September
Sept. 11
Garden Series: Vegetables for Cold Season Harvest and for the Root Cellar
An educational guided tour of Tarbin Gardens with emphasis on vegetables to grow for use all year. The ‘growing season’ does not end with the first frost! Learn how to harvest fresh vegetables until winter and which to store in a root cellar. 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 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (tea price $7.50). 11 a.m. (the gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Event Fee: Adults $8.50, seniors, children and students $7, group rates are available on request. Where: Tarbin Gardens, 321 Salisbury Road (Route 127 South), West Franklin. Info: 934-3518, info@tarbingardens.com, tarbingardens.com.
Sept. 12
11th Annual Antrim Home & Harvest Festival
This autumn, spend a weekend visiting the Antrim Home & Harvest Festival, a fall festival here in beautiful and historic downtown Antrim. This traditional New England harvest festival features arts and crafts, a home-grown parade, fireworks by Atlas Pyrotechnics, kids games, live music and lots of food. The non-traditional part of the festival is our skateboard race, the Antrim Can/Am Slalom Championships, one of the largest of its kind in North America. Event runs Friday through Sunday. Event fee: Admission to most events is free (food extra). Where: 66 Main St., Antrim. Info: homeandharvest.org.
Sept. 13
Hilltop City Bluegrass Festival
Save the date for a one-day bluegrass festival in the Hilltop City of Somersworth. Bands include Tricky Britches and Blistered Fingers from Maine; Zink & Company from Massachusetts; and the Descendants of Bluegrass from N.H. Gate opens 9 a.m., music starts 10 a.m.. Bring lawn chairs, blankets to enjoy a day of bluegrass out in the open or under a tent. Includes food concessions, beer tent, crafts, and souvenirs. Sorry, no dogs allowed. No alcohol or coolers to be brought on grounds. Other features: 50/50 raffle; raffle for a 50cc Scooter from Big Dog Powersports; free raffles offered by Tri-City Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram & Subaru. Rain or Shine Event. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Tickets are $20, children under 12 free. Where: 11 Memorial Drive, Somersworth High School Pavilion, Somersworth. Info: 692-7175, info@somersworthchamber.com, hilltopcitybluegrass.com.
40th Railfans’ Weekend at Conway Scenic Railroad
Join us as we celebrate our 40th Railfans’ Weekend with two great days of railroading. Special demos, freight cars, cabooses, mixed trains will be running. Saturday and Sunday trip to the Notch will be available, along with the possibility of steam to the Notch on Sunday. Railroadiana Flea Market will be on site for both days. Reservations suggested. Event Fee: Adult fares vary from $15.50 and up. Two day passes will also be available. Where: 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway Village. Info: 356-5251, info@conwayscenic.com, conwayscenic.com.
5th Annual Harvest Festival at Prescott Farm
Join us for our 5th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. It’s an event the entire family with love. Everyone can enjoy a number of festivities including; horse drawn hayrides, oxen, face painting, music, and much more! 10 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia. Info: 366-5695, info@prescottfarm.org.
Greater Salem Rotary Club Oktoberfest
Join us for New Hampshire’s finest celebration of Oktoberfest at the Greater Salem Rotary Club’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest from noon until 10 p.m. indoors at Rockingham Park. Traditional German food will be served all day along with beer, wine, soft drinks and desserts. Enjoy live music all day on The Pentucket Bank Main Stage featuring: The Chris White from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and our main attraction, New England’s most beloved Oktoberfest band, the 11 piece Oberlaender Hofbrau Band who will take the stage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wonderful activities are available for the kids all day courtesy of Canobie Lake Park, with free face painting, balloons, games, prizes and photos with Canobie’s costumed characters. Admission includes access to an amazing Car Show courtesy of Exile Motor Sports. 12 p.m. Event Fee: Adults are $5 and kids 12 and under are free. Where: 79 Rockingham Park Blvd., Salem. Info: 893-2311, salemnhrotary.org.
Sept. 16
Garden Series – Fall Flowering Perennials
An educational guided tour of Tarbin Gardens with emphasis on fall flowering perennials. 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 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (tea price $7.50). The gardens are open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. 11 a.m. Event Fee: Adults $8.50, seniors, children and students $7. Group rates are available on request. Where: Tarbin Gardens, 321 Salisbury Road (Route 127 South), West Franklin. Info: 934-3518, info@tarbingardens.com, tarbingardens.com.
