JUNE
JUNE 21
Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Competition
Watch 15 masters of the sand sculpture universe compete for over $15,000. Demo June 18 – 22, Competition: June 23 – 25. Awards Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Seashell Stage. Followed by a fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Time: 9 a.m. Where: 80 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach. Info: hamptonbeach.org.
Roses: Adventures in Sight and Scents, Franklin
An educational guided tour of Tarbin Gardens with emphasis on roses. Tours last approximately one hour, but you can stay for the rest of the day. Bring a picnic lunch or treat yourself to an authentic English cream tea served in the rose garden patio. Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event Fee: Adults $8.50; seniors, children and students, $7. Where: 321 Salisbury Road, Franklin. Info: 934-3518 or tarbingardens.com.
JUNE 23
Red, White & Blues Wine Tasting, Concord
Celebrate summer at the Co-op's free Red, White & Blues wine tasting! Jive to the smooth sounds of the Sharon Jones Trio while sampling an array of wines and outstanding appetizers inspired by the Louisiana blues. This summer festival is free and open to the public. Please bring or buy a canned good to donate to the New Hampshire Food Bank. Time: 6 p.m. Where: 24 S. Main St. Info: 225-6840.
JUNE 24
Historic Portsmouth Legends & Ghosts Walk
Explore Portsmouth’s fascinating and legendary past on a walking tour through historic neighborhoods. Tales of history, lore and ghost stories will be told by best-selling author Roxie Zwicker. Event fee: $10 for adults, $8 children 12 and under. Time: 6 p.m. Location: 22 Deer St., Portsmouth. Info: 422-9500.
Loon Cruise, Holderness
On each loon cruise, a Squam Lakes Science Center tour captain will be joined by a Loon Preservation Committee biologist who guides the tour and discusses the work LPC is doing across the state to protect the birds. The cruise route is chosen to maximize loon observations. Science Center lake cruises depart from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter’s Basin Restaurant in downtown Holderness. All Science Center lakes cruises are 90 minutes. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing. Time: 3 p.m., Location: 23 Science Center Road, Holderness. Info: 968-7194.
Great North Woods Motorcycle Ride-In
Friday to Sunday, join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts as they converge at our Lady of Grace Shrine for the Annual Blessing of the Motorcycles. Friday’s activities include a roast beef cookout and dance. The fun will continue on Saturday with a motorcycle rodeo, competitions, music, vendors and a motorcycle poker run. Dance to the music of the 50s and 60s at the bikers ball on Saturday evening. Sunday’s activities begin with a pancake breakfast. A Mass will be held at the Shrine, followed by the Motorcycle Blessing. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Colebrook. Info: 800-698-2939.
Art In Bloom, Jackson
Take the self-guided walking tour of Jackson Village, stopping at Ravenwood Curio Shoppe, the Jackson Library, the Snowflake Inn, The Wentworth, An Elegant Country Inn, the Jackson Historical Society and the Canterbury Hill Gallery where artist’s pieces and floral arrangements come together to delight your senses. The Mountain Garden Club invites you to attend a reception Saturday, June 25, at the Snowflake Inn from 3 to 5 p.m. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Jackson Village, Route 16A, Jackson. Info: mountaingardenclub.org.
JUNE 25
Pre-Fourth-of-July Craft Show, Tilton
Come enjoy this beautiful craft show with a variety of handcrafts and art including decorative painting on wood/glass/metal, handcrafted jewelry, functional pottery, wearable art, New England photography, fine art, puzzles, gourmet food items, and more. Music of Tim Janis and Food. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Tanger Outlet Center, 120 Laconia Road, Tilton. Info: 528-4014.
Spring Wild Edibles Workshop, Contoocook
The Little Nature Museum will offer a “Spring Wild Edibles” workshop with outdoor expert, Rudy Bourget. Take a walk around the orchard and through the woods. Learn how to identify common wild edible plants and prepare them. Learn safety rules for plant collecting as well as environmental and conservation issues related to this fun hobby. Pre-registration is required; enrollment is limited to 15. Minimum age is 11; with an adult, the minimum age is 9. Cost is $7 for museum members; $10 for nonmembers. Time: 1 p.m. Location: 656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook. Info: littlenaturemuseum.org, 746-6121.
