PORTSMOUTH: Children’s Day
Sunday, May 5
Using the activity map and legend, families follow the alphabet all over Downtown where they can enjoy a variety of crafts, games, and interactive activities. Enjoy live entertainment along the way!
12-4 p.m., Pleasant Street
Schedule/map: https://shorturl.at/sEJK9
PORTSMOUTH: Jay Leno
Friday, May 10
Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”
8 p.m., The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St.
Tickets: 603-436-2400 / www.themusichall.org
NASHUA: ‘Godspell’
Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 19
Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, “Godspell” is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.
The Janice B Streeter Theatre, 14 Court Street
Cost: $12-$18 per person
Info/tickets: 603-886-7000 / www.peacockplayers.org
DEERFIELD: Sheep and Wool Festival
Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Highlights include vendors, fleece sale and judging, lectures and demos, workshops, and more!
Held at Deerfield Fairgrounds, 34 Stage Road
Cost: $10 per person; free for kids age 12 and under
Info: www.nhswga.org
MANCHESTER: Science on Tap: How Smart Is Our Electrical Grid?
Tuesday, May 14
Join to discuss the projects in the pipeline to make our grid smarter and stronger. Panelists will include Mark Toscano, PE, CEM, Utility Analyst, New Hampshire Department of Energy and Jim Diluca, Manager NH Distribution System, Eversource Energy.
6 p.m., Stark Brewing Co., 500 Commercial Street
Must RSVP: www.see-sciencecenter.org
Questions? 603-669-0400
KEENE: The Thing In The Spring
A 4-day music and arts festival — Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19
Times vary, Nova Arts, 48 Emerald St.
Cost: $40 per day or $100 for a weekend pass
Info/tickets: www.novaarts.org/thething/faq
MANCHESTER: Breakfast for Wishes
Sunday, May 19
The Breakfast for Wishes is one of Make-A-Wish New Hampshire’s major fundraising events of the year. It is a one-hour morning event where guests will hear inspiring wish stories and witness the impact their support has on our children. There will be networking from 7-7:30 a.m. The 1-hour program will begin at 7:30 a.m.
7 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm Street
Info: www.nh.wish.org
LACONIA: David Clark’s ‘All About Joel’ Benefit Concert
Saturday, May 25
Don’t miss this musical journey through the iconic hits of Billy Joel while supporting The Lakes Region Food Pantry’s fight against hunger.
7:30 p.m., Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium, 1 Laker Lane
Cost: $40 per person
Info/tickets: https://tbinh.org
PORTSMOUTH: “Tunes for Tails” Fundraiser
Wednesday, May 29
Come enjoy music, appetizers, a cash bar, auction, and more. Proceeds to benefit Pope Memorial Humane Society.
6:30-9 p.m., 3S ArtSpace, 319 Vaughan Street
Cost: $100 per person / $150 VIP
Tickets: bit.ly/4cNXYws
Info: www.popememorialcvhs.org
Questions? Email: events@popememorialcvhs.org
MERRIMACK: Bacon & Beer Festival (Ages 21+)
Saturday, June 1
New Hampshire’s largest sampling fest with 60 craft brewers (150+ brew options), 20 bacon samplers and 25 BBQ samplers!
1:30-4:30 p.m., Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway
Cost: $60-$80 general admission in advance
Info/tickets: www.nhbaconbeer.com
ROCHESTER: Wings & Wheels 2024
Saturday, June 1
Highlights include static and military aircraft, remote control airplanes, antique cars, live DJ, vendors, food trucks, and much more!
10 a.m., 4 p.m., Skyhaven Airport, 238 Rochester Hill Road
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Info: www.flight4CF.com
Questions? Email: support@flight4cf.com
NASHUA: Leonid & Friends
Wednesday, June 5
Leonid & Friends have blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality, and fire of American supergroup Chicago. They have since expanded their repertoire to include Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Deep Purple, and new original material.
8 p.m., The Nashua Center for the Arts , 201 Main St.
Cost: $39-$69
Info/tickets: 1-800-657-8774 / www.NashuaCenterfortheArts.com
PORTSMOUTH: Summer Bazaar
Sunday, June 9
A mystical extravaganza featuring 100 magical vendors, with psychics ready to unveil the secrets of the universe, energy healers spreading good vibes, magical artisans, and food trucks serving up cosmic delights. It’s a day filled with wonder, connection, and all things magical.
10 a.m. — 6 p.m., Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St.
Cost: Free admission
Questions? info@herwildsoul.com
PORTSMOUTH: YART Sale
Sunday, June 9
Hundreds of artwork for sale from 30+ New England-based artists– all discounted to 40% or more off fair market value price. The YART Sale has something for everyone, whether you’re a first-time art buyer or a seasoned collector: acrylics, gouache, graphite drawings, watercolor, pigmented resin, oils, charcoal, and more.
11 a.m. — 6 p.m., 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street
Info: www.3sarts.org
Questions? 603-766-3330
SWANSEY: Northlands Music & Arts Festival
Friday, June 14, Saturday, June 15
With two days of carefully curated live music over three stages, art installations, local food and beverage vendors, artisan crafts, and more, festival goers can count on magical memories and a premier festival experience full of good-vibes.
