A doggone great day of stories, brews, & wagging tails

A joyful orchard festival celebrating dogs, local craft beer, and New England storytelling

Tales, Tails & Ales is a one-of-a-kind late-summer celebration set among the apple trees at Bolton Spring Farm. This lively, heartwarming festival blends three irresistible things: dogs, craft beer, and great stories, creating an experience that feels equal parts community gathering, tasting festival, and literary pop-up.

Spend the day sipping thoughtfully curated local brews, strolling the orchard with your dog by your side, discovering pet-focused makers, and settling in for short, lively readings that bring laughter, warmth, and surprise. With acoustic music, cozy seating, picnic blankets, and plenty of dog-friendly fun, Tales, Tails & Ales is designed to feel relaxed, social, and delightfully memorable.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bolton Spring Farm | Bolton, Massachusetts 01740

Entry: $40.00

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What to Expect

Event includes:

  • A curated tasting experience featuring 20–30 local New England breweries

  • A vibrant, dog-friendly outdoor festival set throughout the orchard
    A juried selection of pet treat makers, dog-focused boutiques, and pet artists

  • $1 Dog Treat Tasting experience, with proceeds donated to local rescue organizations

  • Meet-and-greets with regional dog rescues and adoptable pups

  • Photo-worthy moments, including orchard portrait stations and playful dog zones

  • Shaded rest areas, water stations, and splash pools for dogs

  • Acoustic live music throughout the day

  • A thoughtfully designed literary “Tales” area with short readings woven into the festival

  • Craft food vendors and non-alcoholic offerings from Bolton Spring Farm

The Day’s Activities

Festival & Tastings

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Event Open

From the moment you arrive, the orchard comes alive with energy. Wander between brewery tastings, pet-focused vendors, and food trucks while dogs enjoy treats, water stations, and shaded lounging spots. The atmosphere is social and relaxed, perfect for reconnecting with friends or meeting new ones.

Bolton Spring Farm open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Tales: Readings & Storytelling

At the top of each hour, the pace shifts just enough to invite you to pause, listen, and smile.

In a cozy orchard reading nook—complete with hay bales, rocking chairs, picnic blankets, and a small stage—guests enjoy short, 15-minute readings woven throughout the afternoon. These aren’t formal readings; they’re lively, heartfelt, funny, and often dog-themed moments designed to feel like a festival highlight, not a quiet interruption.

Readings may include:

  • Local author spotlights

  • True dog stories shared by authors, rescue volunteers, or community members

  • “Brewers’ Tales” — short anecdotes from the people behind the beer

  • Guest-submitted haikus and mini-stories selected live from the community story wall

Guests are encouraged to grab a blanket, settle in, and enjoy storytelling that feels warm, human, and wonderfully unexpected.

Bolton Spring Farm is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Festival activities run 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Why We Love this Event

By attending Tales, Tails, & Ales, you are supporting:

  • Local breweries, makers, and small businesses

  • Regional dog rescues and animal welfare organizations

  • Independent authors and community storytellers

  • Thoughtfully curated cultural experiences rooted in connection

  • The preservation of Bolton Spring Farm’s open land and agricultural heritage

    Tales, Tails & Ales brings together people who value good stories, good beer, and good company, four-legged friends included. It’s joyful, a little quirky, and deeply rooted in community, which is exactly how we like it.

 

Set on 150 acres of rolling orchard hills and historic farmland, Bolton Spring Farm offers a setting that invites you to linger. Here, the pace softens, conversations stretch longer, and simple pleasures, fresh air, shared stories, wagging tails, take center stage.

We invite you to step back from the rush, enjoy the beauty of late summer in New England, and spend a day that feels both playful and grounding.

Slow down, wander, & stay awhile

Bolton Spring Farm
159 Main Street, Bolton, Massachusetts 01740

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

  • Yes! Tales, Tails, and Ales is a family-friendly event/

  • Tickets are available online and at the gate (if not sold out). Advance purchase is encouraged.

  • Yes. Please dress for the weather and comfortable walking on orchard grounds.

  • Well-behaved, social, and leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Dogs must be cleaned up after by owners.

  • Yes. Gourmet mobile food vendors and specialty food makers will be offering a variety of options throughout the day. There will also be wine available for purchase.

  • Parts of the orchard include uneven terrain. We will have seating and accessible areas available. If you have specific needs, please reach out in advance so we can accommodate you.

  • Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to gift or resell your ticket.

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