7 exciting spring festivals & events in New Hampshire

These seven festivals and events in New Hampshire will keep you busy all Spring. Here are all the details.

Spring has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. There’s just something magical about that time of year. The grass is finally green again, all the flowers and trees are in bloom, and the sweet surrounding wildlife starts to emerge slowly but surely. I love looking out my window to see bunnies hopping through the bushes, and sitting outside in the morning to hear the birds calling to one another overhead. It feels peaceful in a way that winter doesn’t, but that might be my bitterness talking after all the recent snow we’ve gotten.

This year, I’m being intentional about getting out of the house more. As an introvert who has become increasingly used to being inside most of the time since the pandemic, I find it hard to participate in community events. In an effort to feel less alone and more connected to the people around me, though, I’ve been planning little day dates for myself. Thankfully, living in New England makes that even easier to do with the abundance of festivals and events scheduled over the next few months.

From workshops to craft fairs and a host of things in between, these events in New Hampshire will definitely provide the sense of connection I’ve been craving. I hope they can do the same for you.

Spring Succulent Art Garden Workshop, Concord

When: April 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 20 South Main Street, Concord, NH

Cost: $40 per person

Holymoly Crafty Corner is hosting its Spring Succulent Art Garden Workshop on April 15. During this adorable, creative workshop, you’ll learn how to paint your own pots before you build a succulent art garden of your very own. Instructors teach you how to layer moss and succulents into your newly bedazzled pot, plus there are snacks, so you really can’t go wrong with that!

Click here to purchase tickets.

Community Baby Shower, Nashua

When: April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 20 Broad Street, Nashua, NH

Cost: Free

Community is front and center at this Nashua event. Hosted by United Way of Greater Nashua, the Community Baby Shower offers support and assistance to low-income primary caregivers and parents who have recently welcomed a baby within the past 18 months or who are currently expecting. Those attending the baby shower will be able to pick up essential items from the designated “baby boutique,” and will also have access to local resources for further caregiving assistance.

Space is limited, so please be sure to arrive on time. More information can be found here and here. Those links also have donation instructions for anyone who wants to contribute to the “baby boutique” by providing new or gently used items.

Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals, Portsmouth

When: May 9-10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: ​​17 Hancock Street Portsmouth, NH

Cost: $24 per adult, $12 per child aged 3-17, $60 per family (2 adults + children)

Honestly, this is my ideal festival because it includes gardens and baby animals, which are two of my most favorite things. Strawbery Banke Museum’s Springfest features historic landscapes, gardens, and heritage-breed baby animals, as well as full access to the museum itself and its surrounding grounds. There will also be hands-on activities (think: gardening), and live demonstrations (i.e. honey extraction, sheepdog trials, traditional sheep shearing), as well as a plant sale and artisan sellers.

Here’s a link to all the information you need, including how to buy tickets in advance.

Spring Local Business Fair, Manchester

When: May 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 10 Arms Street, Manchester, NH

Cost: Free

Manchester’s Spring Local Business Fair gives residents and visitors an opportunity to come together to shop, eat, drink, and support their community in doing so. Small businesses are the beating heart of the Granite State, and those local entrepreneurs are taking center stage at this event. You can purchase snacks, handmade crafts, and much, much more.

Click here for details.

The Thing In The Spring, Keene

When: May 15-17

Where: 48 Emerald St., Keene, NH

Cost: Prices vary per day

NOVA ARTS in Keene is hosting The Thing In The Spring this May, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Ghostface Killah (yes, the Ghostface Killah from Wu-Tang Clan) is headlining on Saturday night, and an abundance of talented musicians and artists are scheduled to perform across the three-day festival. It’s sure to be a vibrant celebration filled with music, food, and merch.

Prices vary depending on the day you attend or whether you’d like to purchase a full weekend pass. All ticket information can be found here.

Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Festival, Hampton Falls

When: May 9-10. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday

Where: Hampton Falls Town Common, 1 Lincoln Ave, Hampton Falls, NH

Cost: Free

Celebrate Spring, Mother’s Day, and crafting all in one fell swoop! This multi-day event is free to attend, and you’ll be able to browse locally made items such as apparel, photography, jewelry, and fiber art. Plus, there’s artisan pantry staples, savory and sweet treats, and baked goods for you to nibble on as you walk from one booth to the next. It’s the perfect low-key way to enjoy the weather and to buy yourself something nice that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

This link has all the information you need.

Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival, Meredith

When: May 23-25. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday

Where: Mill Falls Marketplace, 312 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH

Cost: Free

Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the unofficial start of summer, but you can still squeeze in one or two Spring-like activities before you break out the bathing suits and beach balls. Meredith’s Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival is held at the beautiful Mill Falls Marketplace, which holds a special place in my heart since I grew up going there with my grandmother.

Over 70 juried artisans will be selling specialty food, handmade crafts like pottery and woodwork, and fine art. It’s free to attend, and you’re allowed to bring your pets as long as they’re well-behaved and on a leash.

For more details, click here.