EVENTS 2025
Jan 24-25
Concord NH Winter Fest, Ice Carving Competition & Food Truck Festival
Celebrate winter in downtown Concord with mesmerizing ice-carving demonstrations and competitions featuring talented sculptors from New England. The festival also introduces a Food Truck Festival, offering a variety of local culinary delights. Details at intownconcord.org.
Jan - Feb TBD
Ice Castles in North Woodstock
Experience a winter wonderland at the Ice Castles, featuring towering ice formations, tunnels, and slides illuminated with colorful lights. This annual attraction draws visitors nationwide to marvel at the icy artistry. Learn more at visitwhitemountains.com.
Feb - Mar (Weekends)
New Hampshire Maple Experience at The Rocks
Dive into the rich tradition of maple sugaring with interactive experiences, including tree tapping, sap boiling demonstrations, and maple syrup tastings. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and explore the NH Maple Museum. Details at foodandwine.com.
Feb 15
Keene Ice and Snow Festival
This family-friendly festival in downtown Keene features ice carving demonstrations, snow sculptures, and various winter activities. Local vendors offer warm beverages and treats to keep attendees cozy. Learn more at mykeenenow.com.
Mar 22
Milford Spring Farmers Market
Embrace the arrival of spring by visiting the Milford Farmers Market, offering fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local farmers and artisans. Learn more at milfordnhfarmersmarket.com.
900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria
Neapolitan pizza, pastas & a full bar in an easygoing, exposed-brick backdrop with a patio.
50 Dow St, Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: (603) 641-0900 | Web: 900degrees.com
Cotton Restaurant
Popular destination for modern American fare & creative drinks in trendy digs with an upscale feel.
75 Arms St, Manchester, NH
Phone: (603) 622-5488 | Web: cottonfood.com
XO Bistro NH
Snazzy, modern hideaway serving New American fare, tapas & cocktails amid a loungey backdrop.
827 Elm St, Manchester, NH
Phone: (603) 560-7998 | Web: www.xobistronh.com
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?
Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
Campo Enoteca
Modern bar & bistro offering wine by the glass or bottle alongside antipasti & Italian entrees.
969 Elm St, Manchester, NH
Firefly American Bistro
A refined American menu & broad drinks selection in warm environs with a lively bar.
22 Concord St, Manchester, NH
The Crown Tavern
Buzzy venue with a large patio serving inventive New American plates & pizza.
99 Hanover St, Manchester, NH
900 Degrees Neapolitan
Neapolitan pizza, pastas & a full bar in an easygoing, exposed-brick backdrop with a patio.
50 Dow St, Manchester, NH
Ignite Bar & Grille
Bar & grill offering happy hour & American eats in a cozy, redwalled space with an outdoor patio.
100 Hanover St, Manchester, NH
Hooked Seafood
Easygoing, lively seafood destination with marine decorations & a cozy, wooden bar.
110 Hanover St, Manchester, NH
Republic
Farm-to-table Mediterranean
fare & wine served all day in relaxed spot with local artwork.
969 Elm St, Manchester, NH
El Rincon
Modest, unfussy Mexican restaurant with traditional favorites, such as tacos & enchiladas.
10 Lake Ave, Manchester, NH
Masa Japanese Hibachi
Festive teppanyaki meals & classic sushi rolls are the headliners at this informal, low-lit outpost.
1707 S Willow St, Manchester, NH
Blake’s Restaurant & Ice Cream
Enduring eatery with American classics from breakfast to burgers & many homemade ice cream flavors.
353 S Main St, Manchester, NH
EVENTS 2025
Mar 22
Rollinsford Spring Farmers Market
Held at Wentworth Greenhouses, this market features local produce, plants, and crafts, providing a delightful shopping experience for visitors seeking seasonal goods. Learn more at fairsandfestivals.net.
Apr 10-12
New England Quilt Expo
Hosted at the Center of NH Expo in Manchester, this event showcases over 200 quilts, offers classes, demonstrations, and lectures. With over 30 vendors, attendees can shop for quilting supplies and admire the artistry on display. Details at visit-newhampshire.com.
Apr 12
Atkinson Spring Psychic Fair
Held at the Atkinson Community Center, this fair features local artisans, readers, and healers offering a variety of services and products. Attendees can explore psychic readings, energy healing sessions, and unique handcrafted items. Learn more at fairsandfestivals.net.
Apr 26-27
Capital City Craft Festival
Taking place at the Everett Arena in Concord, this festival features over 125 booths showcasing handmade creations ranging from jewelry to home décor, providing a unique shopping experience for craft enthusiasts. Learn more at fairsandfestivals.net.
May 17
Exeter Spring Festival
Celebrate spring in downtown Exeter with local crafts, food vendors, live music, and children’s activities. This festival brings the community together to enjoy the season’s delights. Learn more at exeternh.gov.
EVENTS 2025
May 24-25
Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Immerse yourself in maritime history and music with performances by folk musicians throughout downtown Portsmouth. The festival celebrates the city’s rich nautical heritage. Visit pmffest.org.
