We don’t know about you but we can’t get enough of fall in New Hampshire. We love how crisp the air gets and when colors of trees pop before our eyes each September and October. (We also love how delicious and refreshing beer tastes at the local Oktoberfest events!) Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite, not-to-miss foliage, pumpkin and Oktoberfest events.
Events below are organized by date.
66th Annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair
When: Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2024
Where: 17 Hilldale Ln., New Boston, NH
Animals and agriculture are front and center of this annual fair, but you’ll also find great fair food, kids carnival rides, music and fireworks on Saturday night.
Visit hcfair.org for more information.
Fall Equinox Fest
When: Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Swasey Parkway, Downtown Exeter, NH
Celebrate the final days of summer and welcome in the first days of fall with this fun festival. This festival takes place at Swasey Parkway and features some of the Seacoast’s finest artistic and musical talent, as well as cultural exhibits and local food. There will also be yoga, dance performances, activities for kids and hooping.
Visit teamexeter.com/ for more information.
147th Annual Deerfield Fair
When: Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29, 2024
Where: Deerfield Fairgrounds on Route 43 in Deerfield, NH
One of New England’s most beloved and largest fairs featuring hundreds of food vendors, multiple animal and livestock barns, large carnival and midway area and four days of live music and entertainment.
Visit deerfieldfair.com for more information.
27th Annual Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off
When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Where: Visitor Center Green, Claremont
Enjoy live music, 5K and children’s road races, vendors and, of course, a chili contest and tasting.
Visit greaterclaremontnh.org for more festival information.
Apple Harvest Day
When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dover, NH
Pumpkins aren’t the only produce that get a little love this month. Dover’s fall festival focuses on the season’s sweeter favorite, with a 400-strong crafter fair, live entertainment and plenty of eats, apple-themed and otherwise. Join over 50,000 people expected to attend as you enjoy signature events, including an apple pie contest and a 5K. Free to attend.
Visit appleharvestday.com for more information.
12th Annual Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival
When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 23 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Swasey Parkway in Exeter, NH
Enjoy a day of indulging in delicious chili made by local restaurants and sampling options from more than 50 breweries.
Visit powderkegbeerfest.com for more information.
New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this annual event.
18th Annual Oktoberfest
When: Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 5 p.m.
Where: Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy, NH
At this Oktoberfest in Troy, you can enjoy traditional German fare and live oompah music. Hors d’oeuvres begin at 5 p.m., dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. It’s BYOB and reservations are required. East Hill Farm, 460 Monadnock St.
Visit east-hill-farm.com for more information.
35th Annual Milford Pumpkin Festival
When: Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13, 2024
Where: Downtown Milford and the Milford Oval (Route 101) in Milford, NH
Featuring a craft fair, beer and wine tent, talent show, a haunted trail, music, food, the giant pumpkin weigh-in and more. Parking is available at the Milford High School with free shuttle rides to the festival. Don’t miss the community pumpkin lighting on Saturday night.
Visit milfordpumpkinfestival.org for more information.
77th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
When: Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13, 2024
Where: Downtown (Route 103) in Warner, NH
The festival is Warner’s invitation to share the natural splendor of fall while enjoying food, entertainment, carnival rides and fine crafts along the main streets of Warner.
Visit wfff.org for more information.
Somersworth Pumpkin Festival
When: Saturday, October 12, 2024 | 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Where: Somersworth Plaza on Main Street in Somersworth, NH
Check out this all-day family-oriented event focusing on all things pumpkin (painting, carving, throwing, bowling, golfing and more).
Call (603) 692-5869 or visit nhfestivals.org for more information.
White Mountains Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, October 11 through Monday, October 12, 2024
Where: Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH
Get a taste of the Bavarian Alps during the area’s largest celebration of German food, drink and culture, White Mountain Oktoberfest. This three-day festival perfectly coincides with fall foliage season so you’ll enjoy beer and brats alongside stunning views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Admission is free for all.
Visit loonmtn.com for more information.
The Sandwich Fair
When: Saturday, October 11 through Monday, October 12, 2024
Where: Route 109 (7 Wentworth Hill Rd.) in Center Sandwich, NH
Traditional country fair dating back to 1887.
Visit thesandwichfair.com for more information.
Fall Foliage Fest
When: Saturday, October 11 through Monday, October 12, 2024
Where: Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley, NH
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 1.6K fun run, kids games and more. All day in the Town Square.
Visit waterville.com for more information.
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta
Where: Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, 2024
Where: Downtown and Main Street in Goffstown, NH
The giant pumpkin weigh-off is day one, followed by the regatta on the following day. Also featuring pumpkin catapults, giant pumpkin drop, races and more.
Visit goffstownmainstreet.org for more information.
18th Celebrate Samhain
When: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 2 Somerset Pkwy., Nashua, NH
Celebrate Samhain is dedicated to the ancient Celtic celebration of the final harvest and “day of the dead.”
Visit the event’s celebratesamhain.com/ for more information.
New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
When: Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, 2024
Where: Downtown in Laconia, NH
Guests will be in awe of the pumpkin and jack-o-lantern tower and enjoy the children’s costume parade, a 5k, vendors and crafters, food, beer garden, children’s games, pumpkin bowling, 34′ tower of pumpkins and much more.
Visit nhpumpkinfestival.com for more information.