There’s no better way to soak up New England’s fall spirit than at The Big E, running from September 12 through September 28, 2025, in West Springfield at the Eastern States Exposition. Each day includes a rich mix of food, crafts, music, agricultural showcases, and family-friendly entertainment. Gates open early (8:00 am), and several iconic features such as the Avenue of States, Storrowton Village Museum & Shops, and the Midway are open well into the evening. One highlight coming up is Connecticut Day on Wednesday, September 17, with local Connecticut food, music, exhibits, and more.
The Big E offers a packed lineup of entertainment every day through the run of the fair, with something for just about every taste and schedule. Daily attractions include classics like the Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, the Fritzy Brothers “One Man” Circus, Mariachi Divas, the Plant Guy, Kilted Colin, and Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing, among others. The Big Major special performances are sprinkled throughout the week: big concert acts, variety acts, parades, nightly entertainment in the Big E Arena, shows at the Court of Honor Stage, and more. This year’s musical acts include ZZ Top, Hank Azaria, BoB, Queensryche, Train, the Kid Laroi, and more.
Beyond the performances, there’s a wide array of other things to do at the Big E that go far past just music and spectacle. Guests can explore rides and classic midway attractions, chttps://www.thebige.com/events/entertainmentheck out the Agriculture exhibits like Farm-A-Rama, the livestock and horse shows, and walk through the Avenue of States with buildings showcasing each state’s culture. There are also opportunities for food lovers—including new foods, a “Big Eats” competition, and a local brewery showcase—and for more relaxed pace events: shopping at the Storrowton Village Museum & Shops, visiting historical and educational exhibits, craft vendors, outdoor exhibitors, petting zoos, and self-guided tours.
While The Big E gives you a massive, multi-day, multi-themed fair experience, the Berkshires region has its own pace and flavor that pairs beautifully with fall’s colors. Over the next two weeks, Lee Founders Weekend (September 19-21) will be a great opportunity to experience small-town charm: food vendors, live music, a parade, fireworks, and community traditions are all part of the fun. On Thursday, September 18, there is Celebrate the Berkshires 2025, hosted by 1Berkshire at Jacob’s Pillow, honoring local people and businesses making an impact. Visit the Berkshires of Western MA
If you love crafts, fall flavors, and seasonal fairs, you’re in luck. Lenox Apple Squeeze later this month (September 23) features new and old favorites: apple-based treats, vendor booths, live music, a kids’ carnival, and more. Also, Hancock Shaker Village’s Country Fair runs September 23-24, offering farm animals, antique cars, quilts, craft demonstrations, and food baked by local hands.
For those who want quieter or off-beat activities as the weekend approaches, there are smaller, more intimate events. Greylock Together is putting on a poetry reading titled “Poets Resist: Democracy in Peril” on September 20, which offers a reflective evening in a beautiful Berkshires setting. Wander Berkshires, and for a slower Sunday afternoon, “Mini One-One Meditation Sessions with Joe James” on September 21 gives a chance to reset, draw mandalas, or engage in chant and breathwork.
Between these events, The Big E provides a more out-of-town, large-scale fair option, whereas the surrounding Berkshires events give a chance to relish the landscape, local culture, and seasonal harvest without the crowds. If you’re planning a trip, consider using The Big E as a kickoff (especially if you’re coming from farther away), then retreat to the Berkshires for more scenic, local flavor. Be sure to make Himalayan High and our well-curated selection of local, craft cannabis products part of your Autumn weekend.
