Looking for events in New Hampshire this weekend? From pumpkin festivals and fall foliage celebrations, to Oktoberfest and scenic chairlift rides, there’s plenty happening across the Granite State over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, Oct. 9-12.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or a reason to explore a new town, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in New Hampshire this weekend. Plus, we’ve included a couple of fall events just across the border in Maine and a few celebrations worth marking on your calendar for later in October.
Pumpkin festivals in New Hampshire this weekend
🎃 Milford Pumpkin Festival
Milford, Oct. 9-11
Downtown Milford transforms into a fall celebration for the annual Milford Pumpkin Festival, held over Columbus Day weekend. The three-day event is an opportunity to explore the town, enjoy the autumn atmosphere and take part in one of southern New Hampshire’s seasonal traditions.
Admission is free, making it an affordable option for families looking for things to do in New Hampshire this weekend.
More information about the Milford Pumpkin Festival
🎃 Somersworth Pumpkin Festival
Somersworth, Oct. 10
If you’re looking for family-friendly events in New Hampshire this weekend, the Somersworth Pumpkin Festival is another option.
The celebration features hayrides, scarecrow making, pumpkin crafts and decorating, and other seasonal activities. It’s an opportunity for kids to get creative and enjoy some classic fall fun.
More information about the Somersworth Pumpkin Festival
Fall foliage events and outdoor events in New Hampshire
If you’re searching for events in New Hampshire this weekend that showcase the state’s fall colors, Warner’s annual festival is a great place to start.
🍁 79th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Warner, Oct. 9-11
Fall foliage season is one of the best times to explore New Hampshire, and Warner is celebrating with its 79th annual Fall Foliage Festival.
The festival brings visitors to downtown Warner for a weekend dedicated to the changing seasons. With autumn colors appearing across central New Hampshire, it’s a chance to enjoy a small-town fall tradition while taking in the scenery.
More information about the Warner Fall Foliage Festival
⛷️ 4th Annual Schwendi Fest
Waterville Valley, Oct. 11
Looking for a different way to enjoy fall in the White Mountains? Waterville Valley is hosting its fourth annual Schwendi Fest.
The celebration includes scenic chairlift rides, a live DJ, barbecue, drinks, games and family-friendly competitions. Visitors can also participate in activities including a keg toss, steinholding, and skier relay races.
Admission to the festival is free. Children ages 5 and younger can ride the chairlift free with a tyke ticket.
More information about Schwendi Fest
Oktoberfest celebrations in New Hampshire this weekend
Among the events in New Hampshire this weekend, Attitash’s Oktoberfest offers an opportunity to enjoy the White Mountains while celebrating the season.
🍺 Attitash Mountain Resort Annual Oktoberfest
Bartlett, Oct. 10
If you’re looking for an Oktoberfest celebration in New Hampshire this weekend, head to Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett.
The White Mountains resort is hosting its annual Oktoberfest celebration, which includes activities for children and a festive fall atmosphere. It’s another reason to head north and enjoy the mountain scenery during one of the most popular times of year to visit the region.
More information about Attitash Oktoberfest
Arts, culture, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day events in New Hampshire
🎬 14th Annual Monadnock International Film Festival
Virtual, Oct. 6-15
You don’t have to leave home to enjoy one of New Hampshire’s cultural events this weekend.
The 14th annual Monadnock International Film Festival is offering a virtual selection of independent films from New England and around the world.
The online portion of the festival runs through Oct. 15, giving movie lovers an opportunity to discover independent filmmaking on their own schedules.
Tickets range from $0 to $10, while passes cost $65 to $95.
More information about the Monadnock International Film Festival
🪶 Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Warner, Oct. 12
The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner is marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day with free admission and family activities.
Visitors can explore the museum, Medicine Woods and the Arboretum, participate in hands-on activities, and view an Abenaki basket display by Sherry and Bill Gould.
The event offers an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, art and culture while spending time outdoors.
Admission is free.
More information about Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the museum
Fall events near New Hampshire: Things to do in Maine
🎡 Fryeburg Fair
Fryeburg, Maine, through Oct. 11
One of Maine’s biggest fall traditions is wrapping up this weekend, and it’s a short trip across the border for visitors in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley.
The Fryeburg Fair covers 200 acres and features livestock, food, rides, crafts, and museums.
Visitors can also watch livestock competitions, mechanical pulls, lawn mower racing, a grand parade and Woodsmen’s Field Day.
Admission is $15.
More information about the Fryeburg Fair
🎨 Annual Columbus Weekend Arts and Craft Show
Westbrook, Maine, Oct. 10-11
If you enjoy browsing handmade goods and supporting local artisans, the annual Columbus Weekend Arts and Craft Show in Westbrook is another option.
The event features crafts and products from makers across Maine and beyond, including woodwork, quilts, photography, knit and crochet creations, jams and jellies, jewelry, clothing and artwork.
The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.
More information about the arts and craft show
More October events in New Hampshire to put on your calendar
🎃 Keene Pumpkin Festival
Keene, Oct. 17
If you can’t get enough pumpkin festivals, there’s another big fall celebration coming up in the Monadnock Region.
The Keene Pumpkin Festival returns to downtown Keene on Oct. 17, bringing pumpkin festivities back to the city for its annual autumn celebration.
While this event isn’t happening over the Oct. 9-12 weekend, it’s one to keep in mind if you’re planning fall activities in New Hampshire later this month.
More information about the Keene Pumpkin Festival
Planning your weekend in New Hampshire
From pumpkin festivals and scenic mountain views to independent films and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of events in New Hampshire this weekend for visitors and residents alike.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fall road trip or a day exploring a new town, New Hampshire’s October calendar offers something for just about everyone.
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