The 10 Best Small-Town Massachusetts Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of

The Green River Festival is one of the best ways to celebrate summer in the Berkshires. It's a huge event that features world-class musical acts, amazing local food and plenty of activities and games that the whole family can participate in. And that's not all – when the sun goes down, the sky above the festival will fill with breathtaking hot air balloons. The Green River Festival will be held July 14, 15 and 16, 2017 at Greenfield Community College. (1 College Drive, Greenfield)

The Topsfield Strawberry Festival celebrates the bounty of the season with flair and flavor. Stop by this summer festival and fill up on bowls and bowls of fresh strawberry and homemade whipped cream, not to mention heaps of shortcakes. There are also plenty of activities for grownups and kids, as well as artisan stalls to shop. The Topsfield Strawberry Festival is held each year in June. (Topsfield Town Common, Topsfield)

The FreshGrass Festival is a bluegrass extravaganza that features over 50 artists from local groups to nationwide acts. Held on the grounds of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, this event also offers workshops, contests and activities for the whole family. The FreshGrass festival will be held September 15-17, 2017. (87 Marshall Street, North Adams)

Yup, you read that right. Templeton is home to a fantastic macaroni and cheese festival that will have your mouth watering in no time. With over 25 vendors, music, a rock climbing station and tug-of-war, there's plenty to do in between bites. The Mac N Cheese Festival is held in July. (Templeton Common, Templeton)

The Wachusett Mountain Cardboard Box Race is a unique wintertime event that challenges kids to create the best snow vehicle out of just cardboard, duct tape, paint and decorations. The kids bring their cardboard "cars" to the mountain, hop inside their creations and whiz down a short downhill course. It's hilarious and fun outdoor activity for spectators and participants alike, especially since not all the vehicles make it to the bottom in one piece! The Wachusett Mountain Cardboard Box Race is held in April. (499 Mountain Road, Princeton)

The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is a celebration of all things garlic! Stop by to sample a dizzying array of garlic treats, admire beautiful local art and listen to great music. There are plenty of activities like sack racing, a tug-of-war and crafts for the kids. This event is all about peace, community and great food. The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival will be held on September 23 and 24, 2017. (Forster's Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange)

Lenox Apple Squeeze is the perfect apple festival for grownups. Unlike some fall festival, this one offers just as much for the older set to do as the kids. There will be plenty of artists, musicians and performers to keep you occupied as you browse farm stands and sip on cider. Ring in the fall season with this great community celebration. The Lenox Apple Squeeze will be held September 23 and 24, 2017. (Housatonic Street, Lenox)

Head to Paradise City in Northampton to check out some of the coolest local art and music. This festival offers three days of food, workshops and demonstration that will keep you coming back each day. Pick up something beautiful for your home of just admire the gorgeous pieces on display. It's the absolute finest place to peer into large pots. The Paradise City Arts Festival will be held October 7, 8 and 9, 2017. (39 Industrial Drive East, Northampton)

Bring your appetite to this massive food truck festival. The Clustertruck Food Festival is a great evening of food, dancing, music and awesome activities on the grounds of the Ecotarium Museum of Science and Nature. The food trucks will be serving locally-sourced grub and will offer everything from pizza, seafood and BBQ to asian fusion and crepes. Bounce houses and laser tag will keep the kids occupied while the grownups shop local artisans and listen to music. The Clustertruck Food Festival will be held August 26, 2017 from noon to 7 p.m. (339 Seven Bridge Road, Rt. 177, Lancaster)

Fall in love with wine all over again at this epic local festival. The Crush Wine Festival will let visitors sample over 75 award-winning wines, meads and hard cider from all across Massachusetts. You can meet the winemakers, learn about the the winemaking process and taste local cheeses while exploring over 30 acres of fields, forests and beautiful gardens. The Crush Wine Festival will be held Sunday, July 16, 2017. (The Gardens at Elm Bank, Wellesley)