Stratford Old Home Day
ATV rides and old-town events. Trail rides leave from ATV Trailhead on Route 3 in Stratford beginning at 8:30 a.m. Parade withfloats, old cars, tractors, animals and members of the ATV club. Games for all ages. Other activities include a petting zoo, raffles, music and yard sales. Free lunch at noon; bring your favorite dishes to share. Time: 8:30 a.m., Stratford Hollow, Stratford. Info: 800-698-8939.
New England Brewfest, Lincoln
Breweries from across New England will gather to tap into their exceptional brews at the seventh annual New England Brewfest! Join us at the Lincoln Village Shops in the heart of the White Mountains, Lincoln, to sample and learn about these delicious craft brews. While you’re tasting, enjoy live entertainment, craft beer education programs, great food and exhibits offering brew paraphernalia and souvenirs. Time: 4 p.m. Location: 25 S. Mountain Drive, Lincoln. Info: 745-6621, nebrewfest.com.
Climb To The Clouds, Gorham
The famed “Climb to the Clouds” auto race to the summit of Mount Washington returns. This legendary hillclimb is the modern version of one of the oldest motorsports events in North America, having first been contested in 1904. Multi day event. Please note: the Auto Road will be closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday until noon and closed all Sunday. Time: 8 a.m. Location: Mt. Washington, Gorham. Info: 466-3988, climbtotheclouds.com.
Kiwanis Antique Show, Keene
Antique dealers from the surrounding states will bring their best wares to this fifth-annual antique show. All items are for sale from 40 vendors. Proceeds go to efforts to improve life for the youth of the Monadnock area. Event fee: $5. Location: Keene High School, 43 Arch St., Keene. Info: 357-4561, keenekiwanis.org.
Summer in the Street, Portsmouth
Spend a lively summer evening on pedestrian-friendly Pleasant Street in downtown Portsmouth. Enjoy live outdoor performances and shopping at the local boutique shops and galleries. Location: Pleasant Street, Portsmouth. Time: 5:30 p.m. Info: 433-4398, proportsmouth.org.
Covered Bridge Dance, Jackson
Dance the night away under the Historic Jackson Covered Bridge. Live music. Location: Jackson covered bridge, Jackson. Time: 7 p.m. Info: 383-9356.
New Castle Arts Fair
Artists and crafts people representing Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine will be displaying their artwork on the grounds of the New Castle Congregational Church on Route. 1B in New Castle. Artists will be showing their oils, watercolors, pastels, photographs, acrylics and other media. Some of New England’s finest artists and craftsmen will be participating in the show. There will be many activities for all ages. Time: 9 a.m. Location: Route 1B, New Castle. Info: 436-6353.
JUNE 25
Fiddle festival, Groveton
Professional and amateur fiddlers with professional band. Rain or shine. Bring cooler, blanket, umbrella, Frisbee, fiddle, family, dog, friend, BBQ. Event fee: Adults $8, Children $4. Kids under 3 free. Time: 12 p.m. Location: GrayMist Farm, 317 Brown Road, Groveton. Info: 800-698-8939.
Blessing of the Motorcycles, Columbia
Join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts as they line up at Our Lady of Grace Shrine in Columbia to have their bikes blessed. There will be plenty of vendors and food on hand for everyone to enjoy. Helicopter rides. Live music. Chicken BBQ. Poker Run. Pancake breakfast. Parade. Rodeo. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, Route 3, Columbia. Info: 800-698-8939.
JUNE 28
Eagle Cruise, Holderness
The cruise will focus on the recovery of bald eagles as a nesting species in the state, with particular discussion of the pair of bald eagles that have nested on Squam Lake since 2003. Science Center lake cruises depart from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter’s Basin Restaurant in downtown Holderness. All Science Center Lakes Cruises are 90 minutes. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing. Time: 3 p.m. Where: Route 3, Holderness. Information: 968-7194, nhnature.org.
