Sunflowers, Music, and Small-Town Traditions: Festival Season Is Here

by John Burk 

Celebrate spring and summer with a variety of festivals held by the communities, farms, and organizations of North Central Massachusetts. Whether you’re looking for live musical performances, a traditional country fair, activities for families, or an opportunity to support local artisans and nonprofits, you’ll find a wide choice of events. Here is a sampling of local festivals; see the calendar for a full listing.

Red Apple Farm in Phillipston hosts several popular seasonal events with music, food, and vendors.

Journey back in time at the Enchanted Orchard Renaissance Fair, May 2-3. With a robust schedule of medieval-themed events, the orchard becomes the domain of knights, pirates, witches, fairies, and Vikings. Summer Strings Music Festival in late June features two days of outdoor live string music performances on the stages of Brew Barn and cidery.

Kick off harvest season at the Blueberry Jamboree, July 11-12and 18-19. Pick blueberries and savor doughnuts, jams, ice cream, hard cider, and other treats at the farm store and cidery. During Sunflower Fest, August 8-9 and 15-16, find photogenic sunflowers as well as raspberries, blueberries, and early varieties of apples available for picking.

A popular tradition for more than sixty years, the River Rat canoe race, April 11, draws competitors who paddle five miles on Millers River from Alan Rich Environmental Park in Athol to Riverfront Park in Orange. Activities include a carnival, 5K road race, and parade in downtown Athol with a celebration at the finish line in Orange.

Part of GrotonFest’s annual seasonal fairs, Springfest takes place on the third Sunday in May at Prescott Community Park in Groton. Get inspired for summer by checking out programs, activities, exhibits, outdoor adventures, and fresh food offered by local businesses and organizations.

Situated at a historic farmstead in Westminster, Wildwood Farm hosts two recently established fairs with artisans, food trucks, live music, and outdoor bars. Take in the seasonal beauty of the farm at Springfest in late May and the atmosphere of a summer evening as the sun sets over Wachusett Mountain during Summerfest in late July.

The orchard of Sholan Farms in Leominster provides a picturesque setting for the Apple Blossom Festival and Craft Show in late May, dates to be announced. Attractions include wagon rides, a petting zoo, craft vendors, food trucks, and the famous Butterfly Release, where attendees may purchase a live butterfly for release in honor of a loved one.

Held on Shirley’s town common in early June, ShirleyFest promotes local artists, raises funds for non-profits, and provides family-oriented entertainment. Shirley Historical Society, Shirley Arts, and other community organizations offer food and information booths.

The City of Gardner celebrates its birthday and Small Business Saturday with a downtown festival in late June. Support local merchants, restaurants, and vendors while enjoying live music, games, and family activities.

A popular tradition since1960, Fitchburg Civic Days commemorates Independence Day with a week of fun events. The Nashua River Brewer’s Fest at Riverfront Park showcases independent breweries and cider producers from around New England, with live music, law games, and food.

On July 3, a downtown block party includes music, a car show, food trucks, and vendors, followed by a spectacular fireworks display from Rollstone Hill. Experience an old fashioned parade on Independence Day with floats, marching bands, fire trucks, community groups, and a sensory friendly zone. Activities conclude with the Amazing Duck Race at Riverfront Park, with cash prizes for winners. Head over to Riverfront Park or the Upper Common for prime views of fireworks.

The Royalston Music Fest features performances at Bullock Park at the town common in mid July, date to be announced, and the gazebo at South Royalston on the second Sunday of August. Enjoy popular local bands, food, and games at both events.

Leominster’s popular Starburst community festival returns to Doyle Field for another season in 2026, date to be announced. Highlights include fireworks, live music, food trucks, and presentations of the Citizens of the Year awards.

A quintessential New England agricultural festival, historic BoltonFair takes place at the Lancaster Fairgrounds August 14-16. Numerous attractions include animal shows, a farmer’s market, educational demonstrations, a carnival with midway rides, a crafter’s village, monster truck show, demolition derby ,tractor pulls, and other activities.