One of New England’s best-known fall fairs starts today.
The Topsfield Fair opens Friday, Oct. 2 and runs through Oct. 12, bringing rides, fair food, animals, competitions and a packed schedule of events back to the North Shore.
Opening day runs from 4 to 10 p.m.
If you are going today, the headline event is the 42nd All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Arena.
Giant pumpkins from around the region will be weighed as part of one of the fair’s longtime opening-day traditions.
Saturday
Saturday is the first full-day option.
The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a hot dog eating contest at 3 p.m. and fireworks scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Sunday
Sunday runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The schedule includes Dock Dogs, horse pulling and multiple Swifty Swine racing and swimming pig shows throughout the day.
Getting there
The fairgrounds are at 207 Boston Street in Topsfield.
Children under 8 get free admission with an adult admission ticket.
On select days, a Keolis massAdventures package from Boston includes the train, shuttle, fair admission and a food voucher.
Check the fair’s transportation page for eligible dates before booking.
If you want a classic fall day outside Boston, opening weekend gives you three very different ways to do it: Friday night, a full Saturday or a shorter Sunday.