JULY
JULY 2
Gunstock Summer Festival
Gunstock Recreation Area will celebrate the 40th Annual Gunstock Summer Festival on July 2, 3 and 4. Browse over 100 booths overflowing with American made arts, crafts, specialty foods and live music. Free admission, rain or shine. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Gunstock Mountain Resort Route 11 A, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford. Info: 332-2616, castleberryfairs.com.
Independence Day Family Carnival, Waterville Valley
Join in on the fun with games, T-shirt tie-dyeing, a 100-foot obstacle course, BBQ, bounce house, live music, and more. Admission price allows participation to all field day activities and one complementary boat rental per wristband. Children 2 and under are free. Additional cost for BBQ. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Town square, Waterville Valley. Info: 236-4695.
Mt. Washington Carriage Road Old Home Day
Old-fashion familyed fun day, with vintage games: sack racing, stick and hoop, a pie eating contest, and hayrides. Barbecue. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Mt. Washington Auto Road, Route 16, Pinkham Notch, Gorham. Info: 466-3988.
JULY 4
Fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay
Fireworks over beautiful Wolfeboro Bay. Band concert by the lake with fireworks immediately following. Time: 9:30 p.m. Location: Main Street, Wolfeboro. Info: 569-2200.
Independence Day Celebration, Colebrook
Fireworks at dusk will end your Independence Day celebrations with a bang. Start your day right with a hardy pancake breakfast hosted by the Monadnock Congregational Church. Enter or just watch the annual fishing derby at Roger Dubois’s pond in Columbia for kids 12 and under. The parade starts at 11 a.m., then visit with friends and family as you stroll over to the Colebrook Academy Lawn for a chicken barbecue. Location: Main Street, Colebrook. Info: 800-698-8939.
Independence Day Parade, Woodstock
Fourth of July events at the Kancamagus Recreation Area, starting at 10 a.m. The parade begins at 2 p.m. and winds from Main Street in
North Woodstock down Main Street in Lincoln. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Location: Woodstock and Lincoln.
Info: 745-6621.
Rubber Duckie Race, Meredith
Over 4,000 rubber ducks tumble down Mill Falls in Meredith, travel under Route 3 and finish in Meredith Bay. First prize is $1,000, with four other top cash prizes followed by 23 prizes donated by local restaurants and merchants. Time: 3:30 p.m. Location: Main Street, Meredith. Info: 279-6016.
Fireworks in Waterville Valley
The town of Waterville Valley hosts a spectacular show, viewed from Town Square. Make sure you arrive early to get your glow sticks, hot or cold beverage, and enjoy the free outdoor concert, and get a great seat. Time: 9:30 p.m. Location: Town Square, Waterville Valley. Info: 236-8175.
Parade and Fishing Derby, Jefferson
The Jefferson Festival Committee will be putting on the annual Fourth of July parade and fishing derby. The theme for this year is “150 Years Since the Civil War.” Parade starts at 10 a.m. Parade participants should report at 9 a.m. to the cemetery parking lot behind the Old Corner Store on Meadows Road/Route 115A for judging and line up. The fishing derby for kids 12 and under and those over 80 will follow. Location: Main Street, Jefferson. Time: 9 a.m. Info: 586-7002.
Independence Celebration, Pittsburg
Come to Murphy’s Dam to enjoy a day of fun for the whole family. Browse the flea market, or bring your own table (no charge for sites). Plenty of food and vendors. At the Lower Village Pond, let the kids (12 and under) enter the kids’ fishing derby, pony rides, and ball games for all ages. At 6 p.m., settle down for a chicken barbeque and listen to music until the fireworks begin at dusk. Location: 1st Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg. Time: 10 a.m. Info: 800-698-8939.
July 8
Arts & Crafts Festival, Wolfeboro
Over 150 exhibitors with fabulous arts & crafts! Music, food, demonstrations, children’s activities. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro. Info: 528-4014.
Warren Old Home Days
Concessions, exhibits, music, and mid-way. Fireworks will kick off the weekend at 9 p.m. on Friday. Check out the parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. The weekend will conclude with Bluegrass music on Sunday at 1p.m. Time: 11 a.m. Location: Downtown, Warren. Info: 764-5775.
