Five August Art Festivals

Have a creative month with these new and old fests

Craft fairs, film fests and kiddie art — oh my! This month is full of arts fairs and festivals, from the legendary to the brand new. Pick your favorite fest and get artsy.

League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair
August 5-13, Sunapee

The granddaddy of all New Hampshire craft fairs returns to Mount Sunapee Resort in this, its 84th year. Come prepared to shop til you drop (and to learn a thing or two) from the talented artists and innovators of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.

New Hampshire Antiques Show
August 10-12, Manchester

For most of the year, you’d have to travel hundreds of miles and spend weeks of shopping time to browse antiques from 68 different vendors, but this showcase brings the antiques-selling masses to you. Celebrate at the Radisson for the fest’s 60th anniversary.

Rock Water Film Festival
August 13, Rollinsford

Founded just this year by two NH-born-and-raised moviemakers, this indie film fest may be the state’s newest celebration of the artistic craft. Just as collectives like Wrong Brain have showcased New Hampshire’s burgeoning visual art scene, this fest seeks to highlight the talented contributors to the region’s indie filmmaking boom. Expect short films ranging from comedies and dramas to experimental sound and video installations.

Larry Siebert White Mountain Art & Artisan Festival
August 19-20, Jackson

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the region that inspired the White Mountain School of artistic thought boasts quite the population of craftsmen and craftswomen. Visit with and shop from more than 40 of them at this North Country arts bonanza.

Dover Mini Maker Faire
August 26, Dover

What does the future of New Hampshire art look like? This cross-categorical fair might give you a clue. Kids and adults are all welcome among both the makers and the audience, and the topics covered range from traditional arts and crafts to science and engineering.