Late summer in New England means one thing: it’s fair season. Between county festivals, craft shows, food truck throwdowns, and agricultural expos, August weekends fill up fast—and so do the roads.
If you’re trying to coordinate a group trip to one of these events, whether it’s with a senior center, community club, or just a big family outing, booking a charter bus can take the hassle off your plate. But where do you start?
This guide walks you through exactly how to plan group transportation to your favorite August events—without the parking meltdowns, carpool confusion, or “Where is everyone?” group texts.
Why Charter a Bus for a Fair or Festival?
Anyone who’s ever been to the Big E, a local county fair, or a summer music fest knows the deal: it’s crowded, chaotic, and parking can be a nightmare. When you charter a bus, you’re:
- Avoiding parking stress: No circling fields or walking half a mile in August heat
- Keeping your group together: Everyone arrives (and leaves) on time
- Improving accessibility: Great for seniors, kids, or guests with mobility needs
- Enhancing the experience: Travel becomes part of the fun, not a hassle
Plus, it’s often more affordable than you’d think when split among a group.
Step 1: Know Your Group and Your Event
Before you book, gather the basics:
- How many people are going? (Even a rough headcount helps.)
- Where are you going? (Fair name, location, and date.)
- What’s the schedule? (When do gates open? When do you want to arrive/depart?)
If you’re not sure which event to hit, check out our blog on Summer Events Worth the Bus Ride for ideas across Massachusetts and beyond.
Step 2: Pick the Right Vehicle
Not all charter buses are created equal. For fairs and festivals, your group might want:
- A mini coach (24–30 passengers) for smaller rec groups or families
- A full-size motorcoach (up to 55 passengers) for churches, school groups, or community centers
- Optional features like climate control, overhead storage, or ADA accessibility
Check out our fleet overview to get a feel for what works best.
Step 3: Book Early—August Dates Fill Up
County fair weekends are among the busiest times of year for group travel. We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance—more if your destination is a big one (looking at you, Franklin County Fair or the Hardwick Community Fair).
Not sure you’re ready to commit? Start with a custom quote request to get the ball rolling. We’ll help you figure out the details.
Step 4: Coordinate Logistics with the Venue
Many fairs have designated bus drop-off zones or shuttle staging areas. When you book with Travel Kuz, we’ll help you:
- Confirm bus access and route info with the event organizers
- Choose the best time windows to avoid peak crowding
- Map out clear pickup and drop-off instructions for your group
This is one of those details that can make or break the experience—and we’ve done this enough to know what to ask.
Step 5: Communicate With Your Group
Once your bus is booked and your route’s locked in, keep your group informed:
- Send a quick itinerary with pickup time and location
- Let them know what to bring (coolers, sunscreen, ID for ticketing)
- Encourage on-time arrival—charters run on schedule!
Pro tip: If you’re planning multiple stops or coordinating multiple vehicles, check out our guide to Planning Multi-Stop Group Trips for tips on smooth routing.
What Makes Travel Kuz Different?
We’ve been helping New England families and community groups make summer memories for over 90 years. When you ride with Travel Kuz, you get:
- Friendly, experienced drivers who know the area
- Clean, modern buses maintained to the highest safety standards
- A family-run company that treats your trip like our own
- Clear communication and full support before, during, and after your ride
Whether you’re headed to a small-town fair or one of the region’s biggest summer events, we’ll make sure you get there safely and stress-free.
Final Word: Don’t Let Logistics Ruin the Fun
August festivals are all about fun, food, and local flavor—not parking tickets and traffic jams. Booking a charter bus takes the stress out of the equation, and lets your group focus on what matters: time together.
Let Travel Kuz help you plan your next fair day the easy way—get your free quote today.
