There’s something undeniably magical about autumn in New Hampshire — the crisp air, fiery foliage, and cozy traditions all combine to make it one of the best places in the U.S. to savor fall. Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for festive weekend ideas, here are five fall festivals in New Hampshire that capture the spirit of the season — plus a few reflections on why New Hampshire is a fall-lover’s dream.
🍂 Five Fall Festivals in New Hampshire
1. NH Pumpkin Festival (Laconia)
This festival is a spectacular celebration of all things pumpkin — think giant jack-o’-lanterns, carving competitions, spooky evening events, local food, live music, and family-friendly attractions.
Over time, the festival has become a fall staple in the Lakes Region, with the community coming together in creativity and celebration.
2. Warner Fall Foliage Festival (Warner)
Held each Columbus Day weekend, this long-running festival (78th edition in 2025) features artisan markets, carnival rides, local food vendors, music, and activities that support local nonprofits and nonprofits in the area.
3. Milford Pumpkin Festival (Milford)
Also tied to the Columbus Day weekend, this free festival in downtown Milford offers a festive atmosphere, pumpkin-themed activities, and local entertainment.
4. Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (Hampton)
While seafood festivals aren’t strictly “autumn” in the foliage sense, this annual late-summer / early fall gathering draws locals and visitors with fresh coastal fare, artisan booths, music, and chef demos — a fun way to blend seaside vibes with seasonal spirit. This festival is in early September--so plan it for next year!
5. White Mountain Oktoberfest (Loon Mountain, Lincoln area)
Celebrate fall in Bavarian style amid the mountains. Enjoy German beers, live music, traditional food, and the vibrant backdrop of autumn foliage.
Bonus: in the Mt. Washington Valley region, there’s a Fall Craft Fair in early October featuring over 100 artisans, live music, and local eats.
🍁 Why New Hampshire Is a Fantastic Place in Fall
1. Spectacular Foliage
New Hampshire’s forests burst into color from late September through early October, especially in the White Mountains, along the Kancamagus Highway, and in the Great North Woods.
Because elevation and latitude vary so much across the state, you can often chase the “peak color wave” from north to south.
2. Scenic Drives & Outdoor Access
Route 112 (the Kancamagus Highway) is legendary for its uninterrupted swaths of trees and overlooks.
Also, many state parks, notches, and trails are easily accessible, making leaf-peeping a natural part of any road trip or hike.
3. Quaint Towns & Local Character
From covered bridges and historic Main Streets to farm stands and cider mills, New Hampshire offers charming stops along the way. The festivals themselves often highlight local artisans, small farms, and food producers.
4. Seasonal Traditions & Community Spirit
Fall in NH is steeped in tradition: pumpkin carving, community festivals, Oktoberfests, craft fairs, and so on. These events draw communities together and give a festive feel to otherwise quiet towns.
5. Accessibility & Variety
Because New Hampshire is relatively small and well traversed by roads, you can experience both mountains and lakes, coastal areas and forests, all in one trip — and pack in multiple fall experiences in a few days.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you want a fall getaway that offers both natural beauty and lively, local charm, New Hampshire is tough to beat. Whether you’re wandering pumpkin-lit streets in Laconia, sipping a cold German brew in Lincoln, or cruising the Kancamagus with a cider donut in hand, the Granite State in autumn delivers.
If you need help planning a trip to NH, just reach out-I would be happy to help! Thinking of moving to the Granite State? Give me a call and let's get started!
