The Blog
Greenfield Winter Carnival
❄️✨ More CHILLS with THRILLS at the 103rd Annual Winter Carnival in Greenfield, MA! ✨❄️
From jaw-dropping ice sculptures to the sparkling Parade of Lights, fireworks that light up the night, and family fun for all ages — it’s a weekend packed with sledding, ice skating, a K9 Keg Pull, and cool memories waiting to be made!
Date: January 31- February 2nd
Location: Throughout the City of Greenfield
🎉 Come for the fun, stay for the magic!
Experience the Magic
Shelburne Falls' 39th Annual Moonlight Magic Festival 2024
Experience the enchantment of the 39th annual Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls, Franklin County's historic downtown, loved by filmmakers and holiday dreamers alike! With twinkling lights, jolly sights, and festive delights, Moonlight Magic is the merriest event of the season. Don’t miss the magic — join the fun on November 29th.
Date: Friday, November 29th
Time: 4 PM – 9 PM
Location: Downtown Shelburne Falls, MA
Step into the holiday season at Moonlight Magic, a cherished tradition that transforms Shelburne Falls into a dazzling winter wonderland. Organized by West County Arts and Culture since 2022, this festive event promises a memorable night for visitors of all ages, blending classic favorites with fresh, magical experiences.
Festival Highlights
- Window Decorating Contest: Stroll through streets lined with holiday-themed window displays by local shopkeepers.
- Artistic Showcase at The Mill: Explore artist studios, a mesmerizing light display, and a market featuring local artisans at the historic Lamson factory.
- Children’s Scavenger Hunt: Young adventurers can complete a fun scavenger hunt ending at the beautifully lit community tree.
- Parade of Lights: Enjoy the enchanting parade, featuring new characters and festive floats, starting at 5 PM.
- Live Music & Performances: Delight in indoor and outdoor musical acts from groups like Welcome Yule and the Jolly Holly Horns.
Festive Activities
- Santa's Workshop: Visit Santa at the Mountain Lodge of Masons.
- Vendors Galore: Discover unique gifts from craft and food vendors on Bridge Street and explore indoor craft fairs at the Shelburne Falls Eagles and Buckland Town Hall.
- Magical Trolley Rides: Take a nostalgic ride at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum.
- Warming Station: Stop by The Mill for hot apple cider, cookies, and live caroling.
Additional Details
- Street Closure: Bridge Street will close at 2 PM from Greenfield Savings Bank to the Buckland side of the Iron Bridge, creating a pedestrian-friendly space for vendors.
- Admission & Parking: Free admission with complimentary parking and shuttle services throughout the village.
Gather your family and friends to experience this unforgettable evening filled with holiday cheer, live music, artisan markets, and festive surprises. See you at Moonlight Magic!
Learn more at https://www.shelburnefalls.com/moonlightmagic
175th Franklin County Fair
September 5th-8th
Franklin County Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way, Greenfield
Buy tickets today and save 25% with code FUN25
From thrilling rides and carnival games to live music performances and demolition derbies, there’s entertainment for everyone at the 175th Franklin County Fair. Local bands provide the soundtrack for the weekend, and the grandstand events bring plenty of excitement with everything from demolition derbies, truck and horse pulls, Team East BMX FMX Spectacular, kids power wheels demos and more!
For the little ones, the baby barnyard and racing pigs are always a hit, while older fair fans and teens can test their courage on dozens of carnival rides. And of course, no fair is complete without indulging in some fair food — from corn dogs and cotton candy to Hager's famous fried dough, there’s no shortage of delicious Franklin County treats to enjoy.At its heart, the Franklin County Fair is about community, which serves as the inspiration for this year's theme; 'Rooted in Community.' The fair is organized by countless local volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensure that this cherished tradition continues year after year.Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Franklin County Fair offers a warm welcome and a chance to experience the hospitality and charm of one of Franklin County's favorite events.So, mark your calendars, gather your family, and join us at the Franklin County Fair! Whether you’re cheering on your favorite contestant in the pie-eating contest, admiring the craftsmanship of a handmade quilt, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the fair, you’ll be part of a tradition that continues to thrive in our little corner of Western Massachusetts.
Winter Escapes in Franklin County
Winter isn’t coming – it’s here. And sure, you can head to the nearest heat source, bundle up, and drink spiced concoctions. But a particularly good way to earn that wintry reward is to embrace all the season has to offer. It is, after all, the only season in which you can slide around on the landscape on a couple of boards.
Last-Minute Gift Guide for Local Treasures in Franklin County
If you’re scrambling for those final gifts, fret not! Franklin County boasts an abundance of local gems that make for unique and thoughtful presents. Here's a last-minute gift guide that will not only save you from the stress of last-minute shopping but also support the vibrant businesses in our community.
Read More Last-Minute Gift Guide for Local Treasures in Franklin County
Franklin County Biking Paradise
What’s more appealing than than bicycling by historic houses and pastures dotted with cows? Or pedaling alongside meandering streams and vibrant fall foliage?
Visitor's Guide To Franklin County Geology
Most people think of geology as “just a bunch of rocks”, but exciting Earth events are recorded in rocks and landscapes, too. Franklin County has magnificent landscape scenery: mountains, waterfalls, rushing rivers and meandering ones, such as New England’s longest river, the Connecticut.
Riding The Rails: Canalside Rail Trail
You can begin "riding the rail” at either McClelland Farm Road in Deerfield or Unity Park in Turners Falls. Parking is available at either end if you’d like to drive your bike to a trailhead.
Friending the Covered Bridges of Franklin County: An Under-cover Over-water Investigation
One of Franklin County’s unsung treasures is its covered bridges... or rather--SIX of its treasures.
Read More Friending the Covered Bridges of Franklin County: An Under-cover Over-water Investigation