The 23rd annual New Hampshire Film Festival hits Portsmouth Oct. 16–19 with more than 100 independent films, panels, and special events. Here’s the highlight reel:

🎬 The Films – 32 narratives, 19 documentaries, 65 shorts, plus buzz-worthy premieres from Noah Baumbach, Richard Linklater, and Oscar Boyson.

🎬 The Stars – Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawke, and more names tied to this year’s lineup.

🎬 The Panels – Hot topics include AI in filmmaking, indie financing, comedy with NH’s Eliza Coupe, and a drone-tech showcase.

🎬 The Perks – NHFF is an Academy Awards qualifying festival—winning shorts here could go straight to Oscar contention.

🎬 The Experience – Screenings, workshops, and morning coffee chats with filmmakers across venues like The Music Hall, 3S Artspace, and more.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🏠 The oldest home in New Hampshire is literally older than the country

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

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By USA Today via Reuters Connect

The oldest building in the Granite State, the Jackson House in Portsmouth, dates back to 1664, built by Richard Jackson, a woodworker, farmer, and mariner.

Like houses of a similar age, it’s seen its fair share of modifications since it was originally built. Succeeding generations added a lean-to by 1715, along with more additions in the 1700s and 1800s to accommodate different family groups sharing the house at once.

As we all know, six states make up New England: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

There are debates about whether these states actually mesh well together. So, this week’s question is…

What New England state should we drop and why?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“New Hampshire. It’s more in line with Mississippi, Alabama, and other states that value fascism over humanity.” — Joyce Hurd

“Drop off Connecticut and Rhode Island.” — Julie Swan

“Do not drop any New England state. They are all unique and beautiful.” — Jill Alexander 

🎡 Deerfield Fair
Deerfield, Sept. 25–28
One of New Hampshire’s oldest fairs, featuring agricultural exhibits, rides, competitions, food, and entertainment at the Deerfield Fairgrounds on Route 43.
More info

🎄 Fall FEASTival at Santa’s Village
Jefferson, Sept. 28
A fall celebration with park-favorite foods included in admission—pizza, burgers, cookies, ice cream, hot chocolate, and more. Food service ends at 3:30 p.m.
More info

🪓 Lumberjack Competition
Errol, Sept. 28
Part of Errol Heritage Days, featuring professional lumberjack events.
More info

🌶️ 26th Annual Chili Challenge & Rally in the Valley
Waterville Valley, Sept. 27
Local restaurants compete for the title of best chili in Town Square. Admission includes chili tastings and a ballot. Alongside the contest: the annual Rally in the Valley all-vehicle show, live entertainment, and raffles.
More info

🍎 Fall Festival
North Conway, Sept. 27
Family-friendly activities on The Green from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., including kids’ pumpkin painting, candy guessing contest, free apples & cider, live pumpkin carving, and a kids’ hay maze. Horse-drawn carriage rides return this year, with live music TBA.
More info

⚓ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Portsmouth, Sept. 27–28
Free performances across multiple venues, including Market Square, Prescott Park, Sheafe Warehouse, and Warner House. Saturday features a concert with Steve Turner, Chris Koldewey, and the Ranzo Boys. Sunday closes with a grand finale chantey blast in Market Square.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with reporting by USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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