Hillsboro Balloon Festival
Live entertainment, new attractions, and old-fashioned fireman's muster on Sunday afternoon, featuring competitions among the area fire departments. Thrill rides and games truck and tractor pulls, 5K road race, and artist's fair and parade. Balloon flights over New Hampshire's beautiful Monadnock Region are available to the general public, along with tethered flights for the more cautious. Balloon lift offs are at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (weather permitting) Friday evening to Sunday morning. Location: Grimes Field, Hillsboro. Info: 464-0377
Music at the Marketplace, Weirs Beach
Free concerts on an outdoor stage, weather permitting. Seating at bleachers, tables and on the lawn. Pleasant setting with view of boardwalk. Featured are Barbershoppers every Wednesday; duos on Fridays; band concerts on Saturdays; and the Boardwalk Jazz Quartet every Sunday. The concert series begins on July 6 and ends Aug. 21. The Barbershoppers sing from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; all other performances are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Winnipesaukee Marketplace, 21 Weeks St., Weirs Beach. Info: 366-5800.
July 9
Dog Day at Settlers Green, North Conway
Bring the family and pooch for a fun day. Agility course, kissing booth, dog costume photos, dog swimming pools and more. Free treats and water at participating stores. Time: 9 a.m. Location: Settlers Green Outlet Village, Route 16, North Conway. Info: 356-7031.
Powwow, Warner
Family-oriented event focusing on American-Indian culture with drumming, dancing, performances, crafts and demos by Native American Indians from New England and beyond. Contests, vendors, and silent auction. Event fee: Adults $8.50, seniors $7.50, children $6.50, family $25. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. Info: 456-2600.
White Mountain Garden Club Symposium & Fair
Presentations by local garden experts, including Marion Schafer of Peonies of the Coos Riviera in Dalton at 10 a.m., and naturalist Bob Durant of Lancaster at 1:30 p.m.; gardening exhibits, floral crafts, new and old gardening books, and plants and flower arrangements from members' gardens for sale; raffle; lunch, 12 to 1:15 p.m., including vegetarian option. Event fee: $15 ahead or $25, including lunch. Location: Sugar Hill Meeting House and Carolina Crapo Building, Route 117, Sugar Hill. Info: 823-9989 or 586-4372.
JULY 10
Wright Museum Family Day, Wolfeboro
Ride in a WWII vehicle, enjoy uniformed re-enactors, WWII demonstrators, a barbecue lunch and meet Rosie the Riveter. Event fee: Members, $7. Non-members, $10. Time: 10 a.m. Location: 77 Center St., Wolfeboro. Info: 569-1212.
Haunted Pubs of Portsmouth Walk
Experience Portsmouth's brewing history and lore on this unique walking tour. Portsmouth was home to one of the largest breweries in the United States in the 19th century. The tour will visit taverns from the Revolutionary era right up through present times that have intriguing stories and legends. Each tour begins with a generous wine tasting of New Hampshire made wines. Time: 12 p.m. Event fee: $20 plus gratuities. Reservations required. Location: 22 Deer St., Portsmouth. Info: 422-9500.
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival , Portsmouth
The 16th annual Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival celebrates some of the finest jazz musicians from throughout the Northeast. Time: 12 p.m. Location: Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Info: 436-2848, prescottpark.org.
JULY 13
Garden Party, North Hampton
Enjoy live jazz, local ale by the Smuttynose Brewing Company, wine tasting by local Jewell Towne Vineyards and Cornucopia Wine market of Stratham, cheese tasting by C'est Cheese of North Hampton and a silent art auction in the gardens during first bloom. Event fee: $10 for members, $20 for non members. Time: 5 p.m. Location: 10 Willow Ave., North Hampton. 964-5414, fullergardens.org.
JULY 15
An Evening of Opera and Art, Hanover
The Hood partners with Opera North to present excerpts from American composer Douglas Moore’s The Ballad of Baby Doe. This English-language opera tells the true story of one of the richest men in America's history, silver king Horace Tabor, his first wife, Augusta, and his second wife, Baby Doe. There will be two free performances, reservations required, with seats confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover. Info and reservations: events@operanorth.org.
