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8 fun events in New Hampshire this weekend (Oct. 16-18)

Looking for events in New Hampshire this weekend? From pumpkin festivals and fall craft fairs to independent films and hands-on workshops, there’s plenty happening across the Granite State from Oct. 16-18.

Mount Washington Cog Railway traveling through a scenic mountain landscape during fall, highlighting events in New Hampshire this weekend.
Looking for events in New Hampshire this weekend? The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a glimpse of the Granite State's breathtaking mountain scenery. (Praswin Prakashan/Unsplash)

Looking for events in New Hampshire this weekend? From pumpkin festivals and fall craft fairs to independent films and hands-on workshops, there’s plenty happening across the Granite State from Oct. 16-18.

We’ve rounded up eight top things to do in New Hampshire this weekend.

Fall festivals and events in New Hampshire this weekend

From pumpkin-packed streets to craft fairs filled with local treasures, New Hampshire is making the most of October. These events in New Hampshire this weekend offer plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

🎃 Keene Pumpkin Festival

Keene, Oct. 17

Celebrate fall in downtown Keene at the annual Keene Pumpkin Festival, a community tradition centered around pumpkins and seasonal festivities.

More information about the Keene Pumpkin Festival

🍎 Apple Cider Festival

Etna, Oct. 17

Help press fresh apples into cider at the Etna Library’s Reading Garden, where children can participate in making their own cups of cider. The family-friendly celebration also features homemade baked goods and fall-themed activities throughout the garden.

More information about the Apple Cider Festival

🥧 St. Thomas’ Harvest Fair

Dover, Oct. 17

Browse handmade crafts, homemade pies, jams, and desserts at this annual church fair, a Dover tradition since the 1940s. The event also features a cookie walk, children’s activities, and a sit-down luncheon.

More information about St. Thomas’ Harvest Fair

Mount Washington Cog Railway traveling through a scenic mountain landscape during fall, highlighting events in New Hampshire this weekend.
Looking for events in New Hampshire this weekend? The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a glimpse of the Granite State’s breathtaking mountain scenery. (Praswin Prakashan/Unsplash)

Craft fairs in New Hampshire this weekend

If you’re hoping to get a head start on holiday shopping, several events in New Hampshire this weekend feature local artisans selling handmade gifts, artwork, jewelry, and seasonal decorations.

🍁 Leaf Peeper’s Craft Fair

North Conway, Oct. 17-18

What better way to enjoy peak fall in the White Mountains than browsing handmade crafts surrounded by colorful autumn scenery?

The Leaf Peeper’s Craft Fair brings more than 135 exhibitors to North Conway for a weekend of shopping, entertainment, and seasonal fun. Visitors can browse a wide selection of handmade arts and crafts, discover unique gifts, and support local and regional artisans.

The fair features live music, food, and demonstrations. Four-legged family members are welcome, too, as long as they’re on a leash.

More information about the Leaf Peeper’s Craft Fair

🎨 Great New England Fall Craft & Artisan Show

Milford, Oct. 17-18

Shop handmade goods from 174 New England artisans and specialty food makers at the Hampshire Dome in Milford. The two-day indoor show offers opportunities to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local artists, craftspeople, and small businesses.

Browse a wide selection of handcrafted jewelry, home decor, artwork, and unique gifts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and enter for a chance to win a $100 door prize.

More information about the Great New England Fall Craft & Artisan Show

Colorful fall foliage across New Hampshire in October, with plenty of events in New Hampshire this weekend to enjoy.
From colorful foliage to seasonal celebrations, there are plenty of events in New Hampshire this weekend to get you out and exploring. (Praswin Prakashan/Unsplash)

Arts and entertainment in New Hampshire this weekend

🎬 New Hampshire Film Festival

Portsmouth, Oct. 15-18

Watch more than 100 independent films from around the world during four days of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, and special events. The festival features documentaries, narrative films, shorts, and selections previously premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Venice, and Tribeca.

More information about the New Hampshire Film Festival

📸 Digitizing Your Artwork

Dover, Oct. 18

Learn how to turn paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other artwork into high-quality digital files for portfolios, websites, printing, and archiving. The hands-on workshop at The Aplomb Project includes access to professional scanning equipment, cameras, and photography lighting. Bring your own artwork, a smartphone, and a USB drive.

More information about the Digitizing Your Artwork workshop

Scenic autumn landscape with colorful trees in New Hampshire, highlighting the beauty of fall and events in New Hampshire this weekend.
From vibrant foliage to charming small towns, New Hampshire’s autumn scenery provides a colorful backdrop for events in New Hampshire this weekend. (Praswin Prakashan/Unsplash)

Outdoor and educational activities in New Hampshire this weekend

🌱 Seed Saving of Native Plants

Auburn, Oct. 17

Not all events in New Hampshire this weekend revolve around pumpkins and craft fairs. For those who enjoy gardening, nature, and learning something new, there’s an opportunity to get your hands dirty while helping the environment. This event is led by master gardeners.

More information about the Seed Saving of Native Plants workshop

Planning your weekend in New Hampshire

From pumpkin festivals and craft fairs to independent films and educational workshops, there’s no shortage of events in New Hampshire this weekend.

Looking for more things to do in New Hampshire? Subscribe to the Granite Post newsletter for local events, weekend activities, and stories from across the state delivered straight to your inbox.

Related: The 5 most haunted cemeteries in New Hampshire

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