Fairs, Car Shows, Apple Picking & More for 2026

Fall in New England is hard to beat. Cooler days, changing leaves, local fairs, apple cider donuts, car shows, pumpkin patches — there’s a lot to look forward to over the next couple of months.

And fortunately, you don’t have to travel very far from Dracut to enjoy it.

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a Saturday afternoon out, or just an excuse to grab some cider donuts, here are a few local and regional fall favorites worth putting on your calendar for Fall 2026.

Dracut Old Home Day — September 12

We’ll start right here at home.

Dracut Old Home Day & Firefighters Activity Day returns on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at the school complex on Lakeview Avenue.

It’s one of those events that really feels like Dracut — local vendors, food, entertainment, children’s rides, firefighters’ activities and plenty of familiar faces.

Car enthusiasts have another reason to go: the Dracut Road Runners Car Show takes place the same day from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, featuring classic cars and trucks along with trophies and prizes.

If you live in town, this one should probably be on the calendar.

Beaver Brook Market — Saturdays Through October 17

Another option that doesn’t require leaving Dracut is Beaver Brook Market at 761 Mammoth Road.

The market runs Saturdays through October 17, 2026, bringing together local farmers, crafters, fresh flowers, food vendors and live entertainment.

It’s an easy way to spend part of a Saturday while also supporting local farms and small businesses.

Apple Picking Close to Home

You really can’t talk about fall in New England without apple picking.

One of the closest options is Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough, which has become a fall tradition for many local families. Apple picking, farm activities and, of course, cider donuts make it an easy outing without having to drive very far.

A little farther away, Smolak Farms in North Andover offers another classic New England farm experience with orchards, seasonal activities, a farm stand and plenty of fall treats.

Mack's Apples in Londonderry, NH is another longtime favorite, especially if your definition of apple picking includes bringing home a bag of apples and eating at least one cider donut before you leave the parking lot.

For a quieter, more traditional orchard experience, Drew Farm in Westford is another option worth checking out.

Pumpkin Picking & Fall Farms

As September turns into October, it’s pumpkin season.

Right here in Dracut, Ogonowski Farm on Broadway Road is a great local stop for pumpkins, mums, cornstalks and other fall decorations.

Nearby Lawndale Farms in Tyngsborough offers seasonal pumpkin picking along with hayrides and other fall activities.

If you're willing to venture a little farther, Lavoie Farm in Hollis, NH combines apples and pumpkins with classic fall activities such as hayrides and a corn maze.

There are plenty of choices, so you can make an afternoon of it without turning it into an all-day road trip.

The Topsfield Fair — October 2–12

If there’s one fair that belongs on just about every Massachusetts fall list, it’s the Topsfield Fair.

The 2026 fair runs October 2 through October 12 at the Topsfield Fairgrounds.

Between the animals, food, rides, exhibits, entertainment and famous giant pumpkins, it’s one of those New England traditions that people continue going back to year after year.

And if you've never seen one of the giant pumpkins in person, they're worth seeing at least once!

Want to Make a Bigger Day of It? The Big E

It isn't exactly around the corner, but The Big E in West Springfield is one of New England's biggest fall traditions and can make for a great day trip.

The 2026 fair runs September 18 through October 4.

The Avenue of States, fair food, agricultural exhibits, entertainment and seemingly endless things to see make this more of an all-day adventure than some of the local fairs — but it's worth the drive if you've never been.

One of the Best Times of Year to Explore the Area

One of the things I enjoy about living and working in this area is how much there is to do without traveling very far.

Within a short drive of Dracut, you can spend a Saturday morning at a farmers market, pick apples in the afternoon, check out a car show the following weekend and head to a fair in October.

It's also a great time of year to explore some of the surrounding communities. If you've ever thought about moving somewhere in the Merrimack Valley or Southern New Hampshire, spending a day walking around a town, visiting its farms and local businesses, and getting a feel for the community can tell you quite a bit about what it might actually be like to live there.

And even if moving isn't remotely on your radar, get outside and enjoy it.

Fall in New England never seems to last quite long enough.

Know of a great local fall event, car show, farm or hidden gem that should be on this list? Let me know — I'm always looking for another good local spot to check out.