy, 802-257-0409. more |
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| VermontRutland, VTHathaway Farm Corn Maze | ? | D | D | D | D | N | D | D | |
| 2011: Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, 5pm last admission. Nights every Saturday to 11pm with fire pit. Claim to be the largest in VT. 741 Prospect Hill Road, 802.775.2624. more |
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| VermontWeybridge, VTWeybridge Gardens Haunted Corn Maze | ? | N | N | D | |||||
| 2011: Days Fri 12-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Some nights, 7pm to last admission at 10pm. Non-scary for kids during daytimes. Haunted dates fall on Sundays?? Think that’s a leftover from 2010. 181 Thompson Hill Rd, 802-545-2306. more |
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