In various cultures around the world, harvest festivals are celebrated as a way to give thanks for a successful harvest season. These festivals often involve various rituals, traditions, and sometimes even witchcraft. Harvest festival witchcraft refers to the practice of incorporating magical or spiritual elements into the celebration of the harvest season. Witchcraft has long been associated with the natural cycles of the seasons, including the harvest period. In many ancient cultures, witches were believed to possess the power to ensure a bountiful harvest. They would perform rituals and spells to invoke the divine forces and ensure the fertility of the land.
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Editor s note For more of Jaime s thoughts on the Day of the Dead, including its history, origins, and diversity of celebrations, check out his new book, Llewellyn s Little Book of the Day of the Dead. October 10 Scituate Arts Festival This three-day arts festival is composed of original fine art, handmade crafts, and antiques in a sprawling open-air market, featuring tasty treats and live musical entertainment.
They would perform rituals and spells to invoke the divine forces and ensure the fertility of the land. These practices varied across different cultures and regions, but they often involved elements such as chanting, dancing, and offerings to the deities associated with agriculture and abundance. Witches would use herbs, crystals, and other natural objects in their rituals to harness the energy of the earth and promote fertility.
Fall Festival Guide 2023: Harvests, witches, art & more
The fall season is loaded with festivals. From harvest festivals with giant pumpkins to a witches ball with a VIP witch room (ooh-la-la). There’s something for everyone in autumn.
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September 9 – Seven Cedars Farm Fall Festival
Seven Cedars Farm is hosting their fall festival to celebrate the end of their season. Hayrides, vendors, and more. 20 John Mowry Rd, Smithfield. sevencedarsfarm.us/farmers-market
September 15 – Misquamicut Fall Fest
A combination of non-stop entertainment, Rockwell amusements rides, midway, vendors, as well as a food truck rodeo. This family-friendly event is hosted from September 15 – 17, rain or shine. Admission is $12. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly. misquamicutfestival.org
September 16 – Great Pumpkin Festival
The Great Pumpkin Festival is back, baby! A combination of vendors and activities for the whole family. Admission is free, donations welcome. Join in on the fun from 11am – 6pm. North Smithfield High School, 412 Greenville Rd, North Smithfield. greatpumpkinfestival.org
September 23 – Autumn Festival Tea and Tipping
A tea party filled with snacks and seances presented by Emerald Frog Reiki & More. Entrance is $65 from 2 – 4:30pm. 2145 Broad St, Cranston. bit.ly/3sszJS4
September 23 – Smith’s Castle Harvest Festival
Hosted in the 17th century house, this family-friendly event will host Sheffield Farm Petting Zoo and pony rides, Farm Dog Band, and colonial games and activities, including the Great Pumpkin Roll. All of this entertainment will be coupled with some local vendors and an overall 17th century vibe. Admission is $10 per adult, $8 for seniors and military, $6 for children over 6 years. Family Cap is $25. Noon – 4pm. 55 Richard Smith Dr, North Kingstown. smithscastle.org/calendar/2023/9/23/harvest-festival
September 30 – Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
For 45 years, the Norman Bird Sanctuary has hosted their award-winning Fall Fair on Aquidneck Island. The event itself is composed of crafters’ tents, food vendors, and some friendly competitions. General admission is about $12 and the event is hosted September 30 and October 1, 10am – 5pm at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. normanbirdsanctuary.org/harvest-fair
September 30 – Franklin Farm Harvest Festival and Tractor Show
Tractors, regional music, food trucks, scenic hayrides, historic barn tours, pony rides, Audubon raptors, vendors, educational activities, games, and more. Admission is free, parking is $10. 10am – 4pm. 142 Abbott Run Valley Road, Cumberland. franklinfarmri.org/harvest-festival
October 1 – Woonsocket’s Autumnfest
It’s a parade! Woonsocket Autumnfest hosts their annual parade, filled with music, crafts, food, and amusement rides – this is northern RI’s largest fall festival at its best. 9:30am – 6pm. WWII Memorial Park, Woonsocket. autumnfest.org
October 1 – Great Townie Pumpkin Festival
Hosting over 30 vendors, pumpkin decorating, circus arts workshops, pop & bop bubble bash, and live music, the Great Townie Pumpkin Festival is here to celebrate pumpkin season. 11am – 4pm. Crescent Park Carousel, 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. crescentparkcarousel.org/pumpkinfest