Held at Cheshire Fairground, 247 Monadnock Highway
Tickets/info: www.northlandslive.com
CONCORD: 50th Annual Market Days Festival
June 20-22
Highlights include merchants and vendors, live music, local food, beer and wine, and activities for kids and families!
Info: www.marketdaysfestival.com
HAMPTON BEACH: 24th Annual Master Sand Sculpting Classic
June 20-22
Come see what can be done with 200 tons of imported sand!
Held on Hampton Beach
Info/schedule: www.hamptonbeach.org/events/sand-sculpture-event
RYE BEACH: Summer Soiree
Thursday, June 20
Key Collective welcomes you to this special night of mingling while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, auction, and music provided by Truffle Acoustic Trio.
6-8:30 p.m., Abenaqui Country Club, 731 Central Road
Cost: $50 per person
Info/tickets: www.keycollective.org
LACONIA: Crotched Mountain Foundation’s Annual Volleyball Classic
Saturday, June 22
The entire club is open to all participants and spectators! All proceeds will go to Logan’s Giving Fund for Autism.
8 a.m. — 8 p.m., Akwa Marina Yacht Club, 95 Centenary Ave.
Info/register: www.volleyballclassic.com
SOUTH BERWICK, ME: Strawberry Festival
Saturday, June 29
Don’t miss this annual event filled with entertainment, food, craft artisans and strawberry shortcakes!
9 a.m. — 4 p.m., Central School, 197 Main St., South Berwick, Maine
There are 6 parking locations that will be serviced by trolleys.
Info: www.southberwickstrawberryfestival.org
Questions? Email: sbsf.info1@gmail.com
DERRY: The Bacon Brothers
Friday, July 12
The Bacon Brothers have spent 3 decades exploring their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound “forosoco,” and it’s taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and Gruene Hall.
8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10A Street
Cost: $61-$76
Info/tickets: 603-437-5100 / www.tupelomusichall.com
RAYMOND: Raymond Town Fair
July 12-14, Main Street
Highlights include the Firemen’s Parade on Friday night, Children’s parade Saturday morning and the Dog Parade Sunday morning! Live music Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. Fireworks Saturday night! Food vendors, rides, games, free kid’s activities, and more!
Info: https://shorturl.at/agwN3
CANDIA: Farmers Market and Christmas in July Artisan Fair
Saturday, July 20
All items are homegrown, fished, or home created by local farmers and artisans.
9 a.m. — 12 p.m., 55 High Street
Info: www.candiafarmersmarket.org
ORFORD: 47th Annual Flea Market
Aug. 3-4
200+ vendors with a delightful mix of wares: antiques, handcrafted items, and the usual treasures. The OVFD Inc. will be selling hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries and refreshments. The church will be selling breakfast sandwiches and at noon, pie and ice cream.
Info: 603-353-4855 / email: ovfdinc@gmail.com
RYE: Evening By The Sea Gala
Sunday, Aug. 25
Enjoy music with DJ Lori D, delightful appetizers, desserts, gourmet coffees from Espresso Dave, and caricatures by artist Erica. Complimentary champagne, their famous Raffle Boxes, a silent auction, and more!
5-9 p.m., Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, 60 Wentworth Road
Tickets/info: www.mybreastcancersupport.org
Questions? 603-759-5640
HAMPTON BEACH: Seafood Festival
Sept. 6-8
Over 50 local food vendors, shopping, live entertainment, and more!
12-9 p.m., Route 1A
Info: 603-926-8718 / www.seafoodfestivalnh.com
MANCHESTER: Glendi
Sept. 13-15
Features Greek cuisine and pastries, jewelry booth, coffee shop serving Greek demitasse, an Aegean Market featuring food and clothing, a Taverna featuring Greek beer and wine, raffles (mini, multi and century), and so much more!
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover Street
Cost: Admission is free
Info: 603-622-9113 / www.stgeorgenh.org
LINCOLN: Highland Games & Festival
Sept. 20-22
Come Get Your Scot On! A weekend of Scottish culture, music, dance, pageants, heavy athletics, hands-on activities, spirited competitions, and much more!
Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Road
Tickets: www.nhscot.org
Questions? 603-229-1975
MERRIMACK: Wags to Whiskers Festival
Saturday, Sept. 21
Proceeds benefit the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.
11 a.m., Anheuser Busch, 221 Daniel Webster Highway
Info: 603-889-2275 / www.hsfn.org
PORTSMOUTH: Celebrate Pink 5K & Walk
Sunday, Sept. 22
Step into a world adorned with love and positivity, where every footstep embodies hope and determination. Together, we honor the amazing spirit of those who have faced the battle against breast cancer with unwavering courage.
7 a.m. — 12 p.m., Portsmouth Middle School
Info: www.mybreastcancersupport.org
Questions? 603-759-5640
MILFORD: Milford Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 11-13
Enjoy the pumpkin carvings and lighting display, live music, a haunted trail, beer, games, food, raffles, rubber duck race, bounce houses, games, and so much more!
Free parking is available at the Milford High School, 100 West Street, and at the adjacent Milford Middle School, 33 Osgood Road. Free Shuttle Buses will be running throughout the festival.
Info: www.milfordpumpkinfestival.org