Jun 21
Strawberry Festival at Strawberry Banke Museum
Enjoy strawberry shortcakes, live music, and family activities at this annual festival held in Portsmouth’s historic Strawberry Banke Museum. The event celebrates the strawberry harvest and local history. Learn more at pickyourown.org.
Jun 18-20
Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic
Watch master sand sculptors transform the beach into a gallery of intricate sand art. Visitors can observe the creative process and enjoy the finished sculptures throughout the week. Details at hamptonbeach.org.
Jul 12
American Independence Festival
Held in Exeter, this festival commemorates the town’s role in the American Revolution with reenactments, colonial crafts, music, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more at independencemuseum.org
Jul 26
Canterbury Fair
Hosted on the last Saturday in July, the Canterbury Fair is a cherished local tradition featuring artisan performances, live music, and a 5K run. This family-friendly event brings together community members and visitors to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage. Visit canterburyfair.com
EVENTS 2025
Aug 1-3
42nd Annual Suncook Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally
This annual event in Pittsfield features hot air balloon launches, tethered rides, and a vibrant fair atmosphere with food vendors, live entertainment, and craft booths. It’s a spectacular sight for attendees of all ages. Learn more at nhballoonrally.org.
Aug 7-9
67th Annual NH Antiques Show
Held in Manchester, this prestigious antiques show brings together dealers from across the country, offering a wide array of antique furniture, art, and collectibles. It’s a must-visit for antique enthusiasts and collectors. Visit nhmagazine.com.
Sep 6-7
Exeter UFO Festival
This unique festival in Exeter explores the mysteries of UFOs with guest speakers, panel discussions, and family-friendly activities. The event also includes a variety of food vendors and merchandise booths. Details at exeterufofestival.org.
Sep 5-7
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Celebrating its 36th year, this festival offers an array of seafood delicacies, live entertainment, and over 80 arts and crafts vendors. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
Oct 10-12
Milford Pumpkin Festival
This annual festival in Milford features pumpkin carving, live music, craft vendors, and a haunted trail. It’s a family-friendly event that celebrates the autumn season with community spirit. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
EVENTS 2025
Oct 18
Keene Pumpkin Festival
Known for its impressive display of carved pumpkins, this festival in Keene includes live music, food vendors, and children’s activities. The event aims to set world records for the number of lit jack-o’-lanterns. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
Nov 6-15
Portsmouth Restaurant Week
This biannual event offers diners the opportunity to enjoy special prix fixe menus at participating restaurants throughout Portsmouth. It’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
Nov 22-23
Great New England Holiday Craft & Artisan Show
Held in Hampton, this show features over 150 artisans and crafters offering unique, handmade items perfect for holiday gifts. The event also includes food trucks, live music, and door prizes. Details at gnecraftartisanshows.com.
Dec 5
Portsmouth Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade through downtown Portsmouth, followed by the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The event features marching bands, floats, and a visit from Santa Claus. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
Dec 12-13
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a candlelit stroll through the historic Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. The event includes live music, seasonal decorations, and costumed interpreters sharing holiday traditions from various time periods. Learn more at visitnh.gov.
Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations. Midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend ones.
Stay Smart: Skip pricey hotels and opt for hostels, vacation rentals, or even house-sitting gigs.
Eat Local: Ditch the tourist traps and try street food or local markets for authentic, wallet-friendly meals.
Use Freebies: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free days, and parks brimming with charm.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets early to snag the best deals.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With these tips, you can make memories that are priceless—without spending a fortune! Where will your next adventure take you?
QUEEN CITY PRIDE
Queen City Pride supports and advocates for the inclusion, equity and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, and its allies, in the Greater Manchester Area. Fostering the creation of safe spaces; hosting an annual pride celebration; partnering with local advocacy groups that address the challenges and issues facing the queer community; and providing a voice for youth, transgender, BIPOC and other underserved populations. Web: QUEENCITYPRIDENH.ORG
NEW HAMPSHIRE GAY MEN’S CHORUS
Our mission is to present quality entertainment, provide an opportunity for wholesome social interaction for our members, and present a positive image of the gay community in New Hampshire. Web: NHGMC.COM
PFLAG NH
PFLAG NH provides support to parents, children, and friends who are coming to terms with their gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning loved ones. Web: PFLAGNH.ORG
GLAAD
For over 30 years, has been at the forefront of cultural change, accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Web: GLAAD.ORG
IT GETS BETTER PROJECT
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. Web: ITGETSBETTER.ORG
Feeling drained by endless notifications and screen time? A digital detox might be just what you need to reclaim your energy and focus!
Start small—try unplugging for an hour a day. Use this time to read, journal, or simply relax. Gradually extend your tech-free periods to rediscover what life feels like offline.
Create phone-free zones, like your bedroom or dinner table, to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful hobbies, like painting, yoga, or gardening.
You’ll notice big changes: better sleep, improved concentration, and more time for what truly matters. It’s not about ditching tech completely—it’s about finding balance.
So, go ahead! Power down to power up your life. What will you do with your reclaimed time?
