From pumpkins to parades, markets to music, fall fun is everywhere! Here are the local events and adventures we can’t wait to dive into.

Thru 10/26 | Sightseeing trips aboard Onrust & RiverQuest from Connecticut River Museum

Set sail from the Connecticut River Museum aboard RiverQuest or the historic Onrust for scenic, narrated cruises showcasing the river’s rich ecology, wildlife, history, and iconic landmarks like lighthouses and eagles. Prices vary.

Thru 10/27 | Pick Your Own at Scott’s Yankee Farmer

Harvest your own fresh fruits and vegetables at Scott’s Yankee Farmer in East Lyme. Enjoy family-friendly fun, a corn maze, seasonal produce, and the simple joy of picking straight from the farm to your basket. Friday – Monday, 10am – 5pm. $5 admission, $12 corn maze.

Thru 11/2 | A Chorus Line at Goodspeed Opera House

Experience the highs, heartbreak, and passion of Broadway as 17 dancers chase their dreams in the Pulitzer-winning musical A Chorus Line, a dazzling 50th anniversary production at Goodspeed. Prices and times vary.

Thru 11/2 | Fall Festival at the Big Red Barn at Bishop’s Orchards

Experience autumn at Bishop’s Orchards with apple picking, wagon rides, a pizza-themed corn maze, pumpkin patch, cider hut, food trucks, and fun for the whole family. Hours and prices vary.

Thru 11/30  |  William Blake: Shining Bright Exhibit at Yale Center for British Art

Discover the visionary world of William Blake in an exhibition showcasing his radical poetry, paintings, and hand-printed books that challenge convention and illuminate art, faith, and society. Free admission, hours vary.

Thru 11/30 | Albrecht Dürer: Master Prints at Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Discover the genius of Albrecht Dürer in Master Prints, featuring over 40 groundbreaking woodcuts and engravings that revolutionized printmaking and shaped the art of the German Renaissance. Admission varies.

Thru December | “Not So Obvious” Game Night at Yankee Hard Ciders

Challenge your brain and have fun with Not So Obvious, a half-trivia, half-Connections game where teams race to uncover the surprising link hiding behind the obvious. Every Thursday at 6:30pm.

9/18 | Artist Day at High Hopes

Find your muse in rolling pastures and peaceful paddocks, paint, sketch, and be inspired by grazing horses, blooming fields, and the serene beauty of nature all around. 3pm – 6pm. Free.

9/18 – 9/21  |  Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library Fall Book Sale
Enjoy four days of fun at this family-oriented community event offering books at affordable prices. Hours vary.

9/19 – 9/21 | Guilford Fair

Celebrate the fall season at the Guilford Fair, Connecticut’s second-oldest agricultural fair, featuring thrilling rides, the Flying Wallendas, racing pigs, a fascinating zoo show, live music, a grand parade, and family fun galore. Times vary, tickets $10 – $40, kids under 11 free.

9/19 – 9/20 | Fall Design Open House at the ReBorn House

For two days only shop the newest fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, and home collections. Bring your projects and collaborate with the ReBorn House team on custom upholstery, cushions, pillows, slipcovers, window treatments, and more. 9am – 6pm. Admission is free.

9/20 | Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous at Mystic Seaport Museum

Celebrate the Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous, where beautifully restored cruisers, sailboats, and runabouts shine along the Mystic waterfront before setting off in a vibrant parade down the river. Free with admission.

9/20 | Storytelling Festival and Conference at Garde Arts Center

Celebrate the art of storytelling at the Connecticut Storytelling Festival with folk tales, personal narratives, poetry, and a special evening performance by Carmen Agra Deedy at the Garde Arts Center. Times and prices vary.

9/20 | Niantic Bay Oyster Festival

Savor fresh oysters, local brews, live music, and family fun at the Niantic Bay Oyster Festival, every bite and beat supports the Miracle League of Southeastern CT! 12pm – 6pm. Admission is free.

9/20 – 9/21 | Harvest Food & Wine Fest at Stonington Vineyards

Savor wine, food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music all weekend at Stonington Vineyards Harvest Food & Wine Festival, a beloved fall tradition filled with flavor, community, and celebration. Hours vary, $30.

9/20 – 9/21  |  Garlic Festival at Olde Mystick Village
Enjoy live music and savor the flavors of fall at Olde Mystick Village’s Garlic Festival with food, crafts, art, local farms, bakers, and artisan. Enjoy an award-winning celebration of all things garlic. Times vary. Admission is free.

