​
October in MetroWest is busy, and the Top Halloween Events & Activities in Natick, MA can be hard to sort out. We're your neighbors on Route 9, and we put this plan together so you can spend less time searching and more time with the kids. If you're also thinking about a roomier ride for all the pumpkins and costumes, our new inventory is a short drive away.
Top Halloween Events in Natick and Nearby
Natick has a good mix of old-fashioned community events and easy day trips. Some are happening this week, and others are annual traditions that still need their 2026 details confirmed. We've marked which is which, so you don't plan around a time that isn't real.
Oldtown Fall Fair at Shaw Park
First on the calendar is the Oldtown Fall Fair:
-
What: Old-fashioned games such as sticks and hoops and quoits, a hay treasure dig, local history, and music.
-
Where: Shaw Park, Eliot Street, across from the Bacon Free Library.
-
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a free outdoor screening of The Goonies at 6 p.m.
-
Who it suits: Toddlers and grade-schoolers, plus grandparents who enjoy the history.
-
Good to know: It honors Natick's 375th anniversary. Eliot Church and Natick Recreation & Parks sponsor it, along with the Natick Historical Society. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the movie.
Natick Spooktacular & Trick or Treat Parade on the Town Common
The Natick Spooktacular & Trick or Treat Parade is an annual tradition on Natick Common, and kids love dressing up for it. Expect free crafts, games, and live music on the Common, a pumpkin smash with the Natick Fire Department, and a trick-or-treat parade through downtown. Last year it ran on a Saturday in late October, with activities from noon and the parade from 3 to 4 p.m. The 2026 date hasn't been announced yet, so keep an eye on the Town of Natick calendar.
Once you have the schedule, plan to arrive early. Common-area parking fills up fast on event days, and a short walk from a side street beats circling the block with a costumed toddler in the back seat.
Pumpkin Picking at Hanson's Farm
Hanson's Farm on Nixon Road in Framingham is a classic MetroWest fall stop if you want to choose a pumpkin. Beyond the pumpkin patch, families can explore a corn maze, visit the farm animals, and catch a weekend hayride.
-
Call ahead for hours and field conditions at 508-877-3058.
-
Plan for weekend crowds and arrive early for easier parking.
Wear boots you don't mind getting muddy. Fields can be soft after rain, which is one reason the call-ahead is worth it.
Haunted Attractions Nearby, Including Hopkinton's The Haunt
The Haunt in Hopkinton is another annual favorite. The Hopkinton Center for the Arts and the MetroWest YMCA turn the YMCA's Outdoor Center on East Street into the spooky town of Deadwoodville for an outdoor, interactive theatrical walk. Last year it ran on October weekends, with evening tours plus kid-friendly afternoon sessions on Sundays. The 2026 dates haven't been announced yet, so keep an eye on the Hopkinton Center for the Arts for this year's schedule and tickets.
The evening tours are the scary ones, while the afternoon sessions suit younger kids. A spooky walk thrills some kids, while others would happily stay with pumpkins. You know your child best.
Family-Friendly Halloween Activities Around Natick and MetroWest
Beyond the big events, plenty of smaller traditions make the season. Carving pumpkins on the porch or walking the Rail-Trail to see the leaves both work, and so does a costume parade at school. Here's how we'd pick by age.
Pick by age
-
Toddlers: The Oldtown Fall Fair hay treasure dig and a short pumpkin-picking trip.
-
Grade-schoolers: Old-fashioned games at Shaw Park and the Natick Spooktacular & Trick or Treat Parade.
-
Teens: The Haunt in Hopkinton, if it fits their comfort level, plus a group pumpkin-carving night.
Rainy day backup
-
Carve pumpkins at the kitchen table
-
Bake Halloween cookies
-
Set up a costume fashion show at home
-
Visit the Bacon Free Library, and check its hours first
-
Watch a family-friendly Halloween movie
Trick-or-Treating in Natick: Hours, Neighborhoods, and Safety Tips
Natick trick-or-treats on Halloween itself, which falls on a Saturday this year, and the town posts recommended hours closer to the date. Your own neighborhood is often the best choice, since kids know the streets and you know the neighbors.
A few simple safety habits go a long way:
-
Have an adult go along with younger children.
-
Choose costumes that let kids see clearly and walk safely.
-
Carry a flashlight or wear reflective items.
-
Stay on sidewalks and cross at corners.
-
Drivers should slow down and watch for children, especially around dusk.
If you're driving between neighborhoods, park and walk the last stretch. Streets fill with small trick-or-treaters, and a few extra steps are worth the peace of mind.
Free and Budget-Friendly Halloween Ideas for Natick Families
A good Halloween doesn't need a big spend. Many community events are free or low-cost, and the best memories often come from simple things. Check each organizer's page for current details.
