The Best Events Happening in July

Every second Saturday of the month from May to October, Vernon Family Farm is open for live music from bands like High Range and Superfrog, and delicious local food from their very own farm-to-table restaurant, Vernon Kitchen. Photo by Whitewave Photography

Thursdays, July 2-30
Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea Concerts > This summer concert series brings some of New England’s hottest bands to the Seacoast on Thursday nights. Enjoy great tunes and the seaside setting while supporting the Seacoast Science Center and their ocean education mission. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic or purchase freshly grilled dinner and chilled beverages on site. Concert goers can also enjoy the Center and its exhibits, free with concert admission. Ticket prices vary, 5 to 8:30 p.m., 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. (603) 436-8043; seacoastsciencecenter.org

July 7-9
Hampton Beach Country Music Fest> Get ready for a boot-scootin’ good time at the annual Hampton Beach Country Music Fest! For three days this event promises unforgettable moments filled with live music, line dancing, and the best country vibes around. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, you can kick up your heels and join the daily free line dance sessions with Nashville Line Dance. The festival features a stellar lineup of local talent, showcasing some of the most talented country bands who’ll have you tapping your boots to every beat. And the highlight of the week? A free performance by nationally-touring country artist Niko Moon! hamptonbeach.org

July 9-12
Hillsboro Summer Festival > From live music and a parade to a fairway full of carnival rides, this legendary festival is packed with activities. With plenty of activities for everyone- including a beer tent, 5K road race, skillet toss, tractor pull, fireworks and more- your day will be jam packed with fun! For a free spectacle, stick around till dusk on Saturday night. Free. Times vary. Grimes Field, 29 Preston St., Hillsboro. (603) 464-0377; hillsborosummerfest.com

July 10-11
The Prouty > If you enjoy outdoor recreation of just about any kind, then you’ll find something to suit your tastes at this annual mega-fundraiser for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Cyclists can opt for 20- to 100-mile rides on the road or the 200-mile, two-day Prouty Ultimate; walkers can traverse anything from a 3K stroll through Hanover to an 11K walk in the woods; rowers can hit the Connecticut River for 5 to 15 miles, and cyclers can mountain bike and race on the updated hybrid gravel bike trail! Don’t like any of those? They also need volunteers. Prices, times and locations around Hanover vary. (603) 646-5500; theprouty.org

July 11
American Independence Festival> If you didn’t get all the patriotism out of your system on the Fourth, then try this later homage to America. Activities at this 36-year-old fest include battle reenactments, lawn games, live music and enough kids activities to keep the little ones entertained all day. Free. All day. American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter. (603) 772-2622; independencemuseum.org

July 12
Loon Mountain Race> This Granite State race is the race to end all races. It is 6.03 miles, 10.62 kilometers, has an elevation gain of 3,125 feet, an average slope of 14 percent, and a $20,000 purse prize presented by Darn Tough Socks. It has a reputation as one of the country’s toughest mountain races in large part due to the kilometer ascent of North Peak, known as Upper Walking Boss. “The Boss,” as it’s colloquially termed, is around a kilometer of grassy slope with angles that exceed a 40-percent grade. Named the “Most Competitive Hillclimb” by Runner’s World Magazine, this race is no joke. If you are feeling daring this summer, be sure to check this one out, but make sure you register in advance- there’s no race day registration. $50-70. 7:30 a.m., Loon Mountain Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln. loonmtn.com

July 12
Sarah McLauchlan
The Better Broken tour with special guest Allison Russell stops in New Hampshire! Hear your favorite hits, like Angel, I Will Remember You and more!
7:30 p.m., Ticket prices vary, Bank of NH Pavillion, 72 Meadowbrook Ln., Gilford; banknhpavillion.com

July 14-15
Dave Matthews Band
Jam out with two days of Dave!
7:30 p.m., Ticket prices vary, Bank of NH Pavillion, 72 Meadowbrook Ln., Gilford; banknhpavillion.com

July 25-26
Second Annual Five Senses Tour at Tiffany Gardens> Use your five senses while exploring private gardens hidden in a Londonderry neighborhood! Included with your donation of $20.00 is a self-guided tour as well as cold refreshments and small bites to please your palate. The organizers will have a select number of vendors, many raffle baskets, an artist painting in the gardens, and musical entertainment hidden amongst the property. All proceeds will benefit our free programing for older adults in the area. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., 15 King John Drive, Londonderry; comcaregivers.com/garden-tour

July 25 & August 1-2
Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival > This family fun event features a corn hole tournament, a kids zone (with free bounce houses), a whoopie pie eating contest, face painting, artisans, music, food trucks, caricature drawings and more. $5. Times and locations vary; gnefoodtruckfest.com

July 26
27th Annual Chocolate Fest > Watch the sunset across Corcoran Pond and enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square along with a free outdoor concert and lawn games! Almost every type of chocolate dessert you can think of will be offered with special vendors including the Mobile New England Dairy Bar. Pack a picnic or just bring a bottle of your favorite libation and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square. Relax on Town Square’s Adirondack chairs, lounge back on a blanket, or enjoy your chocolate treats with your toes in the sand! 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Town Square, 33 Village Rd., Waterville Valley. waterville.com

July 30- August 2
Cheshire Fair > This traditional agricultural fair will feature entertainment, crafts, vendors, rides, animals and plenty of live music. This year’s theme is “Happy 250^th Birthday, America.” The whole family will love the recently redone midway, new rides and games! Prices and times vary, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. (603) 357-4740; cheshirefair.org