Looking for the coolest and best music festivals in New Hampshire in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to New Hampshire Festivals that are guaranteed to impress.
As the center of the American Revolution and the first state to declare independence from England, New Hampshire is rich in history and culture. Although a relatively smaller state in a rather attractive location, New Hampshire has convenient access to lakes, beaches, and mountains. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and just about anyone with eyes to admire the breathtaking vistas seen within this gem of a state.
Thanks to New Hampshire’s ideal positioning, the state is an excellent location for a music festival surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of mountains and valleys. The historically significant background of the state strengthens the sense of community within New Hampshire, its great music festivals celebrating music, culture, talent, and the bonds between people in a superb setting.
Also, be sure to read my guides to the Best Music Festivals USA, Country Festivals, Folk Festivals, and Metal Festivals for more festival inspiration!
1) White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival
Credit: White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival
When: August 16-18, 2024
Where: Thornton, New Hampshire
https://www.whitemountainboogie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057492586688
The largest outdoor blues music festival in New Hampshire, the White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival, is where people crowd to see award-winning blues artists on stage.
The White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival hosts its celebration of the blues in a natural amphitheater nestled in the Pemigewasset River Valley. While listening to exceptional performances by talented blues artists, festival goers can bask in the breathtaking scenery backdropped by mountains and blue skies.
Throughout the festival are plenty of food vendors to energize up for an exhilarating day of fun. Craft vendors are spread out for a chance to peer over unique local goods, plus a climbing wall and other family-friendly attractions. On Saturday night, the White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival puts on a performance paired with its explosively grand fireworks show.
2) Northlands Music & Arts Festival
Credit: Northlands Music & Arts Festival
When: June 14-15, 2024
Where: Swanzey, New Hampshire
https://www.northlandslive.com/
https://www.facebook.com/northlandslivenh/
25+ bands, 3 stages, camping, art & more
One of the best music festivals in New Hampshire, the Northlands Music & Arts Festival welcomes locals and tourists alike to jam out and camp in the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey.
The two-day festival intertwines culture, music, and art into one grand celebration. The lineup consists of local and nationally known acts to turn up the music for a unique and eclectic twist on its two stages. From reggae to rock and jazz to hip hop, the Northlands Music & Arts Festival is a festival everyone should attend at least once, with 15+ vendors, craft artists, and food trucks for exploring, food, and fun!
3) Keene Music Festival
When: September, 2024
Where: Keene, New Hampshire
http://keenemusicfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/KeeneMusicFestival/
The Keene Music Festival is a small music festival in New Hampshire that features local and regional artists for original and fresh music to vibe and listen to!
Founded in 2000, the Keene Music Festival Organization was established to support, celebrate, and share local music with the community. The organization’s goal was to create community through the interconnecting ties of music that have brought people together for eons.
Featuring 15 stages and more than 80 performers, the Keene Music Festival is perfectly set in downtown Keene for an entire day of fun, socialization, and entertainment.
4) Friday Night Under the Lights
When: December, 2024
Where: Goffstown, New Hampshire
https://www.goffstownmainstreet.org
https://www.facebook.com/goffstownmainstreet/
One of the more lowkey music festivals in New Hampshire, Friday Night Under the Lights, is a one-day festival in December in Goffstown.
The family-friendly festival serves live music with a cheerful holiday spirit, perfect for getting out of the house and savoring time with family and friends. The Friday Night Under the Lights festival hosts a shop window decorating contest, heart-warming carol singing, ornament making, stunning town light decorations, and much more.
The holiday festival hosted in a little village is well worth attending. It is a warming and memorable time spent underneath the stars and Christmas lights as live music and local arts performances spread their wings and shine!
5) Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival
Credit: Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival
When: May, 2024
Where: Jackson, New Hampshire
https://jacksonnh.com/events/jackson-wildquack-duck-race/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066489648444
A quintessential music festival in New Hampshire, the Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival is a unique festival held in the New England village of Jackson every May.
Held at a popular resort, the festival has been running for over thirty years. The Wildquack duck race involves thousands of rubber ducks racing along the swaying throes of the river. The rubber ducks are marked with a number, representing the race’s participants. Whichever duck crosses the finish line first wins and gets a fun prize.
The Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival is a duck race and music festival in one. The family-friendly event features kids’ games, fair food vendors such as lobster sandwiches and kettle corn, music from local favorites, and more!
6) Monadnock Summer Music Festival
When: July – August, 2024
Where: Peterborough, New Hampshire
https://www.monadnockmusic.org/
https://www.facebook.com/monadnockmusic/
Unlike most other music festivals in New Hampshire and the states, the Monadnock Summer Music Festival primarily focuses on classical music. However, it intertwines the different periods, styles, and sub-genres of classical music into a mind-blowing experience of the diversity and beauty of music.
The Monadnock Summer Music Festival combines indoor and outdoor performances through July and August. The organization, Monadnock, runs the festival and has produced music in the Monadnock region since 1966. The organization’s mission is to spread the passion and discovery of the musical sense alive through its widespread performances and the Monadnock Summer Music Festival.
7) New Hampshire Music Festival
Credit: New Hampshire Music Festival
When: July, 2024
Where: Plymouth, New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/NHMusicFestival
A beautiful summer music festival in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Music Festival is committed to honoring the tradition of classical music.
While exploring new artistic revenues, this unique music festival shares the beauty of classical music in an immersive and engaging setting. The New Hampshire Music Festival dedicates world-class performances to its patrons with grand chamber, symphonic, and choral music productions.
A transformative experience, the New Hampshire Music Festival is an out-of-this-world music festival guaranteed to impress you.
8) New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival
When: September 20-22, 2024
Where: Lincoln, New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/nhscot
One of the largest Highland Games in North America, the NH Highland Games & Festival is a diverse festival that celebrates Scottish heritage. The festival is held at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, with the scenic White Mountains towering proudly in the background.
This diverse and culturally rich festival in New Hampshire is one of the most popular events in New England. There is so much to experience at the NH Highland Games & Festival. Welcome to all ages looking to get a taste of Scottish culture.
From trying Scottish cuisine, observing sheep dog trials, or listening to the unique and catchy music of the Scottish, the NH Highland Games & Festival is a New Hampshire festival you don’t want to miss out on!
9) Hillsboro Summerfest
When: July 11-14, 2024
Where: Hillsboro, New Hampshire
This four-day festival has been a family favorite for over 25 years in New Hampshire. The Hillsboro Summer Festival exudes a welcoming atmosphere paired with food trucks, entertainment, and the festival’s famous fireworks show.
Live music lights the stage all four days of the Hillsboro Summer Festival. The stage is set for local talent to show off their skills at Hillsboro Summer Festival. The community is celebrated with the best vibes, locally unique drinks, carnival rides, and hopping music.
10) Great Waters Music Festival
When: July-August, 2024
Where: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
“The Great Waters Music Festival is an annual summer music festival held in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, United States, two hours north of Boston. The festival was founded in 1995 to promote live musical performances of outstanding amateur and professional musicians.”
Am I missing any incredible music festivals in New Hampshire?
This New England state is often overlooked for tourism for music festivals, but it’s got a vibrant live music scene and more festivals are popping up around the state! So if you know of any particular music or any fun festivals in New Hampshire missing from this list – please do reach out and let me know!
Looking for more music festivals in the USA?
My blog is filled with articles and festival guides just like this! Be sure to save and read some of my favorites below so you can keep the party going all year long!
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Thanks for reading about the best New Hampshire music festivals! Share this article with your festival crew!
