We look forward to all the fall festivals in the Berkshires this year and every year. Dance, theater, arts, opera, and more each have their spot in the limelight at some point on the calendar. But when fall comes to the Berkshires, and a riot of color paints the landscape, every day becomes festive.
A premier destination in any season, somehow, the fall speaks loudest in the Berkshires. Awash in the bright autumnal hues of red, yellow, orange, and amber, towns and villages throughout the region bask in the glory of fall foliage. Warm days and cool nights ready the landscape for Mother Nature’s brilliant display come September and October.
With apple picking and cider sipping, we toast the change of seasons and welcome all the fun festivities that ease us gently through fall. Join us as we celebrate everything from ghosts and goblins to local legends. Fall is a great time to visit us at our charming bed and breakfast in Lee, MA. Here’s what you can expect from a fall getaway to the Berkshires.
Housatonic Heritage Walks
Saturdays & Sundays September 2-October 1, 2023
Get out your hiking boots and join dozens of volunteer historians, naturalists, and environmentalists as they take you on a tour of the Housatonic River Valley. The Housatonic Heritage Walks are a great way to get out and explore the region while learning a bit about the diversity of nature that exists here. Choose from more than 70 options that will have you paddling the river, biking country roads, or getting a behind-the-scenes look at art venues throughout the region.
Lee Founders Weekend
September 15-17, 2023
Come out and sing happy birthday to this quaint town in the Berkshires. Celebrating 244 years young, Lee puts on a show for three days every September during the Lee Founders Weekend. It’s a weekend filled with traditions. Starting with “Taste of Lee” on Friday night, Main Street becomes a world-class buffet of tempting treats prepared by local chefs. Saturday dawns bright with a 5K race followed by the annual parade. Then get into the swing of things with sidewalk sales, street vendors, music, and more.
Lenox Apple Squeeze
September 23, 2023
It’s apples, apples, everywhere when the streets of Lenox come alive with vendors serving up apple pie, apple cake, apple muffins, apple sauce, apple cider, and cider donuts during the Lenox Apple Squeeze. It’s hometown fun that attracts thousands of visitors each year. But it’s not just apples that create the buzz in the Berkshires during this event. Hop on a wagon ride through town. Let street performers entertain you with magic tricks and more. Visit the craft tents to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Or just sit back and enjoy the music that fills the air at this festive event.
47th Annual Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon
September 10, 2023
Named for a local humorist, the Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon celebrates this hometown hero with a triathlon that begins with a 27-mile bike ride, followed by a 5-mile paddle and a 6-mile run. This fun-for-the-whole family event embraces its namesake’s philosophy of “to finish is to win.” Over 500 teams compete for bragging rights as they traverse the region from Great Barrington to the Stockbridge Bowl.
Annual Harvest Festival, Berkshire Botanical Garden
October 7-8, 2023
Celebrated over the Columbus Day Weekend, the Annual Harvest Festival at the Berkshire Botanical Garden brings together local musicians and entertainers, artisan food vendors, gardening workshops, and a farmers market. Hayrides and pony rides, a ghostly haunted house, and special surprises throughout the day make this celebration a treat for the whole family.
ArtWeek Berkshires
October 14-22, 2023
Experience this annual celebration of local artists and artisans in the Berkshires. Explore open studios, and take your pick of over 100 events held throughout the region. Plan your stay around your favorite gallery shows, live performances, painting demos, and so much more.
Join the fun at any of these fall festivals in the Berkshires this year. The towns of western Massachusetts roll out the red carpet to welcome the change of seasons. We’re here, in the heart of it all, ready to welcome you and share all that makes a Berkshire getaway in September and October so special.
Updated August 2023