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 fall 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.
We’re proud to partner with Brew Biscuits, a Massachusetts-based maker of sustainable, brewery-crafted dog treats, bringing the “tails” and the “ales” together in the most delicious way possible for your favorite pup!
Spend the day sipping thoughtfully curated local brews, tasting wines, 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.
Sat., Sept. 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bolton Spring Farm | Bolton, Massachusetts
General Admission is $5.00. Click the link below for craft brew tasting ticket options.
What to Expect
Live readings from award winning New England authors.
A curated tasting experience featuring local New England breweries
Wine tasting from Hardwick Vineyard & Winery
A vibrant, dog-friendly outdoor festival set in the orchard
A juried selection of pet treat makers, dog-focused boutiques, and pet artists, and other incredible artisans
A featured partnership with Brew Biscuits, handcrafted, sustainable dog treats made from up-cycled local brewery grains
Meet-and-greets with regional dog rescues
Acoustic live music throughout the day
A thoughtfully designed literary “Tales” area with short readings woven into the festival
Craft food vendors and beer from Bolton Spring Farm
Bolton Spring Farm will be in full swing offering Pick-Your-Own apples during the event and a farm stand of delicious local produce.
Event includes:
Author Readings
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy live readings from New England authors sharing stories inspired by craft beer, adventure, beloved dogs, mystery, history, and life.
Grab a drink, find a seat, and spend a little time with the people behind the pages.
Featured Reading | Jean M. Grant
Join award-winning author Jean Grant for a reading from her latest novel, Silent Creek. Blending rich storytelling with unforgettable characters, Jean's novels draw inspiration from history, science, nature, and the landscapes she loves. Settle in to the orchard and enjoy an engaging reading from one of New England's most accomplished contemporary authors, followed by an opportunity to meet Jean and have your books signed at her booth.
Silent Creek
Charlie Cummings
Go behind the scenes of New England's craft beer revolution with author and brewer Charlie Cummings as he shares stories from his memoir, Craft Brewing May Not Be for You!. Drawing from decades in the brewing industry, Charlie offers an honest, humorous, and deeply personal look at the passion, challenges, and realities of life behind the brewhouse. Whether you're a devoted craft beer enthusiast or simply love a great story, this engaging reading is a fascinating glimpse into one brewer's remarkable journey.
Craft Brewing May Not Be For You
A Moment After Dark
Janet Raye Stevens
Step into the suspenseful world of award-winning author Janet Raye Stevens as she reads from her historical mystery, A Moment After Dark. Set in coastal Massachusetts during the opening days of World War II, the novel follows a young woman burdened with an extraordinary gift that reveals glimpses of the future. Rich in atmosphere, mystery, and unforgettable characters, Janet's reading offers a captivating introduction to one of her most compelling stories.
Stephen R. Balzac, PhD
Join author Stephen R. Balzac, PhD, for a reading from his science fiction mystery, The Sound of Crickets. Blending sharp wit, imaginative world-building, and interstellar intrigue, Steve's story follows a reluctant investigator as he unravels the mysterious death of an ambassador in a future where diplomacy, politics, and alien cultures collide. Equal parts mystery, humor, and science fiction, this lively reading offers a glimpse into a wonderfully inventive universe.
Sound of Crickets
Children’s Story Reading | Wendy Darcy
Bring the whole family for a delightful reading with local author Wendy Darcy as she shares her charming picture book, Sophie at the Fall Festival. Follow Sophie, an adventurous Norwegian Forest Cat, as she explores an autumn day filled with apple orchards, hayrides, cider donuts, pumpkins, and playful surprises. Perfect for young readers and families, this heartwarming story celebrates the simple joys of fall and the magic of spending time together.
Sophie at the Fall Festival
Poetry Reading | Zac Smith
The Poodle Poems
Join poet Zac Smith for a reading from his delightfully offbeat collections, including The Poodle Poems and 50 Barn Poems. Blending humor, warmth, and keen observation, Zac's poetry finds extraordinary moments in everyday life, from loyal dogs and quiet companionship to barns, landscapes, and unexpected wonder. Whether you're a longtime poetry lover or simply curious, this engaging reading is sure to leave you smiling.
The Day’s Activities
Festival & Tastings
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Event Hours
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.
The Tales: Readings & Storytelling
Throughout the day, the pace shifts just enough to invite you to pause, listen, and smile.
Guests enjoy short readings woven throughout the day. These are lively, heartfelt, funny, and some dog-themed moments designed to feel like a festival highlight, not a quiet interruption.
Guests are encouraged to grab a blanket, settle in, and enjoy storytelling that feels warm, human, and wonderfully unexpected.
Reading scheduled to be announced.
Shop the Tales, Tails & Ales Fair
Enjoy visiting author, artistan, and gourmet food booths while sampling local craft breweries. Hardwick Vineyard & Winery will be offering wine tastings as well as wine glass and bottle sales. Bolton Spring Farm will be offering it’s beer garden for those who would prefer a glass to a tasting!
Check out the great lineup of authors, breweries, artists and vendors below.
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Jean M. Grant - Author
Award-winning author Jean M. Grant writes historical romance, contemporary fiction, suspense, and women's fiction. Her engaging stories feature memorable characters, rich settings, and compelling emotional journeys.
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Hop Creep Publishing
Meet Charlie Cummings, brewer, author, and longtime craft beer advocate. Browse signed copies of his memoir, Craft Brewing May Not Be for You!, along with exclusive merchandise including T-shirts inspired by his brewing journey. Stop by to chat about beer, books, and the stories behind a career spent helping shape New England's craft brewing scene.
