Feast your eyes on a turducken sandwich. | Photo via @brokefatties
Rides, fried food, agriculture + a full concert line-up. All’s fair at the Bay State’s annual fair — The Big E. Today through the next 17 days, the fair will put the E in entertainment with something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
What’s in a name? The fair is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (hence “The Big E”). The non-profit is made up of civic, business, and agricultural leaders from each of the six New England states.
Dates: Fri., Sept. 16-Sun., Oct. 2
How to get there? The Springfield fair is a ~one hour and 45-minute drive from Boston. Pro tip: parking is cash only ($10 per car).
What to see? Every day has a packed schedule with dairy, 4-H, and canning competitions, crafting + cooking demonstrations, agricultural shows, and other local celebrations for arts and culture.
Gravity defying rides and games of chance can be found in Midway (look for the big wheel). Tickets start at $1.50 and fast passes can be purchased to skip the line.
See a concert at The Big E Arena, watch one of the daily parades featuring local high school marching bands, specialty floats, and antique cars beginning at 6 p.m. + take in the acts under the big top at one of the Circus Spectacular performances.
What to eat? Aside from your typical fried fair food, there are a few new eats to find this year. Give the flame-grilled vegan options, sweet apple fries, bubble tea, noodle bowls + new brunch options a try. Here’s who’s cooking this year.
Ready to go? Tickets start at $15 for adults + $10 for children. Pro tip: if you are planning to go for a concert like Dropkick Murphys, Nelly, or Sublime with Rome, fair admission is included in your concert ticket.
Use the links below to share this with your fair buddies.
Dorchester Oktoberfest | Fri., Sept. 16 + Sat., Sept. 17 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Dorchester Brewing Co., 1250 Massachusetts Ave. | Price of purchase | This two-day party features four beer releases, live music, and friendly competition. 🍻
Seaport Summer Market | Fri., Sept. 16-Sun., Sept. 18 | 11 a.m.-7 pm. | 100 Seaport Blvd. | Free to attend | Shop local vendors in the parking lot next to Cisco Brewers pop-up — this is the market’s last weekend. 🛍️
Saturday
One Day Only Fest | Sat., Sept. 17 | 2-8 p.m. | Dewey Square, 600 Atlantic Ave. | Free | Head to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for food, drinks, and live performances with Kickback Boston.
Caribbean Rum and Food Festival | Sat., Sept. 17 | 12-8 p.m. | Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave. | $40+ | Shop Caribbean products, enjoy live entertainments + sip rums and cocktails. 🍹
Sunday
Fenway Flea Opening Day | Sun., Sept. 18 | 12-6 p.m. | 1400 Boylston St. | Free | Celebrate The Station’s opening day with vendors, DJs, and more community programming in the former gas station.
Lil Nas X | Sun., Sept. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | MGM Music Hall | $66+ | Ride your horse to the “Old Town Road” and see the “Industry Baby” artist.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Boston Medical Center is opening an 82-bed center in Brockton in early October. The ~$41 million project will offer both inpatient psychiatric care + substance use treatment. (WBUR)
Biz
The first local cannabis dispensary owned by a Black woman is now open. The Heritage Club is located at 116 Cambridge St. in Charlestown. (CBS Boston)
Drink
Be our guest at this new Beauty and the Beast-themed Immersive Cocktail Experience coming to Boston. The event will open Fri., Jan. 20 at the Merchant Kitchen & Drinks (60 Franklin St.).
Seasonal
The corn maze at Sauchuk Farm in Plympton is a home run. This year’s maze features a David Ortiz design and will be open on the weekends from Sept. 17- Oct. 30. (CBS Boston)
Number
$2.94 billion. That’s how much the state is required to return to taxpayers under a 1986 law to limit state tax revenue growth. This is the second time the Bay State has triggered this law. Stay tuned for updates on how this money will be distributed this time. (Boston Globe)
A historic Massachusetts home with ties to the Revolutionary War is on the market for $1.695 million. The property at 99 Sudbury Rd., Concord features a red saltbox Colonial home with black shutters. (WCVB 5)
Arts
Saturday is Smithsonian Museum Day. Participating museums will offer free general admission, including the Nichols House Museum + the Harvard Arts Museum. Find your nearest museum here.
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Make your next move your last move in Boston. | Photo via @mackaygreg
If you’ve thought about becoming a homeowner, this opportunity might help open the door.
MassHousing is offering down payment assistance to first time homebuyers through the MassDREAMS grant. Boston continues to be one of the most expensive cities in the US for renters + home buyers. This year, the average median pricing for a single-family home in Greater Boston reached $900,000.
The grant program provides up to $50,000 to use towards a 5% down payment + closing costs for qualifying applicants.
Who qualifies?
First time homebuyers
Applicants loooking for a primary residence
Residents purchasing condos + one to four family homes
Residents who currently live in areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19
Recipients of MassHousing first mortgage
Learn more about the program and see the lender list here.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by City Editor Jessica.
Editor’s pick: I love finding cheap eats around the city. The Silhouette Lounge in Allston is now offering “Sil Dogs” for $1-3.50. You can top your dog with ketchup, mustard + relish and don’t forget the side of free popcorn. What is your favorite bargain bite?
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.