The Best Events Happening in August

The 40th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally is happening in Pittsfield on August 5-7.

Arghavan Khosravi at the Currier, Manchester, August 1-September 5

Arghavan Khosravi creates surrealist paintings that explore themes of exile, freedom, and empowerment. The artist’s enigmatic compositions center women protagonists and allude to the restriction of human rights, particularly those of immigrants. Her work is both semiautobiographical and universal. Khosravi draws on several cross-cultural stylistic influences, from ancient Western sculpture to the posturing of contemporary fashion magazines to the compressed perspective of Persian miniature painting. Often using printed textiles from Iran as her canvas, she weaves the patterning of these materials into the narrative of her work. (603) 669-6144; currier.org

2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series, August 1-26

Are you a Disney fan? This summer play list is for you. This Summer Children’s Series boasts a variety of well-known and loved stories that include music, dancing, audience participation and more. Even better? Your kiddos have the opportunity to meet the characters at the end of every show. This year’s lineup includes Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Rapunzel and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

“Sister Act,” Meredith, August 3-14

Broadway’s habit-forming musical comedy smash will make you jump for joy. When wannabe disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a crime, the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Beauty And The Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies”), this uplifting musical is filled with toe-tapping songs, outrageous show-stopping dancing and a truly moving story. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, this show is reason to rejoice. (603) 707-6035; interlakestheatre.com

Journey to Jericho – ATV Jamboree, Berlin, August 5-6

This festival is an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true. The event takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which has more than 80 miles of trails. There will be mud races, demo rides, obstacle courses, helicopter rides, poker run, kids’ fun zone, live music, delicious food and more. You won’t want to miss this summer weekend of fun. androscogginvalleychamber.com/jericho-atv-festival

40th Annual Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally, Pittsfield, August 5-7

This event has something fun for everyone in your family. There will be a carnival, tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, craft fair, food, drinks and so much more. Make sure to be there at 8 p.m. on Saturday to see the balloons light up the night sky with a fireworks show to follow. pittsfieldnh.gov

League of NH Craftmen’s Fair, Newbury, August 6-14

Start clearing out the car — you’ll want plenty of trunk space for this. Artisans and crafters from around the state set up shop at this massive fest, which boasts the title of the oldest continuously running craft fair in the US. Come ready to shop or just ready to learn and admire, either in the learn-how-it’s-made workshops scattered throughout the week or in the exhibition tent full of curated art shows. There are also on-going demonstrations, chances to meet artisans one-on-one and other fun events held throughout the week. (603) 224-3375; nhcrafts.org

Saint-Gaudens Summer Concert Series, Cornish, August 7, 14, 21 and 28

The Sunday performances at the gorgeous Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish carry on a tradition begun by renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who often held concerts in his studio for family and friends. Many of the concerts feature use of the Little Studio’s historic piano, once owned by Cornish Colony painter Maxfield Parrish. Concerts begin at 2 p.m., so there’s plenty of time beforehand to discover Saint-Gaudens’ works located on the grounds. Art, history, gardens – it’s all here. nps.gov/saga

Bedrock Gardens Education Series, Bedrock, August 7-October 10

The 30-acre Bedrock Gardens in Lee has transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration. While the unusual botanical specimens and unique sculptures are alone worth a visit, the education series offers another reason to stop by. Classes in July and August include foraging for edible plants, terrariums, lichen 101, dyeing with plant botanicals, designing with and blending tea garden herbs (with a tea luncheon to follow) and much more. Visit bedrockgardens.org for a complete schedule and to register. bedrockgardens.org

Music on the Garden Barn Green, Canterbury, August 7-September 11

Bring a picnic and a chair and enjoy a concert on the barn green at Canterbury Shaker Village. While you could certainly just enjoy music in a beautiful setting, consider touring the museum, which is designated as a national historic landmark. It includes 25 restored original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed buildings, and almost 700 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. shakers.org

“Footloose,” New London, August 10-21

New-kid-in-town, Ren finds himself at odds with an overbearing church minister who has convinced the city council to outlaw dancing and rock n’ roll. Ren will stop at nothing to kick off their Sunday shoes and shake up the town in this musical studded with 80’s pop favorites. (603) 526-6710; nlbarn.org

