With school started and cooler nights returning, it won’t be long now before the leaves begin to change, and that crisp, mischievous Autumn air takes hold. Fall in New Hampshire is an utterly beautiful experience, from the colorful foliage to the clear blue skies over our majestic lakes and mountain ranges. New Hampshire is also known for having tons of enjoyable Fall events, from picking your own apples to agricultural fairs and pumpkin fun. Check out some of our top picks for New Hampshire Fall events!
1. September 17–October 16th, 2016
Hobo Harvest Time Express, Lincoln, NH
Take an hour and twenty-minute classic train ride through the beauty of the White Mountain National Forest. While on board, enjoy complimentary samples of NH made seasonal products, and access to the Hobo Harvest Farm Stand, Farm Yard & Great Hobo Pumpkin Patch. Activities include pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss, and sack races. You can also visit their “Corn Stalk Critters,” or lifesize scarecrow displays. Departure times for this Fall event are at 11:00am and 1:00pm, with an extra 3pm train on September 24th, October 1st, 8th, and 15th.
Tickets: Adults $20, Child (3-11) $15, ages 2 and under are free.
2. September 16-18, 2016
NH Highland Games & Festival, Lincoln, NH
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Loon Mountain Resort, the Highland Games are a wonderful celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring traditional athletics, music, dances, and food. A youth program runs Saturday and Sunday, offering fun and educational activities. The festival goes from 8:00am-5:00pm daily, with additional ticketed evening events.
Tickets: Weekend passes are $60, with varying prices for day passes.
3. September 24th-25th, 2016
The Portsmouth NH Fairy House Tour, Portsmouth, NH
A magical tour offering over 200 beautifully crafted “fairy” houses to observe. Built by creative professionals, community members, and students, these whimsical homes will be on display on the grounds of Strawbery Banke, the Governor John Langdon House, and Prescott Park, from 11:00am-3:00pm, rain or shine.
Tickets: $30 per family (2 adults & 2 children OR 1 adult and 4 children), $15.00 per adult, $10.00 per senior, $5.00 per child ages 3-12.
4. October 1, 2016
Annual Apple Harvest Day, Dover, NH
A day-long, family-friendly Fall event, Apple Harvest Day features a 5K road race, live music, over 400 crafters, yummy food, and more. First held in 1985, this event draws more than 50,000 people to the City of Dover’s downtown, from 9:00-4:00. Best of all, admission is free!
5. September 29-October 2, 2016
Deerfield Fair, Deerfield, NH
Boasting the title of New England’s oldest “family fair,” the Deerfield Fair is an enjoyable agricultural festival, complete with horse-pulling, livestock judging, a pig-scramble, and of course, carnival rides. A circus and other entertainments are scattered about the fairgrounds, along with several vendors and food stalls, all located on the accessible Deerfield Fairgrounds. Free parking is available.
Tickets: $10 for ages 13+; ages 12 and younger are free.
6. October 8-10, 2016
Sandwich Fair, Center Sandwich, NH
Held annually on Columbus Day weekend, the Sandwich fair is one of the biggest agricultural fairs in New England. Open daily at 8am, this Fall event “closes when all the animals have finished competing and there are not enough people on the grounds for the rides to run.” Aside from animal-related shows and exhibits, some unique events to this fair include an Antique Auto Show and Parade, a Grand Street Parade, and an Antique Tractor Pull.
Tickets: $10 for adults, ages 8-12 are $3, and children under 7 are free.
7. October 15-16, 2016
Extreme Chunkin’ at NH Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH
Beginning as a world-famous pumpkin launch using trebuchets, Extreme Chunkin’ takes it another step further by launching non-pumpkin items, like barrels, pianos, and even old cars. Taking place at the NH Motor Speedway, this event features good food and a lot of fun.
Tickets: $15 a person.
8. October 22, 2016
NH Pumpkin Festival, Laconia, NH
One of NH’s biggest and most well-known events, this one-day festival has it all: 20,000+ Jack-O-Lanterns, a 5K/10K race, a Grand Parade, more than 80 food and craft vendors, carnival rides, haunted houses, scenic train rides, games, and live entertainment. Come watch the pumpkin lighting and experience the wonder of this Fall event. Admission is free.
We hope you enjoy some of these Fall events for yourself this Autumn! Be safe and have fun!
Have some fair or festival memories you’d like to share? Did we miss any good NH Fall events? Let us know in the comments below!
