September
SEPTEMBER 14
Jumper Classic
With over 600 horses exhibiting and 10,000 spectators, this is New England’s premier equestrian event. Events range from a champagne luncheon to numerous jumping competitions culminating in the final $75,000 Grand Prix. Ticket prices vary. Gates open 10 a.m. daily. September 14-18. Silver Oak Equestrian Center, 340 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls.
Visit jumperclassic.com for tickets, a complete schedule of events and more information.
SEPTEMBER 16
New Hampshire
Highland Games
Known as one of the most perse games in the country, New Hampshire Highland Games highlights include the “Gathering of the Scottish Clans,” sheepdog trials, Celtic world music concerts, the New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship and more. Featuring three days of music, food, competitions and more. Sept. 16-18. Loon Mountain Ski Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Visit nhscot.org for ticket prices and more information.
Rochester Fair
The 136th Rochester Fair will feature a variety of events and entertainment, including Circus Hollywood, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, The Barnyard Cackle Review, Hollywood Racing Pigs, and more. Events in the grandstand include monster truck shows, truck pulling, demolition derbies, a trailer race, and, new this year, RC Cars. There will also be a concert by James Wesley. Sept. 16-25. Rochester Fair Grounds, 72 Lafayette St., Rochester. Admission is $10 and includes all mechanical rides.
For more information, visit 2011 rochesterfair.com or call Mark Perry at 332-6585.
SEPTEMBER 17
Wool Day at Canterbury Shaker Village
Enjoy the 25th anniversary of celebrating the fiber arts. The event includes a new feature this year: the llama fashion show. There will also be sheep-herding demonstrations and other fiber-producing animals on display. Take part in a host of hands-on activities for all ages. Watch demonstrations of spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting and more. An outdoor grill lunch will be available. $17 adults, $8 children, age 5 and under free, $42 family rate (includes 2 adults and 3 children). 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org. for more information.
2nd Annual Harvest Festival at Prescott Farm
Come celebrate the farm at harvest time with lots to do for the entire family. Horse-drawn hayrides, face-painting, pony rides, petting farm, food, music, family barn dance, performances by Two Fiddles, children and families can drive a team of oxen! Free admission. 928 White Oaks Rd. Laconia. Call 366-5695 or visit prescottconservancy.org for more information.
Antique Tractor
Meet And Show
See a variety of antique farm machinery and talk to people who have the same interest. Anyone with an old tractor, farm implement or engine is welcome to show. Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Colby Street in Colebrook Free. Show begins at 10 a.m. Colebrook Feeds Colby Street Colebrook.
Call 237-8939 or visit northcountrychamber.org for more information.
Antrim Home and
Harvest Festival
Antrim’s Home & Harvest Festival features a weekend of food, an arts & crafts festival, music, many children’s activities, a pumpkin regatta, soapbox derby race, the Antrim Can/AM skateboard slalom championships (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and a BBQ and Atlas Pyrotechnics fireworks display on Saturday night. Free entry, and most events are free. Fees for food and BBQ vary. September 16-18. 66 Main Street Antrim. Call 588-3014 or visit antrimnh.org for more information.
Guided Nature Walk into the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge
Join a naturalist and experience remote ponds, migrating birds, wildflowers, and maybe a moose. Directions will be given upon pre-registration. $37 per person. Event begins at 10 a.m. in Whitefield. Call 528-0136 or visit outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com for more information.
37th Railfans Weekend at Conway Scenic Railroad
Two great days of riding. Special demos, freight cars, cabooses and mixed trains will be running. Saturday and Sunday trip to the Notch will be available, along with the possibility of steam to the Notch on Sunday. Railroadiana Flea Market will be on site for both days. Fares vary from $14.50 and up. Two-day passes will also be available. Event begins at 8 a.m. at 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway.
Reservations suggested by phone at 356-5251 or visit conwayscenic.com for more information.
White Mountain Central Railroad Days
Rail fans can ride unique and historical steam locomotives and equipment including the Climax, Heisler, Reo Railbus and more. General admission, ticket required, includes: bear show, train rides, tours and more. Event begins at 10 a.m. Clark’s Trading Post, 110 Route 3, Lincoln. Call 745-8913 or visit clarkstradingpost.com for more information.