Market Days & Summer Music Festival, Concord
Main Street Concord's 37th annual Market Days & Summer Music Festival will take place Thursday, July 14, through Saturday, July 16 in downtown Concord. The festival runs daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering fun, food, shopping and entertainment for people of all ages. Location: Main Street, Concord. Info: 226-2150, mainstreetconcord.com.
JULY 16
Craft Fair at the Bay, Alton
Indoor and outdoor arts and craft festival along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Featuring 100 booths of arts, crafts, food and live music. Free admission, rain or shine. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Alton Bay Community House & Waterfront Park, Route 11, Alton. Info: castleberryfairs.com
Mt. Washington Carriage Road Weekend, Gorham
Saturday and Sunday, Great Glen Trails will open for folks owning horses and horse drawn carriages and there will be hay rides for the public. On Sunday the Auto Road will open for horse-drawn carriages and horseback riding to the summit. Great Glen Trails will be closed for biking both Saturday and Sunday. The auto road will be closed to vehicles on Sunday. Time: 8 a.m. Location: Great Glen Trails and Mt. Washington Auto Road, Route 16, Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH 03581. Info: 466-3988.
Fiesta de Musica, Manchester
The Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps in association with Drum Corps International hosts Fiesta de Musica. Seven corps from New England & Canada perform in an outdoor, all ages family event featuring music and marching drills. Event Fee: Adults $12; Seniors & kids under 12 $10. Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester. Info: muchachos.org.
Americana Festival, Portsmouth
Check out this incredible mix of performers in a fantastic festival at Prescott Park. Time: 1 p.m. Location: Marcy Street, Portsmouth. Info: 436-2848, prescottpark.org.
American Independence Festival, Exeter
Meet George Washington and other role players. Watch the maneuvers of the Minutemen and British Regiment, see a battle portrayal at 2 p.m., and hear the muskets and cannons fire. See demonstrations by traditional artisans. Food, music, crafts, children's activities & fireworks. Time: 10 a.m. Location: American Independence Museum, downtown Exeter, Info: 772-2622.
JULY 21
Stratham Fair, Stratham
Horse, oxen and tractor pulls, lobster lunch, lasagna supper, chicken BBQ, dunking booth, 4-H exhibits and activities, the Miss Stratham fair pageant, pie eating contest, pig scrambles, carnival rides and the midway, Sunday night fireworks. Time: 9 a.m. Location: Route 33, Stratham.
JULY 23
Summer Sizzler & Walker Brothers Circus, Lisbon
The Boys and Girls Club of the North Country is hosting the Walker Brothers International Circus at their annual Summer Sizzler on July 23. Time: 11 a.m. Where: 2572 Route 302, Lisbon. Info: 838-5954, bgcnc.net. Event fee:$15 adults (includes one free child 9 & under) $5 youth & additional children.
Daylily Extravaganza, Hancock
The Daylily Extravaganza features a spectacular display of color and fragrances from more than 700 daylily varieties including the “Monadnock Series.” Time: 9 a.m. Where: 106 Bonds Corner Road, Hancock. Info: 525-4728, davisbrookfarm.com.
Summer Tradition Arts & Crafts Festival, Wolfeboro
Over 100 exhibitors with an array of arts & crafts including fine art, wood carvings, hand-painted glassware, quilted table decor and quilts, New England photography, New Hampshire maple syrups, locally created family board games, wearable art, folk art, primitive wood creations, many different jewelry designs, gourmet foods, and much more.
Time: 10 a.m. Where: Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro.
Info: 528-4014, joycescraftshows.com.
Agri-Fest 2011, Webster
Roaming farmers market with events including venison cooking demo at a deer farm, nature walk weather permitting, picnic in field of lilies and wine tasting with discussion on the process of wine making. Time: 9 a.m. Where:1224 Battle St., Webster. Info: 648-2189
JULY 24
Reggae Day, Laconia
Experience the Rasta culture through the rhythmic music of Jah Spirit. Time: 11 a.m. Where: 1086 Weirs Blvd., Laconia. Info: 888-556-2792, naswa.com.
