As summer retreats and the sea breezes turn brisk, this historic seaside town of Scituate, Massachusetts, welcomes fall with a full calendar of community events, golden-hued landscapes, and unmistakable New England charm. Whether you're leaf-peeping the region's dramatically changing foliage or gathering with locals along the coastline for chowder and live music, fall in Scituate is a celebration of both nature's brilliance and small-town spirit.
Here's a closer look at what makes autumn in Scituate so special—and the must-attend seasonal events happening from late September through October.
Fall Foliage in Scituate
While New England is renowned for its fall foliage, Scituate offers a unique twist: blazing reds, oranges, and golds meet the deep blue of the Atlantic. The town's marshes, coastal trails, and tree-lined lanes provide a painterly landscape that's ideal for a weekend drive, walk, or bike ride.
Some of the best local spots for leaf-peeping include:
Some of the best local spots for leaf-peeping include:
- Bates Lane Conservation Area / Higgins MacAllister Preserve: Visitors here can take in Scituate's autumn canopy across 372 acres and five miles of trails.
- Hubbell Preserve: This 40-acre preserve, between Indian Trail and Gannett Road near North Scituate, offers a nearly mile-long trail.
- Wompatuck State Park: Situated along Scituate's western boundaries, fall foliage peaks in this 3,526-acre state park from mid- to late-October.
Scituate Fishermen's Fest
September 28, 2025, Scituate Harbor
Kicking off the fall season is Scituate Fishermen's Fest, taking place on Sunday, September 28, at Scituate Harbor. This annual tradition honors the town's maritime heritage while showcasing its thriving culinary and artistic scenes.
Local chefs prepare seafood platters that taste of the ocean and carefully cultivated craft; artisans set up booths of hand‑knit wool hats, driftwood art, and autumn crafts. Set against the backdrop of sailboats and historic fishing vessels, this event captures the soul of Scituate's working waterfront. It's a great way to connect with the local culture and sample flavors that reflect both sea and season.
Kicking off the fall season is Scituate Fishermen's Fest, taking place on Sunday, September 28, at Scituate Harbor. This annual tradition honors the town's maritime heritage while showcasing its thriving culinary and artistic scenes.
Local chefs prepare seafood platters that taste of the ocean and carefully cultivated craft; artisans set up booths of hand‑knit wool hats, driftwood art, and autumn crafts. Set against the backdrop of sailboats and historic fishing vessels, this event captures the soul of Scituate's working waterfront. It's a great way to connect with the local culture and sample flavors that reflect both sea and season.
Harbor Bandstand Concerts
October 2–3, 2025, Scituate Harbor Bandstand
As the leaves turn and the evenings grow cooler, Harbor Bandstand Concerts bring warmth through live music and community camaraderie. On October 2 and 3, Front Street comes alive with local bands performing at the Scituate Harbor bandstand.
These low-key concerts are ideal for those looking to experience the laid-back, welcoming energy of the town with family-friendly music performances and waterfront views as the sun sets. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and a warm blanket to enjoy the tunes against the cool evening air. It's a perfect prelude to the weekend's art walk and autumn festivities.
As the leaves turn and the evenings grow cooler, Harbor Bandstand Concerts bring warmth through live music and community camaraderie. On October 2 and 3, Front Street comes alive with local bands performing at the Scituate Harbor bandstand.
These low-key concerts are ideal for those looking to experience the laid-back, welcoming energy of the town with family-friendly music performances and waterfront views as the sun sets. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and a warm blanket to enjoy the tunes against the cool evening air. It's a perfect prelude to the weekend's art walk and autumn festivities.
14th Annual Scituate Harbor Art Walk
October 3, 2025, Front Street
One of the highlights of Scituate's annual event calendar — fall or otherwise — is the Annual Scituate Harbor Art Walk, taking place Friday, October 3. This year marks the 14th edition of this beloved event, where Scituate Harbor becomes an open-air gallery of creativity and community.
Hosted along Front Street and Cole Parkway, the Art Walk featured local artists and artisans stationed inside participating businesses, live music, art demos, and performance art, as well as special gallery showings and pop-up installations. The event also provides an opportunity to "sip-and-stroll" food and drink options from local cafés and wine shops. Whether you're shopping, browsing, or simply soaking in the ambiance, Art Walk offers a delightful fusion of local commerce, culture, and coastal style.