Craft Festival
More than 75 juried craftsmen and women from all over New England will display and sell their American made works. Free admission. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18. Hampton Falls Town Common, Rte. 1, Hampton Falls. Call 332-2616 or visit castleberryfairs.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER 18
Fall Foliage Dinner
Dance Cruise
Dine, dance and cruise. Enjoy the fall foliage on Lake Winnipesaukee with a sunset cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington. Includes buffet dinner and dancing to live music. Fee is $45. Sundays in September 5 to 7:30 Sundays in October 4:30 to 7. $45. M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave. Weirs Beach. Call 366-5531 or visit cruisenh.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER 24
Colebrook Blue Feeds Farmers’ Market
Flowers, vegetables, fruits, lots of baked goodies and much more. Entertainment sometimes. Free to attend. Begins at 8 a.m. Colebrook Blue Feeds, Colby Street, Colebrook.Call 800-698-8939 or visit northcountrychamber.org for more information.
NH Fish & Lobster Festival
Otherwise known as the Fishtival, this event debuted in 2009. Walk the decks of a local fishing boat, taste freshly-landed local seafood prepared by Seacoast chefs, learn to identify and prepare local fish, watch an on-location cook-off competition between chefs, investigate the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and much more. Tasting tickets are $4. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St. Portsmouth. Call 436-2848 or visit prescottpark.org for more information.
Passport: A Craft Beer and Culinary World Tour
A benefit for New Hampshire Public Television. Sample a wide array of craft beers from Smuttynose Brewing Company, Moat Mountain, Allagash, Tuckerman and other regional brewers, paired with culinary creations with an international flair. Reception tickets are $85. General admission is $50. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Strawberry Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St. Portsmouth. Call 868-1100 or visit nhptv.org/passport for tickets and more information.
42nd Littleton Art Show
This annual event in Littletonwill be on Main Street once again, where artists can set up their booths against the beautiful backdrop of foliage and historic buildings. Prizes are awarded in different categories. Free admission. Main Street, Littleton.
Call 444-6561 for more information.
14th Annual Newmarket Heritage Festival
It’s the New Hampshire Seacoast’s international block party – and you’re invited! Visit the historic mill town of Newmarket for a weekend of music and dance, arts and history, food and fun. Adults: $10/weekend; $7/day. Children (ages 6-12): $3/weekend; children under 6: free. Family: $25 cap. 1 Elm Street, Newmarket. Call 659-5588 or visit heritage-festival.org for more information.
The 9th Annual Hillsborough Schnitzelfest
Enjoy the most authentic German food you'll experience outside Germany: schnitzel (breaded or grilled), bratwurst, wieners, homemade german potato salad, rotkohl and sauerkraut, breads, desserts, beer and wine. Live oom-pah music, crafters, souvenirs, fun for the entire family. Parking and admission free. Event runs from 12-5 p.m. Butler Park, corner of West Main and Central Streets, Hillsborough.
Call 464-5858 or visit hillsboroughnhchamber.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER 25
Portsmouth Maritime
Folk Festival
Since the autumn of 2000, the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival has been held annually in Portsmouth. They celebrate their local and national heritage of seafaring and maritime trades by taking nautical songs and music to the pubs, cafés, churches and streets of this seacoast town. The festival is held on the last weekend in September, with free music in the streets all afternoon Sunday in downtown Portsmouth.Email pmff@comcast.net or visit newenglandfolknetwork.org/pmff/index.html for more information.
SEPTEMBER 27
3rd Annual Local
Harvest Supper
Celebrate Concord's vibrant and growing local food community with a delicious buffet feast prepared by Concord High School culinary Arts students under the guidance of Chef Trish Taylor. Keynote address by Cheryl King Fischer, Executive Director of the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund. Musical entertainment provided by Pressure’s On, a bluegrass band led by local musician Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki. Tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for youths and students. Courtyard Marriot, Concord.For more information contact Rob Werner at 674-9810.
SEPTEMBER 29
Deerfield Fair
September 29-October 2
Call the fair office at 463-7421 or visit deerfieldfair.com for more information.
