25th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival in Orange MA. 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.

The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is a celebration of the artistic, agricultural and cultural bounty of the region. The purpose of the festival is to unite North Quabbin people whose livelihoods are connected to the land and the arts, and to invite both local residents and those who do not live in the region to experience the richness of an area that is often overlooked.

Great music, entertainment, and spoken word emanate 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 80 bountiful booths feature regional artists, farmers, community organizations, and healing arts; everyone can strengthen the economy by purchasing locally crafted and grown! Travel the garlic globe in the chef demo tent, and fill your belly with farm fresh and savory cuisine in four food courts. Over fifty engaging workshops and demos, activities and performances are scheduled throughout the weekend. Garlic games abound on the main field, including the famous raw garlic-eating contest. Your kids will love the free art-making tent!

Event Date: Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM both days.  Shine or Rain

Admission: $10 (Good for the weekend!) $5 seniors, students, EBT cardholders. Kids 12 and under free.

Location:  Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd. Orange, MA. No pets allowed on site or in parking lots.

Parking is FREE but limited so please carpool: on-site parking is for accessible tags and carpools of three or more; free nearby shuttle lot for all others. No pets allowed (service dogs only). Biking encouraged! Garlic lovers are hot, but no smoking on the festival site or shuttle bus lines.

The festival is volunteer organized and run; proceeds keep the event sustainable and affordable, and support the festival’s community grant program for local art, agriculture, health and energy projects. Over $45,000 has been contributed to local organizations as well as socially responsible loan funds, and the festival donates hundreds of entry passes annually to organizations that serve low income local residents.