Sept. 19
39th NH Highland Games & Festival
Scotland so near! Come and visit the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast during the three day event. Multiple music venues, over 30 vendors with goods from “across the pond,” food, seminars and youth program. Competitions in Highland Dance, piping, drumming, pipe bands, fiddle and harp, as well as heavy athletics and sheep dogs. Event Fee: $20- $35. Where: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Info: 800-358-7268, info@nhscot.org, nhscot.org.
Sept. 20
Harvest Festival
An all-ages celebration of New Hampshire’s harvest season on a 200-year-old working farm. With fall harvest and gardening talks, demonstrations, fiber arts exhibits, bee keeping talk and viewing hive, seasonal games, historic crafts, tractor rides and so much more. Farm-to-table farmhouse kitchen lunch available for purchase. 11 a.m. Event Fee: $10, ages 11 and up; $8, ages 5-10, 4 and under free. Where: 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth. Info: 323-7591, sharte@remickmuseum.org, remickmuseum.org.
Shaker Harvest Festival
A yearly tradition set on the picturesque grounds of the Enfield Shaker Village. Celebrate the autumn harvest with horse-drawn wagon and pony rides, hay stack treasure hunt, cider making, butter churning, ice cream cranking, candle dipping, traditional crafts including broom making, farm animals, musical entertainment including Blue Grass and a special a cappella concert, museum tours with a cooperage exhibit, a special sheep herding demonstration and more. Lunch available. Overnight rooms also available. 11 a.m. Event Fee: Adults $12, 13 to 17 $8, 12 and under $5, families of 3 or more $20. Hearth Broom Workshop $5. Where: 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield. Info: 632-4346, events@shakermuseum.org, shakermuseum.org.
AMC Guided Summit Tour & Hike
Join a naturalist from our neighboring Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center for a ride up our scenic gondola, an environmentally educational summit tour, and optional guided hike down Wildcat Mountain. Program is free with the purchase of a scenic gondola ticket. Purchase ticket prior to and meet at main base lodge for 10 a.m. departure. Event fee: contact for details. Where: Route 16, Pinkham Notch, Gorham. Info: 466-3326, http://www.skiwildcat.com.
Sept. 21
The Great New Hampshire Pie Festival
If you like pie, this one’s for you! Taste pie of all sorts from New Hampshire’s best bakers and bakeries. You can enter your pie in our famous pie contest and win a great prize, enjoy a horse drawn ride around the farm, take a farmhouse tour and explore the exhibits in our barn. Kids will love the apple pie eating contest. Great pie making demonstrations along with farm and farmhouse tours. Noon. Event fee: $10 adult, $5 child (ages 4-17), or bring a pie for the contest and get in free. Museum members $6, $3. Where: 1305 White Mountain Highway/ Route 125, Milton. Info: 652-7840, info@farmmuseum.org, farmmuseum.org.
Sept. 22
Fall Foliage Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee
Fall Foliage on Lake Winnipesaukee is spectacular and continues through the end of October. Let the captain do the driving while you enjoy the colors along the shoreline and the mountain sides from the lake. Cruises leave from Weirs Beach daily on the M/S Mount Washington or her sister vessels Doris E. and Sophie C. Also serving Wolfeboro and Alton Bay. Call ahead or check our website for schedule. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Adult $30, child $15 (under 5 free) Family fare $75 (2 A + 2 C). Where: M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, Laconia. Info: 366-5531, info@cruisenh.com, cruiseNH.com.
Sept. 27
Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
The 15th annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival showcases music from the U.S., British Isles and Canada at venues in the Market Square area. It will kick off early with a Thursday evening lecture at the Portsmouth Athenaeum with “New Hampshire and the American Clipper Ship Era,” by scholar Glenn Knoblock. A Saturday evening concert will be held at the First Methodist Church on Miller Avenue. This is an all-ages event with audience participation strongly encouraged! The Portsmouth Book & Bar will host the Sunday sing from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and yes it’s that kind of bar, so bring your thirst for a fine craft brew when you come! Performers include Andy Kenna, John Roberts, Cliff Haslam, Moira Craig & Carolyn Robson. Noon. Event fee: Free, but donations appreciation. Where: Downtown Portsmouth. Info: 942-7604, newenglandfolknetwork.org/pmff.