65th New Hampshire Antiques Show, Manchester, August 11-13

The best antique dealers from across the Granite State are coming together to give you an unforgettable summer show. It is considered “the best show of its kind in New England” and with over 50 exhibitors, it won’t disappoint. The professional antique dealers save merchandise throughout the year and offer a wide range of both country and formal antique furniture and accessories. Look for items like paintings and textiles, Shaker furniture, clocks, lighting and so much more. nhada.org

Parade of Sails, Portsmouth, August 11-14

This four-day family-friendly favorite is sailing back into Portsmouth for the first time since 2019. It will feature three ships: the Kalmar Nyckel, the Lynx and the Spirit of Bermuda with Capt. Donald Peacock of Newmarket at the helm of the Lynx and his son, Capt. Alex Peacock captain of the Spirit of Bermuda. You will have the chance to join boat tours and day sails when the maritime celebration gets underway. sailportsmouth.org

150th Anniversary Gala, Weirs Beach, August 12

This three hour gala celebrates 150 years of fun aboard the M/S Mount Washington and includes multiple decks of entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, signature drinks, photo opportunities and special limited edition souvenirs. (603) 366-5531; cruisenh.com

Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival, Milton Mills, August 13

This family-friendly celebration of the natural world features fun and educational outdoor activities like hayrides to the river, rescued wild animals, nature’s playground in the woods, fishing in the pond, kids’ crafts, a family discovery walk, demonstrations of traditional rural skills and more. (603) 978-7125; mmrgnh.org

Great New England BBQ and Food Truck Festival, Milford, August 13

This is a great family fun event that features a corn hole tournament, a kids’ zone with free bounce houses, face painting, slime making, artisans, music, food trucks, eating contests and more. (603) 321-9794; gnecraftartisanshows.com

Alton Bay Boat Show, Alton, August 13

Are you a fan of classic wooden boats? Does spending the morning looking at “woodies” and early fiberglass boats while meeting their owners sound like fun? This event’s for you. Any wooden or early fiberglass boat up to 1975 is welcome, and friends and family are welcome to stroll the town docks to see the wonderful restored boats. (603) 569-4554; nhbm.org

White Mountain Boogie n’ Blues Festival, Thornton, August 19-21

With two decades of festival sand and a bevy of national blues preservation awards under its belt, this boogiefest is not to be missed. This year’s lineup includes Veronica Lewis, Ana Popovic and so many more. To really dive into the festival experience, rent a campsite on the Boogie’s sprawling White Mountains grounds. (603) 726-3867; whitemountainboogie.com

Gate City Brewfest, Nashua, August 20

As summer starts winding down, head to Nashua for one last beer-fueled hurrah. An extensive beer fest, live music, a corn hole tournament and more are also on tap. The corn holers emerging victorious at the end of the day win a prize package including Red Sox tickets and a Boston hotel stay, so act fast to qualify your team at one of the few remaining preliminary matches. gatecitybrewfestnh.com

9th Annual Cruise in to the Wright Antique Car, Hot Rod & Motorcycle Show, Wolfeboro, August 20

Put on your poodle skits, grease up your duck’s tail hairdos, buckle up and cruise in to the Wright Museum for this annual event dedicated to unique varieties of cars and motorcycles. Only the first 100 cars will be allowed into the show this year, so get your car registered soon. wrightmuseum.org

The High Kings, Plymouth, August 23

The High Kings continue to set the bar extremely high for Irish Folk bands across the world and are widely regarded to be at the forefront of the genre. In 2019 after a 12 year journey The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever growing army of loyal fans that span generations. You won’t want to miss this. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

Moose Festival, Colebrook, August 26-27

Head to Colebrook the weekend before Labor Day to celebrate all things “moose.” This year’s festivities include live music, arts and crafts vendors, horse and wagon rides, and rumor has it there is even a moose-calling contest. There will also be a dog show, maple syrup tasting contest and the classic car show. Bring the whole family to this old-time fun event that showcases the many diverse talents and services in the North Country. (603) 237-8939; mygonorth.com

Allen Mello NH 10 Miler, Manchester, August 27

Run 10 miles. Eat local pizza. Attend after-party. Repeat? This event takes runners on a near-half-marathon run around the perimeter of Massabesic Lake, then rewards them with pizza from Pittsfield-based Russian Crust and free post-race beer. The Millennium schedule includes a half-marathon in October and a full marathon in November, so this tenner can be your warm-up run. (603) 488-1186; millenniumrunning.com