Calendar

OUR FAVORITE EVENTS FOR AUGUST

Editor’s Choice

August 11-14 Parade of Sails > This four-day, family-friendly favorite is sailing back into Portsmouth for the first time since 2019. It will feature three ships: the Kalmar Nyckel, the Lynx and the Spirit of Bermuda. Capt. Donald Peacock of Newmarket will be at the helm of the Lynx and his son, Capt. Alex Peacock, will captain the Spirit of Bermuda. You will have the chance to join boat tours and day sails when the maritime celebration gets underway. Times and prices vary. Portsmouth. sailportsmouth.org (See story on page 26.)

Editor’s Choice

Ana Popovic

New London Barn Playhouse Celebrates 90 Years There’s still plenty of time to celebrate the iconic New London Barn Playhouse’s 90th summer season. The team at this beloved venue returned this summer after a two-year hiatus, and they’re producing a season you won’t want to miss. The Play A Part campaign has provided the means to complete long-awaited projects that benefit both patrons and staff. The Barn Playhouse is excited to provide patrons with restrooms on the porch level, elevators, a paved parking lot, and a state-of-the-art air filtration system in the playhouse itself. The newly renovated box office is now open, so come on by to pick up tickets, greet the company, and grab a T-shirt.

August 10-21 “Footloose” > New-kid-in-town Ren finds himself at odds with an overbearing church minister who has convinced the city council to outlaw dancing and rock ‘n’ roll. Ren will stop at nothing to kick off their Sunday shoes and shake up the town in this musical studded with ’80s pop favorites. $22-$47. Times vary, New London Barn Playhouse, 84 Main St., New London. (603) 526-6710; nlbarn.org

Fairs & Festivals

August 6-14 League of NH Craftmen’s Fair > 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 event, which boasts the title of the oldest continuously running craft fair in the U.S. Come ready to shop or just ready to learn and admire, either in the learn-how-it’s-made workshops scattered throughout the week or in 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

August 13

Great New England BBQ and Food Truck Festival

> This is a great family 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., indoor/ outdoor at Hampshire Dome, 50 Emerson Rd., Milford. (603) 321-9794; gnecraftartisanshows.com August 13 Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival > This family-friendly celebration of the natural world features fun and educational outdoor activities like hayrides to the river, rescued wild animals, nature’s playground in the woods, fishing in the pond, kids’ crafts, a family discovery walk, demonstrations of traditional rural skills and more. $5-$10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Branch Hill Farm, 307 Applebee Rd., Milton Mills. (603) 978-7125; mmrgnh.org

August 19-21 White Mountain Boogie N’ Blues Festival > With two decades of festivals and a bevy of national blues preservation awards under its belt, this boogiefest is not to be missed. This year’s lineup includes Veronica Lewis, Ana Popovic and many more. To really dive into the festival experience, rent a campsite on the Boogie’s sprawling White Mountains grounds. $75-$100. Times vary, Sugar Shack Campground, Route 175, Thornton. (603) 726-3867; whitemountainboogie.com August 20 Gate City Brewfest > As summer starts winding down, head to Nashua for one last beer-fueled hurrah. An extensive beer fest, live music, a corn hole tournament and more are also 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 August 26-27 Moose Festival > 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. $3-$5. Friday 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Main Street, Colebrook. (603) 237-8939; mygonorth.com Sports & Recreation

August 27 Allen Mello NH 10 Miler > 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. The Millennium schedule includes a half marathon in October and a full marathon in November, so this tenner can be your warm-up run. $30-$80. 8 a.m., Massabesic Lake, 1 Londonderry Tpke., Manchester. (603) 488-1186; millenniumrunning.com

Editor’s Choice

August 5-6 Journey to Jericho - ATV Jamboree > 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 zone, 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. androscogginvalleychamber.com/ jericho-atv-festival

Miscellaneous

August 7-October 10 Bedrock Gardens Education Series > The 30-acre Bedrock Gardens in Lee has transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration. While the unusual botanical specimens and unique sculptures are alone worth a visit, the education series offers another reason to stop by. Class topics vary and can include foraging for edible plants, terrariums, lichen 101, dyeing with plant botanicals, designing with and blending tea garden herbs (with a tea luncheon to follow) and much more. Visit bedrockgardens.org for a complete schedule and to register. Time and prices vary, Bedrock Gardens, 45 High Rd, Lee. August 12 150th Anniversary Gala > This three-hour gala celebrates 150 years of fun aboard the M/S Mount Washington and includes multiple decks of entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, signature drinks, photo opportunities and special limited edition souvenirs. $75. 6 to 9 p.m., Mount Washington Cruises, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach. (603) 366-5531; cruisenh.com August 13 Alton Bay Boat Show > Are you a fan of classic wooden boats? Does spending the morning looking at “woodies” and early fiberglass boats while meeting their owners sound like fun? This event’s for you. Any wooden or early fiberglass boat up to 1975 is welcome, and friends and family are welcome to stroll the town docks to see the wonderful restored boats. Free. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Alton Town Docks, 26-40 Mt. Major Hwy., Alton. (603) 569-4554; nhbm.org

