By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the month of October is finally upon us with its enchanting blend of autumnal beauty and Halloween magic. For families, this month offers a unique opportunity to come together, celebrate the changing seasons, and embark on memorable adventures. Whether you're eager to embrace the spooky side of Halloween or revel in the cozy charms of fall, creating an October bucket list can infuse your family's routine with excitement and joy.
Kicking off this weekend, the Westwood Young Women’s Club is hosting 4th annual Harvestfest celebration on Saturday, October 5th at Martha Jones! There will be fall-themed fun, including pumpkin decorating, petting zoo, live music, & festive crafts geared towards the whole family. Tickets can be purchased online, they are $10/child and $25 per family. Ticket prices will increase day of event. Later that same day down the road in Dover, The Dover Land Conservation Trust (DLCT) and The Dover Mothers’ Association (DMA) will be hosting the Springdale Field Festival in Dover on Saturday from 3 PM to 7 PM. This event is free of charge and open to everyone, as it will include an afternoon of fall festivities featuring wood-fired pizza, face painting, an ice cream truck, and live music.
If you’re busy this weekend and looking to enjoy fall festivities at a later date, MedfieldTV is hosting their second annual Scarecrow Spooktacular for a day full of fall festivities, entertainment, local vendors, and of course, scarecrows. This event will take place at Baxter Park on October 19th, from 12 PM - 4 PM and is free and open to the public.
One of the staples of the autumnal season is pumpkins! Luckily, the surrounding areas has ample choices for pumpkin-related fun. If you and your family are looking for pumpkins this season local pumpkin patches can be found at the United Church of Christ in Medfield, Epiphany Parish in Walpole, and First Parish of Westwood. Be sure to visit their websites to check their hours before you venture out to make the trip.
If you’re looking to decorate the pumpkins the Rosemary Recreation Complex in Needham is holding a pumpkin decorating event! People are welcome to decorate sugar pumpkins (the small ones) with sharpies, stickers, paints, and other craft supplies. No carving. Each registration is given one initial pumpkin. Any additional pumpkins (up to 5 per person) must be added on within each registration. Pumpkins are available for pick up on the following Monday or Tuesday. The sessions are as follows: Session 1: 9-9:45am, Session 2: 10-10:45am, Session 3: 11-11:45am, and Session 4: 12-12:45pm.
Norfolk Aggie in Walpole will be hosting their annual Haunted Hayride this month, beginning the weekend of October 20th. The hayrides will run from 6pm to 10pm on the 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th. Everyone is welcome and the hayride will run for roughly 25 minutes through the Aggie campus and through the spooky woods.
If parents are looking to take their little ones trick-or-treating before Halloween, Pine Hill Elementary School in Sherborn will be hosting their fourth annual Trunk or Treat in the Pine Hill parking lot at 3pm. Dress up in your Halloween costumes and join the Friends of the Sherborn Library at Pine Hill School for trick or treating, activities, and special visitors. In Needham, the Bierman Autism Center will be hosting a sensory friendly trunk or treat on Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 12pm. This event will include games, face painting, and crafts. It is free and open to the public.
Incorporate these exciting activities into your October bucket list to ensure your family enjoys the full spectrum of fall delights, from pumpkins and trick-or-treating to festivals and spooky adventures. This season offers something for everyone, making it a time to cherish and remember for years to come.
