10 Not-To-Miss Events Happening in July

Enjoy an evening stargazing with your family at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough on July 21.

1. Drive-In Concert: The Jordan TW Trio, Bow, July 3

Enjoy listening to the music from the comforts of your own car (or lawn chair). Putting a fresh spin on traditional Celtic music, the Jordan TW Trio delivers a dynamic show full of lively fiddle tunes and classic Irish songs. Their show has been described as “larger-than-life” and “brisk, lean and exceedingly lovely.” $10-$30. fieldhousesports.com

2. Annual Rubber Duckie Race, Meredith, July 4

The race is on! Even though you can’t gather together in person to watch 3,000 rubber ducks float down the river, the event will still be held by computer with winners will be picked at random. Twenty-four local businesses donated cash or prizes to support the race, and you are encouraged to support them as well. Tickets are one for $5 and five for $20. They may be purchased by sending a check or money order to: The Meredith Lions Club, P.O. Box, 1720, Meredith, NH 03253. (603) 527-8114; visitnh.gov

3.  Virtual American Celebration, online, July 4-5

Celebrate American heritage and Independence Day with Strawbery Banke Museum’s Virtual American Celebration, where you can meet a centuries-spanning range of historic interpreters. Past participants in “American Lives: A Timeline of American History” have provided videos of their living history and costumed re-enactments, presenting American history from 1637 to 1945. Free. (603) 433-1100; strawberybanke.org

4. Wit and Wisdom: Humor in 19th Century New England, online, July 9

Whatever did New Englanders do on long winter evenings before cable, satellite and the internet? In the decades before and after the Civil War, our rural ancestors used to create neighborhood events to improve their minds. Community members would compose and read aloud homegrown, handwritten literary “newspapers” full of keen verbal wit. Sometimes serious, sometimes sentimental, but mostly very funny, these “newspapers” were common in villages across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and they revealed the hopes, fears, humor and surprisingly daring behavior of our forebears. Jo Radner shares excerpts from her forthcoming book about hundreds of these “newspapers” and provides examples from villages in your region. Check their website for the Zoom link. (603) 642-3355; nhhumanities.org

5. Classic Car Show, Londonderry, July 11

It’s on! Get your roadster, muscle car or restored jalopy out of the garage and over to the Aviation Museum of NH, where once a year they turn their attention to vehicles that don’t leave the ground (usually). Whether you’re a proud vehicle owner or just want to see some amazing rides, grab your friends and family for a great show on the grounds of the Aviation Museum. There will also be prizes, raffles, food trucks and a yard sale. It’s a great way to spend a summer day outside with old companions and new friends you’ve yet to meet. (Please note the Aviation Museum will be closed to the public during this event, but they’ll have portable toilets.) Participants are requested to wear masks and observe social distancing. $5-$10. (603) 669-4820; nhahs.org

6. Comedian Bob Marley, Plymouth, July 17

Marley’s brand of high-energy and off-beat observation of everyday-life things has captured the minds of fans of all ages, from teenagers to grandparents. He has been featured in his own special and on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien and “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. Marley, a Maine native and University of Maine at Farmington graduate, uses biographical and observational material for his high-energy routines. You don’t need to be a “Maine-iac” to laugh yourself silly at Bob’s wicked funny antics. Get your tickets early as all his past shows have sold out in advance. Prices vary. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

7.  Stargazing with the NH Astronomical Society, Moultonborough, July 21

Bring family and friends to learn about the wonders of the night sky in a talk at the Castle in the Clouds Carriage House, then make your way to the field by Shannon Pond to get a chance to use a telescope to view the stars, constellations, planets and more. While stargazing you’ll locate constellations and learn about stars and planets in our night sky. Take your knowledge home with you to impress your friends and family on a clear summer night later this year. Free. (603) 476-5900; castleintheclouds.org

8. Summer Vacation Craft Fair, Wolfeboro, July 24-26

This fair features over 90 exhibitors displaying their fine jewelry, primitive crafts, country and contemporary décor, functional and decorative pottery, gourmet foods, glass art, fine art, textile arts, quilts, wood-turned crafts, furniture and more. There will also be live music to enjoy while you are walking around (socially distanced, of course). Free. joycescraftshows.com

9.  Vintage Market in the Mountains, Bethlehem, July 25-26

This vintage-inspired, flea market style market features antiques, art, clothing, home decor and bespoke treasures. Live musical performances, food trucks and a beer garden are only part of the fun at this weekend-long event that draws vendors from across the upper Atlantic area. $5. (603) 991-0946; vintagemarketinthemountains.com

10. Fairy Festival, Newbury, July 26

This celebration of Fairy Houses connects children to the natural world and includes crafts, stories and readings, and building fairy habitats in The Fells Fairy Village. Kids of all ages will surely enjoy a new addition this year, a fairy ballet, “Child of Earth, Child of Faerie,” performed by Ballet Misha. Children are invited to dress in their finest fairy or gnome attire. Reservations are required and space is limited. $5-$40. (603) 763-4789; thefells.org