JULY 30
Lancaster Street Fair
Rascal’s 5K road race, the Farmers Market, a dunk tank, live music, food, balloon rides, shopping, face painting, a bouncy house, and more. Time: 9 a.m. Where: Main Street, Lancaster. Info: 788-4681.
AUGUST
AUGUST 4
Pemi Bluegrass Festival, Campton
Family-friendly weekend of acoustic country and bluegrass music, camping, workshops, dance, swimming, tubing, plus food and musical vendors. Time: 10 a.m. Where: Branch Brook Campground, Campton. Info: 726-3471, pemivalleybluegrass.com.
AUGUST 6
Hot Dog Festival, Lincoln
Zipline, gondola rides, bungee, face painting and a jumpy house. Food and drink for purchase and free live music. Adult beverages will be available. The “table of fabulous toppings” will be back for a variety of hot dogs for at your disposal. Time: 10 a.m. Where: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Info: 745-8111, loonmtn.com.
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair, Newbury
Celebrate the spirit of the maker at the annual craftsmen’s fair. Jewelry, glass, pottery, prints, metalwork, fiber arts, woodcarvings, weaving, sculptures, furniture, and leatherwork; all handmade by master craftsmen. View three exhibitions: Living With Craft; CraftWear; and the outdoor Sculpture Garden. Enjoy craft demonstrations, workshops, tours, and seminars.
Time: 10 a.m. Where: Mount Sunapee Resort, Newbury. Event Fee: Adults: $10; Students, seniors, active military duty:$8; Children under 12: Free. Info: 224-3375, nhcrafts.org.
Stewartstown Day
A lunch of sweet maple syrup on snow begins three days of activities. Friday night starts with the crowning of the queen, music, and raffles. On Saturday, a parade, games, classic car show and auction. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, take some time to watch international ballgames.
Time: 10 a.m. Where: Stewartstown Park, Main St., Stewartstown. Info: 800-698-8939, northcountrychamber.org.
Sesquicentennial Gala, Gorham
Step back in time to the 1800s for a period cuisine style dinner with a modern twist. Black tie or vintage attire requested. Start the night with Victorian dancing and as the night wears on kick up your heels with a band to be announced. Finish the night with fireworks at 9:15. This is a ticketed event. Time: 5:30 p.m. Where: Pinkham Notch, Gorham. Info: 466-3988.
Chocolate & Jazz fest, Waterville Valley
A smooth treat for the senses at town square. From 6 to 9 p.m., an outdoor concert featuring the smooth sounds of Jazz will accompany a selection of chocolate temptations prepared by Town Square merchants. The concert is free; desserts are sold by the piece. Time: 6 p.m. Where: Town Square, Waterville Valley. Info: 236-8175, waterville.com.
AUGUST 7
Show and Shine Car Show, Merrimack
Time: 10 a.m. Where: 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. Info: 595-1202, budweisertours.com.
AUGUST 13
Boston-Portsmouth Air Show, Portsmouth
The world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds make a rare appearance in New Hampshire. Time: 8 a.m. Where: Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Portsmouth. Info: 625-6431, bostonportsmouthairshow.com. Event Fee: $15-$25.
Curious George Cottage Family Festival, Waterville Valley
The Margaret and H.A. Rey Center’s fifth-annual Curious George Cottage Family Festival will feature a weekend full of family-friendly activities including a banana pancake breakfast, family nature walks, planetarium shows, photo opportunities with Curious George, petting zoo, live music, face painting, games for kids, Curious George story hour and movie viewing, Sugar Coated Shakespeare, and more. Time: 10 a.m. Where: Town Square, Waterville Valley. Info: 236-3308, visitwatervillevalley.com.
Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival, Milton Mills
A family-friendly day packed with fun-filled and educational events: hay rides to the Salmon Falls River, New Hampshire wildlife presented by nature experts, toe-tapping live music by the York River Ramblers, guided walks through woods and fields, barnyard animals for kids to pet, demonstrations of traditional rural skills, and a kids craft corner. Time: 10 a.m. Where: Branch Hill Farm, 307 Applebee Road, Milton Mills. Info: 978-7125, mmrg.info. Event Fee: $5 per person or $10 per family; free for children under 12.