38th Annual Dixville Half Marathon and Relay Races
Scenic Half Marathon hosted by and benefitting the North Country Community Recreation Center. Run begins at Coleman State Park in Stewartstown and ends in Colebrook at the NCCRC. 10:30 a.m. Event Fee: $30 before 9/18, $40 after 9/18. Where: 33 Rec Center Road
NCCRC, Colebrook. Info: 237-4019, nccrc@myfairpoint.net, northrec.org.
Fall Festival at Settlers’ Green
Event includes dozens of handmade Pumpkin People competing for cash awards! Free wagon rides, face painting, apple cider and apples, live music and so much more! Pumpkins to the first 100 kids ($2 per pumpkin while supplies last). All free and open to the public. 11 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: 2 Common Court, Unit C13, North Conway. Info: 356-7031, info@settlersgreen.com, settlersgreen.com.
Waterville Valley Chili Challenge & Brews
Waterville Valley area restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of best chili around! Attendees pay a sampling fee to taste all contender’s chili and then vote for their favorite chili. Starts at noon, with a free outdoor concert, and seasonal ales available in the brew tent. Noon. Event fee: Free concert, fee for chili. Where: 6 Village Road, Waterville Valley’s Town Square,
Waterville Valley. Info: 236-8175, townsquare@waterville.com, waterville.com.
Errol Heritage Day and Professional Lumberjack Competition
Bring the family to celebrate the rich history of Errol! Pancake breakfast 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., lumberjack competition 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bake sale, vendors, raffles to win a chain sawed bear, barn quilt (wood) in the “Saw Blade” pattern, plus various gift certificates. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., helicopter fall foliage rides. 7 a.m. Event Fee: Admission is free except for pancake breakfast and helicopter rides. Where: Main Street, Errol. Info: 482-3884, debb1e2000@aol.com or info@lodgingontheandroscoggin.com.
Symphony NH Oktoberfest
Dust off your lederhosen, pull up your socks, and join us at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to celebrate beer, harvest, and traditional music. We have your choice of seasonal brews and year-round favorites on tap alongside German beer-hall food favorites like bratwurst and strudel. Festive traditional music will make you feel like you’re in a Bavarian biergarten! $40 admission price includes a wide variety of beer on tap, German food and dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment. For an additional $10, take an after-hours brewery tour. Tour space is limited so reservations are strongly recommended. 6 p.m. Event Fee: See symphonynh.org for details. Where: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. Info: 595-9156.
Seacoast Irish Festival
Join us at this year’s Seacoast Irish Festival, ready to outdo last year’s event with more acts and more entertainment than ever. Last year’s beautiful September weather drew over 1,500 attendees to downtown Dover to enjoy a day packed full of music and dance, food, drink and cheer. Don’t miss out on this terrific community event! Noon. Event Fee: $15 in advance, $20 at door. Where: Central Avenue, Dover. Info: 343-2393, jennifer.brown@dovermainstreet.org, seacoastirishfestival.com.
Sept. 28
Harvest Moon and NatureFest
The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum and The Little Nature Museum invite you to attend Harvest Moon and NatureFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The event will take place on the grounds of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum and The Little Nature Museum. See the Museum’s new home including exhibits, hands-on activities for all ages, and demonstrations. At 2 p.m., N.H. Audubon will present “Raptor Rapture,” featuring a live owl, peregrine falcon, and a hawk. Learn about these predators, their adaptations, and how you can help them. Join the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum as we celebrate the fall harvest with a day of hands-on activities, Native American living history displays, music, crafts, and Native American foods. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Admission charged. Museum members and Native Americans, free. Where: 18 Highlawn Road, Warner. Info: 746-6121, info@littlenaturemuseum.org, littlenaturemuseum.org and indianmuseum.org.
