Worcester in October – Festivals, Foliage, Apples and Pumpkins

Columbus Day Weekend is here and we are so fortunate to have so many things to do in the Central Mass and Worcester Area.  This weekend is usually the time when families who have not been able to find that extra time for apple picking, just as an example, have that extra day.  In the past we have provided various posts on the following activities but this year we are going to consolidate it in one post for ease.  If applicable though we will link you to previous posts that may be helpful.

Apple Picking, Pumpkins and Farms

Celebrate the Harvest–Family Fun, October 11-13 at the Tower Hill Botanical Garden

Apple Picking in Stow, MA – Honey Pot Hill is ready to go this season but rumor has it that conditions haven’t been optimal for apple growing in our region this year so make sure you get out to the farm of your choice this weekend.  In one of our previous apple picking posts we did identify ApplePickingBoston.com where you can find apple orchards by county.  Given the conditions I mentioned I would make sure to call beforehand.  I for one go for the Cider Donuts as much as the apples…

AppleFest at Wachusett – Not happening this weekend but next and is a combination of apple picking and Oktoberfest celebration all in one:

October 18-19, 2014
10am – 5pm

Our most popular fall festival, AppleFest features over 75 Craft Fair & Farmers’ Market Booths, Family Entertainment, Scenic Foliage Skyrides to the Summit, Mountainside Barbecue, Pony Rides, Clowns, Climbing Wall, Jugglers & Magicians for the Kids. Live chainsaw wood carving demonstration!

Applefest will once again feature an Oktoberfest Celebration complete with authentic German cuisine, a multitude of tasty beers in the Beer Garden and LIVE music.

Fall Foliage

For your options for catching the last peaks of the wonderful colors that come with the changing leaves we still recommend the Mass Vacation Instafoliage tool that we wrote about last year.  Conditions are close to peaking so make sure to squeeze that in if you are interested.  Otherwise you may try some of the Eastern Mass routes as they will peak later.

Festivals

OktoberFest Related:  Enjoy Shrewsbury Street with not one but 3 different events related to both Columbus Day and OktoberFest 2014 in Worcester.  This weekend there will be a race, a Columbus Day Parade and the Annual Oktoberfest on Shrewsbury St.

Participating restaurants on Shrewsbury St. will be serving German food, beer, music and fun! Try Oktoberfest seasonal beers from Sam Adams, Wachusett Brewing Company, Leinenkugel and Harpoon at your favorite watering hole. Enjoy music from Live South, Hellenic Express, The Bubble Heads, and XS Dance Band.

Participating Restaurants:

Brew City

Flying Rhino Cafe – Drive South

Funky Murphy’s

Meze Greek Tapas Bar & Grille – Hellenic Express

Parkway Restaurant & Bar

The Pic

Piccolo’s

Ralph’s Tavern – The Bubble Heads

Rivalry’s Sports Bar

Sweet Kitchen & Bar

Victory Bar & Cigar

Vintage Grille – XS Band

Volturno Pizza

Also see AppleFest at Wachusett above.

The weekend looks mostly rainfree so enjoy!