August 11-13 65th New Hampshire Antiques Show > The best antique dealers from across the Granite State are coming together to give you an unforgettable summer show. It is considered “the best show of its kind in New England,” and with over 50 exhibitors, it won’t disappoint. The professional antique dealers save merchandise throughout the year and offer a wide range of both country and formal antique furniture and accessories. Look for items like paintings and textiles, Shaker furniture, clocks, lighting and so much more. $10-$15. Thurs-Fri 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester. nhada.org August 20

9th Annual Cruise in to the Wright Antique Car,

Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show > Put on your poodle skirts, grease up your duck’s tail hairdos, buckle up and cruise in to the Wright Museum for this annual event dedicated to unique varieties of cars and motorcycles. Only the first 100 cars will be allowed into the show this year, so get your car registered soon. $15. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro. wrightmuseum.org

August 29 Civil War Soldiers’ Quilts > Quilts made for use by soldiers during the Civil War are very rare — only 20 are known to exist, and Pam Weeks has studied most of them in person. This illustrated lecture outlines the origins of the U.S. Sanitary Commission at the beginning of the Civil War and examines the roles women played on the homefront, and as nurses. The stories of 14 actual Civil War soldiers’ quilts will be highlighted in this program. Free. 7 p.m., Center Meeting House of Newbury, 945 NH Rte. 103, Newbury. nhhumanities.org Arts & Music

Until September 5 Arghavan Khosravi at the Currier > Arghavan Khosravi creates surrealist paintings that explore themes of exile, freedom and empowerment. The artist’s enigmatic compositions center women protagonists and allude to the restriction of human rights, particularly those of immigrants. Her work is both semiautobiographical and universal. Khosravi draws on several cross-cultural stylistic influences, from ancient Western sculpture to the posturing of contemporary fashion magazines to the compressed perspective of Persian miniature painting. Often using printed textiles from Iran as her canvas, she weaves the patterning of these materials into the narrative of her work. Time and prices vary, Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. (603) 669-6144; currier.org August 1-26

2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s

Summer Series > Are you a Disney fan? This summer playlist is for you. This Summer Children’s Series boasts a variety of well-known and loved stories that include music, dancing, audience participation and more. Even better? Your kiddos have the opportunity to meet the characters at the end of every show. The end of this year’s lineup includes “Frozen,” “Rapunzel” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” $10. Shows at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

Editor’s Choice

August 5-7 40th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally > This event 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 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, Pittsfield. suncookvalleyrotary.org

August 3-14 “Sister Act” > Broadway’s habit-forming musical comedy smash will make you jump for joy. When wannabe disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a crime, the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look — a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Beauty And The Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies”), this uplifting musical is filled with toe-tapping songs, outrageous show-stopping dancing and a truly moving story. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, this show is reason to rejoice. $25-$36. Times vary, Interlakes Theatre, 1 Laker Ln., Meredith. (603) 707-6035; interlakestheatre.com August 7-September 11 Music on the Garden Barn Green > Bring a picnic and a chair and enjoy a concert on the barn green at Canterbury Shaker Village. While you could certainly just enjoy music in a beautiful setting, consider touring the museum, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It includes 25 restored original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed buildings, and almost 700 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Concerts begin at 4 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury. shakers.org August 7, 21 and 28 Summer Performances at The Fells > Visit the beautiful grounds and gardens of the John Hay Estate at The Fells and enjoy a variety of musical performances. The summer concert series began in late June and continues through August. A highlight is Opera North’s other performers like Grace Crummer, Fred Hass and Billy Rosen (August 21) and Deep Blue C (August 28). The professional dance company Ballet Misha also returns on August 7 for a special appearance. Times and prices vary. John Hay Estate at the Fells, 456 Route 103, Newbury. thefells.org August 7, 14, 21 and 28 Saint-Gaudens Summer Concert Series > The Sunday performances at the gorgeous Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish carry on a tradition begun by renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who often held concerts in his studio for family and friends. Many of the concerts feature use of the Little Studio’s historic piano, once owned by Cornish Colony painter Maxfield Parrish. Concerts begin at 2 p.m., so there’s plenty of time beforehand to discover Saint-Gaudens’ works located on the grounds. Art, history, gardens — it’s all here. Concerts are held in the Little Studio at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, 139 Saint Gaudens Rd., Cornish. nps.gov/saga August 7 JJ Grey & Mofro > From the days of playing greasy local juke joints to headlining major festivals, JJ Grey remains an unfettered, blissful performer, singing with a blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions. Grey and his Mofro band are one of those acts you should definitely see live. Tickets start at $49. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551 flyingmonkeynh.com August 25-September 3 “The 39 Steps” > Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have “The 39 Steps,” a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance. $30-$35. Times vary, Jean’s Playhouse, 34 Papermill Dr., Lincoln. (603) 745-2141; jeansplayhouse.com