Lumberjack Festival
Events such as cross-cut, modified chainsaw, stock chainsaw, women and men’s axe chop, axe throwing, standing block chop and 2 person log rolling. 6 a.m. Where: Northern Forest Heritage Park, Berlin. Info: 752-6060, info@androscogginvalleychamber.com.
October
Oct. 1
Return of the Pumpkin People
The Jackson area will be busy checking in the Return of the Pumpkin People. These quirky unique and often downright hilarious Pumpkin People show up year after year sticking around until Oct. 31. And for the third year in a row the Jackson Area of New Hampshire extended an invitation to Conway and North Conway businesses to be available to host Pumpkin People displays. Twenty-plus businesses took Jackson up on this offer bringing the total display properties to a whopping 81! Get your cameras loaded and your Official Return of the Pumpkin People maps ready. This is a self-guided tour enjoyed at any time you decide to go. Only in the Jackson Area and Conway Areas of New Hampshire will you see live Pumpkin Faced People doing things you never thought possible: cooking, frightening you, taking photos of you, etc. You can print a map off our website or call the office and we’ll mail one out to you today! Event fee: Free. Where: Route 16, Jackson Area. : 383-9356, kathleen@jacksonnh.com, jacksonnh.com.
Oct. 4
30th Annual Apple Harvest Day
Apple Harvest Day 2013 had more than 60,000 attendees who enjoyed 325 vendors, six stages of entertainment, a 5K road race, KidZone, apple pie baking contest, pancake breakfast and more! 9 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: Central Avenue, Dover. Info: 742-2218, michael@dovernh.org, dovernh.org/apple-harvest-day-5k-road-race.
16th Annual Exeter Fall Festival
The Exeter Fall Festival is a crowd favorite, especially among young families. Thousands of people from Exeter and surrounding towns attended this festive autumn event each year in downtown Exeter. More than 70 booths feature artisans and crafters, as well as local businesses and organizations. Come join us for free horse-drawn hay wagon rides, story telling, pumpkin bowling, bouncy houses, live entertainment and more. 10 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where:
Water Street and Swasey Parkway, Exeter. Info: 772-2411, events@exeterarea.org, exeterarea.org.
Harvest Day
Celebrate the harvest with us. Help us with the harvest, dig up some carrots and turnips, Kids will love the story of stone soup. Hop on a horse drawn wagon ride, press apples to make cider, bob for apples, and learn all about preserving the harvest and much more. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $7 adult, $4 child ages 4-17 yrs, museum members free. Where: New Hampshire Farm Museum, 1305 Rt. 125/ White Mountain Highway, Milton. Info: 652-7840, info@farmmuseum.org, farmmuseum.org.
Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival
Love beer? So do we! The 2014 Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival will take place alongside the 16th annual Fall Festival, a long standing Exeter tradition that includes local crafters, vendors and street entertainment. So pack up the family and come on down to experience all the fun Exeter has to offer! We’ll keep you busy celebrating great beers and chili! Breweries and beer enthusiasts from the region will gather on a Fall afternoon for a sampling of fresh beers of all colors, styles and tastes. Vote for your favorite chili as local restaurants enter their house recipes in hopes of becoming the 1st Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival fan favorite! The Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival will include great beer from over twenty breweries across the region, as well as live music all day long. 12 p.m. Event Fee: Contact for details. Where: Swasey Parkway, Exeter. Info: 772-2411, events@exeterarea.org, powderkegbeerfest.com.
CDDA Harvest Fair & Chili Challenge
Crafters fill the gymnasium and folks enjoy the chili challenge. 9 a.m. Event fee: Fair is free, dinner $6 Where: Colebrook Elementary School Gym, Colebrook. Info: 237-5011, nccoc@myfairpoint.net, chamberofthenorthcountry.com.
7th Annual Autumn Festival
The town of New Ipswich will celebrate its 7th Annual Autumn Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a bonfire to follow (weather permitting). This is an opportunity for local vendors as well as non-profit and school organizations to receive awareness and raise money. The fair will feature the following: Music (begins at 11 a.m.) featuring two local bands – the Dirt Doctors and Phileep; Vendor area with local vendors from around the Monadnock area; fun for children like bounce houses, hay rides, fun house, pony rides and a variety of children’s games. Food: hot, fresh items served by Annette “Nennie” Gallagher will be available. Bring your appetite! Villi Poni Farm: This is a rare opportunity to not only see this breed that is near extinction – but to actually have a pony ride on one! Learn more about this beautiful horse at the fair. There will also be a bonfire, and in addition to the fun, there is an annual food drive. Bring a canned good to receive a free ticket. Max 1 canned good per child please. 11 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: Playground Road
New Ipswich. Info: 494-1906, kruzinom@gmail.com, niparksandrec.com.
