Spring and Summer in the 603: 25 Must-Do Events for April, May, and June 2026
As the snow finally retreats and the Granite State begins to bloom, there’s a palpable energy in the air. Whether you’re a long-time resident or looking to plant roots here, New Hampshire truly shines in the spring. From the lakes to the peaks, the next three months are packed with festivals, outdoor adventures, and world-class entertainment.
Here are 25 upcoming things to do in New Hampshire that should be on your radar:
April: Waking Up from Winter
* 1. Waterfall Season: With the snow melting in the White Mountains, April is the peak time to see Diana’s Baths or Arethusa Falls at their most thunderous.
* 2. League of NH Craftsmen Exhibition (Littleton): Visit the "Beauty of Mud" fine craft pottery exhibition, running daily through April 30.
* 3. Dueling Pianos at The Flying Monkey (Plymouth): Catch Jim Tyrrell and Julia Chisholm for a high-energy night of musical requests on April 18.
* 4. Fish and Game Award Presentations (Concord): On April 21, head to the Fish and Game Headquarters to celebrate the local conservation efforts that keep our state wild and beautiful.
* 5. The Spinners at The Music Hall (Portsmouth): Enjoy some classic soul on April 24 at one of the state's most historic and stunning theaters.
* 6. Flora and Flame Gallery Opening (Newmarket): Celebrate local art and community on April 24 at the Newmarket Millspace.
* 7. Spring Garden Prep: Now is the time to prep those raised beds! Before the May planting rush, get your soil tested and clear out the winter debris.
* 8. Tax-Free Shopping in North Conway: Take advantage of the "shoulder season" crowds and hit the Settlers Green outlets for some spring wardrobe updates.
May: Flowers, Food, and First Pitches
* 9. Catch a Fisher Cats Game (Manchester): May is prime time for minor league baseball at Delta Dental Stadium. Grab a Fenway Frank and enjoy the sunset over the Merrimack River.
* 10. Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" Tribute (Portsmouth): On May 15, local teaching artists perform this jazz masterpiece at The Music Hall Lounge.
* 11. Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA (Portsmouth): Get your disco fix on May 17 with this world-class tribute show.
* 12. Luke Bryan at BankNH Pavilion (Gilford): Country music season kicks off in a big way on May 29 and 30 at one of the best outdoor venues in the country.
* 13. NH State Parks Opening: Most state parks fully open their facilities by mid-May. It’s the best time to hike Mount Monadnock before the summer humidity sets in.
* 14. Lilac & Wildflower Viewing: Keep an eye out for the purple lilac—our state flower—which usually peaks mid-to-late May, filling the air with that classic NH scent.
* 15. Memorial Day Parades: From Manchester to Portsmouth, honor our veterans at various local community parades on May 25.
* 16. Berry Planting: Late May is the ideal window to get your strawberry and blueberry plants into the ground for a summer harvest.
* 17. College Baseball Action: Catch a high-stakes game at one of our local universities; spring is the heart of the NCAA season, and the talent in the region is top-tier.
June: The Start of the Lake Season
* 18. Market Square Day (Portsmouth): A massive street festival celebrating the renovation and history of downtown Portsmouth on June 13.
* 19. Dark Star Orchestra (Gilford): For the Grateful Dead fans, catch this legendary tribute act at BankNH Pavilion on June 11.
* 20. Darius Rucker (Gilford): Nothing says June like some outdoor country music on June 13.
* 21. Jack Johnson (Gilford): Relax with his "Surfilmusic" tour on June 19—perfect vibes for a NH summer night.
* 22. James Taylor at BankNH Pavilion: A New England legend returns to his roots on June 20.
* 23. Jelly Roll (Gilford): Catch one of the hottest names in music right now on June 21.
* 24. Mount Washington Cog Railway: June offers the best chance for clear views from the summit. Take a ride on the world's first mountain-climbing cog for a true bucket-list experience.
* 25. Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic: Late June brings world-class artists to our seacoast for the annual sand sculpting competition. It’s truly incredible what they can build!
Looking to make a move this spring? The New Hampshire real estate market is moving as fast as the season. Whether you’re looking for a lakeside retreat or a home in the heart of Manchester, I'm here to help you navigate the journey. Stay tuned for more local insights!
