Lowell Fall Events 2026
It’s All Happening in Lowell
This fall, Lowell comes alive with wildly inventive racing, live jazz and blues, craft beer, literary history and family-friendly Halloween fun. Plan a day trip, make it a weekend or come back for all five unforgettable events.
Five unforgettable reasons to visit Lowell this fall.
Five Unforgettable Fall Events
Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Downtown Lowell | Free
Part race, part parade and entirely Lowell, the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race brings art, engineering and imagination together for one of New England’s most wonderfully unconventional events. Cheer on teams as their human-powered, all-terrain sculptures navigate a 10K course across city streets, through mud and into the Merrimack River.
The race is free to watch and family-friendly, with plenty of creativity, costumes and surprises along the way.
Explore the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
Lowell Jazz & Blues Festival
October 1–4, 2026 | Lowell
Lowell’s musical spirit takes center stage during four days devoted to jazz and blues. Experience live performances and the unmistakable sound of two musical traditions that have shaped American culture.
More information, including the festival schedule, performers, venues and admission details, will be added as it becomes available.
Hawktoberfest
Date TBD | LeLacheur Park
Raise a stein to fall in Lowell at Hawktoberfest, an Oktoberfest-style celebration at LeLacheur Park. Enjoy local and regional craft beer, food from area vendors and live music in the heart of the ballpark. It is a lively way to spend an autumn afternoon with friends while supporting local charitable organizations.
This is a 21+ ticketed event. The 2026 date, hours, ticket options and participating breweries will be added as details become available.
Visit the Hawktoberfest Event Site
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Fall Festival
October 8–12, 2026 | Locations Throughout Lowell
Discover the city that shaped one of America’s most influential writers during the annual Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Fall Festival. The multi-day celebration brings readers, writers, musicians and Beat Generation enthusiasts together for literary programs, poetry, live music and tours of places connected to Jack Kerouac’s life and work.
Explore Kerouac’s Lowell, hear new perspectives on his legacy and join a community that continues to keep his creative spirit alive.
View the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival
MonsterBash & Fall Fest
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Downtown Lowell | Free
Costumes are encouraged for a full day of family-friendly Halloween fun in downtown Lowell. MonsterBash traditionally includes trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, children’s activities and a not-too-spooky haunted house at Lowell City Hall. Fall Fest extends the celebration with food, music and additional seasonal entertainment.
The event is free. The complete 2026 schedule, activity locations and trick-or-treat map will be posted by the organizers closer to the event.
MonsterBash & Fall Fest Information
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Lowell
One event is reason enough to visit. Five make Lowell the place to be this fall.
Set along the Merrimack River, Lowell pairs a remarkable industrial story with a vibrant creative community, global food, museums, public art and lively downtown gathering places. Spend the day exploring or stay for the weekend and experience more of the city between events.