September is the perfect time to get out to the Greater Merrimack Valley and experience amazing local events. For much of the month, it’s still technically summer, but the weather begins to settle down from the sweltering heat into something more comfortable. That’s why you can’t miss out on the fun events that are happening this September.
Andover
Wonderland Ball
September 14
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
$35–$65
Ready for a whimsical evening of historical dancing? The Wonderland Ball encourages you to wear elegant attire inspired by Alice in Wonderland and historical fancy dress. Dancing will include a mix of contra dances, quadrilles, and round dances. No partner is required and beginners are welcome, as the dances will be taught throughout the ball. Light refreshments will be served.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford Market on the Common
May 25 – October 12
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free
Looking forward to farm-fresh food this fall? The Chelmsford Market on the Common is a farmers and artisans market of local vendors held every Saturday! Each week brings different vendors offering fresh local food, handmade crafts, and more, so you’ll always find something new no matter how many times you visit.
Haverhill
OddFest 5
September 28
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$1
Are you a collector of the unique, the strange, and the odd? Then come to OddFest 5, an oddity marketplace featuring 24 odd and unusual vendors. Each vendor has their own specialty, with booths dedicated to gothic style jewelry, taxidermy, bone art, vintage pieces, skulls, print work, photography & more! With $1 cash entry, you can explore the whole marketplace and discover some truly wonderful oddities and curiosities that suit your aesthetic.
Lexington
Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Stories in Stone
September 1
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$10–$15
There’s no better way to learn about Lexington’s grave history while enjoying a lovely walk than with the Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Stories in Stone. As you walk leisurely through the Old Burying Ground, visit over three centuries of Lexington’s past. It’s both a look at the macabre and the artistic.
From skull and crossbones to willow trees and urns, discover how people grappled with the concept of death through beautiful artwork. Discover how mortuary art has changed over time , and meet some of Lexington’s most famous inhabitants along the way. This tour leaves from Buckman Tavern and the total walking distance is roughly one mile.
Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Lexington Celebrates!
September 15
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$10–$15
Join a Lexington Historical Society educator as they illuminate 250 years of stories about parades, pageants, and pandemonium on the Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Lexington Celebrates! The Lexington Battle Green has been full of reasons to celebrate, from commemorations of the 1775 Battle of Lexington to visits from the likes of the Marquis de Lafayette, President Grant, and President Ford.
Starting and ending at Buckman Tavern, this tour explores areas around the Lexington Battle Green. The tour is one hour long and covers about a half-mile on flat ground.
18th Century Market Day
September 28
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free
Ever wondered what life was actually like in Lexington at the time of the American Revolution? On 18th Century Market Day, you’ll learn and experience it all first-hand; who lived here, what they did, and did anyone actually have time for fun? Stop by the Visitors Center and meet a variety of re-enactors showcasing different trades and perspectives of the time, as well as some favorite historic toys and games for all ages!
Best of all, the market coincides with Lexington PorchFest, so be sure not to miss performances by the Lexington Historical Society Singers and Dancers, who will be performing 18th century music and dance!
Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Hancock Street Architecture
September 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$10–$15
When the Battle of Lexington was fought in 1775, Hancock Street was a country lane with just two houses. The next 150 years saw many houses built with various architectural styles. Check out the Sunday Stroll Walking Tour: Hancock Street Architecture to learn about the Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Gothic Revival homes that populate the street today.
Rain or shine, this tour leaves from Buckman Tavern and the total walking distance is about one mile.
Lowell
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
September 6-8
$29–$65
Now the largest circus on Earth, the Garden Bros Circus has been entertaining families for over 100 years. This year’s show is a fully immersive, 100-minute long virtual reality experience packed with breathtaking special effects, arena seating, concert style sound and lighting along with five rings bursting with excitement, laughter, and memories that families will always cherish.
See the best performers from 22 countries, featuring the Human Cannonball, aerial artists that will blow your mind, the World’s Smallest Person, the Wheel of Death, motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, the funniest clowns you’ll ever see, dogs as seen on America’s Got Talent, and more. There are multiple shows throughout the weekend, so book your ticket now!
Lowell Summer Music Series: Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers
September 8
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
$54–$176
Wrapping up the 2024 Lowell Summer Music Series, Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers are the real deal. They bring an uncanny level of experience, originality, and musical expertise to the stage. Their shows are a high-energy, super-funky, artistic blend of styles including original songs and classics. In short, this show is not to be missed.
Say goodbye to summer and welcome the fall in the Greater Merrimack Valley. You’ll have no shortage of fun things to do in September with the full calendar of events the various towns have planned.
