When is Merrimac Old Home Days?
Merrimac Old Home Days is held each year on the second weekend of August. This year’s festival is Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026.
What are the festival hours?
Old Home Days takes place throughout the weekend, with events beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday.
Because individual activities, vendors, and entertainment have different hours, we recommend checking our full Schedule of Events for exact times.
Where does the festival take place?
Merrimac Old Home Days takes place at Stevens Field in Merrimac, Massachusetts.
For GPS directions, use:
24 Union Street Extension
Merrimac, MA 01860
Where can I park?
Parking immediately around Stevens Field is limited, and the lots behind the Donaghue School are expected to fill quickly.
Street parking is available where permitted on nearby streets, including:
Green Street
Pleasant Street
Middle Street
Walnut Street
Adams Street
Union Street
Public parking is also available at the municipal lot at 25 School Street.
Please obey all posted parking restrictions and do not block driveways, intersections, emergency access routes, or areas marked No Parking.
Accessible parking for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard or plate will be available near the festival grounds. Please follow Old Home Days signage upon arrival. Visit our Getting There page for additional directions and parking information.
I’m a vendor. Where can I park?
Craft Fair and food vendors should follow the setup, unloading, and parking instructions provided directly by their Old Home Days coordinator.
Temporary unloading areas may be available during designated setup and breakdown periods. Once unloading is complete, vendors should promptly move their vehicles to approved parking areas so festival access remains clear.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission to Merrimac Old Home Days is free!
Thanks to the support of our sponsors, there is no general admission charge to enjoy the festival. Some individual activities or tournaments may require registration or a fee, and food, beverages, merchandise, and vendor purchases are available separately.
We recommend bringing both cash and a card, as payment options vary by vendor.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but we encourage everyone to support the local food vendors that help make Old Home Days possible!
Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited on festival grounds.
Beer will be available for purchase within our designated Beer Garden. All alcoholic beverages must remain within the designated area and must be purchased from an authorized festival vendor.
Please help us keep this community tradition safe and enjoyable by following all alcohol regulations and instructions from festival staff and public safety officials.
Are pets allowed?
Yes! Well-behaved pets are welcome at Old Home Days.
Please keep pets leashed and under your control at all times, clean up after them, and be mindful that the festival can become crowded, loud, and hot.
Pet owners are responsible for determining whether the festival environment is appropriate for their animal.
Is there a map of the festival grounds?
Yes! Our festival map shows the locations of activities, vendors, restrooms, entertainment, and other important areas.
Click here to view the Festival Map.
What should I do if I lose something at the festival?
Visit the Festival Headquarters tent to report a lost item or turn in something you’ve found.
Any unclaimed items recovered during the weekend may also be posted to our Facebook page following the festival.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
For an immediate emergency, call 911.
First responders and public safety personnel will also be present throughout the festival. You may also visit Festival Headquarters if you need assistance.
Are there restrooms on site?
Yes. Portable restrooms will be available on the festival grounds throughout the weekend.
Please refer to the Festival Map or follow on-site signage for locations.
What is the lineup of events?
There is plenty happening throughout the entire weekend!
Visit our Schedule of Events for the complete lineup, including live entertainment, family activities, tournaments, the Craft Fair, Food Truck Alley, and more.
What happens if it rains?
Merrimac Old Home Days is an outdoor event, and many activities will continue during light or intermittent rain.
Severe weather or other unsafe conditions may require individual activities to be delayed, relocated, modified, or canceled. Any significant schedule changes will be announced through our website and official social media channels.
There is no general rain date for Merrimac Old Home Days.
Is there an ATM at the festival?
We recommend arriving with cash if you plan to make purchases from vendors, as payment methods vary by vendor.
Can I bring chairs or blankets?
Yes! Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for live music and other activities at Stevens Field.
Please be considerate when setting up and keep walkways, emergency access areas, vendor spaces, and other designated areas clear.
Where can I find festival updates during the weekend?
Our website and official social media channels are the best places to find schedule changes, weather-related announcements, and other important festival updates.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with the Merrimac Old Home Days committee