Fall season is in full swing, with plenty of activities that go along with this time of year.
MassLive is back with another edition of weekend picks, our weekly release of activities or events to take part in across the Bay State every weekend.
From haunted happenings to more relaxed fall foliage sightings, here’s some of the things you can do in Massachusetts the weekend of Oct. 10-12.
Phantoms by Firelight, featuring the grand finale for performance Cyrkus Vampyr, returns to the grounds of Old Sturbridge Village next month.Submitted
Phantoms by Firelight
Experience a Halloween event in Old Sturbridge Village. At Phantoms by Firelight, guests can watch exhilarating fire dancers and acrobats, all surrounded by a haunting vibe filled with the area’s history.
“As nightfall cloaks the Village in darkness, the line between past and present fades, and history’s shadows come alive,” its website reads.
The Halloween event takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Sturbridge through Oct. 26 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Buy tickets here.
A look around Red Apple Farm in Phillipston.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)
Red Apple Farm
Red Apple Farm in Phillipston is the perfect spot for a day trip.
It has a Brew Barn that doubles as a taproom for Moon Hill Brewing and serves delicious barbecue food. Outside, you can sit and enjoy the farm, the animals and the atmosphere.
There’s also a country store, which offers local goods, farm products, ice cream and cider doughnuts.
Around the corner, you can grab ice cream. Or go around the side to find Red Apple Farm’s cidery. Plus, you can also pick apples in the orchard.
The farm is open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rain on a leaf during the 2025 fall foliage on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Keene, New York.Sebastian Restrepo
Fall Foliage Cruise
If you want a weekend activity filled with relaxation, try a boat cruise with all the views of fall.
Guests can take a 90-minute boat tour along the Charles River, where you’ll see the colorful fall foliage along the Esplanade, with views of both Boston and Cambridge.
Cruises depart from the Lechmere Canal behind the CambridgeSide Mall, its website reads.
Times include Fridays at 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Read more about the event and buy tickets here.
Grabbing a slice of pepperoni pizza in Worcester.(Nick O’Malley, MassLive)
Worcester Pizza Fest
Worcester Pizza Fest will be held this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company in Worcester
The event will be stocked with not only pizza from the area but also live music, craft beer and fun games.
This year’s pizza vendors are Pomodoro’s Pizza, Blue Jeans Pizza, Burncoat Pizza, Pizza Works, Kelly Square Pizza, Travelin’ Pizza, Fratelli’s Corner Crust Pizzeria, Parrot Pizza, Monti’s Pizza Plus and Home Plate Pizza. Froze Zone will also be at the festival serving its homemade gelato.
The entry fee is $5 and pizza tickets (which can be exchanged for one pizza slice) are $4 each. Buy tickets here.
The Monster Mash Scream Park at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley. (Chris Marion / The Republican)(Chris Marion / The Republican)
Fear on the Farm at McCray’s Farm
If you’re looking for the thrills of Halloween, McCray’s Farm in South Hadley is hosting its annual Fear on the Farm.
The Monster Mash Haunted Hayride heads out to the fields every Friday through Sunday in October from 7 p.m. until the last rider runs screaming, according to McCray’s website.
After the hayride, more monsters await guests in the Massacre Manor and DON Haunted Walkthroughs. If you’re brave enough, head through the haunted walkthrough, running into creatures of the night.
There’s also photo ops, concessions and entertainment available at McCray’s. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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