Fall is finally here in New Hampshire, but that doesn't mean the celebrations from summer need to stop. Fall is a great time to attend festivals, and New Hampshire is full of great fall festivals to celebrate the autumn harvest. Of course, there are the county fairs, which you won't want to miss. But here are 8 more unique fall festivals that you'll only find in New Hampshire.
1. New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival, September 16-18
Even if you don't have Scottish heritage, you'll love getting in touch with Scottish traditions at this weekend-long festival at Loon Mountain in Lincoln. You'll enjoy Celtic music, beer tastings, and a heavy athletics competition including hammer throw and lifts, where you will see some of the strongest athletes in the world.
2. Dover's Apple Harvest Day, October 1
Apples in New England are something we love to celebrate, and Dover puts on a great festival. There is a 5k road race, live local music, and, of course, plenty of apples and apple pie.
3. Warner Fall Foliage Festival, October 7-9
For sixty-nine years the small town of Warner has put on a great fall festival, complete with a parade and a 5k race. This one is worth the drive along, since Warner is nestled in a beautiful part of the state.
4. Milford Great Pumpkin Festival, October 7-9
This small-town festival brings big fun. The craft fair is coupled with outstanding music and plenty of pumpkin-oriented fun. The waffle breakfast on Sunday morning, put on by the Fire Department, is particularly memorable.
5. White Mountain Oktoberfest, October 8-9
This event sponsored by Sam Adams is the largest Oktoberfest in the state. Adults will love the beers on tap and German food, but there is also plenty for the kids to do, including a rootbeer keg toss and pumpkin painting.
6. Fall Foliage Festival, Waterville Valley, October 8-10
The Fall Foliage Festival at Waterville Valley is full of everything the resort is famous for: outdoor adventure, great food and lots of fun. Staying true to the resort's roots there's even a ski swap to prepare for upcoming ski season.
7. New Hampshire Film Festival, Portsmouth, October 13-16
More than 10,000 attendees flock to Portsmouth over this weekend to watch the best independent films from around the region and the world. Films are shown in four locations around town, and all of Portsmouth comes alive with the thrill of the film fest. You may even get to walk to red carpet!
8. New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, Laconia, October 22
20,000 pumpkins are on display for this event, including the 34-foot tall jack-o-lantern tower. The day is packed full of pumpkin fun for the whole family, and the idea is amazing after dark when all the Jack-o-lanterns light up.
What are your favorite fall festivals in New Hampshire? Suddenly we're really excited for fall!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!