Your Guide to New Hampshire Fairs & Festivals in 2026
New Hampshire packs a remarkable amount of fair tradition into a relatively small state. From the White Mountains down to the seacoast, there's a fair, festival, or agricultural show worth driving to almost every weekend from June through October. And if you've never been to a classic New England agricultural fair, New Hampshire is a great place to start.
Here's everything you need to know about the NH fair circuit in 2026.
Photo by Richard King on Pexels
2026 New Hampshire Fair Schedule — What's Still Ahead
These are the confirmed dates for every major New Hampshire fair still to come this season, in calendar order.
| Fair | 2026 Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Hopkinton State Fair | September 3–7 | Contoocook |
| Lancaster Fair | September 3–7 | Lancaster |
| Gunstock Labor Day Craft Fair | September 5–6 | Gilford |
| Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair | September 11–13 | New Boston |
| Hampton Beach Seafood Festival | September 11–13 | Hampton |
| Granite State Fair | September — dates projected | Rochester |
| NH Highland Games & Festival | September 18–20 | Lincoln |
| Deerfield Fair | October 1–4 | Deerfield |
| Sandwich Fair | October 10–12 | Center Sandwich |
⚠️ Granite State Fair is the one to double-check. Our listing projects two September weekends, but those dates are pending the fair's official schedule announcement — confirm before you travel.
Fairs earlier in the 2026 season — Cheshire Fair, North Haverhill Fair, Stratham 4-H Summerfest, Belknap County 4-H Fair and the NH Sheep and Wool Festival — have already run for the year.
What Makes New Hampshire Fairs Special
New Hampshire has a deep agricultural heritage, and it shows at fair time. The state's fairs aren't just entertainment events — many of them are run by agricultural societies that have been around for 150 years or more. That continuity gives them a character you don't find at traveling carnivals or pop-up festivals.
What you'll typically find at a New Hampshire fair:
- Livestock competitions — cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and rabbits shown by local 4-H kids and adult exhibitors
- Draft horse and oxen competitions — pulling contests that draw serious crowds
- Harness racing — a New England fair staple, especially at the larger venues
- Midway rides and games — the classic fair experience
- Agricultural and horticultural exhibits — giant pumpkins, prize vegetables, handmade quilts, jams, and more
- Local food vendors — fried dough, kettle corn, lobster rolls, and all the fair food you'd expect
- Live entertainment — local bands, demolition derbies, and tractor pulls
The Major New Hampshire Fairs
Deerfield Fair — October 1–4
One of the oldest and best-loved fairs in the state. Deerfield Fair runs four days and draws visitors from across New England. The livestock shows are excellent, and the fair has a wonderful old-time atmosphere. If you can only go to one NH fair this year, this is the one to pick. For a full visitor's rundown, see our Deerfield Fair 2026 visitor's guide.
Hopkinton State Fair — September 3–7
Held over Labor Day weekend at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Contoocook, Hopkinton State Fair is one of the larger state fairs in New Hampshire. Strong agricultural programming, a full midway, live entertainment, and a great family atmosphere across five days.
Sandwich Fair — October 10–12
Held over Columbus Day weekend in the Lakes Region town of Sandwich, Sandwich Fair is one of those fairs that feels completely unchanged from 50 years ago — in the best way. It's a Columbus Day weekend tradition for many New Hampshire families, and it lands squarely in peak Lakes Region foliage. For a deeper dive, see our complete Sandwich Fair guide.
Granite State Fair — September, Rochester
If you have been searching for the Rochester Fair, this is it — Granite State Fair is the same fair under a new name, at the Rochester Fairgrounds. It runs across two September weekends with livestock shows, a midway, a demolition derby, motorsports and grandstand entertainment. 2026 dates are projected pending the fair's official announcement — check before you go.
Lancaster Fair — September 3–7
Up in the North Country near the White Mountains, Lancaster Fair is a beloved institution in Coos County. It's more off the beaten path than the southern fairs, but that's part of the appeal — it draws a true local crowd and has a genuinely authentic feel. Also Labor Day weekend, so it competes directly with Hopkinton.
Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair — September 11–13
A solid fair with strong agricultural programming and good community energy in New Boston. Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair is a great way to experience a regional NH fair.
Specialty Shows Worth Knowing About
Beyond the traditional agricultural fairs, New Hampshire hosts a number of specialty events:
NH Highland Games & Festival — September 18–20 in Lincoln, the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast. Our visitor's guide has the details.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival — September 11–13 on the seacoast.
League of NH Craftsmen Fair — the oldest continuously operating craft fair in the United States, held each August at Mount Sunapee. See our complete guide.
NH Sheep and Wool Festival — one of the best fiber arts festivals in New England, held in spring in Deerfield. Our complete fiber festival guide has everything you need for next year.
For craft fairs specifically, see our New Hampshire craft fair guide, the Lakes Region and Gunstock circuit, and the Mt Washington Valley circuit.
Tips for Visiting a New Hampshire Fair
Get the schedule in advance. The big-draw events at any fair — ox pulls, harness racing, demo derbies — happen at specific times. Know when they are before you go.
Parking is usually a bit of a hike. Bring comfortable shoes and budget extra time to walk from the car to the grounds.
Bring cash for the midway and food vendors. Card acceptance is improving, but cash is still king at most fair food stands.
Go early for the animals, late for the lights. Morning is the best time to watch livestock judging and see the animals when they're calm. Evening is when the midway really comes alive.
Watch the Labor Day collision. Hopkinton and Lancaster both run September 3–7. They are two and a half hours apart, so you are picking one.
Check for rain. New Hampshire weather in fall can be unpredictable. Most fairs happen rain or shine, but a dry day is a much better experience.
For planning a multi-state fair adventure, check out our New England fair road trip guide.
FAQ: New Hampshire Fairs & Festivals
What is the 2026 New Hampshire fair schedule? The major fairs still ahead are Hopkinton State Fair and Lancaster Fair (both September 3–7), Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair (September 11–13), Granite State Fair (September, dates projected), Deerfield Fair (October 1–4) and Sandwich Fair (October 10–12).
When is fair season in New Hampshire? New Hampshire's fair season runs from June through October, with major fairs concentrated in August and September. The Deerfield Fair (October 1–4) and Sandwich Fair (October 10–12) close out the season.
What's the biggest fair in New Hampshire? The Hopkinton State Fair is New Hampshire's largest in terms of attendance and duration, while the Deerfield Fair is the most iconic and beloved. Both run for multiple days with strong agricultural programming and entertainment.
Which fair is best for first-time visitors? Deerfield Fair is the most representative of what makes NH fairs special — it has all the elements (livestock, entertainment, food, rides) in a manageable size. Hopkinton State Fair is larger and also excellent for first-timers. Sandwich Fair is best if you want an ultra-authentic, old-fashioned agricultural experience.
What's the best day to visit? Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you can visit on a Thursday or Friday, you'll enjoy shorter lines and more relaxed crowds.
How much is admission? Prices vary by fair. Check individual fair websites for current 2026 pricing.
Find New Hampshire Fairs Near You
Meet Me at the Fair lists fairs, festivals, and events across New Hampshire and all of New England. Search by location or date to find what's happening near you this season. For a broader look at the entire New England fair season, check out our New England Fair Season 2026 guide.
More State Fair Guides
- Your Complete Guide to Maine Fairs & Festivals in 2026
- Vermont Agricultural Fairs 2026
- Massachusetts Fairs and Festivals in 2026
- Connecticut Fairs and Festivals 2026
- Rhode Island Fairs and Festivals 2026
- New England Fair Season 2026: Your Master Guide
Last updated: August 2026
