Every second Saturday of the month from May to October, Vernon Family Farm is open for live music from bands like High Range and Superfrog, and delicious local food from their very own farm-to-table restaurant, Vernon Kitchen. Photo by Whitewave Photography
603 History Hunt, Throughout July
See New Hampshire in ways you never have before. Held during the month of July, the New Hampshire Historical Society’s 603 History Hunt is a statewide scavenger hunt that tests your knowledge of the Granite State and takes you on the road to complete a series of challenges. Visit the world’s longest candy counter, locate a scene from the movie “Jumanji,” or find an 8,000-year-old summer camp — all located right here in the Granite State. Choose which challenges to accept based on your own interests and abilities, with hundreds of challenges to choose from. It’s a great activity for families, friends, couples or on your own, as people can participate as a team or as individuals. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. Participation in the 603 History Hunt is free and open to the general public. This event is sponsored by Merrimack County Savings Bank. nhhistory.org
Vernon Family Farm Live Music Series, Newfields, Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday
This favorite family farm is known as a one-stop shop for buying local, but their outdoor music series is one for the books, too. Every Friday and second Saturday of the month from May to October, the farm hosts live music, including bands like High Range and Superfrog, and offers delicious local food from their very own farm-to-table restaurant, Vernon Kitchen. New to 2023, the farm plans on hosting a Sunday brunch on the fourth Sunday of each month. Grab your friends and family and head over for a night (or morning) of community, rotisserie chicken and music at a space that nurtures the human desire to connect and love. Prices vary. 5 to 8 p.m., Vernon Family Farm, 301 Piscassic Rd., Newfields. (603) 340-4321; vernonfamilyfarm.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.
Hampton Falls Liberty Weekend Craft Festival, July 1-2
Over 75 juried artisans from all over New England come to Hampton Falls to display and sell their American-made works. Crafts include pottery, fine art, aprons, ladies apparel, cutting boards, soaps, dolls, scarves, fine jewelry, country wood crafts, floral arrangements, vintage chic décor, mixed media, metal sculpture, glass garden art and more. Free. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Town Common, 4 Lincoln Ave., Hampton Falls. castleberryfairs.com
An Evening with Chicago, Gilford, July 1
One of America’s most beloved rock bands, and self-described as a “rock and roll band with horns,” Chicago’s songs often combine elements of classical music, jazz, R&B and pop music. $39-$475. 8 p.m., Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Ln., Gilford. (603) 293-4700; banknhpavilion.com
New Hampshire Music Festival, Wolfeboro and Plymouth, July 1-29
Classical music lovers rejoice: Venues throughout Plymouth and Wolfeboro come alive to celebrate 71 festival years with the sounds of orchestras, choruses and professional soloists on instruments and voice. The fest plans to run three weeks this year, and feature performances at the Silver Center for Performing Arts at Plymouth State University and in various locations in the Lakes Region and further north. Prices, times and locations vary. Wolfeboro and Plymouth. (603) 238-9007; nhmf.org
Fiddler on the Roof at Interlakes Theatre, Meredith, July 5-16
The heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, life, love and laughter, the Interlakes Theatre brings “Fiddler on the Roof” to Meredith. Prices and times vary, Interlakes Theatre, 1 Laker Ln., Meredith. (603) 707-6035; interlakestheatre.com
Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea Concerts, Rye, July 6-27
This summer concert series brings some of New England’s hottest bands to the Seacoast on Thursday nights. Enjoy great tunes from bands like Jumbo Circus Peanuts and Joshua Tree and the seaside setting while supporting the Seacoast Science Center and their ocean education mission. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic or purchase freshly grilled dinner beverages on-site. Concertgoers can also enjoy the Center and its exhibits, free with concert admission. $15-$20. 6 to 8:30 p.m., 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. (603) 436-8043; seacoastsciencecenter.org
Keep NH Brewing Festival, Concord, July 8
For a beer fest that’s all New Hampshire, all the time, look no further than this annual fête. The event features over 50 Granite State breweries and over 130 craft beers on tap. $20-$65. 12 to 4 p.m., Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 15 Loudon Rd., Concord. (334) 603-2337; nhbrewers.org
Loon Mountain Race, Lincoln, July 9
This Granite State race is the race to end all races. It is 6.03 miles, 10.62 kilometers, has an elevation gain of 3,125 feet and an average slope of 14 percent. It has a reputation as one of the country’s toughest mountain races, in large part due to the kilometer ascent of North Peak, known as Upper Walking Boss. “The Boss,” as it’s colloquially termed, is around a kilometer of grassy slope with angles that exceed a 40 percent grade. Voted as one of the five classic vertical trail races in the U.S., this race is no joke. If you are feeling daring this summer, be sure to check this one out. $50. 7:30 a.m., Loon Mountain Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln. loonmountainrace.com
Hillsboro Summer Festival, July 13-16
From live music and a parade to a fairway full of carnival rides, this legendary festival is packed with activities. This year, there will also be a beer tent, 5K road race, car and truck show and more. For a free spectacle, stick around till dusk on Saturday night. Free. Times vary. Grimes Field, 29 Preston St., Hillsboro. (603) 464-0377; hillsborosummerfest.com
The Prouty, Hanover, July 14-15