October 21 – Spooky Fall Festival
The Warwick Community Police Division and We Be Jammin’ Events host the second annual Spooky Fall Festival complete with local vendors, hayrides, bounce houses, and beautiful ocean views. 10am – 3:30pm. 1 Rocky Point Avenue, Warwick. bit.ly/3OOS3fl
ARTS
September 1 – Pawtucket Arts Festival
This year’s annual Pawtucket Arts Festival is just as jam-packed as last year. From September 1 – 10, Pawtucket hosts artists and vendors for two weekends of events. Day one starts easy with a local farmers market coupled with some great food trucks, a pint for all the beer lovers out there, and the River Bend East Songwriters Festival, which continues into day two. Day two keeps the good vibes going with 3 more events: Empanada fest, culture shock, and a production of Romeo and Juliet (which returns the following weekend). Day three kicks off with Nha Tera Nha Kretcheu Festival (a traditional Cape Verdean festival), McCoy’s Final Inning (see stories on page 22), and Where the River Falls: a concert of original classical music. The second weekend is just as jam-packed with events. September 8 brings the Elemdi Performance Collaborative: The Silent M and The Slater Park Fall Festival, which continues on September 10. September 10 kicks things off with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pops in The Park, presented by the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance, the 7th annual Healthy Living Community Event and Scouts in the Park. Admission is free! Times and locations vary. For more info visit pawtucketartsfestival.org.
October 10 – Scituate Arts Festival
This three-day arts festival is composed of original fine art, handmade crafts, and antiques in a sprawling open-air market, featuring tasty treats and live musical entertainment. 10am – 5pm on Oct 7 and 8; 10am – 4pm on Oct 9. Located at the Village Green in North Scituate, 88 Main St, Hope. scituateartfestival.org
WITCHES
September 16 – Magickal Mystical Psychic Faire and Vendor Market
For all you witches, wiccans, and warlocks, Ascension NXT is hosting a Psychic Faire, filled with local vendors, tarot readings, and spirit mediumship. Admission is free. 11:30 – 5pm. Ascension NXT, 155 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick. bit.ly/3OJtfFP
September 30 – Bewitched and Bedazzled
A personal witchy favorite, set at the filming location of Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2, Hearthside House Museum hosts their 2nd annual Bewitched and BeDazzled Magical Fall Festival. This family-friendly event includes hayrides, contests, magic and circus shows, food trucks, children’s activities, psychics, historical presentations, artisan vendors, face painting, storytelling, costumes, music, theatrical and dance performances. 10am – 4:30pm. Hearthside House, 671 Great Road, Lincoln. greatroadheritagecampus.org/bewitched-and-bedazzled
October 20 – Witches Night Out
Brown & Hopkins Country Store hosts Witches Night Out this year. Guests are encouraged to check out some spooky New England literature, have their tarot read, and get their books signed by Arlene Nicholson and Tom D’Agostino, authors of countless New England ghost story collections and paranormal books. Tickets are $7 with a portion of proceeds going to a local animal rescue. 4 – 8:30pm. Brown & Hopkins Country Store, 1179 Putnam Pike Chepachet. bit.ly/45qKq63
October 21 – The Witch’s Ball
It’s a witch’s ball! Come on out to the very first RI Witches Guild Witch’s Ball. Dress up in your finest witchy-wear because prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. Includes live entertainment, a bar, and an hors d’oeuvres buffet for general admission, and a lot more for badass VIP witches. Tickets range from $75 to $125. 5:30 – 10:30pm. Quonset O Club, 200 Lt. James Brown Rd, North Kingstown. bit.ly/3P8jrXd
KIDS
September 9 – Applumpkin Fall Festival
One for the kids! This festival includes children’s games and activities galore, not to mention entertainment from local artists and a beer and wine garden for the adults. 10 am – 7pm. Ninigret Park, Charlestown. applumpkin.com
CRAFTS
September 9 – Fernwood Artisan Festival
Hosted by Acrylic Pour Obsessed, this festival includes local artists and vendors. 9am – 4pm.60 Fernwood Drive, East Greenwich. bit.ly/3qHtxov
September 16 – Burrillville Arts and Crafts Festival
This two-day event brings out over 100 unique handmade craft vendors, live entertainment all day, a beer garden provided by Bravo Brewing, and hayrides provided by Liberty Farms. 10am – 7pm. Rain or shine. Assembly Theatre, 26 East Ave, Burrillville. assemblytheatre.org/event-details/burrillville-arts-crafts-festival-2023
