The Best Events Happening in June

An aerial view of the Bela Fleck concert at Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth. Photo by Clear Eye Photo

Late May/ June, Fields of Lupine Festival, Sugar Hill
Paying homage to the annual blossoming of this captivating wildflower, the Fields of Lupine Festival is a time-honored regional event. The brilliant spikes of the lupine flower carpet local fields and pastures in a rolling sea of vibrant purples, pinks, blues and whites. The long-lasting blossoms attract equally dazzling butterflies and create a breathtaking floral display against the majestic backdrop of the Franconia, Presidential, and Kinsman Mountain ranges.  Every visitor is guaranteed abundant photo and recreational opportunities in the Northeast’s most spectacular mountain region. Easton, Franconia, Sugar Hill.

Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth
Spend your summer on the lawn at Prescott Park, enjoying movies in the park, concerts, musicals and more! Each summer boasts a lineup that you won’t want to miss. Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2848; prescottpark.org

Great Waters, Lakes Region
With two venues in scenic locations, Great Waters brings world class shows and music to the heart of the Lakes Region. This summer’s shows include a Broadway cabaret dinner, a dance show, concerts and more. Tickets vary, locations vary. 603-7710; greatwaters.org

June 1, NH Maker Fest, Dover
This festival is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they do. From engineers and artists to scientists and chefs, the Maker & Food Fest is a venue for these “makers” to show off hobbies, experiments and projects, and for attendees to enjoy fantastic grub. The team at the Children’s Museum call it “The Greatest Show and Tell on Earth” — a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Suggested donation of $5 per-person. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover. childrens-museum.org

June 7, 38^th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick Off, Portsmouth
Start your summer in Portsmouth’s scenic Prescott Park, enjoying delicious chowder at this beloved annual event. this You’ll sample and judge chowder made specially for the festival made by local restaurants in a delicious chowder competition for the ages. The festival also offers music, merch and other family-friendly activities for friends young and old. And for those who might not love chowder, (we won’t judge) you’ll find a host of other delicious treats will be available as well, including handmade ice cream sandwiches, fresh-pressed lemonade, oysters and more. Prices vary. 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. (or until the chowder runs dry), Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2848; prescottpark.org

June 7, NH Bacon & Beer Festival, Merrimack
A fundraiser for High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire — an organization dedicated to providing life-enhancing experiences and medical equipment to New Hampshire’s terminally and chronically ill children — this 9^th-annual event celebrates the savory grease of some good ol’ bacon alongside the endless flavor possibilities that have come to define well-crafted beer. Featuring local restaurants pulling up with their finest pork products, live music and libations from over 60 breweries, the Bacon & Beer Festival is an artery-clogging time for the ages. $39.07-$79.90. 1:30 to 5 p.m., Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack. nhbaconbeer.com

June 12-14, Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, Hampton
This extravaganza boasts 200 tons of imported sand transformed into sand sculptures that will put yours to shame. World-class master sculptors come together to create their own unique sculptures and compete for the grand prize. Their masterpieces will be illuminated at night for an unforgettable walk down the boardwalk. Free. Hampton Beach, Hampton. hamptonbeach.org

June 12- 25, Halcyon Music Festival, Portsmouth
Now in its eleventh season, Halcyon Music Festival is one of New England’s most exciting summer chamber music festivals. Based in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area, the Festival brings together world- class artists and young professionals of the highest caliber to live, work, and perform. 7 p.m., dates and ticket prices vary, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth; halcyonmusicfestival.org

June 13-14, 36^th Annual Portsmouth Pocket Garden Tour, Portsmouth
The self-guided walking tour features eight private gardens and educational opportunities Enjoy musicians, plein air artists and cookies along the tour of these beautiful gardens; both casual and formal, designed by professionals and enthusiasts. Join this wonderful Portsmouth tradition! Friday and Saturday, times vary South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth; southchurch-uu.org

June 13-15, Northlands Music and Arts Festival, Swanzey
It’s finally festival season, and if you’re a festival lover, this is one you won’t want to miss! The boutique-sized independently owned music and art festival is as authentic as it gets! Let your spirit soar with a lineup that will let the good vibes roll. Prices and times vary. Cheshire Fairgrounds, 247 Monadnock Hwy., Swanzey. northlandslive.com

