The Upper Valley hosts a wide variety of annual festivals and events. Whether you hit up a local farmers' market, a food truck festival, or agricultural fair to take in the traditions of livestock shows, live entertainment, and fried dough, or you sign up for a half marathon to raise funds for a cause, you are bound to have fun, enjoy the beauty of the area and meet new friends along the way!
White River Indie Film Festival (WRIF) - February, Valentine's Day Weekend
White River Junction, VT
Festivals & Events
Founded in 2004, White River Indie Films was created by a small group of film lovers who wanted to bring works from outside the mainstream to an appreciative audience. From the beginning, our focus was on screening issue-oriented films, hosting discussions, and partnering with community organizations with the goal of inspiring change. Alongside this mission was the aim of bringing filmmakers and audiences together to enjoy groundbreaking, provocative, entertaining cinema.
Dartmouth College Winter Carnival- February
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Festivals & Events
Description: Dartmouth College's Winter Carnival features outdoor winter activities such as ice sculptures, skating and skiiing exhibitions and competitions and other activities. Many activities are open to the public.
Maple Month in NH & VT - March
Festival & Events, Local Flavor
Description: Maple sugar open houses in the Upper Valley generally happen in March. Sugar makers may hold their own individual events, deals, and promotions throughout the sugaring season. Keep an eye out for new details posted to the links below.
Vermont Maple Month
New Hampshire Maple Month
Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival - June
Quechee, VT
Festivals & Events
Description: the skies over Quechee and the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire will be filled with hot air balloons ushering in the annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England.
Food Truck Festival - June
Lebanon, NH
Festival & Events
Description: Enjoy food from a variety of New England food trucks and prepared food vendors, drinks from Salt hill Pub, and musical entertainment!
The Prouty - July
Festivals & Events
Description: The Prouty is a sponsored athletic event that raises funds for cancer research. Run, bike, walk, swim and take part in many other activities to help end cancer.
Norwich Fair - July
Norwich, VT
Festival & Events
Description: Family-friendly summer fun with rides and attractions presented by the Norwich Lions Club for patrons of all ages.
Link: The Norwich Lions Club
NEXUS Music And Arts Festival - August
Lebanon, NH
Festival & Events, Local Flavor
Description: FREE outdoor festival takes place throughout downtown Lebanon and features live music—including reggae, blues, rock, folk, jazz, West African, and bluegrass—on three stages.
Cornish Fair- August
Cornish, NH
Festivals & Events
Description: The Cornish Fair features live entertainment, rides, fresh food, and other attractions. More Info.
Lebanon Rotary BrewFest - Labor Day Weekend
BrewFest is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH. Over 80 beer vendors, live music and games. The funds raised are used to support our local non-profit organizations and to support the youth in the community. More Info.
Tunbridge World’s Fair - September
Tunbridge, VT
Festivals & Events
Description: The Tunbridge World's Fair features a wide array of rides and attractions.
Link: http://www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com/schedules/fair/
LebFest - third Saturday in September
Lebanon, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Festivals & Events
Description: LebFest is a free celebration of Lebanon area community in Colburn Park. Enjoy food from local food trucks, music, family activities, raffles and more! This event is hosted by Upper Valley Business Alliance and co-hosted by Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks.
Link: https://lebanonnh.gov/1534/LebFest
The CHaD Hero Half Marathon - October
Festivals & Events
Description: The CHaD HERO is the premier fundraising and athletic event benefiting CHaD, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Starting in 2006 as just a half marathon run, it has grown to also include a competitive 5K run, Cam's Course 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K walk, a 5 mile hike, a 25 or 50 mile bike ride, and a Virtual Quest where participants can complete their own unique activity and support CHaD from anywhere in the world. There is something for everyone, everywhere!
Christmas Revels - December
Festival & Events, December
Description: The Christmas Revels, a beloved Upper Valley tradition for the whole family, is presented annually by Revels North. Celebrate the holiday season and the turning of the year with singing, dancing, and traditions that span the centuries and the globe.
Link: http://revelsnorth.org/christmas-revels/