If you enjoy outdoor recreation of just about any kind, then you’ll find something to suit your tastes at this annual mega-fundraiser for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Cyclists can opt for 20- to 100-mile rides on the road or the 200-mile, two-day Prouty Ultimate; walkers can traverse anything from a 3K stroll through Hanover to an 11K walk in the woods; rowers can hit the Connecticut River for 5 to 15 miles; and golfers can enjoy a four-person scramble at the Hanover Country Club. Don’t like any of those? They also need volunteers. Prices, times and locations around Hanover vary. (603) 646-5500; theprouty.org
15th Annual CLM Benefit Concert, Derry, July 14
This benefit concert — featuring Bruce Springsteen cover band Bruce in the USA — raises critical funding to support uninsured children, adolescents and adults with direct access to comprehensive emergency, clinical and medical services, case management, substance use treatment and community-based counseling support. $45-$65. 7 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry. (603) 437-5100; tupelohall.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.
HAIR at the Seacoast Rep, Portsmouth, July 14-August 27
For decades, audiences have flocked to the brilliant shooting star that is “HAIR” — the American tribal love rock musical. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam war, the counterculture of the ’60s is melted into a psychedelic tapestry of song, dance and self-expression in a theatrical experience that defies description. A celebration of life, love and radical peace, this 1968 musical has remained relevant for half a century, featuring billboard hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine” and “Let the Sunshine In.” Join the glorious rock revolution that defined a generation: “HAIR”! Prices and times vary, Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-4472; seacoastrep.org
American Independence Festival, Exeter, July 15
If you didn’t get all the patriotism out of your system on the Fourth, then try this later homage to America. Activities at this 33-year-old fest include battle reenactments, lawn games, live music and enough kids activities to keep the little ones entertained all day. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter. (603) 772-2622; independencemuseum.org
Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series, Bretton Woods, July 15, 22
Originating from her love of music and the mountains, Lynda Cohen imagined a series where people from far and wide can come together nestled among the mountains of Crawford Notch to enjoy live tunes. Performers include Della Mae, Dwight + Nicole, Jim Kweskin and Friends, Serene Green and more. Free. 7 to 9 p.m., AMC Highland Center, Bretton Woods. (603) 466-2727; visitwhitemountains.com
Crayon 301, Loudon, July 16
If you haven’t attended a NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, here’s your chance. New England’s only NASCAR weekend is July 14-16 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The NASCAR Cup Series will make its traditional mid-summer visit to “The Magic Mile” on Sunday, July 16, for the Crayon 301. $10-$59. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106, Loudon. (603) 783-4931; nhms.com
Theo Vonn: Return of the Rat, Gilford, July 20
Looking for laughs this summer? Stroll on down to the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion for a night with beloved Louisiana comedian Theo Von. Prices vary. 8 p.m., Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Ln., Gilford. (603) 293-4700; banknhpavilion.com
Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival, Merrimack, July 21-23
This amazing festival features delicious ribs and barbecue, three days of music, an expanded kids activites area, food trucks, drinks and desserts. Proceeds from the event will support the Merrimack Rotary Club. Make sure to check out the people’s choice rib sampler. $10-$59. Times vary, Budweiser Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. greatamericanribfest.com
North Haverhill Fair, July 26-30
Crowd pleasers of this event include concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, horse, pony and oxen stone boat pulling, a demolition derby, tractor and pulling events with transfer sleds, dairy, sheep, goat and dog shows for 4-H, an open horse show, as well as arts, crafts and flower shows. $3-$60. 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 to 5 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, 1299 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill. (603) 989-3305; nohaverhillfair.com
Sail Portsmouth 2023, July 27-July 31
Five tall ships plus the Gundalow will sail up the Piscataqua River at the start of the Parade of Sail and Flotilla, scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, with the tall ships leading a flotilla of other vessels, both civilian and commercial fishing boats plus military and municipal craft. They start at the mouth of the river and end at the Memorial Bridge where the tall ships will turn around and head to their mooring sites. From July 28-31, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, two of the tall ships will be open to the public for tours at the Sail Portsmouth site. They are the replica of Magellan’s flag ship, the three-masted NAO Trinidad and the beautifully restored, two-masted schooner, Ernestina-Morrissey. Prices and times vary, Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier, 1 Pierce Island Rd., Portsmouth. sailportsmouth.org
Freedom Old Home Week, July 28-August 6
Every summer the community of Freedom is one of only five NH towns that celebrate an “Old Home Week.” Freedom’s 124th Old Home Week will feature ducky day, a lawn party, a parade, an ice cream social, a 5K and more. Free. Times vary, Freedom. freedomoldhomeweek.com
New England Hot Sauce Fest, Hampton, July 29
Coming back for their second year, Spicy Shark presents a New England destination and celebration for hot sauce lovers. Featuring hot sauce samples from over 20 craft companies, music, food trucks, food challenges (including a hot pepper eating contest and a hot wing contest), craft vendors, Smuttynose Brewing Co. beer, bouncy houses and more, don’t miss out on the spicy-sweaty fun. Proceeds support the Blue Ocean Society and Seacoast Science Center. $11-$20. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Smuttynose Brewing Co., 105 Towle Farm Rd., Hampton. newenglandhotsaucefest.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.
