Fun things to do in Northern New England

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Maine

Houlton Agricultural Fair

July 19–21 Celebrate northern Maine’s rich agricultural legacy while enjoying food and live music. You can also enjoy motorsports, free kids games, and a draft horse show. Tickets, $10. Houlton County Park, Houlton.

The Producers

July 26–28, August 2–4 This classic theatrical comedy is some of Hollywood legend Mel Brooks’ best work. It follows a hapless producer and his accountant as they accidentally create a so-bad-it’s-good musical smash hit. Tickets, $26. Deertrees Theatre, Harrison.

Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders

August 29–31, September 1, 4–7 Cool off with the theatrical story of an icy murder that occurs during a winter carnival in 1896. Sherlock Holmes and Watson, his trusty companion, are on the case. Advance tickets start at $27, tickets at the door, $29. Lakewood Theater, Lakewood.

Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival

FREE! August 31–September 1 Celebrate Downeast’s bountiful natural resources with plenty of seafood and blueberry dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a youth fishing derby. Eastport.

Camden International Film Festival

September 12–15 Now in its 20th year, this festival spotlights international nonfiction visual storytelling, featuring more than 60 documentary films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers after most screenings. This event is an Oscar-qualifying festival for the Documentary Short Subject Award. Tickets, $10 per screening; packages are available. Various sites, Camden.

New Hampshire

Skeleton Crew

Through July 18 In this play, an automotive factory is on the brink of closure during a financial crisis. The workers and their families must grapple with the impact and determine how to come together as a community. Tickets start at $24. Weathervane Theatre, Whitefield.

“Of Baskets & Borers”

FREE! Through September 14 A summer-long exhibition explores the past, present, and future of Indigenous basketry in the White Mountains region. Topics include efforts to protect the ash trees used in this traditional craft from the invasive species that threatens them. Museum of the White Mountains, Plymouth.

New England Hot Sauce Fest

July 27 Not for the faint of taste buds, this spicy event features 35 hot sauce companies, along with food trucks, music, and children’s activities. Tickets start at $13. Smuttynose Brewery, Hampton.

Pride and Prejudice

August 22–31 Enjoy this theatrical production of Jane Austen’s classic “will-they-or-won’t-they” storyline in which lessons will be learned and tears will be shed. Matinee tickets start at $22.50. The Barnstormers Theatre, Tamworth.

Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

FREE! August 24–25 This longstanding show attracts artists and craftsmen from all over New England to showcase their pottery, quilts, metal sculpture, paintings, and toys. The event also includes food trucks and musical entertainment. Main Street, Meredith.

H.O.N.E. Fall Gathering

September 14–15 Established homesteaders and those who want to get back to the land can network and learn from one another at this event by the Homesteaders Of New England. You’ll find plenty of speakers, demonstrations, vendors, and food. Adults, $45 (advance only). Cheshire County Fairgrounds, Swanzey.

Vermont

Art in the Park Summer Festival

FREE! August 10–11 With fine artists and craft persons, specialty foods, kids’ activities, and musical entertainment, this 63rd annual rain or shine event typically draws more than 6,000 visitors. Artist applications are available and accepted up to a week prior to the show. Main Street Park, Rutland.

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival

August 21–25 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival showcases first-time and second-time filmmakers and will screen more than 120 feature films and shorts. Some 80 cinematic creatives will attend; many will participate in Q&A sessions. Day passes start at $40 ($28 for students). Various sites, Middlebury.

The Porch on Windy Hill

August 22–September 1 In this moving play, a biracial musician flees Brooklyn to rural North Carolina with her boyfriend. As she and her neighbors bond over Appalachia’s rich musical tradition, she begins an unexpected journey to confront the pain of her past. Tickets start at $25. Weston Theater Company at Walker Farm, Weston.

Goth Babe

September 1 Goth Babe is the stage name of Griff Washburn, a musician who specializes in hard-to-categorize good-vibe-surf-pop-electronica music. Tickets start at $50.50. Shelburne Museum, Shelburne.

SIPtemberfest

September 14 “The Best Little Beer Fest in Vermont” features around 2 dozen brewers and caps tickets to 800, so the lines are never too long. This family-friendly affair has good food, live music, fun activities, and even a chance to adopt a dog. Adults, $55 ($5 for kids and designated drivers). Mad River Glen, Fayston.

Confirm hours and availability of businesses, attractions, and events before you visit. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.