Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Fall Events in Mystic this October
Fall is officially here; can you “be-leaf” it?? With October just around the corner, we’re gearing up for a spectacular lineup of autumn events. Our charming town of Mystic truly shines during the fall and offers plenty of enjoyable experiences you won’t want to miss out on. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve covered all the groundwork by curating the ultimate guide to the best pumpkin season festivities. Let’s dive in below!Mermaids at Mystic Aquarium
Sunday, October 1st at Mystic Aquarium Speaking of dive…Come and see the wonder of mermaids swimming in the Caribbean Reef habitat at the Mystic Aquarium. For a memorable VIP Meet and Greet experience, you can chat with one of the mermaids and even get a keepsake photograph. This one-of-a-kind adventure will surely ignite the imagination of guests of all ages. Your best aquatic-themed costumes are encouraged! P.S.: Don’t forget, discounted admission is available at our Front Desk.Mystic Folkways
October 7th-October 8th at Mystic Seaport Museum Have you heard about Mystic Folkways? It’a a two-day music festival in collaboration with Westerly Sound that you won’t want to miss! There will be a total of three music stages, so there’s always something fun happening at the fest. Plus, you can also enjoy delicious local oysters, a historic boat cruise, or check out the vendors on site.Indigenous People’s Day
October 9th at Mystic Seaport Museum Join in the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day with an afternoon of drumming and singing by the Eastern Medicine Singers, a group composed of members from Tribes in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Southeastern Massachusetts. Their mission is to preserve the rich culture of eastern woodlands American Indian heritage through performances in the Massachuset and Wampanoag dialects. Enjoy both traditional and contemporary Indigenous music by the waterfront while gaining insights into Indigenous traditions, history, and contemporary culture.Fall Fireworks Celebration of 50 Years of Mystic Aquarium
Saturday, October 14th at Mystic Seaport Museum The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a spectacular fireworks show at Mystic Seaport Museum to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Mystic Aquarium. Don’t miss the chance to witness this stunning display. Before the festivities begin, quench your thirst at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern and play a lawn game while waiting for the show to start. Enjoy delicious food trucks and the Wooly Mammoth band’s live performance. This local favorite plays a blend of rock, bluegrass, and folk. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with Wooly Mammoth taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks extravaganza kicks off at 8:15 p.m. Feel free to watch in Mystic River Park as well, just steps across the street from Whaler’s!Adventure Mystic Witch Paddle
Saturday, October 14th, across the Street from The Whaler’s Inn Get ready to brew up some fun this Halloween season at Adventure Mystic’s Annual Witch Paddle! This unique event brings together witches from all over, dressed in their spookiest and most enchanting outfits. But instead of flying on their brooms, they’ll be gliding down the Mystic River on paddle boards! Not only is it a great time, but it’s also a fundraiser for a good cause. Bring a coat or jacket to donate for a coat drive. Then, head on over to the banks of the Mystic River for a wicked fun time.Wild Mushroom Festival
Saturday, October 14th at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Ready to dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms this fall? Explore woodland walks and talks led by naturalists, foragers, and experts who will unveil the secrets of mushroom hunting and identification at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. You can also test your mushroom knowledge at the identification table and enjoy the flavors of mushroom-inspired cuisine crafted by local chefs, including our very own Chef David Standridge!
But that’s not all – don’t miss the chance to explore the Mushroom Marketplace, featuring over 30 artisans, mycologists, foragers, crafters, growers, and chefs offering unique items for sale. Plus, dive into the Fantastic Fungi raffle, where you can win a handpicked selection of tools, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and growing supplies.
Be sure to secure your tickets in advance, as this popular festival is expected to sell out before October 14th. Don’t miss out on this exciting mushroom mania!
