Free Things To Do In Boston During Fall

It’s tough to imagine a season with more universal appeal in New England than fall. As the temperatures get cooler with each day, the trees throughout the region get more colorful. Check out why autumn is such a popular time of year with some of these free events.

• Fall Foliage
  
  You don’t have to head to Vermont or New Hampshire to enjoy the wonder of New England’s foliage season. The Boston Common and Arnold Arboretum are two of the best local spots for leaf-peepers.

• Fall Forest Festival
  Sept. 19, 2009, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Enjoy a day of games, tree-climbing, and nature walks at Franklin Park’s Fall Forest Festival. There will also be a landscape watercolor painting workshop, with all materials provided.

• British Car Show Series
  Sept. 26, 2009, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Boston’s finest classic vehicles will be on proud display by their owners at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

• Visit a Museum
  
  With the Boston Public Library’s Museum Pass Program, you can enjoy free admission to many local attractions, including the Museum of Science, the John F. Kennedy Library, and the Franklin Park Zoo. The fall season also marks the availability of free passes to the New England Aquarium. The library suggests booking passes in advance. To do so, you may visit a participating branch, or call 617-536-5400.

• Columbus Day Parade
  Oct. 11, 2009, 1 p.m.
  The annual Columbus Day Parade will march down Hanover and Endicott Streets, featuring a variety of tributes to various cultures.

• Head of the Charles Regatta
  Oct. 17-18, 2009
  The Head of the Charles Regatta is the world’s largest two-day regatta attracting more than 8,500 rowers and 300,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River. Now in its 45th year, this two-day event attracts most of the top crews from colleges, high schools, and clubs world-wide. Grab a spot on the Charles anywhere from Boston University to Artesani Playground in Brighton and enjoy this annual Boston tradition.

• Fall Fun Festival
  Oct. 17-18, 2009, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Children’s activities, live music, and a sidewalk sale highlight this two-day event at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

• Go Ghost Hunting
  
  Of course, the top New England destination for all things spooky is in Salem. However, Boston has its share of haunted landmarks as well, including Boston Common, Georges Island, and the Omni Parker House. Get into the “spirit” of the Halloween season by attempting to catch a glimpse of a ghost.

• Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
  Oct. 31, 2009, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Dress up your pet and get him or her ready for the Halloween season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

• Vegetarian Food Festival
  Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2009
  Vegetarians, vegans, and those just interested in the health and social benefits of a meat-free diet can enjoy free food samples at the 14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. Now a two-day event, held at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, the festival will feature award-winning chefs, cookbook authors, and children’s activities. Free parking.