October
OCTOBER 1
13th Annual Chili Challenge
Head to Town Square while the restaurants of the Waterville Valley area compete for the title of King of Chili! Admission gets you samples of all the chili and a beverage. Then, vote for your favorite chili. The winner is crowned “King of Chili” around 2:30 p.m. Free concert at the gazebo. Event runs from noon until the chili’s gone (somewhere near 2 p.m.) Waterville Valley Resort Town Square, Waterville Valley. Call 236-8175 or visit waterville.com for more information.
Music on Main Street
Main Street is closed to traffic and open to the sounds of great music, with three bands playing on various stages throughout the day. Events include the kid friendly Touch-A-Truck, a cupcake contest with a Fall theme, craftsmen and vendors, as well as the famous bed race (why not get a team together and join the fun?) plus tons of great food and tasty treats. Free. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 15 Main Street, Henniker. Call 428-6554 or visit spiritofhenniker.org for more information.
Revolutionary War Encampment
Watch mock battles. Tour the fortified village. Watch demonstrations of 18th century skills. Play 18th century styled games. Visit our settlers for the latest in 18th century goods. Event Fee: Adult – $10, youths 5-12 – $7 Children under 5 free, seniors 55 and up – $7. Event begins at 10 a.m. 267 Springfield Road (Rt. 11), Charlestown. Call 862-5700 or visit fortat4.org for more information.
Autumnfest aboard the M/S Mount Washington
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee and a buffet dinner with all the bounty of the fall harvest. Cost is $49. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. 211 Lakeside Ave. Weirs Beach.Call 366-5531 or visit cruisenh.com for more information.
Foliage Dinner Train
Come aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad’s annual Foliage Turkey Dinner Train, catered by Hart’s Turkey Farm. This two-hour dinner train is by reservation only and is BYOB. Cost is $34 adult or $24 child (3-11). Event begins at 5 p.m. Reserve tickets online at hoborr.com. Tickets are not refundable and are date and time-sensitive. 154 Main St., Meredith. Call 745-2135 or visit hoborr.com for more information.
Return of the
Pumpkin People
Once again, more than 50 area businesses and homeowners are expected to get into the fall foliage spirit by creating unique, colorful and playful pumpkin people throughout the village of Jackson and surrounding towns. Event is free, and begins at 7 p.m. Route 16, Jackson Area. Call 383-9356 or visit jacksonnh.com for more information.
15th Annual Fall Festival & Scarecrow Contest at Settlers’ Green
Event includes dozens of handmade, unique scarecrows competing for cash awards. Free horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, apple cider and apples, live music and more. Pumpkins to the first 100 kids ($2 per pumpkin while supplies last) and a pumpkin pie contest. All free and open to the public. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Route 16, Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, North Conway. Call 356-7031 or visit settlersgreen.com for more information.
Franktoberfest
The Nashua Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with Frank FM Radio to host the Franktoberfest! This is a family event where adults over 21 can enjoy the taste of New Hampshire’s beers and wines, in a safe, fun atmosphere for those under 21. There will be bounce houses, games and live music throughout the event. Need something to eat during your stay? No problem. If the wing taste contest does not suit your liking, there will be concessions throughout Holman Stadium. $20 presale; $25 at gate; $5 under 21. Event begins at 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 589-3370 or visit gonashua.com.
13th Annual Autumn
Craft Festival
October 1-2
The historic Mill Falls Marketplace on Route 3 in Meredith will come alive with color, flavor and music for the 13th annual autumn craft festival. More than 75 juried craftsmen and women will display and sell their American-made works. Chowderfest on Sunday. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free admission, rain or shine. Mill Falls Marketplace Route 3, Meredith.For more information, call 332-2616, visit castleberryfairs.com.
OCTOBER 2
FLICKERS North Country
Film Festival
Preparations are underway for the 2nd annual FLICKERS North Country Film Festival. More than 50 films will be screened or premiered at this event. Check back often to thebalsams.com for more information as the event draws closer. The Balsams Grand Resort, 1000 Cold Springs Road, Dixville Notch. Call 800-255-0600 or visit thebalsams.com for more information.
