North Folk Night Market returns to Red Apple Farm

PHILLIPSTON – Next weekend, North Folk Night Market will return to Red Apple Farm for a three-day winter festival featuring fire performances, folklore-inspired characters and immersive theater.

The event will take place Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for weekend pass holders only, followed by public sessions on Feb. 14 and 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave. in Phillipston. The event is produced by FaeGuild Wonders in partnership with Red Apple Farm and is returning for its second year.

“It’s an immersive experience, kind of like a Renaissance fair, but in the winter,” said Richard Fahey, playwright, academic consultant, and creative and theatrical director of FaeGuild Wonders. “Early medieval Viking is the aesthetic.”

Richard Fahey said FaeGuild Wonders, which formally became an LLC in 2024, is now entering its second year of operation, building on events he and his partner previously produced in the region, including the Wyndonshire and Enchanted Orchard Renaissance fairs.

Red Apple Farm, the event’s host venue and co-creative partner, is owned by Al and Nancy Rose.

Because the festival is held at a working farm during the winter, organizers said parking and access have been a key focus. Attendees will park at the Market Basket in Athol and take a free, handicap-accessible shuttle to the farm. Handicap parking will be available on site, along with heated indoor and tented spaces, including the Red Apple Farm store, the Brew Barn restaurant, vendor tents and an enclosed mead hall.

One of the central elements of the night market is an original theatrical production inspired by “Beowulf.”

“I wrote the script, and it’s an immersive theater experience for patrons,” Richard Fahey said.

The “Beowulf” production will be performed by a cast of more than 30 character actors, alongside additional folklore-based performances throughout the event. Characters will include witches and folklore figures from a range of traditions. Participating groups include the Mt. Wachusett Witches, and one featured script was written by local high school student Nikolaus Brauer-Shagman.

“A lot of the stories we’re telling are about getting through the dark nights and the cold together as a community,” Richard Fahey said.

Fire performances will also be held during the event, which organizers said were a big hit last year, with groups including Phoenix Swords and Needlez the Dragonborn. Other performers include drag artists known as the Iconic Daring Divas and neo-folk band Winds of Aeluria.

“These community events are really important,” said Rajuli Fahey, stage manager and art and entertainment director of FaeGuild Wonders.

“There are fewer experiences where people can come together and connect with different backgrounds and find commonality,” she said.

Beyond performances, the night market will feature a mix of artisan vendors and immersive historical elements. Vendors will sell handmade goods including cloaks, ceramics, woodworking and blacksmith-made items. A local author will also provide historical cooking, and historical tents will be set up for guests to explore.

Organizers encourage attendees to come in costume, while also dressing for winter weather.

“Warmth is key,” Fahey Rajuli said. “You could probably find a whole outfit at the vendors while you’re there.”

Red Apple Farm will offer specialty ciders during the festival, including flavors created specifically for NorthFolk NightMarket, and the event will also feature a scavenger hunt encouraging visitors to find characters and collect small trinkets.

Rajuli Fahey said the winter timing of the festival is intentional.

“We have a tagline of ‘the light in the dark,’ because you’re trying to find community in the dark,” she said. \

Tickets and additional information are available at https://www.northfolknightmarket.com/.