The Best Events Happening in September

Don’t miss the NHSCOT Annual Highland Games & Festival, happening in Lincoln on September 18-20, 2026

September 3- 7
Exeter UFO Festival

This festival is out of this world! Celebrate all things extra-terrestrial at this weekend long festival featuring keynote speakers, food, games, parades and so much more! As always, the Exeter UFO Festival coincides with Labor Day weekend and the anniversary of the famous “Incident at Exeter.”  On September 3rd, 1965, 18-year-old Norman Muscarello reported to the Exeter Police his sighting of an unidentified flying object behind a barn in Kensington. As the Exeter police investigated the site, they too witnessed the object hovering where Muscarello had seen it. Headlines across the nation covered the story, and the rest became history as police and investigators nationwide sought to determine what young Muscarello observed that night. Weekend long; exeterufofestival.com

September 3- 7
Lancaster Fair

Looking for the largest fun-filled family event in the Great North Woods of NH? Look no further! The undisputed event of the summer is the Lancaster Fair, which has been open for 154 years in succession! The Labor Day week extravaganza spotlights agriculture activities, a large midway, 4-H exhibits, diverse musical entertainment and motorized competitions (pulling events and the ever-popular Demolition Derby). The grounds also boast wide clean midways and free parking. From one end of the 65-acre compound straddling Route 3 to the other, the fair sprawls out for six days of camping, relaxation, and honky-tonk atmosphere capping another North Country summer. Ticket prices and times vary, 516 Main St., Lancaster; lanasterfair.com

September 3-7
Hopkinton State Fair

Welcome to the Hopkinton State Fair, New Hampshire’s premier family-friendly event, celebrating the best of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling Midway rides, live music, delicious food, and exciting competitions like the Demolition Derby Grandstand Show. Explore our rich history, discover local artisans, and enjoy a variety of attractions for all ages, including world-famous performances by Disc Dogs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the Hopkinton State Fair offers something for everyone. Plan your visit today, buy your tickets online, and be part of this time-honored tradition that has brought joy to generations! Prices vary. Thursday 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hopkinton Fair Grounds, 392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook. hsfair.org.

September 5-6
Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair

Come and celebrate at the Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair! There will be over 100 awesome artists and crafters displaying a variety of media.  Some of the arts & crafts will include amazing laser wood crafts, awesome chainsaw wood creations with live demos by Elise, gourmet oils & vinegars, delicious scones & whoopie pies, beautiful jewelry designs, awesome wildlife photography, handsome inlaid mirrors & other marquetry, ceramics, fiber arts, quilts, gourmet food items, handcrafted wooden spoons, beautiful hand painted wood/slate/glass, kettle corn, handsome dog collars & leashes, hand poured soaps & essential oils, American wooden flags & lots more! 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Free, Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Rte. 11A, Gilford; joycescraftshows.com

September 9 and 18
Fox Cottage Farm Dahlia Events

This season, when the dahlias are at their most extravagant, head to Bird Dog Cider in Greenland for two events unlike any other. On September 9, The Bloom Effect will bring together five people who have built their lives around flowers, farming and beauty to talk about the sustaining power of the natural world. On September 18, grab some friends and pull up a chair at The Dahlia Table for a multi-course meal made to match the setting, with a cider pairing thoughtfully chosen to match every course. Keep an eye on Fox Cottage Farm’s website for other events and workshops throughout the season! Prices and times vary. foxcottagefarm.com. NH Magazine is a proud sponsor of these events.

September 11-13
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Sendoff summer with a bang at the 37th annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival! With over 50 local food vendors located up and down the boulevard, make sure to bring your appetite. Get ready to “Rock ‘n’ (Lobster) Roll” with a weekend-long lineup of music and live entertainment at two music stages. With a 5k, a Lobster Roll Eating Concert and so much more, this is a beach weekend you won’t want to miss. Prices vary. Ocean Blvd., Hampton. seafoodfestivalnh.com

September 11-13
68^th Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair

Enjoy one of New Hampshire’s oldest agricultural fairs! With dazzling exhibitions, an exhilarating midway games and fair classics (like pony rides and tractor pulling), this is a fall favorite you won’t want to miss! $4-$25, Friday, 12 p.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

September 12
Auburn Old Home and 33^rd Annual Duck Day

Thousands gather each September, in the lovely town of Auburn, for a fun-filled family event hosted by the Auburn Historical Association. The Duck Race is the main attraction with prizes for the 10 fastest ducks, including a top prize of $1,000! There will be food trucks, vendors, local artisans and authors, a small petting farm, an Apple Pie Contest, Cookie Contest, music by Ray Zerkle, traditional craft demonstrations, a parade and much more! Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Auburn Village, Hooksett Road, Auburn. auburnhistorical.org

September 12
Blues Brothers Next Generation

The Blues Brothers the Next Generation bring their high-energy 11-piece band to the Rockingham Ballroom for a night of classic soul, R&B, blues, and dance-floor favorites. Capturing the music, humor, and larger-than-life spirit of Jake, Elwood, and Brother Zee, this crowd-pleasing tribute is as much fun to dance to as it is to watch. Audience participation is encouraged, so grab your shades, hit the dance floor, and get ready to shake your tail feather all night long! 8 p.m.- 10: 30 p.m., Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of the show, Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Rd. Newmarket; rockinballroom.club

September 18- 20
New Hampshire Highland Games

Heading north for this beloved fest, you could almost convince yourself that the mountains on the horizon are the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands — and once you hear the bagpipes and spot the sea of tartan on the festival grounds, you’ll really start believing it. Now in its 51st year, this three-day celebration will include heavy athletics, dancing, music and art, food and more! Prices vary. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Loon Mountain Ski Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. (603) 229-1975; nhscot.org

September 19
Manchester Brewfest
Enjoy more than 25 breweries serving up samples of delicious beer, mead and seltzer all along the Merrimack River at Arms Park in downtown Manchester, while supporting a good cause. This year’s event will benefit The Moore Center. $20-60, Arms Park, Manchester; manchesterbrewfest.com

September 19
Claremont Brewfest
Celebrate 12 years of beers at the combo brewfest and 5K race held by the Kiwanis Club of Claremont, where attendees can sample beers from more than 30 New England breweries and vote for your favorite. $10-$50. The VIP hour is from 12 to 1 p.m., with general admission from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitor’s Center Green, 14 North St., Claremont. claremontbrewfest.com

September 19- 20
Hampton Falls Craft Festival

For an 18th year, the Hampton Falls Town Common will come alive with music, food and fun as over 75 Juried artisans from all over New England will display and sell their American made works. Free. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday. Town Common (4 Lincoln Ave.), Hampton Falls. castleberryfairs.com

September 19-20
Granite State Comic Con
New Hampshire’s premier comic and pop culture festival returns for its 23rd year. Drop on by the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown in Manchester to unite over your most ecstatic fandom, whether that’s listening to guest speakers like actors Lou Diamond Phillips, Felicia Day and Khary Payton or gaming creator Sarah Dahlinger, or digging the vendors and exhibitors set up in the hotel’s Expo and Armory areas. Prices vary. Friday, 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. DoubleTree Hilton, Manchester. granitecon.com