We are thrilled to share the news that the full, beloved Garlic and Arts Festival will be celebrated in its 25th consecutive year with you on September 30 and October 1, 2023!  We look forward to gathering again this fall with you.

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival and many years of community support, weekend admission for the general public for the 2023 Festival (September 30 and October 1) is reduced from $10 to $5.  Kids under 12 are free.  In addition, we are pleased to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector by breaking down financial barriers to cultural programming.  Admission to the 2023 Garlic and Arts Festival is free for EBT, WIC, and Health Connector card holders.

The family friendly “festival that stinks” is renowned for exceptional art, local farm products, fabulous food, endless entertainment, and inspiration for a hopeful future. Held on a historic farm amid fall foliage, the event attracts and unites many thousands locally and across New England.

Great music, entertainment, and spoken word emanates from three stages and the rolling fields. The line-up of performers is testimony to the culturally diverse and abundant talents of the region. Over 100 bountiful booths feature regional artists, farmers, community organizations, and healing arts; everyone can strengthen the economy by purchasing locally crafted and grown! Participants travel the garlic globe in the chef demo tent, and filled their bellies with farm fresh and savory cuisine in four food courts.

Over fifty engaging workshops and demos, activities and performances will be scheduled throughout the weekend. Garlic games abound on the main field, including the famous raw garlic-eating contest. Kids love the free art-making tent! Orange is the New Green: trash free (less than three bags for 8,000 people!) with everything else recycled or transformed into fertile compost to make gardens not garbage. Free drinking water is provided, and souvenir refillable water bottles are sold, along with an artist-designed festival tee shirt. The ‘Portal to the Future’ at the North end of the festival site is the place to visit for all things renewable energy, with inspiring local living workshops all weekend. Electric Vehicles (EV) from cars to tractors to bikes will be scheduled through the weekend. Get excited and get ready!

There is something for everyone at this family-friendly fall event, held on a beautiful historic farm amidst autumn foliage.  To get a feeling for the flavor, and aroma, of the festival, check out the photos from the past.  In 2020 we held a Virtual Festival which you can see on our YouTube channel.  Read this if you are wondering Who Puts the Festival On, Where the Money Goes, and Whose Land Hosts It.

Kindness, community and inspiration are always in style at this popular destination that attracts lovers of art and alliums from throughout New England.  This short video captures the spirit and values of the Festival.

Date: Sep 30 - Oct 1, 2023

Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Forster's Farm - 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange, Massachusetts

Click here for more information