Fun things to do in Northern New England

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Maine

Maine’s Odd & Unusual Show

May 25–26 At this expo for those who like all things creepy and strange, vendors and exhibits offer crystals, taxidermy, fiber arts, metalworking, and herbal remedies. Tickets start at $10. Augusta Civic Center, Augusta.

Portland Wine Week

June 10–16 This popular event includes tastings, wine-focused meals, sailing expeditions, and discussion panels. Enjoy the culinary scene and Casco Bay’s coastal beauty while sampling quality wines from around the world. Event costs vary. Various locations, Portland.

Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance

June 23–29 Learn about Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois, Scottish, and other Celtic-influenced music and dance traditions at these daily classes and workshops. Nightly concerts are open to the public. Festival registration for students, $595 ($545 for Maine residents); concert ticket prices vary. College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor.

Houlton Agricultural Fair

July 19–21 Celebrate northern Maine’s rich agricultural legacy while enjoying food and live music. You can also enjoy motorsports, free kids games, and a draft horse show. Tickets, $10. Houlton County Park, Houlton.

The Producers

July 26–28, August 2–4 This classic theatrical comedy is some of Hollywood legend Mel Brooks’ best work. It follows a hapless producer and his accountant as they accidentally create a so-bad-it’s-good musical smash hit. Tickets, $26. Deertrees Theatre, Harrison.

Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders

August 29–31, September 1, 4–7 Cool off with the theatrical story of an icy murder that occurs during a winter carnival in 1896. Sherlock Holmes and Watson, his trusty companion, are on the case. Advance tickets start at $27, tickets at the door, $29. Lakewood Theater, Lakewood.

Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival

FREE! August 31–September 1 Celebrate Downeast’s bountiful natural resources with plenty of seafood and blueberry dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a youth fishing derby. Eastport.

Camden International Film Festival

September 12–15 Now in its 20th year, this festival spotlights international nonfiction visual storytelling, featuring more than 60 documentary films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers after most screenings. This event is an Oscar-qualifying festival for the Documentary Short Subject Award. Tickets, $10 per screening; packages are available. Various sites, Camden.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Farm, Forest & Garden Exposition

May 3–4 Celebrate farming, gardening, and forestry in New Hampshire. This expo offers workshops and exhibits for working agricultural enthusiasts, and allows the public to learn more about these industries’ history and importance. Tickets, $10. Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield.

Nashua International Sculpture Symposium

FREE! May 9–June 1 Artists create new works that the city might add to its stock of public art. Watch the craftspeople at work from May 11–30, then attend the closing event on June 1 when the art is presented. The Picker Artists building, Nashua.

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP

May 14 This gifted acoustic guitarist has an exuberant fingerpicking playing style reminiscent of Chet Atkins, who designated him as a Certified Guitar Player (CGP). With just one guitar, Emmanuel simultaneously covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitars, as well as percussion and vocal melody. Tickets start at $41. Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon.

“Of Baskets & Borers”

FREE! June 1–September 14 A summer-long exhibition explores the past, present, and future of Indigenous basketry in the White Mountains region. Topics include efforts to protect the ash trees used in this traditional craft from the invasive species that threatens them. Museum of the White Mountains, Plymouth.

Romeo & Her Sister

June 7–9, 14–16, 20–23 Uncover the true story of Charlotte Cushman, a 19th-century actress who gained fame for her portrayal of Shakespeare’s Romeo. In this play, Cushman’s stage life is disrupted by the threat that her romantic life will be revealed to the public. Tickets start at $28. New Hampshire Theatre Project, Portsmouth.

Hootie & The Blowfish

June 13 Flash back to the ’90s with this good-time rock band led by Darius Rucker, who also established a successful country music career. Collective Soul and Edwin McCain open the show to complete the nostalgia trip. Tickets start at $54. BankNH Pavilion, Gilford. The tour stops the next night in Bangor, Maine, at the Maine Savings Amphitheater.

Skeleton Crew

July 3–18 In this play, an automotive factory is on the brink of closure during a financial crisis. The workers and their families must grapple with the impact and determine how to come together as a community. Tickets start at $24. Weathervane Theatre, Whitefield.

New England Hot Sauce Fest

July 27 Not for the faint of taste buds, this spicy event features 35 hot sauce companies, along with food trucks, music, and children’s activities. Tickets start at $13. Smuttynose Brewery, Hampton.

Pride and Prejudice

August 22–31 Enjoy this theatrical production of Jane Austen’s classic “will-they-or-won’t-they” storyline in which lessons will be learned and tears will be shed. Matinee tickets start at $22.50. The Barnstormers Theatre, Tamworth.

Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

FREE! August 24–25 This longstanding show attracts artists and craftsmen from all over New England to showcase their pottery, quilts, metal sculpture, paintings, and toys. The event also includes food trucks and musical entertainment. Main Street, Meredith.

H.O.N.E. Fall Gathering

September 14–15 Established homesteaders and those who want to get back to the land can network and learn from one another at this event by the Homesteaders Of New England. You’ll find plenty of speakers, demonstrations, vendors, and food. Adults, $45 (advance only). Cheshire County Fairgrounds, Swanzey.

Vermont

Vermont Sci-Fi & Fantasy Expo

April 27–28 This family-friendly expo offers workshops, role-playing games, and ghostbusting demos, as well as panels, authors, artists, game designers, and more than 100 vendors. Cosplay is welcome but not required. Adult tickets, $20 for 1 day or $30 for 2 days. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction.

Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival

FREE! May 5 Demonstrations featuring birds, reptiles, and other critters—along with workshops, nature walks, and children’s activities—are meant to spark wonder about wildlife. Donations for admission are appreciated. Herricks Cove, Rockingham.

Stomp

May 28–May 29 Eight percussionists create captivating rhythms with everything but traditional drums. Watch them work with brooms, lighters, and giant water bottles. The show has been breaking ground in found-object music for more than 30 years. Tickets start at $35. Paramount Theatre, Rutland.

Jersey Boys

June 12–July 14 Go behind the scenes to follow the unforgettable journey of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as their legendary music fills the stage. Tickets start at $25. Weston Theater Company, Weston.

Craftsbury Antiques & Uniques

FREE! July 13 Stroll the central common to browse for antiques, art, jewelry, quilts, and pottery, as well as local and specialty foods. Now in its 51st year, this fun event will offer live music, kids activities, food trucks, and artisanal demonstrations throughout the day. Craftsbury Common, Craftsbury.

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival

August 21–25 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival showcases first-time and second-time filmmakers and will screen more than 120 feature films and shorts. Some 80 cinematic creatives will attend; many will participate in Q&A sessions. Day passes start at $40 ($28 for students). Various sites, Middlebury.

The Porch on Windy Hill

August 22–September 1 In this moving play, a biracial musician flees Brooklyn to rural North Carolina with her boyfriend. As she and her neighbors bond over Appalachia’s rich musical tradition, she begins an unexpected journey to confront the pain of her past. Tickets start at $25. Weston Theater Company at Walker Farm, Weston.

Goth Babe

September 1 Goth Babe is the stage name of Griff Washburn, a musician who specializes in hard-to-categorize good-vibe-surf-pop-electronica music. Tickets start at $50.50. Shelburne Museum, Shelburne.

SIPtemberfest

September 14 “The Best Little Beer Fest in Vermont” features around 2 dozen brewers and caps tickets to 800, so the lines are never too long. This family-friendly affair has good food, live music, fun activities, and even a chance to adopt a dog. Adults, $55 ($5 for kids and designated drivers). Mad River Glen, Fayston.

Confirm hours and availability of businesses, attractions, and events before you visit. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.