Alton Bay Boat Show
The New Hampshire Boat Museum will present an informal, non-judged vintage boat show at the Alton Bay Town Docks. The public is welcome to view and can vote on the people’s choice award. Time: 9 a.m. Where: Jct. Rtes 11 & 28, Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay. Info: 569-4554, nhbm.org.
AUGUST 17
Hampton Beach Children’s Festival
Kicks off with a magic show by BJ Hickman on the Hampton Beach Seashell Stage at 10 a.m., and builds up to a Giant Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on August 19. Every child gets a prize just for being in it! All Children's Festival activities are free and open to the public. Time: 10 a.m. Where: 180 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach. Info: hamptonbeach.org.
AUGUST 18
Brain Freeze: Ice Cream Social, Concord
Beat the summer heat and cool off with some frosty, free treats at the Concord Co-operative Market. The indoor/outdoor free event will include a sundae bar with approximately 20 topping choices. Samples of frozen desserts from a variety of New England and all-natural companies. Chefs from the Co-op’s award-winning Celery Stick Café will serve up some of their favorite desserts. Children’s activities, live music and grilled hot dog samples will be available in the parking lot, weather permitting. Time: 6 p.m. Where: 24 S. Main St., Concord. Info: 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop.
AUGUST 20
Northern Moose Native American Powwow, Dummer
Native American drumming, singing, story telling, Native American Flute playing and more. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs permitted on site during this family event. Day dancers will be admitted free. Time: 10 a.m. Where: 1442 Route 16/White Mountain Road, Dummer.
Info: 449-2300, greatnorthernmoose.com Event Fee: $5 donation
Living History Event, Hillsboro
Experience the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s as you interact with period musicians, French & Indian War, Civil War and many other re-enactors, Mark Twain, Betsy Ross and other historical figures, artisans, craftsmen, trolley tour of stone arch bridges, panning for gold and many other children's activities. Statewide town crier contest. Time: 9 a.m. Where: 5 Central St., Hillsboro. Info: 464-5858, livinghistoryeventnh.com. Event Fee: Adults $10, Seniors $8, 6-17 $5, 5 and under free.
Hampton Beach Talent Competition
Come watch talented entertainers compete for cash prizes. 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $200. Time: 7 p.m. Where: Hampton Beach Stage, 180 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach. Info: 926-8718, hamptonbeach.org.
Pittsburg Old Home Day
Parade, crafts, contests, flea market, old engine display, cotton candy, popcorn, chicken barbecue, fishing derby, entertainment and more. Time: 9 a.m. Where: Main St., Pittsburg. Info: 800-698-8939, northcountrychamber.org.
AUGUST 24
White Mountain Musical Arts (Mostly) Bach Festival, North Conway
The 23rd annual Bach Festival, presented by White Mountain Musical Arts, will present several opportunities to hear and learn about Bach and his fellow-composers and the wonderful chamber music of the Baroque era. Approximately 80 musicians, professional and amateur, will gather for the four-day event to perform the great instrumental and vocal works of the Baroque masters. Time: 4 p.m. Where: 2521 White Mountain Highway, North Conway. Info: 356-2324, mwvevents.com. Event Fee: Conductor’s Circle: $25 Mid-section: $17 General: $10.
White Mountain Art & Artisan Festival, Jackson
This two-day juried event will be held in Jackson Village Park. More than 40 selected artists and artisans will be displaying and selling their work under the large tent by the pond in Jackson Village Park or under their own inpidual tents set up throughout the park. Features works of glass and wood arts, ceramics, fiber arts, fine arts and jewelry for sale at all price points. Time: 10 a.m. Where: Jackson Village Park, Route 16A, Jackson. Info: jacksonnh.com.
AUGUST 26
North Country Moose Festival, Stewartstown
Activities include tree farm tour, moose mud pond fun and games, art show, music and magician at the bandstand, chicken barbecue, about 100 classic car parade, and guided moose tours. Time: 8 p.m. Where: Stewartstown. Info: 800-698-8939.
