The ultimate guide to NH fall fairs and festivals

Rochester, New Hampshire offers stunning views of the Cocheco River, especially in fall. (Capt' Tom/Shutterstock)

By Katy Savage

September 23, 2025

A version of this story appeared in the Granite Post’s newsletter. Subscribe here.

Fall is in the air, and New Hampshire is ready to celebrate! From classic county fairs and apple harvests to Oktoberfests and chili cook-offs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Grab your friends and family and check out these can’t-mis fall fairs and festivals happening across the Granite State over the next few weeks…

Fall Equinox Fest
Exeter, Sept. 20, 2025
Cultural exhibits, live music, kids’ activities, and the best of local food at Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter.
More info

148th Annual Deerfield Fair
Deerfield, Sept. 25–28, 2025
One of New Hampshire’s most anticipated fairs featuring entertainers, car shows, sheep, wool shows, and more at the Deerfield Fairgrounds on Route 43. Tickets are $12 for adults; children under 12 are free.
More info

Schilling’s Ammonoosuc Oktoberfest
Littleton, Sept. 27
Celebration of Bavarian and Czech-style lagers with locally sourced grilled meats and folk music.
More info

Dover Oktoberfest
Dover, Sept. 27
Samuel Adams and Dover restaurants present German favorites like pretzels, schnitzel, and sausage served by local restaurants.
More info

28th Annual Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off
Claremont, Oct. 4, 2025
Vendors, food trucks, games, and a chili cook-off open to individuals, nonprofits, and businesses at Visitor Center Green. Registration details here. Tickets are $5 per person.
More info

Apple Harvest Day
Dover, Oct. 4
Celebrate apples with dozens of vendors, food, live entertainment, an apple pie contest, and a 5K in downtown Dover. Free to attend.
More info

Oktoberfest at the Mile Away Restaurant
Milford, Oct. 5
Festival with Tubafrau Hofbrau Band, German food, and drink including sauerbraten, schnitzel, hunter stew, Jaegar chicken plates for $20, and bratwurst sandwiches. Dessert and pretzel station available.
More info

Oktoberfest at the Inn at East Hill Farm
Troy, Oct. 5
Traditional German feast with live oompah music. Appetizers at 5 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. Fare includes chicken schnitzel, German short ribs, sauerkraut, warm potato salad, cinnamon swirl kuchen, and apple strudel. Reservations required. BYOB.
More info

78th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Warner, Oct. 10–12
Annual Columbus Day weekend celebration on Main Street.
More info

White Mountain Oktoberfest
Lincoln, Oct. 11-13
Three-day celebration with German food, beer garden, live music, games like stein hoisting and keg rolling, axe throwing, face painting, make-your-own pretzel necklaces, and gondola sky rides to Loon Peak.
More info

Attitash Oktoberfest
Bartlett, Oct. 11
Celebration in the heart of the White Mountains with live polka music by the Eastern Sound Polka Band, German food, beer garden, stein hoisting, and keg tossing.
More info

Sandown Oktoberfest
Sandown, Oct. 18
Family event with live music, beer tent, food, vendors, games, raffles, bonfire, and contests including a bake-off, axe throwing, and a pumpkin-carving contest.
More info

Author

Katy Savage

Katy Savage is the Granite Post's newsletter editor. Katy is an award-winning reporter with more than 10 years of experience working in daily, weekly, and digital news organizations as both an editor and reporter. Katy is a New England native and has a passion for telling stories about where she grew up.

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CATEGORIES: THINGS TO DO

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