Oct. 5
Oktoberfest with Live Oompah Music
Enjoy an evening of food and fun and live oompah music! Hors d’ouevres begin at 5 p.m. and the sit down dinner begins at 6 p.m. Both will feature great German fare. Reservations required. This is a BYOB event. 5 p.m. Event Fee: $24.95 per adult, $13.50 per child age 5-15, $7.50 per child age 2-4, plus tax and tip. Where: 460 Monadnock St., Troy. Info: 800-242-6495, info@east-hill-farm.com, east-hill-farm.com.
Oct. 9
Scarecrows of the Port
Portsmouth celebrates the harvest season with a unique display of scarecrows throughout the city. Enjoy the display and Halloween atmosphere with family and friends. A “festive contribution to the city’s landscape,” Mayor Tom Ferrini. All are encouraged to participate (businesses, residents, and visitors alike!). On display through October. Map available. 9 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: Throughout the city in Portsmouth. Info: 436-4146, scarecrowsoftheport.com.
Oct. 10
Milford Pumpkin Festival
The Milford Great Pumpkin Festival celebrates its 25th year Oct. 10 through 12 in downtown Milford with music on two stages all weekend. New this year are carnival rides, bungee jumping, and bouncy houses! Those who dare can talk a walk along the Haunted Trail. Adults are invited to attend the Elm Street Block Party featuring music, and beer, wine n’ spirits tasting. Fireworks kick off the festival at 8:45 p.m. More than 100 vendor booths, featuring food and craft vendors from all over New England. The Pumpkin Festival Talent Show at The Amato Center will be Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.. There are several returning favorites such as the Great Pumpkin Weigh In, the Pumpkin Catapult, scarecrow making, pumpkin painting and face painting all on the Oval and the Community House Lawn. More than 30 local bands and singers will take the stages. 5 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 1 Union Square, Milford. Info: 249-0676, director@milfordimprovementteam.org, milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
Fall Foliage Festival
To complement the brilliant fall foliage,Waterville Valley has scheduled a weekend of family activities, free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, ski swap, 5K road race and 1.6 K fun run, and more activities such as kids games, pumpkin painting, bounce house, and more. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Contact for details. Where: 33 Village Road, Waterville Valley Town Square, Waterville Valley. Info: 236-8175, townsquare@waterville.com, waterville.com.
Oct. 11
Mount Sunapee 6th Annual Fall Festival & Pig Roast Weekend
Summer is coming to a close and what’s a better way to enjoy the changing of the seasons than with family, friends, and food? Our Skyrides will be running 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as normal and there will be food options available al a carte from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be serving pulled pork, grilled chicken, cornbread, sides and desserts served outdoors. Beer will be served on the Sunapee Patio. Live music is scheduled for both days. Old fashioned games will be available for the whole family. Winners will be able to spin the prize wheel and win free Mount Sunapee lift tickets and other prizes. Water balloon toss, sack races, potato on a spoon, donut on a string. Other activities will include a pumpkin carving contest, facepainting, hay wagon rides, inflatable rock climb challenge course, inflatable 16’ rock climb giant slide, NEHSA (New England Handicapped Sports Association) is hosting artist Scott Wilde at its booth. 9 a.m. Event fee: Free admission. Where: 1398 Route 103, Newbury. Info: 763-3564, recep@mtsunapee.com, mountsunapee.com.
Oktoberfest
Get a taste of Bavaria in the White Mountains during Oktoberfest, our annual celebration of German food, drink, and culture. Timed to coincide with peak foliage season, you’ll enjoy beer, brats, and sauerkraut as you reconnect with old friends and make new ones. With an oompah-band providing the soundtrack to fun games like the stein-holding contest and keg toss, you’ll have an awesome time. Prost! 9 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. Info: 745-6281.
