Mark your calendar: September’s must-attend fall festivals in NH

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Dates: Sept. 6-8
Location: Hampton Beach
Overview: The event features over 50 local restaurants showcasing seafood dishes, including fried clams, shrimp, and lobster. In addition to the seafood, there are artisan vendors, live entertainment on two stages, shopping, and family-friendly activities.  

Vintage & Vine
Date: Sept. 12
Location: Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth
Overview: This event blends vintage charm with fine wines. Hosted at the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, and a picturesque setting. There will be a mini wine auction to benefit the Strawbery Banke’s educational programs and preservation initiatives.

NH Highland Games & Festival
Dates: Sept. 20-22
Location: Lincoln
Overview: Known as the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast, this event celebrates Scottish culture with a range of activities. Highlights include strongman competitions, Scottish and Gaelic music, historical reenactments, and traditional cuisine. 

10th Annual Claremont Brewfest
Date: Sept. 21
Location: Visitor’s Center Green, Claremont
Overview: This brewfest celebrates its 10th year with a variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries. It’s a fun event for beer enthusiasts looking to sample a wide range of brews and enjoy a festive atmosphere. The corresponding 5K is also a great way to work up a thirst.

Manchester Brewfest
Date: Sept. 21
Location: Arms Park, Commercial Street, Manchester
Overview: Coinciding with the Claremont Brewfest, this Manchester event not only offers another opportunity to enjoy craft beer, it’s a fundraiser for local non-profit Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter. The festival features a range of local and regional brews, live music, and food vendors.

10th Annual Claremont Brewfest
Date: Sept. 21
Location: Visitor’s Center Green, Claremont
Overview: This brewfest celebrates its 10th year with a variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries. It’s a fun event for beer enthusiasts looking to sample a wide range of brews and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Winchester Pickle Festival
Date: Sept. 28
Location: Winchester
Overview: Dedicated entirely to pickles, this quirky festival is a really big dill. Besides pickle-themed events like pickle-eating contests and canning contests, this 26th annual iteration will feature live music, craft and local food vendors (with non-pickle options), and the pickle parade.