Things to do / Travel Guide
In the New Hampshire and Vermont region, the events season lasts from February-October, and there are affairs aplenty to attend.
February
Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby - One of the region's biggest winter events takes place over President's Day weekend, the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. Fisherman from far and wide clamor into the small town of Meredith to take advantage of the ice fishing on the frozen lakes nearby and to see what their tolerance for cold is.
March
The New England Dog Sled Races - Every year in March the New England Dog Sled Races are held at various wintry locations throughout the state of New Hampshire, such as Meredith and Laconia. Races are varied, with anywhere from a couple dogs to an entire team competing.
Annual Sap Gathering Contest - Every year around March 25th in Keene, New Hampshire, there is the Annual Sap Gathering Contest in Stonewall Farm. About 20 teams of draft horses are invited to compete against one another to see which will gather the most sap from old-fashioned buckets, which are then dumped into a large holding tank at the end of the race. This “Thanksgiving-style” event is fun for the whole family!
The New Hampshire Maple Weekend - Toward the end of March, over 50 sugar houses across New Hampshire open their doors to visitors for the New Hampshire Maple Weekend. This event is marked by demonstrations on how maple syrup is made as well as free tasting sessions and, of course, lots and lots of pancakes!
Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest - For 31 years now Montpelier, Vermont, has been the site of one of the stinkiest contests in the country. No joke! Every March Odor-Eaters sponsors a contest to determine “how offensive sneakers can get when they're not taken care of properly.” This contest, usually judged by a panel of expert sniffers, is actually the culmination of many regional contests held by the company throughout the country. Spectators can usually smell the winners from a mile away. These jokes stink, eh?
April
Willoughby River Trout and Landlocked Salmon Jumpstart - This annual event is marked by the sight of rainbow trout and salmon fighting their way up Vermont's Willoughby River on their way to their final destination - the deep cold waters of Lake Willoughby. The event is held during the second week of April, when fishermen from across New England flock to the area for a gigantic fishing extravaganza!
May
The Winni Derby at Lake Winnipesaukee - Also known as the Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing Derby, this event, held in mid- to late-May, invites fishing enthusiasts from across the country to enter in the hopes of winning a share of the more than $65,000 in prizes. For those who think they might want to take a shot at winning big bucks, it might pay to call the event organizers.
June
Market Square Day - Every year in early June in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, there is a lively dancing event that marks the start of the New England summer. Market Square Day is an event that attracts people from southern New Hampshire as well as southern Maine to dance and listen to local music and sample local food doused with maple and other local flavorings.
The American Stage Festival - Held every year from June-August in Milford, New Hampshire, the American Stage Festival hosts the largest professional theater company in the state and showcases a theater season that is full of mysteries, musicals, and other stage plays and performances.
Strolling of the Heifers - Every year in Brattleboro, Vermont, at the beginning of June, an event called the Strolling of the Heifers launches the National Dairy Month with farm-fresh cuisine, music, artists, farmers, and cows!
July
Revolutionary War Days - One of the more colorful events in New Hampshire is the Revolutionary War Days held toward the end of the month in Exeter. The event involves a “replica” of a Revolutionary War encampment as well as Revolutionary War reenactments commemorating the birth of this nation.
The Monadack Music Festival - The offbeat and adventurous Monadnock Music festival, which takes place from late July-early August, features weekend concerts in the Peterborough Town House and weeknight concerts in churches and meetinghouses throughout 17 different southern New Hampshire towns. There's a healthy dose of new music and unusual repertoire from resident and guest artists; past participants have included the New Zealand String Quartet.
Vermont Quilt Festival - Held in the middle of July in Northfield, the Vermont Quilt Festival features quilting classes and workshops in addition to lectures by noted quilt artists. Over 400 gorgeous new and antique quilts usually make an appearance for all to admire and ogle.
