The Best Events Happening in September

The Deerfield Fair is back for another weekend of fun from September 30-October 3.

“It Had To Be You,” Meredith, September 1-18

Set to the music of two of America’s iconic songwriters of the early 20th century, the story tells the tale of the loves and losses of three women from high school graduation in 1916 through the Great War, the Roaring Twenties and the Depression era. Relive hits from the Great American Songbook set to an exciting new story. (603) 279-0333; winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org

Hopkinton State Fair, Contoocook, September 2-6

What’s Labor Day without a trip to the crowd-favorite Hopkinton State Fair? Enjoy five days of delicious fair food, friendly animals, an exciting monster truck rally and demolition derby, thrilling carnival rides and much more. hsfair.org

31st Annual Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair at the Bay, Alton Bay, September 4-6

Celebrate summer by attending this crafty event. The Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront will come alive with color, flavor and music. Over 75 artisans from around New England will display and sell their handmade arts and crafts. (603) 332-2616; castleberryfairs.com

Wingzilla/Ribzilla, Berlin, September 11

This annual food and fun fest features a chicken wing cook-off and a Hawaiian- themed ATV poker run, among other festivities. If you’re up for a particular brand of torture, sign on for Killazilla, a competition to see who can snarf down the most blazing hot wings. androscogginvalleychamber.com/wingzilla

Raptor Migration Celebration, Holderness, September 11

Saturday, September 11, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.)

Fall is a season of transition and many animals are on the move to wintering grounds. Visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and see migratory raptors at trailside Pop Up Animal Encounters throughout the day. Learn where local raptor species go each winter, how long it takes them to get there, and when and why they return. nhnature.org

The Machine performs Pink Floyd, Plymouth, September 11

The Machine has forged a 30-year reputation for extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, selling out theaters, premier showcase rooms and casinos across North America, Europe and Asia, performing at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend and Gathering of the Vibes, and sharing the stage with full symphony orchestras, including the Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Charlotte and San Diego symphonies, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic. The New York-based quartet performs a diverse mix of The Floyd’s extensive 16-album repertoire, complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems. With stellar musicianship and passionate delivery, The Machine explores collective improvisation rivaling that of an early 1970s Pink Floyd. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

NH Highland Games & Festival, Lincoln, September 17-19

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. Though things will be a bit different this year (advanced tickets are required, and no tickets will be sold onsite), you can still expect to enjoy athletic feats of strength and endurance, Celtic music, sheep dog trials and more.  (603) 229-1975; nhscot.org

Claremont Brewfest: Battle of the Brews, Claremont, September 18

This is a combo brewfest and 5K race held by the Kiwanis Club of Claremont. Sample beers from more than 30 New England breweries and vote for your favorite. claremontbrewfest.com

NH Maker & Food Fest, Dover, September 18

This annual event is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to chefs, the Maker & Food Fest is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments and projects, and for everyone to enjoy fantastic food. New this year, participating Makers can submit online content either in addition to or instead of attending the Fest in person. These videos, photos, blogs, etc. will be shared on CMNH’s social media in the weeks leading up to the Fest, and exclusive content will be available online for two weeks after. (603) 742-2002; childrens-museum.org

Fall Equinox Fest, Exeter, September 18

Celebrate the final days of summer and welcome in the first days of fall with this fun festival. It takes place at Swasey Parkway and features some of the Seacoast’s finest artistic
and musical talent, as well as cultural exhibits and local food. There will also be yoga, dance performances, activities for kids and hooping. (603) 512-8396; teamexeter.com

20th Annual Lake Sunapee Chowder/Chili Challenge, Sunapee, September 26

This Sunapee PTA fundraiser used to be a solely chowder-based enterprise, but it added chili in the last couple of years and now splits the competition between the two dishes. Taste the offerings from local pros (past contestants include Suna and Peter Christian’s Tavern) and cast your vote — People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice honors are awarded in addition to the judges’ picks. Facebook

4th Annual Beer & Chili Tasting Festival, Moultonborough, September 26

Join the team at the Castle in the Clouds for their tasting festival. With a hint of fall foliage and the spirit of Oktoberfest in the air, enjoy three hours of tasting, mingling and music in their fields. Relax in the vista, take in the views, and let that delicious chili and beer settle. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by September 25, so be sure to reserve yours soon so that you can sample beer and chili from local restaurants throughout the state. (603) 476-5900; castleintheclouds.org

Deerfield Fair, Deerfield, September 30-October 3

Apple crisp, fried dough, carousel rides and horse pulls must mean that the Deerfield Fair is back in town. New England’s oldest fair is back with all of your traditional activities and attractions like amusement rides, annual horse show and more. (603) 463-3064; deerfieldfair.com