By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the month of October beckons 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.
One of the staples of the autumnal season is pumpkins! Luckily, our surrounding area has ample choices for pumpkin-related fun. If you and your family are looking for pumpkins to decorate, paint, or carve, 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!
Unity Sanctuary Farm in Sherborn will be hosting a public pumpkin tour on Sunday, October 21st at 1 pm, providing families with an opportunity to take in the autumnal scents and views while meeting their 225+ rescued farm animals and learning more about their individual stories and unique personalities.
If your family has a sweet tooth and can't wait for October 31st, there are opportunities to have trick-or-treating fun earlier in the month! Pine Hill Elementary School in Sherborn will host Trunk-or-Treating on Saturday, October 21st, from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Walpole High School UNICEF Club will also host a Trunk-Or-Treating fundraising event that same day at Walpole High School from 12 pm to 2 pm (a $5 donation is recommended). For children with sensory-friendly needs, the Bierman Autism Center in Needham is hosting an evening of treats and crafts on Friday, October 27th, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
Another highly regarded staple of the season is fall festivals! The Westwood Young Women's Club is back for their 3rd annual HarvestFest celebration on Saturday, October 21st. It promises to be a day of fall-themed fun, including pumpkin decorating, festive crafts, and games geared toward the whole family!
If adults are looking for some adult-themed fall fun, they can pour some out for a good time at Oktoberfest! Hosted at the Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield (formerly Medfield State Hospital) from 1 pm to 5 pm on October 14th, attendees can enjoy live music from Mint Green, Kooked Out, and Naomi Westwater. Oktoberfest will return for weekend number two on October 21st for double the fun.
If your family is looking for a spooktacular time, Hale Education is inviting families to celebrate fall with Hale's cast of characters and participate in nature activities, arts and crafts, a spooky hike, and s'mores by the fire on October 21st!
Beginning on Friday, October 20th, Norfolk County Agricultural High School will be hosting their annual Haunted Hayride, with tickets available online.
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.
