The upcoming long weekend on October 10-12 is the perfect time to celebrate the season. If you need ideas, check out these local events and happenings all around the region that weekend, now commonly known as Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend. Whether you decide on hanging with the cows, Salem-visiting, parading with your pet, or anything else, the long weekend is a great chance to get out and explore the North Shore.
6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Observance, Newburyport
October 10, 10am-5pm
Newburyport’s 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Observance will celebrate traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultural arts, knowledge and diversity, honoring our region’s Indigenous communities and all Native Peoples. It supports recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day at the city, state, and national level. Held at Waterfront Park events include the creation, ceremonial launch and paddle on the Merrimack River of a traditional hand crafted muhsh8n (mishoon dugout canoe).
Autumn Fest On Market Square, Newburyport
October 10 & 11
Downtown Newburyport will be buzzing with a full scale Autumn Fest on the long weekend. There will be a Marketplace of vendors each day from 10am to 4pm. For more information: business.newburyportchamber.org/events/details/autumn-fest-2026-166336
Magtoberfest, Gloucester
October 11
Magtoberfest is a community event and fundraiser held annually in the Magnolia section of Gloucester. The only party of it’s kind in Magnolia features food trucks, live music, classic cars, beer garden, kids zone, makers market & more. It is free and fun for all. The event supports the Magnolia Library and Community Center.
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, Salem
October 10, 10:30am
The annual pet parade will return to Derby Wharf with the usual fun, costumes, and contest with prizes. The parade will be led by the winner of Salem’s second annual Dog Mayor race! They ask all parade participants to register online in advance if possible. They also request a small donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for non-residents. All proceeds go directly to Salem Main Streets in support of special community programs (like this one!) all year round.
Hollowed Harvest, Salem
Through October 31
Hollowed Harvest returns for its 6th season. One ticket now grants entry to the Wicked Labyrinth, a twisting walkthrough packed with dazzling Jack-O’-Lanterns, animated spirits, and eerie surprises, and the all-new Madam Flim-Flam’s Psychic Emporium, where haunted theatrics and glowing gourds blur the line between this world and the next. Plus, don’t miss hands-on pumpkin carving and the Salem Haunts Walking Tour! – both for an added fee.
Coffee with the Cows, Appleton Farms, Ipswich
October 10
Celebrate fall with this special hike to visit the Appleton cow and calf herd. Meet these mamas and their growing babies as they spend their morning grazing in our beautiful pastures. Coffee and pastries will be provided by our team so you can “graze” alongside the cattle and enjoy the physiological benefits of being outside in the open air in the presence of these loveable creatures. For more information and to register: thetrustees.org/event/449395