The 9 Best Events Happening in September

No snow? No problem. Head to Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson for a unique tour of the White Mountains. Photo by Sarah Miller – Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

1.  Lancaster Farmers Market, Lancaster, weekends through October

Shop from seasonal vegetables and fruit, meats, grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, poultry (chicken and duck), fresh-cut fish, eggs, milk, baked goods, crafts, baking mixes, spices and more. Make sure you check out their website for safety protocols before you go. lancasterfarmersmarket.org

Check out our full NH farmers market list here.

2.  Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel Cart Tour, Jefferson, September 1-3

Who says dog sledding adventures are just for winter? Jump on a rolling dog sled and pick from a 2- or 5-mile cart tour through the picturesque White Mountains. Each tour includes time with your sled dogs and an unforgettable hands-on experience. (603) 545-4533; dogslednh.com

3.  Gunstock Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair, Gilford, September 5-6

This free fair features over 90 exhibitors displaying their fine jewelry, primitive crafts, country and contemporary décor, functional and decorative pottery, gourmet foods, glass art, fine art, textile arts, quilts, wood turned crafts, furniture and more. There will also be live music to enjoy while you are walking around (socially distanced, of course). joycescraftshows.com

4. The Tupelo Drive-In Experience: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Derry, September 5-6

If you are looking for a fun, unique outdoor music experience, head to the Tupelo Drive-In Music Hall, where you can sit in your car and listen to the show broadcast through the Derry FM station as a socially distanced concert. Since every other parking spot will be empty, you can also bring a lawn chair and sit in the empty spot next to the driver’s side and listen to the band or artist who will be playing on the riser. Concertgoers can also enjoy food delivered to their car by golf cart if it is ordered ahead of time, or they can hang out at the outdoor dining tent. This weekend, enjoy music from the Dave Matthews Tribute Band. tupelomusichall.com

5. Pocket Gardens Tour of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, September 11-12

The 31st Portsmouth Pocket Garden Tour lets you relish never-before-seen gardens tucked in a 150-year-old neighborhood. Grab your mask and visit gardens with flowers, herbs and vegetables mixed in a practical and pleasing whirl, listen to music wafting on the breeze, and enjoy a relaxing 90-minute stroll through town. southchurch-uu.org/what-we-offer/pocket-garden-tour/

6. Virtual River Valley Artisans Art & Wine Tour, online, September 12-13

Just because this annual event is virtual this year doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all of the fun. You will still be able to scroll through displays of various paintings by local artists from the comfort of your own home. There will be oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, photography, jewelry, fiber art and woodware, among other handmade items. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of wine inspired by their sponsored wine list to enjoy while you shop. rivervalleyartisans.com

7. Stargazing with the NH Astronomical Society, Moultonborough, September 21

Bring family and friends to learn about the wonders of the night sky in a talk at the Carriage House at Castle in the Clouds, then make your way to the field by Shannon Pond to get a chance to use a telescope to view the stars, constellations and more. While stargazing you’ll locate constellations and learn about stars and planets in our night sky. (603) 476-5900; castleintheclouds.org

8. Music in the Gardens – Symphony NH at Beaver Brook, Hollis, September 26

Bring your own chair and picnic dinner and enjoy a night in the gardens while you listen to string quartet music. The gardens will open up at 4 p.m. and music will be from 5-6 p.m. beaverbrook.org

9. Al Di Meola – Across the Universe Legacy and Record Release Tour 2020, Plymouth, September 26

During a 40-plus year career marked by hugely influential recordings and worldwide tours, Di Meola has regenerated the jazz idiom three times over while dedicating himself to his art. And at age 62, this guitar hero seems inspired to begin a new chapter in his career with the release of “Elysium.” Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear more from this world music and jazz pioneer. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

Market Square Day, Portsmouth, September 18

Grab your family and friends, and join the celebration downtown Portsmouth. You will be able to walk through Portsmouth and enjoy entertainment, products, and food offered by local artists, crafters and merchants — many from the Seacoast area. Kick off the day by running (or walking) the 10K Road Race through the streets lined with festive booths and cheering crowds. proportsmouth.org