travel | THE GUIDE

Connecticut Chowdafest

OCTOBER 2

With participants from every New England state and beyond, Chowdafest, now in its ninth year, has become one of the largest culinary competitions in the Northeast. Vote for your favorites at Sherwood Island State Park as 40 award-winning chefs and restaurants compete in four categories: “Classic New England Clam Chowder,” “Traditional Chowders,” “Creative Chowder,” and “Soup/ Bisque,” with proceeds benefiting local charities. Westport, Connecticut. 203-216-8452; chowdafest.org

Maine Acadia Night Sky Festival

SEPTEMBER 22–25

This community celebration of Acadia’s incredible, largely lightpollution-free sky has to be seen to be believed. Take a guided night hike; attend an educational presentation, film, or workshop; or take a boat cruise, with photography and stargazing opportunities galore at multiple locations within Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor, Maine. 207-8012566; acadianightskyfestival.com

Deerfield Fair

SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 2

This time-honored tradition of agricultural family fun returns to the Deerfield Fairgrounds to celebrate 140 years of livestock competitions, entertainment, musical performances, midway rides, and more, plus a demolition derby, educational exhibits, and all the classic fair food you could dream of. Deerfield, New Hampshire. 603-463-7421; deerfieldfair.com

RHODE ISLAND RHYTHM & ROOTS FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 2–4

Get ready for hours of entertainment as a lineup of 35 musical groups and solo performers take to the stage at Ninigret Park. This year’s bill includes Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Lucinda Williams, the Taj Mahal Trio, and more. Between acts, be sure to sample the variety of tasty food selections, including Cajun and Creole dishes. Charlestown, Rhode Island. rhythmandroots.com

Vermont Brattleboro Literary Festival

OCTOBER 13–16

Celebrating the region’s rich literary roots, this festival has become a must-attend event for both writers and readers, and a great excuse for leaf peeping. Multiple downtown locations offer readings, panel discussions, and special events featuring emerging and established authors. Past participants have included winners of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Caldecott Medal, and other major honors. Brattleboro, Vermont. brattleboroliteraryfestival.org

—compiled by Joe Bills

SEPT. 2–5: SOUT H WOODSTOCK, Woodstock Fair. Animals and exhibitions, entertainment on multiple stages, amusement rides, contests and family fun, plus more than 100 food vendors offering everything from treats to hearty meals. There’s something for everyone at the fair! Craig Morgan and Peter Noone are among this year’s featured performers. 860-928-3246; woodstockfair.com

SEPT. 9–11: NEW LONDON, Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival. Graceful schooners glide along the waters off Ocean Beach Park in a race to the finish. See the ships up close, charter a ride, and enjoy dockside educational programs, a chowder challenge, and additional family activities. 860-447-2519; ctmaritimefest.com

SEPT. 10–11: NORWALK, 39th Oyster Festival. Oysters may be the headliners, but the celebration goes far beyond shucking and slurping. Veterans Park will rock with day-to-evening musical performances, international foods, kids’ activities, a lumberjack show, a daredevil thrill show, and a juried arts-and-crafts show featuring more than 100 exhibitors. 203-838-9444; seaport.org

SEPT. 17–18: NEWTO WN, Newtown Outdoor Arts Festival. A weekend of artsinspired entertainment, exhibits, and sales outdoors at beautiful Fairfield Hills. Music, dance, lectures, arts and crafts for sale, and delicious food options, too. newtownartsfestival.com

SEPT. 24: LEBANON, 50th Outdoor Antique Show. On the historic town green, find quality dealers display a wide variety of vintage wares, from Early American furniture to small collectibles. 860642-6579; historyoflebanon.org

SEPT. 30–OCT. 2, OCT. 7–9: SOUTHINGTON, 48th Apple Harvest Festival. Stop by the town green and join in on the family fun while enjoying delicious food and entertainment. Don’t miss the parade, the arts-and-crafts show, a pie-baking contest, bed racing, and more. 860-2768461; southington.org/AHF

OCT. 1: WETHERSFIELD, Fall Craft Fair. Peruse the wares presented by 100-plus artisans and crafters at lovely Cove Park—clothing, furniture, seasonal decorations, jewelry, and more. Plus pony rides to amuse the kids, and live music and delicious goodies for everyone’s enjoyment. 860529-7656; wethhist.org

OCT. 8–9: BETHLEHEM, Garlic & Harvest Festival. Garlic lovers unite at Bethlehem Fairgrounds! Come for the cooking