Vermont Reggae Festival - The Vermont Reggae Festival is held in Hardwick in late July each year; it is the largest free reggae festival in the U.S. While there are charges for admission to some events, many others are free to attend.
Marlboro Music Festival - On the weekends in July and August there is the Marlboro Music Festival, held at a variety of venues in the town of Marlboro, Vermont, and on the hills around Brattleboro, Vermont. This event brings together talented musicians and music students from far and wide to perform at classical music concerts that are free and open to the public.
August
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair - One of the most prestigious arts and crafts events in the United States takes place at the Mt. Sunapee Resort in Newbury. For nine days, beginning on the first Saturday in August every year, more than 35,000 visitors come to this event to admire, buy, and learn more about fine contemporary and traditional handcrafts displayed in over 200 craft booths and exhibition showcases.
The Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show - In mid-August, the Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show is held in Manchester. This show is a late summer highlight for antique lovers, whether you are a dealer, a collector, or a casual shopper.
Annual Chocolate and Jazz Festival - Chocolate lovers… need we really say more? This event is about three things: 1. Chocolate, 2. Chocolate, 3. Jazz and chocolate. This event is held for one day in the middle of August in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, and visitors can enjoy eating locally-made chocolates; yes, as much as you want! At the same time, some great jazz makes for excellent background music while munching away at the tasty chocolate treats.
Southern Vermont Art and Craft Fair - Early in August in Manchester, Vermont, there is the Southern Vermont Art and Craft Fair. This very popular festival features music, food, and over 200 local artisans selling their creative wares.
Annual Vermont State Zucchini Festival - In mid-August each year there is the Annual Vermont State Zucchini Festival, in Ludlow. This festival celebrates the most prolific vegetable in Vermont with zucchini carvings, eating contests, racing competitions, and more. Come celebrate the zucchini!
September
Sunapee Harbor Chowder Challenger - On one of the first two Sundays in September in Lake Sunapee, all the local business and restaurants brew up some chowder that they enter into a competition for the title of Best Chowder. This is a very tasty event that always starts a noon and includes music as well as a children's entertainment program. Call for more information or to get some great free chowder recipes!
The New Hampshire Highland Games - The New Hampshire Highland Games are held in Hopkinton toward the end of September. These games are known for their diverse program, including the Gathering of the Clans, Massed Bands, Sheepdog Trials, Celtic World Music Concerts, the New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Championship, Heavyweight Scottish Athletics, and National Highland Dance Competition. This is the largest Scottish-themed festival in the northeastern United States.
The New Hampshire Antiquarian Book Fair - This event is held every year in Concord at the Everett Arena, usually on the last Sunday of September. If you're into old or antique books, you will love this fair featuring booksellers from more than 10 states.
The Vermont State Fair - Every year at the beginning of September there is the Vermont State Fair held in Rutland. This event annually commemorates all things Vermont with agricultural products and exhibits, live music, and carnival rides and games.
Green Mountain Stage Race - This bike race crisscrosses the Green Mountains of Vermont starting from Warren, Vermont, taking place each year on Labor Day and featuring a 103-mile ride for pros, and a 65-mile ride for amateurs.
October
Brattleboro Literary Festival - For those interested in the literary arts, head over to Brattleboro, Vermont at the beginning of October to participate in the Brattleboro Literary Festival. This three-day celebration of the written word includes readings, signings, and panel discussions with local, national, and international authors.
Vermont Apple Festival and Craft Show - Held over the Columbus Day weekend in Springfield, the Vermont Apple Festival and Craft Show celebrates the apple harvest in classic “Vermont style,” with bluegrass and folk music and a juried craft show.
Champlain Valley Antique Festival - Another popular event also held over the Columbus Day weekend is the Champlain Valley Antique Festival, which takes place every year in Essex Junction, in Vermont. This festival is Vermont's largest and most diverse antique show with more than 150 dealers from 11 states showing off their fine jewelry, 18th- and 19th-century furniture, fine and folk art, and more.
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