25 things to do in Boston this fall

1. Boston Local Food Fest
Fort Point gets fresh this October, when area farmers, fisherman and other foodie folk offer $5 servings of their locally sourced eats, as well as Bay State beer and wine. There will also be demonstrations and workshops, plus food-inspired crafts and throwdown-style competitions. Oct. 7, 11am–5pm; Rose Kennedy Greenway, Downtown, Boston (bostonlocalfoodfestival.com)

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2. Check out foliage
Maybe you’ve noticed the glut of leaf peepers that show up at our figurative doorstep every fall. There’s a reason for it: New England is effing gorgeous during the first few weeks of October. While most Bostonians can peer through their venetian blinds to take in the autumnal majesty, sometimes it’s nice to get outside the city and really soak it up. Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge) is known for beautiful colors, as are the Arnold Arboretum (125 Arborway) and Jamaica Pond (507 Jamaica Way) in JP. Those who like their leaves with a side of civil disobedience should check out Walden Pond in Concord. More ambitious foliage enthusiasts can head west to the Berkshires—try routes 7 and 8, which run between two state forests.

3. Fall movies
While we love our popcorn flicks, there’s nothing quite like Oscar season, and this year’s lineup does not disappoint. Philip Seymour Hoffman totally does not play L. Ron Hubbard in The Master, which follows a post-WWII drifter who founds a belief system that is definitely not a thinly veiled reference to Scientology (Sep 14). Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant and Halle Berry star in Cloud Atlas, the film adaptation of the 2004 novel, which tells six interwoven stories over a couple of centuries (Oct 26). Brad Pitt plays a slick late-‘70s mob enforcer in Killing Them Softly, with a little help from Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini (Oct 19). Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the same character at different ages in the futuristic time-travel pic Looper (Sep 28).

4. Take the commuter rail to a Patriots game 
Attending a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium is a great afternoon; spending the evening trying to get out of the parking lot is significantly less fun. To skip that brutal Route 1 traffic (and $40 for stadium parking), catch the train that leaves from South Station. You won’t have to get pre-psyched alone; the Commuter Rail carries 1,800 fans to each home game. $15 round trip (www.mbta.com)

5. Halloween in Salem
Like Disney World or the Statue of Liberty, Halloween in Salem is a kitschy spectacle that everyone should try at least once. While most Bostonians are content with a single night of costumes and candy bingeing, Salem residents treat Halloween as a monthlong event. You can hardly toss a roll of TP without hitting a souvenir stand or a haunted house, but there are other less-obvious options, including a continuous reenactment of the witch trials, a 6.66 mile road race and the Feast of Samhain. (hauntedhappenings.org)

6. Apple picking
Oftentimes, the best part about apple picking is what you do afterward. Time flies once you start wandering around the farm store, pondering the potential uses for your hypothetical future apples. Let's face it—you're just gonna wind up stuffing yourself with cider donuts and taking a hay ride, so why fight it? Check out this list of apple orchards within an hour of the city. (massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx)

7. Visit a pumpkin patch
Picking the perfect pumpkin is a fine art. You don’t want it to be too lopsided or have a lame stem. As such, you might as well hunt for your perfect to-be jack-o-lantern while it’s still on the vine. Check out Dowse Orchards in Sherborn (98 North Main St; 508-653-2639, dowseorchards.com), Shelburne Farm in Stow (106 West Acton Rd; 978-897-9287, shelburnefarm.com) or Verrill Farm in Concord (11 Wheeler Rd; 978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com). You might even catch a glimpse of the Great Pumpkin—but it’s probably just a beagle in an aviator’s cap.

8. Stock up on school supplies
So what if you're now officially a Working Professional? That doesn’t mean you can’t bring a few new gel pens to the office. Check out the Hello Kitty haven Every Little Thing (163 Harvard Ave, Allston; 617-254-1770), or if you’re in the market for something more grown up—like a magnet that allows you to create paper-clip sculptures at your desk—try one of Black Ink’s locations (101 Charles St, Beacon Hill, Boston; 617-723-3883; 5 Brattle St, Harvard Square, Cambridge; 866-497-1221, blackinkboston.com). There’s nothing like a new pencil case to really brighten your day.

9. Boston Fashion Week
Boston has taken some heat on the fashion front as of late, but true Bostonians know there's more to the city’s style than frayed Sox hats and puffy white sneakers. Boston Fashion Week offers up traditional events like big-name runway shows, panel discussions and glam afterparties. But there's also some Hub-flavored extras—like a Fashion Trail of special treats and deals. Sep. 27–Oct. 6; Various locations (www.bostonfashionweek.com)

10. Homebrew beer
The first batch of Sam Adams, the region’s most recognizable beer, was brewed in a home kitchen. Jump-start your own homebrewing by picking up a kit from Modern Homebrew Emporium (2304 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; 617-498-0400; beerbrew.com). If your beer hits it big, there’s plenty of other Boston historical figures to name it after. Sylvia Plath Pilsner, anyone?

