Concord Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Concord, New Hampshire - NH, USA)

Although there is usually plenty to do in Concord when it comes to events, particularly during the summer months, there are also numerous annual celebrations and festivities close by, suiting those with a rental car. Hampton, Hillsborough, Keene, Lincoln, New Boston, North Thornton and Warner all have plenty to offer, with the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and Lincoln's New Hampshire Highland Games being especially popular.

Each June, the Fields of Lupine Festival takes place in nearby Franconia, while in Portsmouth, the Market Square Day event is another highlight in June. Held from June through August, the Prescott Park Arts Festival is a particular draw card, as is the New Hampshire Music Fest in Plymouth, in July and August.

Also taking place each July is the Hillsborough Balloon Fest and Fair, as well as the Market Days Festival in Concord, which is held along Main Street and draws thousands to the city. Elsewhere, look out for the Southern New Hampshire Brewers Fest in Hooksett (late July), and Barnful of Blues and the Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair, both of which are staged in nearby Newbury each August.

Concord Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, a national public holiday throughout New Hampshire and the United States, following the revelry of the New Year's Eve celebrations and parties the night before (held in hotels such as the Holiday Inn on North Main Street).

February

• Keene Ice and Snow Festival - February / March, family fun with a snowball throwing contest, snowman building, ice carving and more. Held in downtown Keene, roughly 50 miles / 80 km miles southwest of Concord.

March

• Sportsmen's Event - mid-March, organized by the Trinity Baptist Church and suitable for young children. Focusing on outdoor pursuits, there are exhibits of fish fly tying, archery, seminars on hunting bear and deer, and activities such as a climbing wall and a pellet gun range. At the end of the day there is a large banquet.
• NH Maple Weekend - late March, sugar houses across the state are open for guided tours, free samples and maple syrup making demonstrations.

April

• Art Concord Youth (formerly the Capitol Kids Spring Art Show) - April / May, exhibitions of artwork by artists under 18 years old at downtown locations.

May

• Annual Upstairs, Downtown Walking Tour - mid-May, an architectural, cultural and historical tour of downtown Concord's old buildings.
• Annual New Hampshire Restaurant Week - participating restaurants across the state feature fixed-price menus, enabling visitors to try a variety of cuisines.

June

• Annual 3K Walk for Sight - early June, raising funds for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind, people take part from across the state.
• Granite State Music Festival - late June, two days of music gigs including rock, blues, indie pop and much more.

July

• Market Days Festival - mid-July, held over three days, this free event attracts in excess of 50,000 visitors, who come to view indoor and outdoor market stalls, sample the wines and craft beers, and listen to live music performances.

August

• Funds for Education Golf Tournament - early August, teams of four players compete for the tournament title, whilst individuals can achieve closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contest awards. Proceeds go to the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce's Business Grants for Teachers and the Capital Area Student Leadership program.
• August Antiques Show - first held in 1958 and sponsored by the local New Hampshire Historical Society, with around 80 dealers in attendance.
• New Hampshire Folk Festival - late August, on the last Sunday of the month.

September

• Annual Community Adult Spelling Bee - late September, spectators watch teams of three people compete for the title of 'Best Capital Spellers'.

October

• Halloween Howl - end of October, held on Main Street, families gather for trick or treating activities. There is also a costume parade and horse-drawn wagon rides, amongst other fun.

November

• Annual Galloping Gobbler - a 4-mile / 6.5-km road race on Thanksgiving Day.
• SNOB Film Festival (Somewhat North of Boston) - early November, screenings of a variety of films over a four-day period.
• Concord Christmas Tree Lighting - late November, at the State House Plaza, a popular seasonal event with live music, side attractions and a visit from the great man himself, Santa.

December

• Midnight Merriment - early December, caroling groups, festive lights, Santa and storytelling herald in the official start to the holiday shopping season.
• New Year's Eve in New Hampshire - December 31st, with parties at more than 30 different venues around the city, including a midnight fireworks display to welcome in the new year.