Visitors Can “Live Free and Fall For” New Hampshire with Full Slate of Seasonal Events and Activities
Granite State offers a variety of seasonal happenings perfect for family vacations
Concord, NH – Travelers are invited to New Hampshire(www.visitnh.gov) this Fall to experience a full schedule of annual events and activities that show the Granite State’s “true colors” as the landscape bursts with the sights of harvest season. New Hampshire’s classic small towns, robust cities and charming countryside have made New Hampshire one of the quintessential fall destinations. Thanks to the state’s breathtaking foliage views, signature New England charm and distinct slate of events that makes it easy for visitors to “Live Free and Fall For” New Hampshire. Please see below for a full list of happenings:
Warner, N.H. - October 11th – 12th
One of the Granite State’s traditional fall events, the 67th annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival ushers in the season with a vibrant street festival that features road races, crafts, a pie baking contest, oxen competitions as well as family-themed entertainment throughout the weekend. Since 1947, the people of Warner have come to host the Warner Fall Foliage Festival and to welcome old and new friends to our community. The Festival is Warner's invitation to share the natural splendor of New Hampshire's vibrant autumn colors while enjoying the entertainment and events on Warner's main streets. For more information, please visit www.wfff.org.
Keene, N.H. – Saturday, October 18th
Three hundred and sixty-four days a year, Keene is a quintessential New England community with a pristine church at the head of a welcoming town square. On October 18, that square will abound with jack-o-lanterns. The bandstand will come alive with entertainment and a tower of pumpkins so spectacular it is called "spell-binding" will rival the church steeple. Delectable items in the Food & Craft Court send forth aromas of apple crisp and maple cotton candy throughout the pumpkin-lined city streets, creating a classic New England atmosphere. After reclaiming the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013 with 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns, Keene is on top of the world and has gained worldwide recognition as one of the premiere Autumn events in the United States. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per adult plus a carved pumpkin. For more information, please visit www.pumpkinfestival2011.org.
Northern Forest Heritage Park in Berlin, N.H. - Saturday, October 18th
The Great North Woods region is home to one of the state’s marquee events as River Fire & Horror Fest features a full day of seasonal events that ends with its trademark lighting of Jack-O-Lanterns on the park’s walking bridge at dusk. Additional events of the day include a Zombie ATV Poker Run, Horror Fest Haunted Logging Camp, duck race, River Fire 5K, a bouncy house village, hay rides and much more. For more information, including a full schedule of events, please log onto www.northernforestheritage.org/river_fire.htm.
White Mountain Storytelling Festival
Waterville Valley, N.H. - September 27-28
Back for its fourth year, this festival provides stories for people of all ages, including children’s stories, ghost stories and more. The event runs Saturday through Sunday morning, featuring nationally known storyteller Odds Bodkin. Nearly 15 experienced storytellers will entertain audiences in various venues, separated by age groups/genres. For more information, please visit www.nhstorytelling.org.
27th Annual Return of the Pumpkin People Tour
Jackson, N.H. - October 1 - 31
From October 1-31, look for quirky unique and often down right hilarious Pumpkin People displays at businesses throughout the Mount Washington Valley. Only in Mount Washington Valley will see Pumpkin faced people doing things never thought possible, from cooking, rocking, talking, driving, being tall, short, chunky, skinny, eating, skiing, running, diving, singing and so much more. Return of the Pumpkin People is Self-guided tour of more than 100 properties displaying pumpkin people, animals, and more in interesting fun imaginative scenes. Participants use an official Return of Pumpkin People Map, available at participating entities and on the Jackson Chamber of Commerce website beginning September 15th, to find the properties who are official host properties. Maps and "People's Choice" ballots will be available at all participating properties. For more information, please visit
www.jacksonnh.com/event/81/Return-of-the-Pumpkin-People.
New Hampshire Snowmobile Association's ’s “Race Into Winter”
Peterson’s Brookvale Farm in Fremont, N.H. - October 10 - 12
Travelers who aren’t ready to deal with winter weather just yet but enjoy snowmobiling are invited to experience the NH Snowmobile Association’s “Race Into Winter” event. Over the course of three days, visitors will enjoy an antique & vintage snowmobile display, a freestyle snowmobiling trick show, one of the biggest “swap meets” in the region, side-by-side drag racing and water cross racing. Participants can use the available on-site camping area as lodging and enjoy the region’s culinary offerings from vendors as well as savings on winter clothing and accessories. Admission prices start at $15 per person on Friday (2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) and $20 on Saturday and Sunday (open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. each day). A three day pass is available for $40. For more information, please visit www.nhgrassdrags.com.
Peterborough’s 275th Anniversary Celebration
Peterborough, N.H. - Saturday, October 11th
The classic New England town of Peterborough celebrates its 275th anniversary on October 11 starting with a parade, followed by Revolutionary and Civil War encampments, re-enactments, musket firings, band concerts, food vendors, children’s activities, special recognition of William Diamond, historic Spirit of ’76 drummer; and ending an event filled day with downtown fireworks. All activities are free unless otherwise noted. For more information, please log onto www.peterborough275.org.