Wildwood Annual Events & Community Gatherings

At Wildwood Acres Farm & Forest School, the seasons shape our rhythm. From nature-based festivals and cozy parent evenings to playful Coop meetups and hands-on summer camps, our calendar is filled with opportunities to gather, connect, and celebrate community and the land we share.

Below is a sampling of our annual and seasonal events.

☀️ August

Wildwood Meetup at Farmer Matt’s
Families gather at Farmer Matt’s Beer, Band, and BBQ event for a casual summer evening with live music, wide open fields for kids to explore, and a chance to reconnect before the new school year begins.

📚 September

Back to School Open House
Held before school starts, this festive event welcomes both new and returning families, as well as prospective families. Visitors explore classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, meet teachers, enjoy music and food, and join in games and crafts on the farm.

First Week of School
Our school year begins in mid-September with a gentle return to rhythm, reconnection, and the turning of the season.

🍁 October

Fall Festival (In-School)
As the leaves begin to fall, families join their children at noon for an afternoon of meaningful seasonal work—planting bulbs for spring, preparing garden beds for winter, and caring for the spaces that support our learning. A shared picnic lunch and refreshments from the Wildwood Co-op make this celebration of the harvest season especially nourishing.

Orchard Day & Pie-Making
Wildwood families kick off the day at a local orchard, gathering apples before convening for a community pie-making session. Grandparents are special guests for this event, and families bring their favorite recipes and fillings, while crusts and basic ingredients are provided, making it a day of shared baking!

Fall Parent Evening
Held in mid-October, this evening gathering provides a space for parents and caregivers to connect, hear from teachers, learn about upcoming events, and share feedback. Childcare is provided.

🎃 Late October & November

Harvest Fest: Stall-or-Treat
Each October, children don their costumes and participate in a daytime trick-or-treat adventure around the farm. The event concludes with a cozy bonfire and seasonal treats in community.

Lantern Walk & Bonfire
As darkness stretches across the evenings, families gather with handmade lanterns for a peaceful walk through the property and a bonfire celebration. This quiet, reverent tradition offers space for reflection and warmth in the turning season.

Wildwood Winterfest & Kids Maker Market
A festive celebration featuring a vendor fair, kids market market, and creative stations for candle-making, jump rope crafting, lantern-making, and more. This joyful pre-winter gathering is held in mid-November and is open to the wider community.

❄️ December & Winter Season

Tower Hill Botanical Garden Night Lights Trip
Coop families gather for a special evening at Tower Hill Botanical Garden, exploring their magical seasonal light display.

Holiday Break
The school pauses in late December for a two-week holiday break, allowing time for rest, family traditions, and the quiet of midwinter.

Valentine’s Gathering
Families come together to exchange homemade valentines and share heart-shaped snacks. Children decorate valentine boxes and enjoy this midwinter celebration.

Coop Skating Days
Wildwood families meet up during the winter months for seasonal skating adventures, including homeschool hours at the Mullins Center and roller rink days at local venues.

🌷 March & April

Spring Parent Evening
This seasonal gathering offers families a chance to reflect on the year, connect with teachers, and look ahead to upcoming events. Childcare is provided for enrolled students.

Spring Festival (In-School)
A celebration of new life and renewal, families join the children in planting bulbs, tending the land, and painting or crafting together. The afternoon includes a shared picnic lunch and refreshments from the Wildwood Co-op.

Wildwood Egg Hunt & Potluck
Each spring, children hunt for eggs across the farm and sort through their treasures with friends. Families bring a favorite snack or dish to share, and springtime baby animals are sometimes on hand to meet and greet!

Spring Open House
This festive open campus day includes guided tours, food, music, and family-friendly activities. Prospective families, grandparents, and the broader community are invited to learn more about Wildwood and join in the fun.

🌼 May

Montague May Day Festival
Wildwood families gather at this beloved Waldorf-style community event, featuring traditional Maypole dancing, live music, and flower crowns in a joyous celebration of spring.

Field & Fun Day at the WooSox
Wildwood families purchase group tickets for an outing at Polar Park in Worcester. Families gather on the Berm lawn to enjoy baseball, snacks, and sunshine together.

🍔 June

Wildwood End-of-Year BBQ
Held at a family home, this annual potluck is a joyful way to mark the end of the school year. Families gather for burgers, lawn games, and a final celebration before summer begins.

🐴 Summer Camp at Wildwood (July–August)

Our nature-based summer camp program runs for six themed weeks, blending horseback riding with outdoor exploration and hands-on fun.