9/21 | Smoke and Strings at Stone Acres Farm

Savor smoky BBQ, seasonal sides, and live tunes from Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots and Corey Daniel & The Coastal Pines at Smoke & Strings, a family-friendly summer farm festival. 1pm – 4pm, $27.

9/27  |  Madison Artisan & Antique Fall Festival
Discover treasures at Madison Green’s Annual Artisan & Antique Festival with live music, hay rides, pumpkins, fall décor, and a kids’ corner—fun for the whole family in a festive autumn setting. 9am – 4pm. Admission $5.

9/27 – 11/2 | Wee Faerie village at the Flo Gris

Discover Gardener’s Grove at this year’s Wee Faerie Village, where whimsical plant-inspired dwellings and playful installations create a magical autumn world of imagination, community, and enchantment. Free with admission.

9/27 –1/4 | Inside Out: Contexts for American Art at the Flo Gris Museum

Step inside the Florence Griswold Museum for Inside Out: Contexts for American Art, a multi-sensory exhibition where history, place, and creativity bring artworks to life in unexpected ways. Admission varies.

9/27 | Antique Show with Lebanon Historical Society

Discover treasures at Lebanon Historic Society’s 58th Annual Antiques Show, complete with Dixie Donuts, homemade chowders, pies, sandwiches, and classic grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for a full day of fun. 9am – 3pm.  $8 admission, children 12 and under free.

9/28 | Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos & the Buena Vista Orchestra at Garde Arts Center

The Buena Vista Orchestra, led by original maestro Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, brings the spirit of the Buena Vista Social Club to life with timeless classics and vibrant new performances. 7pm, tickets $50 and up.

9/28 | Guilford Chowder Challenge on the Green

Savor local flavors at the Chowder Challenge and explore the Artisan Marketplace on the Guilford Green, with live music, community fun, and plenty of chowder to taste and vote on. 10am – 4pm, $10 pp/ $25 family of four.

9/28 | Painting with Cochineal Dye at La Grua Center
Create your own Mexican Magical Dog with artists from Expressiones, exploring ancient traditions and vibrant cochineal dye in a hands-on workshop celebrating Mesoamerican culture, imagination, and artistry. 10am – 12pm, $25.

10/2 – 10/4 | Designer’s Circus at Guilford Arts Center

Refresh your fall style at Designers Circus! Discover unique women’s fashion from 70+ designers at 50–90% off boutique prices. Hours vary.

10/2 – 10/26 | Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Ivoryton Playouse

A witty and warm family comedy set in the 1970s, where the O’Sheas juggle secrets, guilt, and gossip in a nostalgic tale of love, laughter, and neighborhood life. Times vary, tickets $25 – $60.

10/4 – 10/5 | Season 35 Opening Concerts with Musical Masterworks

Enjoy a dream team of world-class musicians featuring Schubert treasures including the beloved Trout Quintet and the poignant Arpeggione Sonata with Tessa Lark’s own Appalachian Fantasy, blending timeless classics and contemporary brilliance. 5pm and 3pm, $45.

10/4 | Niantic Artisian & Vintage Market

Discover artisan goods, vintage finds, handcrafted treasures, and a mini-antique car show at Niantic Main Street’s village-wide market. Enjoy shopping, strolling, and charm throughout the heart of town! 10am – 4pm, free admission.

10/15 | Gypsy Kings at Garde Arts Center

Nicolas Reyes, legendary co-founder of the Gipsy Kings, brings decades of chart-topping flamenco, Latin rhythms, and global hits to the stage, celebrating a legacy of passion, culture, and unforgettable music. 7:30 pm, tickets $55 – $222.

10/25 | Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival and parade

Celebrate autumn at the 25th Annual Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival! Costume parade, live music, pumpkin stroll & family fun, all free in the heart of Ivoryton Village. 10am – 7pm, 4:30 parade

11/1 | Roost Festival at Stone Acres Farm

Celebrate music, food, and community at Stone Acres Farm with Grateful Shred, artisan crafts, and delicious bites at the Roost Festival’s Shakedown Street, a lively Grateful Dead-inspired fall gathering. 12pm – 6pm, tickets $69 and up.

Ongoing | Connecticut Oyster Trail

Foodies are falling in love with Connecticut’s fabulous oysters. Discover some of the best our state has to offer, ranging from farm-fresh to farm-to-table. Locations and prices vary.