The Best Events on the Water This August
Our favorite lake and oceanfront events
“Along the Coast” Art Show
June 30- August 27, Exeter
Bring the ocean inside at this themed exhibit from the Seacoast Artist Association. Browse paintings by a number of SAA member artists that explore nautical elements and scenes of New Hampshire’s beaches and seaside towns, or hobnob at the “Along the Coast” opening reception (8/5). Free. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m., Seacoast Artist Association Gallery, 130 Water St., Exeter. (603) 778-8856; seacoastartist.org
Lake Wentworth Sailing Regatta
August 6, Wolfeboro
The New Hampshire Boat Museum has lots of watery events on the schedule this month, from boat building classes to the classic Alton Bay Boat Show (8/13) and Annual Boathouse Tour (8/11), but we like the looks of this family-friendly boat race. Sailors of all ages and skill levels are welcome to compete (a few boats will be available for use if you don’t have your own), but if you’d rather spectate from the safety of dry land, then that’s fine too. Awards and a potluck-style meal will follow the competition. Free. 2-4 p.m., Albee Beach, Wolfeboro. (603) 569-4554; nhbm.org
Evening by the Sea
August 7, Rye
Enjoy waterfront views for a good cause at this seaside gala. Benefiting Seacoast-based charity My Breast Cancer Support, the Evening by the Sea promises hors d’oeuvres, desserts and complimentary champagne to accompany a night of music, raffles, silent auctions and even a photo booth and caricaturist on hand to help you remember the event forever. $75. 5-8 p.m., Wentworth By The Sea Country Club, 60 Wentworth Rd., Rye. ebts.mybreastcancersupport.org
Hampton Beach Children’s Festival
August 15-19, Hampton
You can’t spend a summer on the water in New Hampshire without visiting Hampton Beach, but visitors with little water-lovers in tow should make a point of visiting during this special week. Enjoy magic from BJ Hickman, free ice cream, mini golf, and the main event, the Giant Costume Parade on the beach on Friday. Free. Times vary, Hampton Beach. (603) 926-8717; hamptonbeach.org
Granite Man Triathlon
August 20, Wolfeboro
For those who’d rather be in the water than on it, three triathlons across the state this month offer the opportunity to flex your swimming muscles (and the rest of your muscles too). You could try Lake Sunapee’s Hospital Days Triathlon (8/7) or the punishing Half Ironman (8/21) in Gilford with its 56-mile bike race, half-marathon run and 1.2-mile swim, but we like this compromise. The Granite Man starts and ends on Carry Beach and includes a ¾-mile Lake Winnipesaukee swim in its moderate racecourse. $40. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Carry Beach, Forest Road, Wolfeboro. (603) 569-5639; wolfeboronh.us