12th Annual Lumberjack Festival & Competition
The 12th annual Lumberjack Festival & Competition features fast and competitive action among dozens of competitors in several challenging events. The day will start at 6 a.m. with a lumberjack breakfast prepared by the outstanding chefs of Tea Bird’s Café. Events such as cross-cut, modified chainsaw, stock chainsaw, women and men’s ax chop, women and men’s ax throwing, women and men’s standing block chop, two-person log-rolling and more are sure to thrill! There will be a log rolling contest and metal fishing derby for children, along with other children’s games. All are welcome to flex their muscles with the fry pan toss and log throw for adults, with cash prizes awarded for the furthest throw and toss. A $5 admission fee for children 12 years and older will be charged. Kids under age 12 admitted free while accompanied by a paying adult. Enjoy discounted Androscoggin River boat tours all day. Northern Forest Heritage Park, 961 Main St., Berlin. Call 752-7202 or visit northernforestheritage.org for more information.
Harvest Moon Festival
Join the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum to celebrate the fall harvest with a day of Native American-themed games and contests for kids, craft demonstrations and hands-on activities, music and Native American foods. Visitors can interact with Native artisans as they demonstrate traditional crafts, then make their very own Native American-style basket out of recycled materials. Kids can compete in Native-themed games and win prizes. Grace Fraser will once again make delicious and nutritious Native American breads, stews and desserts for sale in the food tent. $5 member, $20 member family, $8.50 nonmember, $26 nonmember family. Event begins at 10 a.m., 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. Call 456-2600 or visit indianmuseum.org for more information.
The Craftworkers’ Guild Holiday Craft Shop
More than 50 artisans will show their handmade work at the Harvest Craft Shop located in the historic Kendall House. Crafts include hand-thrown pottery, paper, fiber and fabric arts, jewelry in silver, gold, beads and recycled materials, glass and wood ware, gourmet treats, paintings and more. The Craftworkers’ Guild is a nonprofit organization that sponsors educational programs open to the public and provides grants and scholarships supporting arts and crafts. Free admission and parking. Event begins at 10 a.m. 5 Meetinghouse Road, behind the library, Bedford. Call 472-8109 or visit thecraftworkersguild.org for more information.
OCTOBER 8
Oktoberfest
What could be more fun than sharing a beautiful day with your friends and the Alpiner Oom-Pah Band? It’s the 2011 Loon Mountain Oktoberfest. German music, German food, and German beer. There is no charge to enter; food and beer is a la carte. Both days the party kicks off at 11 a.m. when the grills fire up at the Octagon Lodge. Close your eyes and smell the sauerkraut, stew, strudel, bratwurst and knockwurst. Various games will be setup on the lawn for some friendly competition, 12-5 p.m. Alpiner Oompah Band plays at 3 p.m. Stein-holding contest, gondola skyrides are available from 9:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. The Adventure Center is open for mountain bike rentals and tours, the climbing wall and the bungee trampoline. You can also experience the trails and foliage on horseback. 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln.
Visit loonmtn.com or call 800-229-5666 for more information.
100th Annual Sandwich Fair
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sandwich Fair. Enjoy various rides and entertainment, including livestock performances and competitions, an antique auto show, tractor pull, live music and much more. Ticket prices vary. Doors open at 8 a.m. all three days. October 8-10.For more information, visit thesandwichfair.com or call Fran Mudgett at 284-7062.
Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour
Come see the best show in the country – autumn in New England! While you enjoy nature’s artistry, visit our own local talent during our 4th annual Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour. Twenty-five artists of the Monadnock Region open their studios for one glorious weekend in Keene, Swanzey, Rindge, Nelson, Stoddard, Spofford, Antrim and New Ipswich. Landscape and portrait painters, jewelry, fiber works and pottery, fabulous work of all kinds, on a self-guided tour. Preview and maps available on website. Opening reception is Oct. 2 at The Works Bakery Cafe, Main Street, Keene. Free admission. For more information, call 357-4382 or visit fallfoliageartstudiotour.com.
Fall Foliage Festival
To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Waterville Valley has scheduled a weekend of family activities, free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, ski swap, 5K road race and 1.6K fun run and more activities such as kids games, pumpkin painting and a pie eating contest. Free admission. Waterville Valley Town Square. For more information, call 236-8175, email info@waterville.com or visit townsquarecondos.com.
OctoberFest
A family fun event celebrating fall in New England. Pumpkins, cider, pies, games, entertainment, crafts, music and food in the heart of downtown Rochester. Free. Hanson Street, Central Square and in Factory Court, Rochester. For more information, call 330-3208 or visit rochestermainstreet.org.
