Autumn Comes Alive at Settlers Green: Fall Festival & Beyond
Fall in the White Mountains has officially arrived. The air is crisp, the leaves are beginning to turn, and the scent of apples and cider lingers everywhere. To mark the first official weekend of the season, Settlers Green is celebrating in style with a full slate of family-friendly events. The centerpiece is the annual Fall Festival, happening Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on The Green.
A Day of Seasonal Fun
The Fall Festival is designed to feel like the best of autumn rolled into one afternoon. The courtyard and walkways fill with families, music, and laughter as seasonal activities unfold. Kids can pick up a smock and dive into pumpkin painting, guided by local artist Brandie Markgren. Pumpkins are free for the first 100 children, and every creation becomes part of the day’s colorful display.
Nearby, the festival adds a competitive twist with the candy guessing contest. A jar packed full of fall treats challenges participants to guess the total, and the winner walks away with a $100 Settlers Green gift card. While the kids are painting and puzzling over candy counts, everyone can enjoy free apples and warm cider, perfect for sipping as you stroll through the event.
Horse-drawn carriage rides clip-clop across the grounds, offering a timeless way to soak in the fall colors. At the same time, the sound of live music drifts through the air, setting a relaxed and festive backdrop. A must-see attraction is the live pumpkin carving demonstration by Sub Zero Ice Carvings, where oversized gourds are transformed into intricate works of art right before your eyes.
And for the little ones, the kids’ hay maze in The Courtyard is always a hit. Open through Columbus Day, it’s more than just a maze — families use it for playful games of “I Spy” or to capture fun seasonal photos, creating memories that last long after the maze has come down.
Why It’s a Must Visit
What makes the Fall Festival special is its ability to blend small-town New England charm with interactive, family-friendly activities. Every detail is carefully chosen to bring people together and capture the simple joys of the season. Whether you’re coming with kids eager for hands-on fun or just looking for an excuse to enjoy apples and music under the autumn sky, the festival delivers.
The Festivities Continue
Settlers Green doesn’t stop celebrating once the Fall Festival wraps up. Over the following weeks, the calendar stays packed with holiday-themed events:
– Return of the Pumpkin People (September 28 – October 13) brings back the beloved tradition of pumpkin characters popping up throughout the property, adding a whimsical twist to your shopping stroll.
– Busker Festival (October 11–12) transforms the Green into a stage, with street performers, musicians, and entertainers popping up in unexpected places.
–Boo Bash (October 24–25) caps off the month of October with a Halloween party full of costumes, candy, and spooky surprises for families.
The Fall Festival is the kickoff to a season full of traditions at Settlers Green. From the simple pleasure of sipping cider on a crisp afternoon to the laughter of children weaving through the hay maze, it’s an experience that reminds us why autumn in the White Mountains is so magical. And with the Return of the Pumpkin People, the Busker Festival, and Boo Bash right around the corner, the celebration continues all season long.
