There has been no shortage of business, events and places across Massachusetts to explore.
MassLive staff has traveled to all corners of the state, covering some of the most fun things to do or take part in.
While the list could be endless, we’ve narrowed down eight multimedia coverage highlights of the year.
Here’s a list of some of MassLive’s staffs favorite projects they’ve worked on in 2025:
The Big E
For 17 days in September, New England’s biggest state fair is the one place where can eat your weight in food, feed animals, ride a giant slide, see a Mardi Gras parade and even performances from various artists.
MassLive attended multiple days of The Big E, covering everything from food, entertainment, vendors, attendance records, weather and more.
Apple cider doughnut hunt
Destinations reporter Nick O’Malley scoured Massachusetts looking for the most delectable apple cider doughnut.
In a state where the treat is a staple, he managed to narrow it down to the 17 best. Spoiler alert — he crowned Calareso’s Farm Stand & Garden Center in Reading as the top spot.
Read his full review and learn about the other 16 spots here.
Pride Carnival Parade
In August, the Provincetown Carnival Parade had dozens of marching delegations, motorized floats and drag performers on Commercial Street in Provincetown.
The event has the busiest week of the year for the small community on the tip of Cape Cod — a well-known spot LGBTQ+ visitors.
MassLive got an up close look at the parade while covering the event.
Good eats
While we’ve covered dozens of food hubs in the Bay State, one of our absolute favorites is Vinh Chau in Springfield.
Vinh Chau Restaurant— located at 409 Dickinson St. in an area featuring a criss-cross of streets called the X — stands a few blocks from multiple Vietnamese restaurants. But its flavor and community makes it a stand-out.
The restaurant offers amazing pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup dish comprising of broth, noodles, herbs and meat. Apart from pho, the restaurant also serves dishes such as vermicelli noodle dishes, fried rice dishes, spring rolls and boba tea among much more.
Pink House in Newbury
MassLive multimedia specialist Sebastian Restrepo took a trip along Plum Island Turnpike Newbury to shoot photos of the iconic Pink House as a part of his “Forgotten Mass.” series.
“The contrast of peeling pink paint against various hues of sunrise have beckoned photographers near and far — including this one — to capture it’s simple abandoned beauty,” he wrote about the house.
Unfortunately, the house was demolished in March.
Six Flags Fright Fest
Every fall, Six Flags New England transforms into a haunting hot spot for ghosts, ghouls, zombies and more with the return of Fright Fest.
With the annual haunt event bringing in thousands of thrill seekers, Fright Fest is brought to life by the scare actors behind the blood and gore.
MassLive received an inside look of what it takes to become a scare actor before the scares can take place for the season.
Social media influencer profile
Throughout the summer, MassLive chose six leading and emerging social media influencers, each of whom brings unique specialties and content to the small screen. They all call the Bay State home, from downtown Boston to Western Massachusetts.
A few staff members got to know these influencers, spending time in interviews and even following a couple influencers around for the day, getting an inside look of what goes into becoming and working as an influencer.
Boston Calling
Boston Calling is an event MassLive has covered in the past and again in 2025, attending the three-day festival of music in Allston.
As New England’s largest annual music festivals, attendees can expect days full of music, food, merchandise and friends.
The music festival announced it “will take a short break in 2026″ before returning in 2027.