24th Annual Chocolate Fest, Waterville Valley, July 29
Enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square accompanied by a free outdoor concert as the sun sets. Pack a picnic, or just bring a bottle of your favorite red or white libation and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square, on a blanket or with your toes in the sand. 6 to 9 p.m. Town Square, 33 Village Rd., Waterville Valley. waterville.com
Hebron Fair, July 29
This fair boasts that it’s the place to be on the last Saturday in July. Festivities include more than 100 craftspeople, pony rides, children’s games, delicious foods, baked goods, plants and a silent auction. It’s held on the picturesque Hebron Common at the north end of Newfound Lake and will happen rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hebron Common, 16 Church Ln., Hebron. (603) 409-7143; hebronchurchfair.org
12th Annual Summer Psychic and Craft Fair, Laconia, July 29
Come enjoy a fun-filled day with the whole family. Get a reading from one of the many psychics, experience the wonder of aura photography and shop from lots of gorgeous hand-crafted items. Then make your way to the parking lot where more vendors and artisans will be peddling their amazing offerings. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Weirs Community Center, 25 Lucerne Ave., Laconia. eventbrite.com
New London Historical Society Antique Show & Sale, New London, July 29
Get ready for the 55th annual Antique Show and Sale on the New London Historical Society’s grounds. Goosefare Antiques and Promotions of Saco, Maine, is helping bring over 50 quality dealers to the show. The proceeds of the event will help the historical society. $8. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., New London Historical Society, 179 Little Sunapee Rd., New London. goosefareantiques.com
Sunflower Festival, Lee, July 29-August 6
Coppal House Farm’s annual Sunflower Festival is a special event put on every summer to celebrate their beautiful sunflower fields. The farm harvests the sunflowers every fall to press the seeds into culinary oil — but they’re a sight to behold while blooming. Oilseed sunflowers bloom and begin to turn their heads after only 12 days, so this week-long festival is a special, ephemeral time for flower lovers. Enjoy a sunrise in the sunflowers on July 30, an artisan craft fair, live local musicians, local food vendors and a series of mini-events while gazing on the sunflowers’ natural beauty. $6-$12. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day, Coppal House Farm, 118 North River Rd., Lee. nhsunflower.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.
Glenn Miller Orchestra, Plymouth, July 30
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, the most popular and sought-after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements, comes to Plymouth. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered one of the greatest bands of all time. They were formed in 1956 and have been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. Erik Stabnau is the orchestra’s present music director. $39-$85. 6 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com
Sunrise Ascent on Mount Washington, Gorham, July 30
Get your hiking shoes and cameras ready for this sunrise hike. Before dawn, teams ascend the Mount Washington Auto Road to reach the 6,288-foot summit. Each team includes an athlete with a disability and a team of crew, who support the athlete as they climb to the summit. After the teams complete their hike to the summit, roadrunners help to transport athletes and their crew back down to the base area. Volunteers help throughout the event, with set up, registration and the celebratory after-party at the base of the Auto Road. Together, the teams are inspired by the beauty of the sunrise, the majesty of the Presidential Range and the determination shared amongst them. The goal for this event is to raise over $200,000 to help fund the operating budget of Adaptive Sports Partners. Donations accepted. 3:45 a.m., Auto Road, Gorham. (603) 823-5232; adaptivesportspartners.org