Harvest Festival
Bring the whole family for fun activities. Let the little ones visit the barnyard animals and explore the indoor Haymaze. Free hayrides! Challenge your family and friends in the corn maze or try to hit the bull’s eye with the veggie slingshot. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Corn Maze daytime fee: $5 kids, $7 adults Haymaze for little kids: $2 Slingshot: $1 for 3 shots. Where: 245 Intervale Road, Gilford. Info: 293-2853, beansandgreensfarm@msn.com, beansandgreensfarm.com.
Attitash Oktoberfest
Join us on Columbus Day Weekend at Bear Peak and enjoy authentic German food, live Bavarian music, children’s activities, the infamous keg toss contest and the Attitash Biergarten, featuring brewers from around the region, and much more! King Ludwig’s Bavarian Band plays the finest Bavarian music around. Childrens’ activities include face painting, arts and crafts, games, the Attitash climbing wall, the Attitash EuroBungy Trampoline and more. For the adults (21+ to participate), we have our traditional stein holding contest. Muster up enough strength and try to outlast your bracket to advance to the semi-finals and finals, separated into men’s and women’s brackets, with prizes for both. We end the day with the signature keg toss contest, with prizes for the longest toss of the day for both men and women. 12 p.m. Event Fee: Visit attitash.com for details. Where: 775 US Route 302, Bartlett. Info: 374-2600, attitash.com.
Warner Fall Foliage Festival
The 67th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival will take place Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will have food vendors, rides, arts & crafts with 80+ vendors, a kids corner designated specifically to kids with a kids fun run, an adult road race, a children s parade, a grand parade with the theme “Children’s Literature,” a pie baking contest, oxen pull and much more! 9 a.m. Event Fee: Festival is free but parking is $5. Where: Depot St/Main St, Warner. Info: 456-9775, wfff.org.
Oct. 12
Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour
More than 24 artists open their studios in Antrim, Keene, Nelson, New Ipswich, Rindge, Spofford, Stoddard, Munsonville and Swanzey, showcasing work in sculpture, painting, pottery, fiber art, glass, drawing, photography, and wood turning. Brochures are available at many locations, map available online. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Pipe Dream Studio, 30 Hale Hill Road, Swanzey. Info: 357-4356, ltruslow@ne.rr.com, fallfoliageartstudiotour.com.
Oct. 16
New Hampshire Film Festival
The New Hampshire Film Festival is a great place to experience fantastic films. It’s location of Portsmouth is a lovely destination that combines the charm of a quaint seacoast village with the amenities of a small city. Schedule to be posted, check nhfilmfestival.com for updates. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Please see website for details. Where: Various downtown venues, Portsmouth. Info: 647-6439, nhfilmfestival.com.
Oct. 17
Haunted Overload – Full Show
A New England autumn would not be complete without the thrills and chills of Halloween. Award-winning Haunted Overload is back performing at DeMeritt Hill Farm. Consistently rated one of the top haunted attractions in the United States and ranked among the Top 20 Most Influential Haunted Attractions of All Time. Haunted Overload blends its astounding handmade sets, gigantic monsters and spellbinding costumes with spectacular sound and lighting to create a twisted, terrifying Halloween experience like no other. The vibrant, organic design of Haunted Overload will be more frightening than ever as it moves into a patch of the spookiest woods that the farm has to offer. The faint of heart can visit us on Frite Nite Lite, to see the incredible visuals without the scares, and if you’re a true coward (or just too young to deal with the full experience) there is a day haunt throughout the end of October where patrons may visit the sets and props in the reassuring sunlight. 7 p.m. Event Fee: $25.00. Where: 66 Lee Road (Route 155), DeMeritt Hill Farm, Lee. Info: 868-2111, info@demeritthillfarm.com, demeritthillfarm.com.
Pumpkin Patch Express
Travel by train to the “Pumpkin Patch” at White Mountain Cider Company where each child selects a small pumpkin of their choice. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. Reservations suggested but not required. Train departures at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with an additional 3 p.m. departure Saturday only. 11:30 a.m. Event Fee: Fares vary. Children under 4 ride free in coach. Where: 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway Village. Info: 800-232-5251, info@conwayscenic.com, conwayscenic.com.
