Here's what you can see, hear and do on the South Shore this fall
The South Shore is hopping with things to do this fall.
Local theater groups will be performing top-notch plays, and live music options vary from classical to rock and folk to funk. While the beaches have started to become too chilly for sunbathing, the change of seasons offers a fresh batch of events celebrating the area's agricultural traditions and community pride.
For lovers of history, learning and even the paranormal, presentations and discussions of those and other topics are scheduled throughout the fall, as are art exhibits that run the spectrum from pastoral to provocative.
Here are some of the local highlights over the next few months.
King Richard's Faire
When: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 22
Where: 235 Main St. off Route 58, Carver
Tickets: $20-$39
For more info: Kingrichardsfaire.net
Nothing celebrates the final days of summer while ushering in the cool, crisp air of autumn like the outdoor pageantry of King Richard’s Faire. The event offers something for all ages, from performances and shopping to food and drink to games and rides. Even the spontaneous encounters with costumed characters along a footpath can become a memorable experience.
'Your Backyard through My Eyes,' an exhibit of works by Braintree native Dianne Panarelli Miller
When: Through Oct. 7
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: Free
For more info: Jameslibrary.org/events/artistdpm
Dianne Panarelli Miller is an award-winning, plein air painter of color and light. She is a signature member of the New England Plein Air Painters, a Copley Master at the Copley Society in Boston and a juried member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City. This is the Braintree native's first solo show since 2019. It showcases new paintings of locations spanning Boston to Cape Cod, captured on canvas in her signature style.
Hollowed Harvest − thousands of jack-o'-lanterns
When: Now through Oct. 29; check schedule for times
Where: Marshfield Fairgrounds, 33 South River St.
For more info: Hollowedharvest.com/marshfield-ma
From the creators of the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Hollowed Harvest returns for its second year on the South Shore this fall. The event features thousands of expertly carved jack-o'-lanterns for families to check out during a 30- to 45-minute walking tour. The second annual event will also feature hands-on pumpkin carving and nearly twice the number of displays from previous years.
'The History of the Baker Chocolate Company' featuring Anthony Sammarco
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets: $10-$20
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Local historian Anthony Sammarco details the history of the Massachusetts-based Baker Chocolate Co. In 1765, Dr. James Baker, of Dorchester, stumbled upon Irishman John Hannon crying on the banks of the mighty Neponset River. Hannon, though penniless, had the skills needed to create chocolate, and Baker, with pockets bursting, wished to make a name for himself. Using a mill powered by the same river where they met, the duo built what would become America’s oldest chocolate manufacturer.
Quincy Food Truck & Music Festival
When: Noon-6p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Coddington Street, Quincy, near the Thomas Crane Public Library and Quincy High School
Admission: Free
For more: Discoverquincy.com
Sponsored by the city, the event will include 25 food trucks selling a diverse array of offerings. There will also be desserts and a selection of adult refreshments.
The Breakers − a Tom Petty tribute show
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets: $29-$49
For more info: Memorialhall.com
'TICKET2RIDE! The Rock and Roll Game Show' at Braintree theater
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets: $25
For more info: Curtaincallbraintree.org
The audience members are the stars of this combination comedy/game show. Co-hosts are guitarist Bryson Lang and drummer Gary Marinoof of Boston’s long-running World Gone Crazy Comedy Band. The show is packed with laughs and designed for ages 9 to 90. It will feature music from the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today, plus the chance to win prizes. The show will test your knowledge of popular music from numerous genres.
Mad Love Music Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8
Where: South Shore Conservatory, 1 Conservatory Drive, Hingham
Tickets: $10
For more info: ssconservatory.org
More: Photos: Mad Love Music Festival in Hingham
Established in 2015 in memory of Dave Jodka, this outdoor festival features local musicians, food and drink, and activities for rockers of all ages. Proceeds from Mad Love benefit the Dave Jodka Scholarship for future rockers and its current recipients.
'What We Carry,' an exhibit by Quincy artist Kayleigh MacDonald
When: Oct. 13 to Nov. 10 (opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13)
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell
Tickets: Free
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Quincy-based artist Kayleigh MacDonald’s “What We Carry” is an ongoing photographic investigation of sustained vigilance as a source of trauma. Portraits of women and gender non-conforming people with guns and other weapons for protection serve as a point of entry for conversations about self-preservation, collective trauma and recent gender-based legislation.
'Misery' − from the mind of Stephen King
When: Oct. 13-29: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell
Tickets: $36-$42
For more info: Companytheatre.com
In this play at The Company Theatre, a famous romance novelist is rescued from a car crash in the backwoods of Maine by the self-proclaimed No. 1 fan of his novels. He soon comes to realize that the care he is receiving from this woman is only the beginning of an epic nightmare.
'Haunted South Shore' featuring Greater Boston Paranormal Associates
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: $10
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Learn all about hauntings along the South Shore with Greater Boston Paranormal Associates, which will share its spookiest investigations and experiences. Attendees will join the group as they conduct an investigation at the library.
Borromeo String Quartet
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: $20-$40
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Admired and embraced for fresh interpretations of the classical music canon and championing works by 20th- and 21st-century composers, the ensemble has been hailed for its “edge-of-the-seat performances” by The Boston Globe, which called the ensemble “simply the best.” Performing artists include Nicholas Kitchen, violin; Kristopher Tong, violin; Melissa Reardon, viola; and Yeesun Kim, cello.
'Untold Stories of the Boston Public Garden' with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s Rose Doherty
When: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: Free, with donations accepted
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Rose Doherty, of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, will talk about the garden’s natural and man-made features. Make Way for Ducklings, the George Washington statue and the Ether Monument will be included in this tour along with a look at the planting design. The 19th-century plan for the lagoon and the Swan Boats will be included along with ongoing care and plans for the Public Garden.
An Evening with Amy Grant
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets: $49-$99
For more info: Memorialhall.com
Booty Vortex Halloween Party
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Where: The C Note, Nantasket Beach, 159 Nantasket Ave., Hull
Tickets: $18-24
For more info: Cnotehull.com
Cash prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
'The Drowsy Chaperone'
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27, 28 and Nov. 3, 4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Cohasset Dramatic Club, 41 Highland Ave., Cohasset
Tickets: $27
For more info: Cohassetdramaticclub.org
The story of this play being performed at a local theater in Cohasset concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theater fan who, feeling "blue," decides to play for the audience an LP of his favorite musical, the fictional 1928 show "The Drowsy Chaperone." As the record plays, the show, a parody of 1920s American musical comedy, comes to life onstage as the man wryly comments on the music, story and actors.
John Denver tribute by Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets: $47-$52
For more info: Eventbrite.com
Check out local theater in Braintree
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5
Where: Curtain Call Theatre, 182 Commercial St., Braintree
Tickets: $22
For more info: Curtaincallbraintree.org
"Constellations," a play by Nick Payne, is a romantic journey that begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman and then delves into the infinite possibilities of their relationship, raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny.
Air Supply
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets: $59-$129
For more info: Memorialhall.com
Plymouth Philharmonic: 'Simply the Best' featuring music by Tchaikovsky and Copland
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth
Tickets: $30-$65
For more info: Plymouthphil.org
'Elf the Musical Jr.'
When: Nov. 10-12: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell
Tickets: $28-$35
For more info: Companytheatre.com
Based on the holiday film, this fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his identity.
Are we missing something for this list? Email Patriot Ledger reporter David Smith at drsmith@patriotledger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Things to do on the South Shore this fall − from Quincy to Plymouth