One of the highlights of Scituate's annual event calendar — fall or otherwise — is the Annual Scituate Harbor Art Walk, taking place Friday, October 3. This year marks the 14th edition of this beloved event, where Scituate Harbor becomes an open-air gallery of creativity and community.
Hosted along Front Street and Cole Parkway, the Art Walk featured local artists and artisans stationed inside participating businesses, live music, art demos, and performance art, as well as special gallery showings and pop-up installations. The event also provides an opportunity to "sip-and-stroll" food and drink options from local cafés and wine shops. Whether you're shopping, browsing, or simply soaking in the ambiance, Art Walk offers a delightful fusion of local commerce, culture, and coastal style.
Fall for Scituate
October 5, 2025, MBTA Small Parking Lot
Set in the heart of North Scituate Village, Fall for Scituate is a hometown celebration brimming with seasonal charm, which this year is taking place on October 5, 2025, at the MBTA Small Parking Lot along Henry Turner Bailey Road. This family-friendly festival includes a Kids Zone with local school and club sports teams providing games and demos, a baby animal petting zoo, face painting, unicorn rides, dance demonstrations, balloon twisting, and princess and superhero character visits.
Food and art are also central to the celebration, with the most popular offerings being the ice cream eating contest, a number of food trucks, an artisan market, and live music. The city's annual Chowder Fest, featuring tastings from top Scituate chefs, is a centerpiece event with proceeds benefitting the Scituate Food Pantry and Local Catch 143.
Set in the heart of North Scituate Village, Fall for Scituate is a hometown celebration brimming with seasonal charm, which this year is taking place on October 5, 2025, at the MBTA Small Parking Lot along Henry Turner Bailey Road. This family-friendly festival includes a Kids Zone with local school and club sports teams providing games and demos, a baby animal petting zoo, face painting, unicorn rides, dance demonstrations, balloon twisting, and princess and superhero character visits.
Food and art are also central to the celebration, with the most popular offerings being the ice cream eating contest, a number of food trucks, an artisan market, and live music. The city's annual Chowder Fest, featuring tastings from top Scituate chefs, is a centerpiece event with proceeds benefitting the Scituate Food Pantry and Local Catch 143.
Halloween in the Harbor
October 31, 2025, Front Street at Scituate Harbor
On Halloween night, the Harbor becomes a stage for imagination. Front Street partially closes to traffic for safe and spirited trick-or-treating, and the town transforms into a festive and family-focused haven during Halloween in the Harbor. Businesses open their doors wide, transformed with cobwebs, orange string lights, spooky music, and candy aplenty as merchants hand out candy to costumed kids (and pets!)
This charming tradition blends the delight of small-town living with a spirited embrace of the spooky season—without ever losing its sense of elegance and organization.
On Halloween night, the Harbor becomes a stage for imagination. Front Street partially closes to traffic for safe and spirited trick-or-treating, and the town transforms into a festive and family-focused haven during Halloween in the Harbor. Businesses open their doors wide, transformed with cobwebs, orange string lights, spooky music, and candy aplenty as merchants hand out candy to costumed kids (and pets!)
This charming tradition blends the delight of small-town living with a spirited embrace of the spooky season—without ever losing its sense of elegance and organization.
Discover More About Scituate, with a Local, Luxury Real Estate Expert
From late September through October, the energy of fall throughout Scituate's streets, harbors, and historic village centers is unmistakable. For visitors, it's an invitation to partake in the town's many sights, sounds, and flavors. For prospective buyers, it's a preview of the lifestyle that awaits.
For those considering life in Scituate, these events are part of what makes the town special: walkable neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, strong civic pride, and coastal beauty that doesn't fade with summer's end. If you're interested in learning more about Scituate luxury real estate, contact Benjamin Lincoln Real Estate today to begin your real estate journey.
For those considering life in Scituate, these events are part of what makes the town special: walkable neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, strong civic pride, and coastal beauty that doesn't fade with summer's end. If you're interested in learning more about Scituate luxury real estate, contact Benjamin Lincoln Real Estate today to begin your real estate journey.
