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Best Fall Festivals Coming To Boston

Every year, fall brings a number of organized food, art and cultural events to Boston. Fall festivals in Boston are a great time to enjoy the cooling temperatures and get a taste of the city's culture. From celebrating heritage to chowing down on some delicious food, there is a wide range of festival experiences to be had. Some are more suitable for adults, while others are appropriate for revelers of all ages.

Boston Arts Festival
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Boston, MA 02110
thebostonartsfestival.com

Date: Sept. 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Boston Arts Festival is a free event introduced by Mayor Menino in 2003. It marks the start of the fall arts season and features dozens of photographers, jewelers, sculptors, painters and more. There will also be a number of musicians who will perform throughout the 8-hour festival, including Blindspot, The Forz, JJ Duo and plenty more. Come and check out all the art on display and maybe even bring home a piece or two. Don't forget to bring a blanket to spread out on the grass for a little relaxation by the water.

South Boston Street Festival
(Photo Credit: South Boston Street Festival)

South Boston Street Festival
647 E. Broadway
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 990-7062
www.southbostonstreetfestival.com

Date: Sept. 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The South Boston Street Festival is a free event that brings together the iconic Southie neighborhood with visitors from all over. Local artists come out in droves to show and sell their wares while dancers and musicians entertain the crowds. Everyone in the family down to the friendly dog is welcome to enjoy the festival. Be sure to bring an appetite because local artists aren't the only ones out peddling their creations. There are plenty of food vendors from which to choose as well.

JP Music Festival
(Photo Credit: Tony Sahadeo/JP Music Festival

JP Music Festival
Jamaica Plain
Boston, MA 02130
www.jpmusicfestival.com

Date: Sept. 10, 2016 at 12 to 7 p.m.

The JP Music Festival is free to the public, but it is possible to donate through the organization's website. All of the musicians who play the festival are local to Jamaica Plain. JP Music Festival seeks to portray the wide diversity of style and talent the neighborhood has to offer. Musicians are welcome to apply to play the festival every year. Thousands of people show up to enjoy the sets and food trucks, so it is a great opportunity to get exposure in a friendly community setting with a big audience.

Boston Book Festival
(Photo Credit: Boston Book Festival)

Boston Book Festival
Copley Square
560 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 252-3240
bostonbookfest.org

Date: Oct. 15, 2016

See a huge range of presenters, and celebrate books with other book lovers free at the Boston Book Festival. This festival takes into account any and every genre without focusing on any specific topic, so everyone from tradesmen to fantasy fans can have a good time. Of course, there are also some helpful sessions for aspiring and established writers who want to learn something new or brush elbows with their peers. It is the event of the season for anyone who appreciates the written word.

Related: Guide To Live Music Venues In Boston

Taste Of WGBH Food & Wine Festival
1 Guest St.
Boston, MA 02135
(617) 300-5400
www.wgbh.org

Date: Sept. 15-18, 2016

Foodies cannot miss the annual Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival. Whether they want to pop in for a single event or go all out and stay for every tasting, there is some yummy food to be had. Local chefs from all over Boston will be appearing, as will their dishes. Prices range from $60 for a single event ($50 for members), such as the TKT brunch bar, to $350 for the Craving Boston All-Access Pass, which includes exclusive access to several areas, as well as admission to the Chef's Gala, tastes, brunch and food fight.

Related: Best Outdoor Music Venues In Boston

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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