The Best Events Happening in June

You’re invited to our outdoor Best of NH 2022 cocktail party that celebrates all the best the state has to offer — great food, drink, art, culture, history, tours and music on June 18. Photo by Kendal J . Photography

Vernon Family Farm Live Music Series, Newfields, June 3-October 28

This favorite family farm is known as a one-stop shop for shopping local, but they’re outdoor music series is one for the books, too. Every second Saturday of the month from May to October, the 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. Grab your friends and family and head over for a night of community, rotisserie chicken and music at a space that nurtures the human desire to connect and love. (603) 340-4321; vernonfamilyfarm.com New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event

Keene Art Walk, Keene, June 3-12

This Monadnock Region classic has brought art to downtown Keene for nearly three decades, and they’re gearing up for another great year in 2022. Every year, Main Street comes alive with art. It is an opportunity for residents and visitors to take a self-guided tour around town as artists partner with local shops and storefronts to set up a personal gallery for their creations. keeneartwalk.com

NH Bacon & Beer Festival, Merrimack, June 4

This 6th annual festival is a fundraiser organized by High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire. It’s one day of celebrating the grease and savory goodness of bacon alongside endless possibilities of flavors that have come to define well-crafted beer. It will also feature local restaurants and brewers to a capacity crowd that is all for a good cause. nhbaconbeer.com

Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth, June 4-August 29

The state’s most sprawling summer arts festival returns in 2022 for yet another season of world-class entertainment for the whole family. A chili cook-off has the “festival” part covered, while an impressive music and theatre roster takes care of the “arts.” In addition to weekly movie nights and a theatrical production of “Footloose” on the main stage, big-name performers this year include Josh Ritter and The Dip with Lady Wray. To avoid fighting for a spot in the first-come, first-served outdoor spaces, don’t forget to reserve a blanket or table in advance. (603) 436-2848; prescottpark.org

NH Maker Fest, Dover, June 4

This festival is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists and to scientists and chefs, the Maker & Food Fest is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects, and for you to enjoy fantastic food. 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. childrens-museum.org

Chowder Festival, Portsmouth, June 4

After a two year hiatus, Seacoast restaurants will come together again to bring you their most mouthwatering chowder recipes to compete for the Best Chowder title and take home the Golden Ladle. Music will be provided by WOKQ and there will be country entertainment on the Wilcox Industries Main Stage all day. (603) 436-2848; prescottpark.org

Market Square Day, Portsmouth, June 11

Grab your family and friends, and join other festival-goers in celebrating downtown Portsmouth. Hundreds of people will walk through Portsmouth enjoying entertainment, products, and food offered by local artists, crafters and merchants — many from the Seacoast area. Kick off the day by running (or walking) the 10K Road Race through the streets lined with festive booths and cheering crowds. (603) 433-4398; proportsmouth.org

Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, June 11-19 

You might know our local Bike Week best as a Lakes Region traffic headache, but if you’ve never stopped in for the festivities, this may be your year. The 99-year-old rally includes as much tasty food, rockin’ live tunes and interesting historical motorcycle programming as rough-and-tumble biker appeal. (603) 366-2000; laconiamcweek.com

Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, Hampton, June 16-18

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 $15,000 grand prize. Their masterpieces will be illuminated at night for an unforgettable walk down the boardwalk. hamptonbeach.org

Thomas Rhett, Gilford, June 17-18 

Pull out your cowboy boots and hat because this iconic country singer is coming to the Granite State for a weekend of “Slow Down Summer” fun. He will also be joined by Conner Smith and Parker McCollum. This is the perfect concert to kick off the summer, so don’t miss out. (603) 293-4700; banknhpavilion.com

Father’s Day Weekend Arts & Craft Festival, Deerfield, June 18-19

This fair features over 100 juried artisans 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. castleberryfairs.com

Queen City Pride Festival, Manchester, June 18

Celebrate Pride in the Queen City. There will be a variety of performers and vendors, and new this year is the Pride parade that will start at 10 a.m. on South Commercial Street and end at Arms Park. queencitypridenh.org New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event

Best of NH Party, Canterbury, June 18

If you’ll indulge us in a bit of events nepotism, we must say: This is one party you don’t want to miss. Join us for an elegant, tented party, at one of our state’s most beautiful historic sites, to celebrate all the best the state has to offer — featuring great food, drink, art, culture, history, tours, and great entertainment. Admission to the party also includes a complimentary tour of Shaker Village before the event. bestofnh.com

Concord Market Days Festival, Concord, June 23-25

Celebrate summer in the capital with this annual free fest. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy dozens of 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. (603) 226-2150; intownconcord.org

Pocket Gardens, Portsmouth, June 24-25 

The historic and charming city of Portsmouth is known for its “pocket gardens” that are tucked behind fences or hidden behind arbor vitae trees. This year, the tour will be in the neighborhood of Goodwin Park. Gardens will range from traditional and classic layouts to eclectic gardens shaped by professionals and amateurs alike, and a new native pollinator garden. (603) 380-4849; southchurch-uu.org

United States Strongman Nationals, Manchester, June 25

Watch the incredible feats of strength and national records set at 2022’s largest strongman event.The strongest amateur athletes from across the country will converge to compete in five grueling events to determine who will claim the title of National Champion. (603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com

White Mountains Triathlon, Franconia, June 25-26

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 night mountaintop Sunset Social and a post-race BBQ on Sunday afternoon. (603) 488-1186; millenniumrunning.com

Windham Pride Festival, Windham, June 26

Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is hosting their 2nd Pride Festival that supports and brings together their local LGBTQ community. Join them for an afternoon of family-friendly celebration including music, food and fun activities for all ages. Facebook