The annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair brings together creators of all stripes for workshops, craft sales and more. Courtesy photo
Cheshire Fair, Swanzey, August 3-6
This traditional agricultural fair features entertainment, crafts, vendors, rides, animals and plenty of live music. Special events for 2023 include Monster Truck Madness and performances by Heath Lewis, Pirate Man Dan, The Silver Circus, Sage King and more. This year’s theme is “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams.” Prices and times TBA, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. (603) 357-4740; cheshirefair.org
Journey to Jericho ATV Jamboree, Berlin, August 4-5
This festival is an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true. The event takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which has more than 80 miles of trails. There will be mud races, demo rides, obstacle courses, helicopter rides, poker run, kids fun zones, live music, delicious food and more. You won’t want to miss this summer weekend of fun. $15-$35. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jericho Mountain State Park, 298 Jericho Lake Rd., Berlin. androscoggin-valleychamber.com
41st Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally, Pittsfield, August 4-6
This event, put on by the Suncook Valley Rotary, has something fun for everyone in your family. There will be a carnival, tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, craft fair, food, drinks and so much more. Make sure to be there at 8 p.m. on Saturday to see the balloons light up the night sky with a fireworks show to follow. Free to attend. Times vary, Drake Field, 17 Fayette St., Pittsfield. pittsfieldnh.gov
Saco River Pow Wow, North Conway, August 5-6
Join the NH Intertribal Native American Council for their annual Pow Wow. There will be drums, dancers, food, vendors, raffles and storytelling. All are welcome to attend this Native American event. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Hussey Park, 244 River Rd., North Conway. (603) 651-8769; calendar.powwows.com
League of NH Craftmen’s Fair, Newbury, August 5-13
Start clearing out the car — you’ll want plenty of trunk space for this. Artisans and crafters from around the state set up shop at this massive fest, which boasts the title of oldest continuously running craft fair in the U.S. Come ready to shop or just to learn and admire; tap in for learn-how-it’s-made workshops scattered throughout the week or to the exhibition building full of curated art shows. There’s also live music, chances to meet artisans one-on-one and other fun events held throughout the week. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Rte. 103, Newbury. (603) 763-3500; nhcrafts.org
Manchester Film Festival 2023, August 10-12
Featuring animation night, New England comedy night and audience choice night, the Manchester Film Festival brings a love of the silver screen to the Queen City. $10. 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org
The 66th Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show, Manchester, August 10-12
Managed by a team of dedicated volunteers, the New Hampshire Antiques Show is considered “the best show of its kind in New England” (“Maine Antique Digest”). The 59 professional antiques dealers who exhibit at the show save merchandise throughout the year in order to ensure that the show maintains its longstanding reputation for “fresh-to-the-market” antiques. $10-$15. Times vary, DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester. nhada.org
Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival, Milford, August 12
This is a great family fun event that features a corn hole tournament, a kids zone with free bounce houses, face painting, slime making, artisans, music, food trucks, eating contests and more. $5-$10. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Rd., Milford. gnefoodtruckfest.com
Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival, Milton Mills, August 12
This day-long celebration of the great outdoors is a chance for families to have fun, explore and learn about the natural world together and features fun and educational outdoor activities. Take a hayride to the river, observe and learn about NH wildlife, explore the corn maze, take a discovery walk, watch demonstrations of traditional skills, try your hand at fishing, do crafts with your kids and more. $5-$10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Branch Hill Farm, 307 Applebee Rd., Milton Mills. (603) 473-2020; mmrgnh.org
White Mountain Boogie n’ Blues Festival, North Thornton, August 18-20
With two decades of festival sand and a bevy of national blues preservation awards under its belt, this boogiefest is not to be missed. This year’s lineup includes Memphis Lightning, Kenny Neal and so many more. To really dive into the festival experience, rent a campsite on the Boogie’s sprawling White Mountains grounds. $75-$110. Times vary, Sugar Shack Campground, NH Route 175, North Thornton. (603) 726-3867; whitemountainboogie.com
Cornish Fair, August 18-20
Since 1950, the Cornish Fair remains a traditional, family-friendly, educational, agricultural fair offering fruits and vegetable exhibits, horse and oxen pulling, 4-H, crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides and more. The Cornish Fair is also home to the largest dairy show in all of New Hampshire, and remains committed to the education and sustainability of the agriculture industry. This year’s theme is “Sunflowers.” Prices and times TBA, 294 Town House Rd., Cornish. (603) 675-5426; cornishfair.org
The Smashing Pumpkins, Gilford, August 25
Check out one of alt rock’s most beloved bands at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, with Interpol and Rival Sons opening. $45-$65. 6:30 p.m., Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Ln., Gilford. (603) 293-4700; banknhpavilion.com
North Country Moose Festival, Colebrook, August 25-26
Head to Colebrook the weekend before Labor Day to celebrate all things “moose.” This year’s festivities include live music, arts and crafts vendors, horse and wagon rides, and rumor has it, there is even a moose-calling contest. There will also be a dog show, maple syrup tasting contest and the classic car show. Bring the whole family to this old-time fun event that showcases the many diverse talents and services in the North Country. Free. Friday 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Main Street, Colebrook. (603) 237-8939; mygonorth.com
Gate City Brewfest, Nashua, August 26
As summer starts winding down, head to Nashua for one last beer-fueled hurrah. An extensive beer list, live music, a corn hole tournament and more are on tap. The corn holers emerging victorious at the end of the day win a prize package including Red Sox tickets and a Boston hotel stay, so act fast to qualify your team at one of the few remaining preliminary matches. $15-$70. 1 to 5 p.m., Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St., Nashua. gatecitybrewfestnh.com
AutoFair NH 10 Miler, Manchester, August 26
Run 10 miles. Eat local pizza. Attend after-party. Repeat? This event takes runners on a near-half-marathon run around the perimeter of Massabesic Lake, then rewards them with pizza from Pittsfield-based Russian Crust and free post-race beer. $35-$120. 8 a.m., Massabesic Lake, 1 Londonderry Tpke., Manchester. (603) 488-1186; millenniumrunning.com