There is no shortage of entertainment at some of the New Hampshire festivals, which range from Oktoberfest to pumpkin and harvest celebrations.
Travelers choose to visit New Hampshire in the fall for several reasons: the foliage is incredibly stunning, the air is fresh and crisp, and it seems like everyone is in a happy mood.
New Hampshire’s towns prepare for a range of fall festivals and festivities to mark the occasion. Every event in New Hampshire provides a unique experience.
Here are some of the top fall events New Hampshire has to show if you’re searching for a fun weekend away with friends and family.
Keep in mind that a lot of these events will require you to carry cash because not all of the nearby merchants serving as vendors will take credit cards.
Keep reading to find your perfect New Hampshire fall festival!
Best Fall Festivals In New Hampshire
Highland Games & Festival In Lincoln
Come celebrate Scottish heritage with NHSCOT!
Visitors to this renowned festival in Lincoln will be able to take in traditional Scottish entertainment and cuisine while discovering more about Scottish history and culture.
This festival guarantees a fun-filled weekend for youngsters and people of all ages, regardless of whether you are of Scottish ancestry.
There will be pop-up demonstrations by pipe bands all across the festival grounds in addition to performances of classic Scottish and Gaelic music.
You can see historical re-enactors bringing the early modern and mediaeval Highlands to life or visit the Clan Village to find out more about your family’s past.
Attend a seminar or workshop on Scottish customs or history, or see sheepdog handlers and their canines participate in trials!
My personal favorite activity are the strong man related activities (Caber Toss, etc). These guys and gals that participate in the games are amazing to watch perform their feats of strength.
Pickle Festival In Winchester
Each year, more than 5000 people from Winchester and other nearby areas attend this event, which is free.
This festival has a farmers’ market, a variety of local vendors, a Pickle Memorabilia Stand, and other attractions.
Mr. Pickle will perform on the main stage as well as in the “Pickles” Parade and be accessible for meet-and-greets and photos. Children will enjoy making crafts and jumping in the bounce house.
Pumpkin Festival In Milford
The Milford Pumpkin Festival, organized over the Columbus Day weekend, will provide three days of autumnal enjoyment for the whole family.
This festival, which is near the Massachusetts border, draws visitors from the Boston area and other parts of New England who come to sample delectable dishes, purchase handmade items such as maple syrup from a few of the region’s top artisans, and take in live music on three distinct stages.
A Giant Pumpkin contest, pumpkin artwork, pumpkin selling, pumpkin carving, as well as the Pumpkin Catapult are just a few of the enjoyable pumpkin-themed activities available at this free event.
A haunted trail and exciting fall and Halloween games like creating scarecrows are also available to visitors.
Fall Foliage Festival In Warner
Come enjoy the 73rd Warner Fall Foliage Festival. This entertaining community gathering includes rides, food, live music from neighbourhood bands, and booths with local craft sellers.
Both a big parade and a children’s parade have previously been held as part of festivities. The community of Warner will be able to host its fall celebrations in person for the first time since 2019.
Register to run in the 5k or kids’ fun run at this festival for the runners in your family! The race’s proceeds fund Warner community activities, and all pre-registered participants get free race shirts.
In addition to a unique certificate, the three top men and women for each age category will also get a special gift.
Apple Harvest In Dover
On the first weekend in October, Dover will host its annual Apple Harvest Day celebration. Over 60,000 people from all over the region attend this one-day event.
Enjoy wonderful cuisine and live entertainment while shopping from over 300 local businesses.
A kids’ area with bouncy castles, wildlife interactions, digital archery, as well as a train ride are available at the yearly Apple Harvest Day. Even a 5-kilometer road race is held in Dover’s historic center.
Bring your pets and children, and feel free to run or walk. All runners will receive free apple cider. Also, don’t miss the apple pie making competition! It’s certain to be enjoyable for everyone.
White Mountain Oktoberfest In Lincoln
Loon Mountain Resort transports Bavaria right into your own backyard. The biggest celebration of German cuisine and culture in the area is this free festival, which takes place in early October.
Enjoy brats and artisan beer while seeing the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A classic Oompah band will also play! A stein-hoisting contest and a keg toss will both be held.
A keg toss, sack race, pumpkin roll, and more are available for children.
As the event approaches closer, more activities—both for children and adults—will be announced. Although not essential, lederhosen are always welcomed!
Brewfest In New Hampshire
The beer lovers out there should attend this annual celebration. Brewfest brings together craft breweries from New England and a number of food trucks.
A 5 oz commemorative sampling cup and a tonne of craft beer samples are included with admission. A professional DJ, food stalls, and other events will also be present.
With a VIP ticket, you’ll get early entry and special Brewfest drinkware.
There’s a designated driver deal available that comes with coupons for cuisine and non-alcoholic drinks for individuals who want to participate in the festivities but don’t feel like drinking.
RiverFire In Berlin
An absolutely unique fall festival experience that is exclusive to New Hampshire.
Boom piers along the Androscoggin River that leads to the Berlin Mill will be set ablaze at dusk to create a stunning exhibition of firelight on the ominous river.
Along the bridge, carved pumpkin lanterns will be positioned as additional sources of illumination.
People of all ages will be invited to take part in daytime events like the Halloween Costume Parade, the corn hole competition, and helicopter rides.
The Zombie ATV Run is open to anyone feeling daring. Additionally, there will be live entertainment and a variety of food vendors at the event.
Final Thoughts
In New Hampshire you can find so many fall celebrations of entertainment, arts and crafts, regional cuisine and drink, hot air balloon flights, history, and heritage everywhere from lakes to mountains, in cities, picturesque towns, and villages.
Participate in cultural and religious celebrations while taking in the parades, fireworks, and other fun activities.