June 14, 48^th Annual Market Square Day, Portsmouth > Created by nonprofit Pro Portsmouth to celebrate the renovation and beautification of downtown Portsmouth and, in particular, Market Square, the festival has grown in size along with the growth and popularity of Portsmouth. It is estimated that approximately 60,000 people walk through downtown Portsmouth on that day enjoying the entertainment, products and food offered by artists, crafters and merchants – many from the Seacoast area. Two performance stages feature local and regional musicians. The day kicks off with a 10K Road Race. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Portsmouth. (603) 433-4398; proportsmouth.org

June 14, Fun in the Sun Color Run, Nashua
Open to children, adults, families and teams, the event is hosted by the Nashua Silver Knights and benefits the Lil’ Iguana’s Children’s Safety Foundation. Participants run or walk a 1 mile or 5K course around Nashua North High School. Following the race, participants and their families can enjoy a “Finish Line Luau” with live music, entertainment, food and beverage samples and activities provided by area businesses and vendors. Registration fee varies. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 8 Titan Way, Nashua. (603) 881-9805; liliguanausa.org

June 14, Keene Summer Craftfest, Keene
With a carefully curated selection of local vendors, you’ll love the selection of wares that the Keene Summer Craft Fest has to offer. You’ll also enjoy music, refreshments and a car show while perusing through unique handmade goods. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Keene Middle School Parking Lot, 167 Maple Ave. Keene; keenecraftshow.com

June 21, Wild Mystic Summer Solstice Bazzar, Concord
Celebrate the magic of the Summer Solstice at the Kimball Jenkins Estate! Enjoy magical vendors and readers, food trucks, demos and activates and outdoor bliss. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Kimball Jenkins Estate, 266 N. Main St., Concord, Facebook

June 21, Fill The Hall, Portsmouth
Support the Portsmouth summer food drive -“Fill The Hall” – run by Gather, the innovative, anti-hunger nonprofit organization, along with The Music Hall this June. Donations can be dropped off at The Music Hall located at 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth on June 21 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On the top of the wish list are items like: snacks, peanut butter, juice boxes, canned tuna, rice, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, tomato sauce, soup, personal care items, diapers and wipes. Monetary donations enable Gather to purchase fresh veggies, milk, fruit, and other perishable items. Monetary donations can be made online at www.gather.org.

June 21, White Mountains Triathlon, Franconia
Not only is this athletic event among the most scenic triathlons in the state, it’s also the only one with a whole festival built around it. Over two days, runner-biker-swimmers can participate in either the sprint, half-Iron man or Olympic distance races, and they can hang around for a Saturday post-race BBQ followed by a mountaintop sunset social. Registration required. Early packet pick-up and registrations begins on Friday at 4:30 p.m. and continues Saturday at 5:30 a.m., with the first race kicking off at 7 a.m., Cannon Mountain Ski Area, 260 Tramway Dr., Franconia. (603) 488-1186; millenniumrunning.com

June 24-25, Gunstock Trail Fest, Gilford
This epic weekend event hosts some of New Hampshire’s most popular trail runs with mountain of options to choose from. Choose from 9 different races, which include The Peak Challenge, the 1.5 Mountain Climb, or the 5K, 10K, 30k, 50K and 80K trail runs. Gunstock Trail Fest also includes events for kids and dogs, along with a full day of festivities including live music, complimentary BBQ and complimentary craft beer. Registration required. Times vary, Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford. gunstocktrailfest.com

June 26, The Best of New Hampshire Party, Lee
The Best of NH Party 2025 returns to Flag Hill Distillery and Winery. The event will be an elegant tent and garden party celebrating the best the state has to offer at one of NH’s most beautiful local treasures. Come for the evening or spend the entire night in one of 10 tiny homes on the property! The event will be an elegant tent and garden party celebrating the best the state has to offer at one of NH’s most beautiful local treasures. Join us for an evening that’s all to honor the 2025 Best of NH winners and to support our nonprofit beneficiary: the New Hampshire Food Bank. Thursday, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., Flag Hill Distillery and Winery, 297 North River Rd., Lee. nhmagazine.com/best-of-nh/

June 26-28, Concord Market Days Festival, Concord
Celebrate summer in the Capitol City with this annual free fest! Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy over 150 vendors and exhibitors, concerts in both Eagle and Bicentennial Squares and a beer tent smack-dab in the middle of the festival. The weekend also coincides with the Capital City 10K, in case you like your street food served with a side of athleticism. Free. Main Street, Concord. (603) 226-2150; marketdaysfestival.com