Country Fairs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the oldest agricultural fair traditions in America, dating back to the early 1800s when Elkanah Watson organized what is widely considered the first modern agricultural fair in Pittsfield in 1811. The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in West Springfield is the largest fair in New England and one of the biggest in the nation, though dozens of smaller agricultural societies across the Commonwealth continue to host county and town fairs that preserve the original spirit of Watson's vision.
From the cranberry bogs of Southeastern Massachusetts to the apple orchards of the Pioneer Valley and the small farms of the Berkshire hills, agricultural fairs celebrate the state's diverse farming communities. Massachusetts fairs tend to be more compact than their Midwestern counterparts but compensate with rich craft traditions, strong artisan vendor programs, and deep connections to New England heritage and community identity.
Top Country Fair Events in Massachusetts
- The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) — West Springfield; New England's largest fair, held each September with livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, craft buildings, the Avenue of States, concerts, and a midway drawing over a million visitors.
- Topsfield Fair — Topsfield; billed as America's oldest agricultural fair, held each October by the Essex Agricultural Society. Features livestock shows, giant pumpkin weigh-offs, craft exhibits, and New England agricultural traditions since 1818.
- Three County Fair — Northampton; a Pioneer Valley tradition with livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, harness racing, craft vendors, and entertainment at the Three County Fairgrounds.
- Barnstable County Fair — East Falmouth; Cape Cod's agricultural fair with livestock shows, horse pulls, craft exhibits, and family entertainment at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds.
- Cummington Fair — Cummington; a small-town Berkshire Hills fair with livestock shows, oxen pulls, craft exhibits, and a community atmosphere that exemplifies rural New England fair traditions.
What to Expect
Massachusetts agricultural fairs feature livestock competitions in dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and rabbits. Oxen pulls and horse pulls are distinctive New England fair traditions that remain popular at many Massachusetts fairs. 4-H youth programs are active, and produce competitions highlight apples, cranberries, squash, pumpkins, and corn. The Topsfield Fair's giant pumpkin weigh-off is one of the most anticipated agricultural competitions in New England.
Craft exhibits at Massachusetts fairs reflect the state's strong artisan tradition. Quilting, woodworking, pottery, fiber arts, and fine arts competitions draw skilled exhibitors. The Big E's craft buildings and juried artisan areas showcase New England-made goods across all six states. Home arts competitions in baking, canning, and preserving carry on traditions that date back to the earliest agricultural society fairs. Many Massachusetts fairs also include heritage demonstrations, live music, and food vendors featuring New England specialties like apple cider donuts, clam chowder, and maple treats.
Popular Cities for Country Fairs
- Boston — Gateway to eastern Massachusetts fairs including the Topsfield Fair and Marshfield Fair on the South Shore
- Northampton — Pioneer Valley arts hub and home of the Three County Fair, one of the state's most established agricultural fairs
- Stockbridge — Berkshires community near charming rural fairs and harvest festivals in the western Massachusetts hills
- Cambridge — Urban artisan market scene with easy access to eastern Massachusetts agricultural fairs
See all craft events in Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest fair in Massachusetts?
The Topsfield Fair, organized by the Essex Agricultural Society, bills itself as the oldest agricultural fair in America, having been held continuously since 1818. The fair tradition in Massachusetts dates back even further — Elkanah Watson organized what many consider the first modern agricultural fair in Pittsfield in 1811, laying the foundation for the county fair system across the United States.
When is the Big E?
The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) is held each September in West Springfield, typically running for seventeen days from mid-September through early October. It is New England's largest fair, representing all six New England states with an Avenue of States, extensive livestock shows, craft exhibits, entertainment, and food. It draws over a million visitors annually.
Do Massachusetts fairs have craft vendors?
Yes, craft vendors and artisan exhibitors are a prominent feature of Massachusetts fairs. The Big E has dedicated craft buildings and juried artisan vendor areas. Smaller fairs like the Three County Fair and Cummington Fair also host handmade craft vendors. Massachusetts has a strong artisan tradition, and many fairs offer both competitive craft exhibits and vendor marketplaces for handmade goods.