From baby animals to circus shows: 13 weekend events to check out

Mother’s Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one across New Hampshire. Think spring festivals, live music, paddling trips, local markets, circus performances, and plenty of family-friendly events. Here are 13 things to do.

Katy Savage

May 6, 2026

It’s springtime, which means plenty of baby animals will be out and about at these New Hampshire farms and sanctuaries. (Jonathon Pinet/Unsplash)

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1. 📖 America’s Birthday Story Walk
Etna, through June 21
A patriotic story walk through trails behind the Etna Library, open daily and self-guided.
More info

2. 📚 Peterborough Town Library Friends Host Grand Reopening, Kyes-Sage Bookshop
Peterborough, May 7–9
Grand reopening of the used book shop supporting library programs for children, teens, and adults.
More info

3. 🎪 Circus Springboard: Broken Open
Brattleboro, VT, May 8
A circus-theater performance exploring trust, loss, and rebuilding through acrobatics and storytelling.
More info

4. 🇺🇸 Wilton Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
Wilton, May 9
Revolutionary War reenactments, memorial dedication, music, food, and community celebration.
More info

5. 🐑 New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival
Deerfield, May 9–10
Annual fiber festival with vendors, sheep shows, demos, and workshops.
More info

6. 🎨 GSCS Spring 2026 Shop ‘Til You Drop Craft Fair
Rochester, May 9
A community craft fair featuring 50+ vendors, raffles, food, and family activities.
More info

7. 🌲 New Hampshire Day at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Holderness, May 9
Discounted admission for NH residents with animal encounters and educational programs.
More info

8. 🌸 Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals
Portsmouth, May 9–10
Baby animals, historic farm demos, gardens, workshops, and special 250th anniversary events.
More info

9. 🧒 Children’s Business Fair
Henniker, May 9
Young entrepreneurs run their own businesses in a one-day marketplace. Free family event.
More info

10. 🎨 17th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Festival
Hampton Falls, May 9–10
Juried artisan fair featuring handmade goods, food, and gifts. Free admission, pet-friendly.
More info

11. 🚣 Mother’s Day Picnic and Paddle
Fitzwilliam, May 10
Guided kayak trip followed by picnic and live music along scenic Monadnock views.
More info

12. 🎷 Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch — Al Cron Quartet
Portsmouth, May 10
Live jazz brunch featuring swing, standards, and modern jazz performances.
More info

13. ☕ Springtime Family Tea
Franconia, May 10
Tea, storytelling, dance, music, and community activities for all ages.
More info

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