50 things to do this fall

Columbus Day Parade
Historically inaccurate, subject to controversy, and not-quite-PC, Columbus Day might be the most American holiday of them all. South Dakota has replaced it with “Native American Day.” In Hawaii, it’s “Discoverers’ Day.” Several Californian cities now celebrate “Indigenous People’s Day” in its stead. In Boston, Columbus Day serves as a St. Patrick’s Day equivalent for the city’s large Italian-American population. The highlight of the festivities is the parade, which appropriately culminates in the North End. Oct. 10

Plimoth Plantation for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for an authentic Thanksgiving (and someone else to cook it for you), look no further than Plimoth Plantation. The goodhearted Pilgrims of America’s hometown offer not one, but three turkey dinner options. The America’s Thanksgiving Dinner ($65.95) features a roast turkey with all the classic trimmings, plus Pilgrim roleplayers and Native interpreters to distract you from your family with charming tales of the original 1621 feast. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t include green bean casserole with the crunchy onions.) If that’s too much culture and learning for you, gorge on the good stuff in the modern function room, buffet style ($65.95). For extra cred, make a reservation for the Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims ($60.95), a feast that boasts items as olde-timey as A Chine of Pork, Roast’d and A Disk of Turkey, Sauc’d. While not offered on actual Thanksgiving Day, you’ll learn enough about what the pilgrims actually ate and did to shame your sister-in-law for not preparing stewed pompion or fish fricassee on the 24th. Various dates and times; Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth (508-746-1622, plimoth.org)

(ähts): The Boston Arts Festival
Now in its ninth year, (ähts): The Boston Arts Festival serves as the launch of another season of Open Studios scattered through the city’s neighborhoods. While Open Studios offers you a chance to meet artists in their space, the Festival lets you take in a bunch of art all at once. In a park by the Waterfront, more than sixty visual artists set up shop in a specially-built artist's village. Also, over two dozen performing arts groups perform their arts on two nearby stages. Past participants have included the Boston Ballet, Blue Man Group and the Boston Pops. Free. Sep. 10–11, noon–6pm. Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (bostonahtsfestival.com)

Berklee BeanTown Jazz Fest
It’s sometimes easy to forget, but between Berklee College’s ever-emerging talent and clubs like Wally’s and Ryle’s, Boston is a pretty hot spot for jazz. Saxmen and sax-ladies (saxpeople?) get their moment in the sun at the Berklee Beantown Jazz Fest, a full weekend of performances by jazz, blues and Latin mainstays from all over the world. This year’s big names include the likes of Oleta Adams, Rafael Zaldivar, Pablo Ablanedo and Bloco AfroBrazil, plus plenty of local and student performers. The main event is a giant block party on September 24 that’s totally free (noon–6pm; Columbus Ave, South End, Boston). Night shows at various venues in town cost between $25 and $67. (beantownjazz.org)

Harvest Fest
Fundraisers tend to be both expensive and a drag, but not this one. Somerville Local First’s yearly fundraiser is a chilled-out smorgasbord that brings together 'Ville-based chefs, brewers, mixologists, artists and musicians doling out food, booze and beats. The fest is divided into two sessions with live music hosted by Hugh McGowan and DJ Die Young. Get your tickets early, because this thing will probably sell out fast. $20–$60. Oct. 15, 1pm–5pm, 6pm–10pm. The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (617-682-0763; somervillelocalfirst.org)

47th Head of the Charles Regatta
With oars and impossibly toned biceps in tow, rowers from all over the world descend on Cambridge for this fabled annual boat race—the largest of its kind anywhere. Grab a spot on one of the Charles’ many bridges, or grab a picnic blanket and watch from the riverbank. If you’re feeling flush and are a really big crew fan, you can reserve a spot in the temperature-controlled Eliot Bridge Enclosure tent ($90–$150)—but we recommend open air and a free show. Free. Saturday, Oct. 22–Sunday, Oct. 23. Ames St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-868-6200; hocr.org)