Fall festivals and Activities in New Hampshire 2025
Things to do in New Hampshire, Fall 2025 Edition
Harvest Happenings Event at Cold Spring Farm in Alton Bay, NH.
Home to some of the most expansive views of fall foliage and the best autumn-inspired treats, New Hampshire truly comes alive in the fall. Visitors from all over gather at the yearly local harvest festivals, take “leaf-peeping” hikes/scenic drives, pick pumpkins, enjoy farm-fresh pies and cider donuts; all the autumn activities we know and love.
If you are looking for things to do during your visit to the Lakes Region this fall, look no further! We have gathered up some of the best events and places to check out while you’re here. (And if you’re looking for the best place to propose in New Hampshire in the fall, check out our last blog here!)
September
9/27 & 9/28
Flower Festival - Located at 65 Federal Corner Road, Center Tuftonboro, and hosted by one of our favorite florists, Branch & Bloom. This is a free event, taking place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but registration is required in advance. Tour the gardens, enjoy the local vendors’ offerings, participate in a workshop (separate registration for workshops is required), and enjoy the botanical structures created by Branch & Boom’s owner, Rebecca.
Register here -
Find more information -
https://branchandbloomnh.com/2025-flower-festival
9/27
Fall Magical Maker’s Fair - “Part Farmer’s Market, Part Craft Fair, All Magic” A family-friendly, free event located on the grounds of Dover, NH’s Woodman Museum. Museum admission fees will also be reduced for the day, at 10$ for adults and 5$ for children. Enjoy a wide variety of vendors, food, activities, and entertainment – including a pie baking contest!
For more information –
https://nhmagicalmakerfairs.wordpress.com/
9/25-9/28
Deerfield Fair – New England’s oldest family fair, this one truly has it all! Horse shows, dairy shows, tractor pulls, stock pulls, sheep barn, woodsman’s contest, comedy, music, puppet shows, circus acts, magic shows, and more food than you can try in a day! Free for children 12 and under and all military, $12/for adults 13+, discounted rates for seniors.
For more information -
https://deerfieldfair.com/fair-information/
9/28
Fall FEASTival at Santa’s Village – The last Sunday in a series of Sunday Fall FEASTivals. Join in the fun from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM for extra fall-themed foods and activities on top of the regular happenings at Santa’s Village.
Find out more –
https://www.santasvillage.com/park-info-tickets/seasons-and-events/fall-weekends/
Harvest Happenings Event at Cold Spring Farm in Alton Bay, NH.
October
10/3 – 10/4
New Hampshire Book Festival – Located in Concord, this Festival focuses on bringing the community together through stories. A vibrant celebration of books, featuring more than 50 nationally recognized authors and poets. This is a free, all-day, family-friendly event supported by ticketed keynote events for children, adults, and families. Experience live presentations, engaging panels, and book signings that connect readers and writers in meaningful conversations.
For more information –
https://www.nhbookfestival.org
10/4
Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival – 13th annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival located at Swasey Parkway in Downtown Exeter is a family friendly festival featuring many vendors and activities. Expect to find an array of craft beers from local breweries, chili (and other food offerings) from local restaurants, and a variety of crafts and other handmade goods from local artisans. A great way to spend the day supporting local businesses.
For more information –
https://www.powderkegbeerfest.com
10/4 & 10/5
Autumn Craft Festival On The Lake – Located in Meredith at the Mill Falls Marketplace, discover over 85 artisans showing their handmade works including arts, crafts, and specialty foods.
For more information –
10/10 – 10/12
78th Annual Fall Foliage Festival – Located on Main Street in Warner, NH featuring local food trucks, artisans, musicians, additional vendors, and even a 5k race – this event really brings the community together to celebrate all things fall!
Find out more information –
10/11-10/13
The Sandwich Fair – Another historic New England Fair that truly brings it all. Crafts and farmer’s market, farm animals, tractor pulls (including an antique tractor pull and a children’s tractor pull), rides, games, horse and oxen show, industrial exhibits, antique auto show, motocross show, auctions, art demos, music and dance performances, comedy, and various competitions. Children under 12 are free, Adults 12+ are $13. Rides are priced separately.
For more information –
https://www.thesandwichfair.com
10/11
Somersworth Pumpkin Festival – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, the Somersworth Pumpkin Festival is a family-oriented event designed to celebrate all things pumpkin! Come enjoy hayrides, live entertainment, local food and beverages, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin scarecrow making, a family photoshoot, cookie decorating, and other pumpkin-themed crafts.
Find out more information –
http://www.nhfestivals.org/pumpkin-festival.html
10/11
Attitash Mountain Resort’s Annual Oktoberfest – 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM head to Attitash Mountain Base Area in Bartlett, NH for a fall celebration of mountain vibes, music, brews, and family fun. Live music, local food (several food truck options), biergarten featuring local favorites, costume contest, stein hoisting, keg toss, kids crafts, games, face painting, and more.
For more information –
https://www.attitash.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/oktoberfest.aspx
10/18
New Hampshire Brewfest – 17th annual New Hampshire Brewfest will take place in a new location this year, at Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton, NH! This event is put on by brewers for beer lovers. New England craft breweries and local food trucks come together to fundraise for Prescott Park Arts Festival and the New England District of the Master Brewers’ Association of America. Both levels of admission include samples from nearly 50 breweries, live DJ, and festivities. (Food is not included, but is available for purchase at various trucks.) Ages 21+ only.
For more information –
https://www.prescottpark.org/event/17th-annual-new-hampshire-brewfest
10/18
Harvest Happenings
Cold Spring Farm’s own event, Harvest Happenings is scheduled for October 18th this year in Alton Bay, NH. Join us for a day of family fun on the farm. Featuring local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, yard games, and a variety of activities for the kids, including a 75’ inflatable obstacle course, games, and make-and-take crafts. This is a Lakes Region local favorite event every year, and we are proud to continue the tradition!
Find out more here –
https://www.coldspringbarn.com/blog/harvest-happenings-returns-to-cold-spring-farm-this-october
Pumpkin Festival
10/18
Keene Pumpkin Festival – Enjoy strolling through hundreds of carved pumpkins, live music, vendors, local artisans, local food and beverages, kids activities, and more!
Find out more information –
https://www.pumpkinfestival.org
10/25
New Hampshire PoutinFest – 10th annual NH Poutinefest, a true celebration of the French Canadian classic, poutine. This is a sampling event where restaurants and food trucks from all over New England submit their spin on the best poutine. The food vendors are also competing against each other for the “Best Poutine Of the Fest”, and only one will receive the bragging rights and Championship Belt. This family-friendly event is more than just poutine sampling (as if we really needed anything more…), complete with great local beer, games, and an array of children’s activities – there will be something for everyone. There are several levels of admission, and all include taste testing poutines!
For more information –
https://www.poutinefest.com/nh/tickets
10/25
NH Pumpkin Festival – Free event Located in Downtown Laconia, this event is a hit every year for locals and tourists alike. Check out hundreds of carved pumpkins, enjoy local food and beverages, and take in live music and entertainment.
For more information –
https://www.nhpumpkinfestival.com
Although there is no way we were able to list every amazing event happening in New Hampshire this fall, we hope this list has helped you find some fun, community events to enjoy outside on these upcoming beautiful fall weekends and support small, local businesses. We hope to see you out there!
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