Across Franklin County and nearby hill towns in Massachusetts, a series of classic agricultural fairs and harvest festivals are rolling out from mid-August through October. Whether you're into livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, or artisan crafts, these community events are a perfect way to connect with local heritage and celebrate the season.
Heath Fair
August 15–17 (Fri–Sun) | Heath, MA
Marking its 107th year, the Heath Fair is a true slice of rural New England. Expect tractor pulls, animal shows (sheep, goats, mini‑horses), a bustling midway, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, live music, and the beloved Fireman’s chicken BBQ. Don’t miss the antique tractor parade and the classic car cruise-in!
Photo credit: Art Schwenger
Cummington Fair
August 21–24 (Thu–Sun) | Cummington, MA
Hailed as “One of the Best Little Fairs in the Country”, the 157th Cummington Fair offers antique machinery, livestock and dairy shows, a demo derby, live music, fireworks, and a kids’ corner. A favorite is the Western Mass Lumberjack Championship and silver circus under the tent.
Shelburne Grange Fair
August 23 (Saturday) | Shelburne, MA
Held each year on the fourth Saturday of August, this intimate fair is all about community pride. Highlights include exhibits of local produce, crafts, a flea market, entertainment, and a chicken barbecue—plus, everything's judged for ribbons!
Franklin County Fair
September 4–7 (Thu–Sun) | Greenfield, MA
A cornerstone event since 1848, this four-day county fair draws over 75,000 visitors. Expect livestock competitions, a parade, midway rides, food stalls, demo derbies, a dinosaur experience, Grandstand concerts, and more.
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition)
September 12–28 | West Springfield, MA
The crown jewel—largest fair on the East Coast and fourth-largest in North America. Over 1.6 million attend annually, enjoying agricultural exhibits, circus acts, carnival rides, and iconic butter sculptures. A major draw: headline concerts at the Big E Arena—Rick Ross & Busta Rhymes on Sept 13, The Avett Brothers on Sept 20, Foreigner on Sept 21, and ZZ Top on Sept 28.
Ashfield Fall Festival
October 11–12 (Sat–Sun), 10 AM–5 PM | Ashfield, MA
This cozy fall festival showcases autumn crafts, local food, children’s games, live entertainment, and supports the festival scholarship fund. A beautiful weekend escape surrounded by foliage and community spirit.
Conway Festival of the Hills
October 25 (Sunday) | Conway, MA
Held the Sunday before Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this beloved tradition features a 10K "Covered Bridge Classic" road race, log‑splitting and skillet‑toss contests, a fall parade, live music, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, local food, and scholarships awarded to grads.
Fair-Season at a Glance
| Fair | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Heath Fair | Aug 15–17 | Tractor pulls, livestock, arts & crafts, chicken BBQ, music |
| Cummington Fair | Aug 21–24 | Antique engines, arena shows, live music, demo derby |
| Shelburne Grange Fair | Aug 23 | Crafts, exhibits, flea market, chicken BBQ |
| Franklin County Fair | Sep 4–7 | Parade, demo derby, livestock, concerts & goat yoga |
| The Big E | Sep 12–28 | Multi-state fair, big-name concerts, exhibits, carnival rides |
| Ashfield Fall Festival | Oct 11–12 | Crafts, kids’ games, local food, scholarships |
| Conway Festival of the Hills | Oct 25 | 10 K race, contests, parade, local arts, scholarships |
Don’t Miss Out!
Each fair has its unique charm—from intimate community showcases in Shelburne to the mega‑spectacle of the Big E. Whether you're aiming for family fun, supporting local farmers, or scoring concert tickets under a field of stars, Franklin County’s fair roster offers something for everyone.
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