Photo credit: Diemand Farm
As autumn arrives in Western Massachusetts, the North Quabbin region comes alive with the sights, sounds, flavors, and creativity of the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival. The annual “festival that stinks” returns to Forster Farm in Orange on September 26 and 27, 2026, bringing together local farmers, artists, food producers, musicians, community organizations, and visitors from throughout New England.
The 28th annual festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine, at Forster Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange, Massachusetts.
A Celebration of Local Agriculture, Art, and Community
The Garlic & Arts Festival began in 1998 when a group of local farmers and artists recognized a need for a place to showcase and sell the products being created in the North Quabbin region. Five neighbors each contributed $20 to get the idea started, and the first festival was held in 1999 at Seeds of Solidarity Farm. After the festival quickly outgrew its original location, it moved to Forster Farm in 2000, where it has continued to grow into a beloved regional tradition.
Today, the festival remains focused on the same basic idea: supporting the people who grow, create, cook, teach, and build in the region.
Visitors can browse handmade artwork and crafts, shop for locally grown and produced goods, enjoy food and drink, listen to live music, and take part in workshops and demonstrations. The festival's 2026 artist lineup includes makers working in a wide range of mediums, from handmade paper and books to artwork inspired by the natural world.
More Than Just Garlic
Garlic may be the star of the weekend, but there is much more to discover. The festival brings together art, agriculture, food, music, spoken word, demonstrations, and hands-on activities in the middle of the beautiful North Quabbin landscape.
The 2026 schedule includes performances and workshops throughout the weekend, along with a Spoken Word Stage in the woods and an Electric Vehicle Display. Visitors can check the schedule posted around the festival grounds or print a copy in advance.
Of course, garlic-themed food is an important part of the experience. Past festivals have featured everything from garlic pizza and burgers to creative desserts, along with plenty of locally produced food. The festival has also become known for its playful garlic traditions, including its famous raw garlic-eating contest.
Supporting the Local Economy
Photo credit: North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
One of the most important aspects of the festival is its direct connection to the local economy. Rather than simply putting on an annual event, the festival provides a marketplace where visitors can purchase directly from regional farmers, artists, food producers, and other small businesses.
That mission has been part of the festival since its beginning. Organizers estimate that millions of dollars in exhibitor sales have been generated over the festival's history, helping support local livelihoods and keeping money circulating within the region.
The festival's community impact also extends beyond the weekend itself. Since its inception, the organization has awarded community grants supporting projects related to arts, agriculture and food, wellness, renewable energy, and community building.
A Festival Built by Volunteers
The North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival is unusual in that it is organized and operated entirely by volunteers. A committee of local friends and neighbors works throughout the year to plan the event, while additional volunteers help make the festival happen over the weekend.
That community involvement is reflected in the festival itself. Exhibitors contribute time to help with setup and cleanup, and more than 150 volunteers have helped during festival weekends in recent years. The volunteer model helps keep admission affordable while strengthening the sense of community that makes the event distinctive.
The festival has also maintained its independence from corporate sponsorship and alcohol sales, allowing it to keep its focus on local agriculture, arts, sustainability, and community.
Sustainability Is Part of the Experience
Environmental sustainability is another long-standing part of the Garlic & Arts Festival. The event has worked to minimize waste through composting and recycling, while also highlighting renewable energy and other ideas for building more sustainable communities.
A 2023 account of the festival noted its longstanding goal of producing very little trash despite attracting thousands of visitors. The event has also featured electric vehicles, renewable-energy demonstrations, and educational activities focused on sustainability.
The result is a festival where sustainability isn't simply a topic discussed on a stage—it is incorporated into how the event operates.
Plan a Fall Weekend in Orange
For visitors coming from outside Orange, the Garlic & Arts Festival can also be a good starting point for exploring the North Quabbin area. The region offers hiking, paddling, local businesses, farms, and scenic roads, making it easy to turn a festival visit into a full fall day or weekend in Western Massachusetts.
Parking is available off-site with a free shuttle from the main parking lot at Holtshire Road and Fairman Road. Shuttle buses run approximately every 10 minutes, with the ride to the festival taking about seven minutes. On-site parking is reserved for carpools of three or more and visitors with accessible parking permits, while biking and hiking are also options.
2026 Festival Information
North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival
September 26–27, 2026
10 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine
Forster Farm
60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange, MA
Weekend admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, seniors, and EBT, WIC, or Health Connector cardholders, and free for children 12 and under. Advance tickets are available online, and tickets can also be purchased at the gate with cash or credit/debit cards.
Pets are not permitted on the festival grounds or in vehicles at the festival; service dogs are welcome.
Advance tickets and additional information are available through the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival website.
With fall foliage, local food, handmade art, live entertainment, and a strong commitment to the North Quabbin community, the 28th annual Garlic & Arts Festival offers a chance to experience what makes the region special—and to support the people helping make it that way.
Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are known for their vibrant small towns, local farms, artists, and independent businesses. As a longtime local real estate expert, Wanda Mooney shares insights about the communities, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities that make this region such a special place to live.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
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