The fall season is creeping in as Nichols students return to campus and classes. Although the end of summer can be bittersweet, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Nearby towns host thriving fall festivals and fairs, and there’s always more to explore in central Mass.
Aug 20th – Nov
Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze Adventure: Located in Thompson, CT, Fort Hill Farms is a 15-minute drive from Nichols. Navigating through the corn maze can be a fun group activity. Friday and Saturday nights are flashlight nights where maze-goers can enter the labyrinth guided by flashlight. Fort Hill Farms also sells fresh made ice cream and other products. Admission to the maze is $12.
Sept 2nd – 5th
Woodstock Fair in Woodstock, CT: The Woodstock fair is a nearby favorite filled with food, rides, games, shopping, competitions, and entertainment. Open barns show off cows, chickens, and rabbits. Top country and pop artists headline this year’s fair. The entrance fee is $12 and the fair is about 15 minutes from the school.
Sept – Nov
Factory of Terror: This haunted house in Worcester, Ma is known as one of the scariest. Great makeup and effects paired with classic scares such as zombies, ghosts, and clowns makes for a thrilling experience. Tickets are $22 online.
Oct 1st
Dudley Grange Apple Festival: The Apple Festival is held right next to Nichols at the Dudley Grange. It may be a small event, but all of Dudley attends for the apple crisp. Apple crisp is $5 and the festival also offers other food, drink, and activities.
Oct 1st – 2nd
Wachusett Mountain BBQ Fest: Wachusett Mountain hosts a big weekend-long BBQ event featuring a variety of BBQ vendors, a traditional pig roast, pie eating contests, beer tent, and live entertainment. Tickets are $12 at the door. Travel time is about an hour.
Oct 14th – 16th
Rock and Shock 2016: This horror festival is in collaboration between the DCU Center and Worcester Palladium concert venue. Attendees can choose between buying tickets for the horror convention, the concert shows, or both. The convention features famous horror movie writers and producers, actors and actresses from favorite shows such as American Horror Story, costume contests, and much more.
Oct 22nd
Great Pumpkin Festival: Putnam is a busy little Connecticut town filled with small businesses selling food, artwork, and antiques. Every year there is a pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin carving contests, pie eating contests, scarecrow competitions, live music, and a petting zoo. It’s only a 15-minute ride from Nichols and there is no admission fee.