MORE FESTIVALS TO EXPLORE
September 1 – River Bend East Songwriters Festival
September 1 – Soul Rhythm & Roots
September 2 – Food Trucks & Concerts at Chace Farms
September 3 – Cape Verdean Traditional Festival
September 8 – PVD Fest
September 8 – Cranston Greek Festival
September 8 – Amigos de Terceira Feast
September 9 –Trifecta Festival
September 9 – Irish Music Festival
September 9 – Rock for Autism Music Festival and Bike Ride
September 10 – Johnston Apple Festival
September 14 – Beerfest
September 16 – RI Seafood Festival
September 16 – RI Calamari Festival
September 16 – RI 45th Annual Heritage Festival
September 16 – Oktoberfest at The Guild
September 16 – Newport Oktoberfest
September 17 – Bristol Porchfest
September 22 – Newport Mansions Food & Wine Fest
September 23 – Vegtoberfest
September 23 – Armenian Food & Arts Festival
September 23 – Celebration of Surf Festival
September 23 – Ocean State Bluegrass Festival
September 23 – Rootstock
September 24 – Oktoberfest at Greysail Tap Room
September 29 – Oktoberfest at Gansett Brewery
September 30 – Beervana Fest 2023
September 30 – Festival in the Park
September 30 – Oktoberfest by The German-American Cultural Society
October 14 – Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
October 15 – Newport Oyster Festival
October 16 – University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival
October 21 – RI’s Gluten-Free Festival
October 22 – Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
One popular harvest festival witchcraft tradition is the creation of a corn dolly. A corn dolly is a small figure made from the harvested corn or wheat and is believed to embody the spirit of the harvest. The dolly is often dressed in traditional clothing and placed in a prominent location during the festival. It is believed that the corn dolly brings good luck and ensures a successful harvest for the following year. Another aspect of harvest festival witchcraft is divination. Witches would often use divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors to gain insight into the future of the harvest and make predictions about the coming year. This practice was seen as a way to connect with the spirits of the land and seek guidance for the agricultural endeavors. In some cultures, bonfires were an integral part of harvest festival witchcraft. The bonfire was believed to cleanse and purify the land after the harvest, and witches would perform rituals around the fire to honor the spirits of the harvest and ensure a prosperous future. It is important to note that harvest festival witchcraft is a cultural and historical practice and should not be confused with the modern perception of witchcraft as depicted in popular media. Harvest festival witchcraft is rooted in ancient beliefs and traditions and carries deep cultural significance for those who practice it. Overall, harvest festival witchcraft is a fascinating aspect of the celebration of the harvest season. It is a way for people to connect with the earth, honor the cycles of nature, and seek guidance and blessings for a successful harvest..
Reviews for "Harvest Festival Witchcraft: Spells for Protection and Prosperity"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Harvest Festival Witchcraft". The storyline was so predictable, and the characters were just stereotypes. It felt like the author was just going through the motions, without adding any original ideas or twists. I also found the writing to be quite dull and lacking in descriptive language. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for something engaging and thought-provoking.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Harvest Festival Witchcraft" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was completely nonsensical, with poorly developed characters that were difficult to relate to. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, which made it hard to immerse myself in the story. I also found many inconsistencies and logical errors throughout the book. I had high hopes for this novel, but sadly, it fell flat in every aspect.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I'm usually a fan of supernatural fiction, but "Harvest Festival Witchcraft" left me unimpressed. The pacing was incredibly slow, making it hard to stay engaged. The author seemed more focused on describing the setting than developing the actual plot or characters. And when the excitement finally started to build, it was quickly resolved in a lackluster way. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. Overall, this book was a disappointment and didn't deliver on its promises of witchcraft and mystery.