Above: Sign now up to be one of the many exhibitors using Heritage Day to promote your business or cause, or to sell goods/raise funds. (pics by Beth Melo; logo from Rec flyer)
Despite tomorrow’s hot forecast, the signs of fall are all around us. And that means the town’s annual community festival and parade is coming up soon. This year, Heritage Day is on Monday, October 13th.
Last year, the Town was forced to cancel the event due to a forecast Nor’easter. Hopefully, this past weekend got that out of the way. (It was only the second cancellation in at least the past 20 years. The first was for the pandemic in 2020.)
I previously posted that registration is open for exhibitors. What I didn’t note was a detail I learned today. The Recreation dept posted that exhibitors that have a credit from last year’s cancellation can use that towards purchasing this year’s booth. (Scroll down for more info on exhibiting.)
For those not familiar with the event, it takes place annually on Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day.
In contrast to Summer Nights, the daytime event doesn’t have fireworks or a big concert, and it generally has far more exhibitors. Plus, it features Southborough’s biggest annual community parade.
The St. Mark’s Field (at the corner of Rte 30 & 85) is right by where the parade ends, so the many residents marching in it, plus the crowd cheering them on, quickly head to the field to buy snacks/lunch, do some shopping, explore what fun is on offer, and collect freebies being handed out.
The bustling field at Heritage Day is popular with businesses and community groups promoting their services or causes, vendors selling food/goods, and non-profits (including scouts) raising funds.
The event usually includes some entertainment on the field (like bouncy houses). The Knights of Columbus have confirmed that they will be holding their annual Soccer Challenge. (Stay tuned for a post on this year’s details.)
There are also often nearby events hosted by community groups. So far, I can confirm that the annual Friends of the Southborough Library Book Sale will be held across the street in the Library parking lot, and the Southborough Fire Department will host another Open House. Stay tuned for more details on those and other events as the date gets closer.
For those thinking about marching in the parade (or driving a float), click here to pre-register. Groups are generally expected to begin organizing in the St. Anne’s Church Parking lot at 9:00 am. The parade kicks off at 10:00 am.
For exhibitors, Southborough Recreation’s Heritage Day sign up page promotes:
Join the celebration as Southborough celebrates Heritage Day on Monday, October 12th 2026 at St. Mark’s Field (Rt. 30 and Rt. 85 intersection). Booths are available for crafters, artisans, non-profit organizations, food trucks and local businesses.
Hours are 10 am – 2 pm. Rain or shine. No refunds.
Only space is provided, approximately 10’x10′. Please bring your own tent, tables and chairs.
ALL BOOTHS MUST BE WEIGHTED DOWN WITH PROPER WEIGHTS.Set up opens the morning of October 12th at 7:30 a.m. Booth location will be communicated upon check-in the day of the event.
The booths cost $110 each, but Recreation offers a 50% discount to non-profit/community groups. Click here to register.
