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!
Mystic Mushroom Wine Tasting Dinner at The Shipwright’s Daughter
Saturday, October 15th at The Shipwright’s Daughter
If you haven’t gotten your fill of mushrooms just yet, enter a world of mouth-watering flavors at The Shipwright’s Daughter’s Mystic Mushroom Dinner and Wine Tasting Experience. You’re in for a real treat. Executive Chef David Standridge and local mushroom farmer Chris Pacheco of Seacoast Mushrooms have expertly crafted a four-course meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
To set the mood for the experience, we’ve curated a unique gift bag just for you. We’re rolling out the red carpet for our VIP hotel guests who are also attending the event.
When you arrive, your room will be adorned with charming mushroom-themed decor and special souvenirs to take home. Additionally, you’ll receive a personalized wine glass, perfect for enjoying the flavors of the sommelier-selected wine pairing during the dinner. Reserve your Mystic Mushroom VIP experience here before tickets sell out!
Mystic Film Festival, One of the Best Fall Events in Mystic
October 19th @ 6:00 pm – October 22 @ 9:00 pm
Are you ready for a fantastic cinematic celebration? Look no further than the Mystic Film Festival! This event is a gathering of independent filmmakers who are eager to showcase their passionate creations.
Not only that, but there will be plenty of opportunities for the community to come together and connect, including workshops, panel talks, and other industry insights that will ignite everyone’s creativity. Enjoy all these events at the Mystic Luxury Cinema, Mystic Aquarium, La Grua Center, and the United Theatre in nearby Westerly.
Spooky Nature Trails
Friday October 20th & Saturday, October 21st at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Boo! Head to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for their annual Spooky Nature Trails. Explore woodland trails with glowing jack-o-lanterns lighting the way.
The nighttime autumn forest will have frightful, delightful, weird, and wild animals to see. Plus, you’ll encounter fantastical ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and other spooky surprises.
In addition to the haunted woods, visitors will enjoy spooky crafts for children, games, and up-close visits with the Nature Center’s resident snakes, turtles, and frogs. Please note Spooky Nature Trails is best for children up to age 12, and of course, costumes are encouraged.
What Lurks Beneath
October 20th @ 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Mystic Seaport Museum
Do you believe in sea monsters? Discover “What Lurks Beneath” at the Mystic Seaport Museum this Halloween season! Explore indoor and outdoor spaces to uncover ocean mysteries, including Kraken-inspired tentacles climbing the last wooden whaling ship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan, spooky sailor tales, and creepy marine specimens.
Create your own sea monster or mermaid craft, print a card with historic sea monster illustrations, and visit the mini-ship playscape decked out in ghostly lighting.
Take advantage of the new Spineless exhibit of glass invertebrates or the Halloween-themed food and drinks at the Spouter Tavern.
Decide for yourself whether or not you believe in monsters of the deep! Plus, we have discounted admission available to the seaport just for you. Be sure to ask our Front Desk Team about it upon check-in.
Annual Apple Festival- One of the Best Fall Events in Mystic
October 21st- October 22nd in Olde Mistick Village
Apple lovers, get ready; this event was made just for you! It’s back and better than ever- the Annual Apple Festival. This lively event guarantees a day of apple-themed festivities and fun for the whole family. Indulge in mouth-watering apple treats, sip on warm cider, and savor tasty pumpkin delights.
Ready to Dive into an Exciting Line-Up of the Best Fall Events in Mystic?
So there you have it – the ultimate guide to experiencing the best events that Mystic has to offer this fall. Trust us, you’ll definitely want to stay more than one day to fit it all in.
Our warm and welcoming Front Desk Team is available 24/7 to assist you in planning your perfect Mystic getaway, from recommending the best local events and attractions to booking reservations at our renowned restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter. Simply give them a call at 860-536-1506.
Staying with us at Whaler’s will be the cherry on top of an already fantastic trip. So pack your bags, gather your friends and family, and discover the beauty of Mystic this fall with us! See you soon.