Oct. 18
Keene Pumpkin Festival
Come join us for the 2014 Keene Pumpkin Festival in beautiful downtown Keene!!. The square will abound with carved jack-o’-lanterns! The bandstand will come alive with entertainment and a tower of pumpkins so spectacular it is called “spell-binding” and will rival the church steeple. Delectables in the Food & Craft Court will send forth aromas of apple crisp and maple cotton candy throughout the pumpkin-lined city streets. After reclaiming the world record in 2013, Keene is on top of the world and Keene Pumpkin Festival is the darling of New England events. 12 p.m. Event Fee: Suggested donation $5 and a carved pumpkin. Where: Downtown Keene. Info: pumpkinfestival2011.org.
Riverfire/Horrorfest
Catch a full day of fun ending with some dramatic fires on the river. Activities and vendors for visitors of all ages. Haunted village for adventurous folks 13 and older. 1 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Northern Forest Heritage Park, Berlin. Info: 752-6060, info@androscogginvalleychamber.com, riverfirenh.com.
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta
Goffstown Main Street Program and the N.H. Giant Pumpkin Growers Association present the annual state weigh-off of giant pumpkins in Goffstown’s historic downtown. Watch as the great gourds are weighed then turned into boats for the Regatta! Giant pumpkin drop, too, along with pumpkin slingshots, art show, pumpkin cook-off, pumpkin crafts and craft challenge, music, sales, food booths, chicken bbq, lots of fun for the entire family. 9 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: Main Street, Goffstown. Info: 497-9933, info@goffstownmainstreet.org, goffstownmainstreet.org.
19th Annual ChocolateFest Challenge
Come join the ChocolateFest activities, sample fine chocolate creations handmade by regional chocolatiers, bakers and pastry chefs. After you’ve had the chance to sample them all, you can then cast your vote for “People’s Choice Award.” Being held in new bigger venue this year at Mount Sunapee Resort. 12 p.m. Event Fee: $12/person Kids under 5 are free. Where: 1398 Route 103, Sunapee Lodge, Newbury. Info: 526-6575, chamberinfo@tds.net, lakesunapeenh.org.
Oct. 24
Fifth Annual Zombie Walk
Join our local dance students as they cavort through downtown and perform “Thriller” on their way to a bonfire, music and “brains” on the common. Meet at Union Street parking lot by 6:45 p.m. to march. Drummers, musicians, dirge bands, hearses, and costumed characters, groups are also welcome. 7 p.m. Event fee: Free. Where: 18 South Main Street, Suite 2B, Rochester. Info: 330-3208, director@rochestermainstreet.org, rochestermainstreet.org.
Oct. 25
NH Brew Fest
Sample more than 90 brews from more than 28 breweries. Held on the grounds of beautiful Redhook Ale Brewery, this event is being presented as a special fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival in partnership with Master Brewers Association of America and WHEB’s The Morning Buzz. 1 p.m. Event Fee: Contact for details. Where: Redhook Ale Brewery, 1 Redhook Way, Portsmouth. Info: 436-2848, info@prescottpark.org, brewnh.com.
Littleton Harvest Festival & the Gathering of the Jack O Lanterns
Community members and visitors alike are encouraged to enjoy the Littleton Harvest Festival jamboree by attending plenty of fun events including the 3rd Annual Gathering of the Jack O’ Lanterns on the Ammonoosuc River, a ride with the Headless Horseman, a chance to savor family-friendly Trick or Treating on Main Street, or a haunted walk along the Ammonoosuc River. 10 a.m. Event fee: Free. Where: River District, Littleton. Info: 444-6561, info@littletonareachamber.com, littletonareachamber.com.
Halloween Masquerade Ball aboard the M/S Mount Washington
Join a boatload of spooky characters on a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee. This is the night you can be anybody you wish to be! It is a great Halloween party with the best costumes in all of NH. Buffet dinner and dancing to live music. Costume competition with prizes completes the night. This cruise is for adults over 21 only. 6 p.m. Event Fee: $53. Where: 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach. Info: 366-5531, info@cruiseNH.com, cruiseNH.com.