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Wendy Darcy
Meet local author Wendy Darcy, creator of Sophie at the Fall Festival, a charming children's picture book celebrating the magic of autumn in New England. Stop by to browse signed copies, meet the author, and take home a heartwarming story perfect for young readers and families.
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Brew Biscuits
Discover the unique taste and quality of our dog biscuits, crafted from the finest spent grains sourced from local brewers and distillers.
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Crazy for Canines
All natural dehydrated meat treats for dogs without any preservatives or additives and grain free. Elk antlers, paw balm, pup cups, fleece tug toys, hand painted dog themed ornaments.
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Grogan's Golden Treat Co
Handcrafted in small batches, these wholesome dog treats are carefully made with quality ingredients and produced in a licensed, insured kitchen. Thoughtfully created for four-legged family members, they're a delicious way to reward your favorite companion.
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Seven Dreams Farm
Seven Dreams Farm creates handwoven textiles designed for everyday use. From scarves and blankets to dish towels, rugs, and coasters, each piece reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and the beauty of handmade goods.
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Rayre Creations
Rayre Creations offers an imaginative collection of crocheted plushies and handcrafted polymer clay earrings. From whimsical characters to food-inspired designs, every piece is made to bring joy and personality to everyday life.
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Mother Hen’s Homestead
Mother Hen's Homestead creates herbal remedies, botanical body products, handcrafted wreaths, and nature-inspired gifts rooted in traditional plant wisdom and seasonal living.
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Level Headed Clothing Company
Hand-printed, hand-carved linocut clothing.
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ToLou Teacups
ToLou Teacups creates hand-poured candles in vintage teacups, pressed-flower gifts, and literary-inspired treasures that blend nostalgia, creativity, and thoughtful gift giving.
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Hope Noel
Hope Noel creates handcrafted jewelry designed to be worn every day and treasured for years to come. Featuring timeless pieces crafted with pearls, gemstones, and quality materials, guests can also enjoy permanent jewelry and design custom keepsakes at the interactive Adornment Bar.
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Timber + Thyme Kitchen
Timber + Thyme Kitchen creates handcrafted home and entertaining goods, including charcuterie boards, bread knives, cocktail infusers, and decorative kitchen accessories.
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Prunella's Workshop
Prunella's Workshop creates handcrafted jewelry inspired by Renaissance and Victorian aesthetics. Using sterling silver, brass, and copper, their distinctive designs blend historical influences with contemporary style.
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Crochet by BLQ
100% Handmade crochet purses, bags, & clutches. Made from high quality cotton yarns. Perfect for holiday gifting ! Will have a variety of different sizes/colors/and styles available. Also available for purchase through our Instagram.
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Isohwell Goods
A student artist from the Nashoba Valley, this maker creates lightweight polymer clay earrings and accessories full of color, creativity, and personality. Visitors will also find playful upcycled crayons in fun novelty shapes, perfect for inspiring budding young artists.
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Hardwick Vineyard & Winery
We’re so happy to welcome back Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, dear friends of the farm and a true local gem.
Known for their thoughtfully crafted, small-batch wines, Hardwick Vineyard brings a sense of place to every bottle. Their wines are approachable, beautifully balanced, and perfect for a spring day in the orchard.
They’ll be onsite offering bottles for purchase, so you can take a favorite home with you or for a lovely gift!
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Sueños Heirloom Chocolate
Sueños Heirloom Chocolate is a direct importer of shade grown cacao from independent farmers using traditional regenerative agroforestry methods in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. All Sueños cacao is Ecuador’s finest heirloom ‘Nacional’ varieties, which are world renowned for their complex fruity and floral aromas and flavors, and lack of bitterness or astringency
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Saltbox Baking Co.
Homemade baked goods from a cottage micro-bakery specializing in brioche with rotating pastries and breads monthly.
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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.
Featured Partner: Brew Biscuits
From Brewery to Biscuit
Born from a love of dogs and craft brewing, Brew Biscuits transforms spent grains from local breweries into high-quality, handcrafted dog treats.
Founded in Massachusetts by Chris Yurkus, and inspired by his beloved chocolate lab, Wilson, Brew Biscuits has up-cycled over two tons of brewing grains while making countless dogs happy.
Chris is a longtime craft beer enthusiast and trusted partner to breweries across New England. His deep roots in the craft beer community are what help bring the tasting experience at Tales, Tails & Ales to life.
With his infectious energy and passion for both dogs and brewing, Chris is curating a thoughtful and dynamic selection of breweries for the festival, creating an experience that celebrates craftsmanship, community, and collaboration.
The Brew Biscuit mission is simple and powerful:
Sustainable treats. Local partnerships. Happy dogs.
With every biscuit:
• Grains are rescued from local breweries and distilleries
• Ingredients are locally sourced
• Each batch is handcrafted
• Sustainability meets tail-wagging joy
Slow down, wander, & stay awhile
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.
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.
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Yes! Tales, Tails, and Ales is a family-friendly event/
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Tickets are available online and at the gate (if not sold out). Advance purchase is encouraged.
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Yes. Please dress for the weather and comfortable walking on orchard grounds.
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Well-behaved, social, and leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Dogs must be cleaned up after by owners.
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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.
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Parts of the orchard include uneven terrain. If you have specific needs, please reach out in advance so we can accommodate you.
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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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