New Hampshire doesn’t just show off in the fall—it puts on a full-blown spectacle. Every October, the mountains, valleys, and rivers burst into fiery shades of red, gold, and amber, and the state’s towns throw festivals that celebrate every vibrant leaf. From small-town fairs to craft-filled village streets, these fall festivals pair the crunch of leaves underfoot with the scent of cider, maple, and pumpkin. Live music, parades, and family-friendly activities turn leaf-peeping into a full-day adventure.
Whether you’re strolling among artisan booths, cheering at a parade, or sipping warm cider under a blaze of maples, New Hampshire’s fall festivals make the season impossible to ignore. Color steals the spotlight, but the laughter, community, and tradition make the memories last long after the leaves have fallen.
Warner Fall Foliage Festival
In Warner, the Fall Foliage Festival bursts into life every Columbus Day weekend, transforming Main Street into a hub of crafts, music, and family fun. For over seventy years, visitors have enjoyed parades, kettle corn, and local crafts against a stunning backdrop of flame-red maples. With activities for kids, a classic car parade, and vibrant community spirit, this festival is a must-visit.
The scenic shuttles to overlooks offer breathtaking views, making it easy to linger amidst the colorful surroundings. A blend of tradition and modern charm keeps visitors returning annually.
Apple Harvest Day (Dover)
Dover’s Apple Harvest Day is a single-day autumn extravaganza drawing over fifty thousand attendees. Main Street brims with apples, crafts, and food trucks, creating a festive atmosphere in early October. With roughly three hundred vendors, a 5K race, and a parade, it’s a celebration of community and season. Enjoy fresh cider donuts or explore the explosion of color along the Cocheco River.
This event perfectly captures the essence of fall, offering something for everyone. From delicious treats to vibrant foliage, Dover becomes a haven for autumn lovers.
Laconia Pumpkin Festival
Late October sees Laconia transform into a pumpkin paradise. The Laconia Pumpkin Festival captures autumn’s spirit with thousands of carved pumpkins, live entertainment, and family activities. Amidst pumpkin towers and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, visitors indulge in local food, a dog parade, and craft booths.
The Lakes Region backdrop enhances the experience, offering scenic drives and breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee. This festival epitomizes family-friendly fun, with evening laser shows adding a magical touch. A perfect blend of art and tradition, Laconia’s festival is a seasonal highlight.
Keene Pumpkin Festival
Keene’s storied Pumpkin Festival is a cherished tradition, renowned for its jack-o’-lantern displays and vibrant atmosphere. October evenings glow with carved pumpkins, costume parades, and live music. The festival has evolved, focusing on local arts and kid-friendly activities while maintaining its enchanting candle-lit spectacle.
Nestled in Cheshire County, Keene offers a perfect base for leaf-peeping, with river and hilltop views adding natural beauty. The community warmth and festive spirit ensure that visitors leave with cherished memories. A celebration of creativity and community, it’s a must-see event.
The Sandwich Fair
The Sandwich Fair, held in the quaint village of Center Sandwich, is a beloved autumn event featuring 4-H shows, craft exhibits, and tractor pulls. Celebrated every Columbus Day weekend, it blends tradition with modern attractions like live music and artisan vendors.
The fairgrounds are framed by stunning fall foliage, enhancing the experience of enjoying fried dough and pumpkin treats. Scenic drives through the Sandwich Range provide a picturesque backdrop, making it a perfect family outing. This fair combines agricultural heritage with seasonal joy, capturing the essence of New Hampshire’s autumn spirit.
RiverFire
Berlin’s RiverFire festival turns the Androscoggin River into a spectacular scene of floating bonfires and lit pumpkins. Each October, this northern New Hampshire event offers hayrides, live music, and a costume parade. The unique spectacle of fires appearing to float on water is enhanced by the surrounding copper and gold foliage. Family-friendly activities, novelty events, and community warmth make RiverFire a magical experience. The festival captures rural charm and visual wonder, drawing visitors into its enchanting embrace. A captivating blend of nature and festivity, it’s a regional gem.
New Hampshire Harvest Festival
Waterville Valley’s New Hampshire Harvest Festival is a mountain-town celebration of fall’s bounty. Set against peaks cloaked in color, the festival features a farmer’s market, food trucks, and live music. Family-friendly activities, guided hikes, and community contests highlight local produce and crafts.
Visitors can sip warm cider while taking in the stunning vistas of crimson maples and river views. An ideal spot for leaf-peepers, Waterville Valley offers a blend of festival energy and natural beauty. The glowing sunsets and alpine treetops make it a memorable autumn destination.
North Conway Fall Festival
In North Conway, the Fall Festival brings family fun and foliage together on The Green. Located in Mount Washington Valley, the festival offers artisan booths, live entertainment, and workshops set amid golden sugar maples and birches. Scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway are within reach, providing access to breathtaking overlooks.
Local inns and eateries cater to festival-goers seeking comfort and charm. This village event captures the essence of autumn, inviting families to enjoy vibrant colors and community spirit. A classic stop for foliage enthusiasts, North Conway delights every year.
Plymouth Fall Festival
Each early September, Plymouth Fall Festival fills downtown with autumn merriment. Craft booths, car shows, and a pet parade line Main Street, raising funds for local nonprofits. With carnival rides and live entertainment, the festival captures the spirit of community.
The surrounding Pemigewasset Valley’s fall foliage enhances the experience, inviting visitors to pair festival fun with scenic hikes. Dartmouth College arts and relaxing inns nearby offer added attractions. This lively gateway to New Hampshire’s foliage season provides a blend of cultural and natural wonders, creating cherished memories for all.
Littleton Fall Festival
Littleton’s Fall Festival is a charming Upper Valley event that brings art, pies, and parades to Main Street. On festival days, local bakeries compete in pie contests, while artisans display textiles and woodcraft. With live performers and vibrant community parades, it’s a delightful celebration of fall. The maple and birch-lined streets create a picture-perfect backdrop, and nearby trails offer colorful overlooks.
Littleton’s welcoming scale and fall flavors make it a relaxing stop on a foliage tour. This cozy festival invites visitors to enjoy the season’s beauty and community spirit.
NH Highland Games & White Mountains Oktoberfest
Set in Lincoln’s mountain bowl, the NH Highland Games and Oktoberfest at Loon Mountain offer a unique blend of culture and color. Visitors can watch traditional Scottish athletics and music, then join beer tents and family activities. The surrounding peaks display vibrant foliage, accessible via gondola and skyride. Scenic drives and waterfall hikes nearby make Loon a perfect base for autumn exploration.
This festival captures the spirit of camaraderie and celebration, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether enjoying a stein or Highland dance, Loon Mountain impresses every fall.
Autumn Craft Festival on the Lake
The Autumn Craft Festival on the Lake at Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith offers a stunning setting for artisan displays. Held in early October, this juried fair features New England crafts against the backdrop of Lake Winnipesaukee’s shimmering waters. With free admission, family-friendly programming, and delicious food stalls, the festival invites leisurely exploration. The colorful maples along the waterfront create a picturesque scene, perfect for combining handcrafted shopping with a foliage cruise. This festival captures the essence of New Hampshire’s autumn, blending art and nature into an unforgettable experience.