11. 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 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. 8

12. Plimoth Plantation for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for an authentic Thanksgiving (and someone to cook it for you), look no further than Plimoth Plantation. There is not one, but three turkey-dinner options: The America’s Thanksgiving Dinner ($88.95) 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 crunchy onions.) If that’s too much culture for you, gorge on the good stuff in the modern function room, buffet style ($66.95). For extra cred, make a reservation for the Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims ($62.95), a feast that boasts items as old-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 22th. Various dates and times; Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth (508-746-1622, www.plimoth.org)

13. (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. Beloved funk/soul outfit Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings kick things off on Friday. Free. Sep. 7, 6–9pm; Sep. 8–9, noon–6pm. Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (bostonahtsfestival.com)

14. Berklee BeanTown Jazz Fest
It’s sometimes easy to forget, but with Berklee College’s 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 jazz, blues and Latin performances from all over the world. Past performers have included such big names as 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 29 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)

15. Harvest Fest
Fundraisers tend to be expensive and—let’s be honest—dullish, 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, who dole out food, booze and beats. The fest is divided into two sessions with live music playing the whole time. Get your tickets early, because this thing will probably sell out fast. $20–$60. Oct. 27, 1pm–5pm, 6pm–10pm. The Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville (617-682-0763; somervillelocalfirst.org)

16. 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. 20–Sunday, Oct. 21. Ames St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-868-6200; http://www.hocr.org)

17. Boston Book Fest
For one Saturday every year, our already wordy city lets its literary freak flag fly. This year’s fest features 100-plus authors, including plenty of big names in the lit world. The BBF kicks off with Page to Screen, a panel discussion arguing the merits of film adaptations of books featuring Buzz Bissinger (Friday Night Lights), Rachel Cohn (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist), Andre Dubus III (The House of Sand and Fog), Nick Flynn (Another Bullshit Night in Suck City/Being Flynn), and Daniel Handler (A Series of Unfortunate Events) Between readings, head to Copley Square to browse and talk shop with booksellers and literary orgs. Oct. 27. “Page to Screen”: $15, all other events: free (617-252-3240; bostonbookfest.org)

18. HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands
Only in Somerville could a massive-scale, multi-day folk-street-band fest be one of the biggest events of the season. Now in its sixth year, HONK! is just as loud and uproarious as it sounds, with 350 crazily attired musicians converging on Davis Square for three days of sheer, unadulterated noise. Comprising mostly brass players, the bands come from all over the country and include The Chaotic Insurrection Ensemble and The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, among others. Check out the website for a full schedule. Oct. 5–8, Davis Square, Somerville (honkfest.org)

19. Wellfleet Oysterfest
This Cape Cod bivalve bonanza celebrates its tenth anniversary with a two-day street party. Slurp up the hometown flavor with Wellfleet's own world- (or at least regionally ) famous oysters as well as live entertainment and educational exhibits about the area’s rich shellfishing history. Once you’ve gorged yourself on the slippery stuff, check out the Oyster Shuck-Off, where area chefs and fisherman compete for $1,000 and a spot in the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Competition in Maryland. Donation suggested. Oct. 13 + 14. Main St, Wellfleet, MA (wellfleetoysterfest.org)

20. Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Before the On the Road author was the booze- and drug-addled voice of the Beat Generation, the young Jack Kerouac was playing football for Lowell High and going to church with his mom downtown. This year’s festival features a walking tour of Kerouac’s favorite Lowell pubs, poetry open mics, and an improvisational music extravaganza with Kerouac's friend David Amram, bop jazz singer Mark Murphy, and rock poet John Sinclair. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a road revelation of your own on the drive up 93-N. Free. Oct. 8–14 (lowellcelebrateskerouac.org)

21. Thursday Wine Bar
On Thursdays between 5 and 9pm, Central Bottle makes like an enoteca and slings glasses of affordable grape. Wannabe oenophiles shouldn’t be intimidated by the insidery vibe and swank surroundings: Noobs can learn about producer-driven vino and scoop up well-priced bottles. Thursdays, 5pm­–9pm. 196 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge (617-225-0040; centralbottle.com)

22. What the Fluff? Festival
There’s more to Boston’s history than all that Freedom Trail stuff. In 1917, for example, entrepeneur Archibald Query invented Marshmallow Fluff, the beloved confectionery spread, right in Somerville. Union Square celebrates its favorite son with a daylong fest that includes a tug of war over a tub of Fluff, erupting Fluff volcanoes and Fluff-based nibbles aplenty. Last year’s What the Fluff? VIPs included Susan Olsen, a.k.a. as Cindy from The Brady Bunch; Allee Willis, better known as the lady who wrote Earth, Wind & Fire’s hit “September” and NASA astronaut Rick Linnehan. Free. Sep. 29, 3pm–7pm. Union Square, Somerville (617-955-0800; unionsquaremain.org)

23. Fall Wine Fest
Put on your classiest drinking pants and join Boston Event Guide for ten hours of sipping, swishing and spitting (or, let's be honest, swallowing). Staying for the full ten hours may require the purchase of multiple tickets and is probably frowned upon, but you can choose from three sessions. The event space will be organized by region for maximum edification—and maximum impact of that fake French accent you’ll probably adopt around taste number seven. $19–$69. Nov 3, noon–2:30pm, 3pm–6pm, 7pm–10pm. Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, South End, Boston (bostoneventguide.com)

24. Topsfield Fair
In 1820, Timothy Pickering walked away from the first Topsfield Fair with a prize for “superior performance of his plow.” Nearly two centuries later, the Giant Pumpkin Contest is the most competitive—a 1,689-pound pumpkin captured the Guinness World Record at the Fair in 2007. If gourds of unusual size aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of chances to view animals of adorable proportions, including a Baby Bunny Room and the Great American Duck Race. For a little more action, check out a demolition derby or demonstrations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. $10 weekdays, $12 weekends. Sep 28–Oct 8. Topsfield (978-887-5000; topsfieldfair.org)

25. Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
As part of its mission to help people, animals and the environment, the Boston Vegetarian Association presents the 17th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. For two days, the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury Crossing will be stocked with animal-free goodies. The free event will feature herds of local vendors serving up samples and dishing advice on where to get veggie-friendly staples and what to do with them (we all know that bringing home the tofu is only half the battle). All are welcome, from the longtime vegan to the veg-curious. Free. Oct 27–Oct 28. Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St, Roxbury Crossing, Roxbury (bostonveg.org/foodfest)

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