OCTOBER 9
3rd Annual Mount Sunapee Fall Foliage Pig Roast ANd Barbecue
Outdoor pig roast and barbecue, aerial sky rides, games and activities with prizes, pumpkin carving, live music. fun for the whole family. Contact for admission prices. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Route 103 Newbury. For more information, call 763-3500 or visit mountsunapee.com.
It’s On The House Microbrew Tasting & Auction
Join us for an evening of great tasting and festivities at “It’s on the House,” a microbrew fundraising event benefiting NeighborWorks Greater Manchester. Attendees of “It’s on the House” will sample a variety of microbrew beer while enjoying music, laughter, a live and silent auction, and fun food fare. Over 20 microbrews will be offering a variety of samples from Budweiser, Red Hook, Shipyard, Long Trail, Smuttynose, Woodchuck Cider, Saranac, Woodstock Inn Brewery to name a few! All for a ticket price of $25. Starts at 5:30 p.m., 700 Elm St., Manchester. For more information, call 626-4663 or visit itsonthehouse.us.
OCTOBER 15
Leaf Peeper’s Craft Show
Come and join the fun with over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors including handcrafted jewelry, wearable art, paintings, scroll saw creations, tapestry bags and totes, gourmet food items and lots more! Located next to the scenic railway in downtown North Conway! Live music each day. Held under canopy rain or shine. Free admission. North Conway Community Center, 2628 White Mountain Highway North Conway. For more information, call 528-4014 or visit joycescraftshows.com/schedule.html.
Enchanted Hayrides at DeMeritt Hill Farm
A specially designed event for elementary school children featuring Snow White, Cinderella, Superman, Belle and more. Listen to enchanted stories while on a fun hayride through the apple orchard and trails. After the hayride each child will receive Halloween goodies and a pumpkin followed by a story given by Mother Goose and face painting. The hayride is 30-45 minutes long and departs every hour on the hour. Reservations are strongly recommended. Please call 868-2111 to reserve your spot today. $12 for children, $6 for adults. 66 Lee Road (Route 155), Lee. For more information, call 868-2111 or visit demeritthillfarm.com.
Vintage Car Show at Canterbury Shaker Village
The White Mountain Model A Ford Club joins Canterbury Shaker Village for a “shine-only” display of vintage automobiles. Come for a tour, stroll the grounds and marvel at the preservation and restoration of these classic and antique vehicles. Show starts at 9 a.m. $17 adults, $8 children, age 5 and under free, $42 family rate (includes 2 adults and 3 children). 288 Shaker Road Canterbury. For more information, call 783-9511or visit shakers.org.
New Hampshire Brew Fest
Sample over 90 brews from more than 28 breweries at the New Hampshire Brew Fest 2011. Held on the grounds of the Redhook Ale Brewery, this event is a special fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Starts at 1 p.m. Event fee: Contact for details. Redhook Ale Brewery Portsmouth.
For more information, call 436-2848 or visit prescottpark.org/brew2009.cfm.
OCTOBER 16
Lincoln Fall Craft Festival
Juried craftsmen and artisans will display and sell fine jewelry, quilts, pottery, folk art, stained glass, handmade soaps and more. Located outside of the Lincoln Village shops. Free admission. Lincoln Village Shops Lincoln.For more information, call 745-6621 or visit castleberryfairs.com/calendar.php.
OCTOBER 17
Downtown Nashua’s
Fall Feast Week
Downtown Nashua is celebrating autumn with Fall Feast Week. Participating downtown Nashua restaurants will feature special restaurant week promotions. Many will offer three course dinners under $25. Other restaurants will offer discounts up to 20 percent off. It’s an excellent time to visit your locally owned downtown Nashua restaurants and try something new. From Oct. 17 to 21. For more information, call 883-5700 or visit downtownnashua.org.
OCTOBER 22
Keene Pumpkin Festival
Visit Keene for one of the more colorful events of the fall. The day includes a children’s parade, pumpkin bowling, a craft fair and two spectacular pumpkin towers that light up the evening with jack-o-lanterns. A food court is available on Commercial Street throughout the afternoon and evening. Noon to 8:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Keene.
For more information, visit pumpkinfestival2011.org.