-
Join the Oldtown Fall Fair and the town's community events
-
Walk the Rail-Trail for fall foliage
-
Decorate pumpkins with paint or markers you already have
-
Build a costume from items around the house
-
Host a small neighborhood costume parade
Hanson's Farm is a fine stop for pumpkins. Ask about current admission when you call, since what's offered can vary.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary
-
Late morning: Pumpkin picking at Hanson's Farm, after a quick call about conditions.
-
Early afternoon: Lunch, then a stop on Natick Common or at the Oldtown Fall Fair, depending on the date.
-
Late afternoon: Costume time at home.
-
Early evening: Trick-or-treating on your own street, within the hours the town announces.
Arrival Tips
-
Arrive early for easier parking.
-
Dress in layers, since October afternoons can turn cool fast.
-
Keep a cleanup kit in the cargo area, with wipes, a towel, and a trash bag for muddy boots and sticky hands.
Getting Around on Route 9, the Mass Pike (I-90), and Route 135 This Fall
Most of these outings put you on Route 9, the Mass Pike (I-90), or Route 135, whether you're coming from Wellesley, Brookline, Norwood, or Natick itself. Check Mass511 before you leave, give yourself extra time on busy event evenings, and stash some snacks in the car for the ride home.
Why Subaru Models Suit Autumn Family Outings
Fall family trips are mostly about hauling, from costumes and pumpkins to strollers and car seats. Every Outback, Forester, and Ascent comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for steady footing on wet leaves and muddy farm lots, and each one makes room for the whole crew.
| Model | Drivetrain | Cargo volume | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Outback | Symmetrical AWD | 34.6 cu. ft. behind rear seats, 80.5 cu. ft. seatbacks down | Five passengers |
| 2026 Forester | Symmetrical AWD | Base: 29.6 cu. ft. behind rear seats, 74.4 cu. ft. folded. Trims with panoramic moonroof: 27.5 and 69.1 cu. ft. | Five passengers |
| 2026 Ascent | Symmetrical AWD | 17.8 cu. ft. behind third row, 43.5 cu. ft. third row folded, 75.6 cu. ft. both rear rows folded | Seven or eight passengers |
Outback, Forester, and Ascent: Space for Costumes, Pumpkins, and Kids
The Outback's 34.6 cu. ft. behind the rear seats fits a stroller and a bag of costumes, and folding the seats opens up 80.5 cu. ft. for a big pumpkin haul. The Forester brings the same flexibility in a slightly smaller package. For bigger families, the three-row Ascent still leaves 17.8 cu. ft. behind the third row with every seat full, so cousins and friends can ride along to the Spooktacular.
Symmetrical AWD and Heated Seating for Crisp New England Fall Drives
Little ones in costumes get chilly on evening trips, and warm seats help. Heated front seats are standard on every Outback and Ascent and available on the Forester, and all three offer heated rear seats on upper trims. Add standard Symmetrical AWD, and fall drives stay cozy and sure-footed from the farm lot to your driveway.
MetroWest Subaru: Your Natick Community Partner on Route 9
MetroWest Subaru sells new and used Subaru vehicles and offers financing, service, and parts. You'll find us at 948 Worcester Road, Route 9 East, Natick, MA 01760. We're proud to be a recipient of the 2025 Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment Award, and we care about the Natick and MetroWest communities we serve.
If you're dropping a car off for service, our customer lounge is a comfortable place to wait, and the Rail-Trail runs right beside the service center for a quick walk. We also offer complimentary vehicle pickup and drop-off for routine maintenance. Sales reaches us at 866-615-1316.
Plan Your Halloween Season: Explore Event Routes and Schedule a Seasonal Vehicle Inspection
Route Ideas
Here are a few simple route ideas. From Natick, Hanson's Farm in Framingham is a short hop, and Shaw Park and Natick Common are close to home. Hopkinton's The Haunt is a longer drive for older kids. Try grouping stops that sit near each other, so you spend more time at events and less in the car.
Pre-Trip Checklist and Service
Before you go, run through this quick checklist:
-
Tires: tread and pressure
-
Wipers: clear, streak-free sweeps
-
Lights: headlights and brake lights
-
Brakes: no squealing or soft pedal
-
Battery: starts strong on cool mornings
If anything on the list looks questionable, our service center can help. We handle tire rotations and oil changes, and we also take care of scheduled maintenance. Service hours are Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Subaru Express Service covers routine maintenance without an appointment. You can also schedule service online or call 508-651-2000.
Trade-In and Contact Us
Thinking about a different vehicle for next season? You can value your trade with us anytime. Map out your Halloween route, then schedule your seasonal vehicle inspection today so your Subaru is ready for every pumpkin patch and parade.
Image by Beth Teutschmann | Licensed with Unsplash License
