6 Spectacular New Hampshire Food Festivals
There’s so much to love about New England. From the vibrant fall colors and the storied history of early pioneers to the delicious clam chowder, this part of the United States is a wealth of beauty, charm and bucket-list destinations. But did you know that the region also home to some of the finest foodie events in the country? We’ve rounded up six of the best food festivals in the stunning state of New Hampshire that you won’t want to miss.
Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival
Portsmouth
Every June, you can find people gathered in Portsmouth for one of New England’s oldest and largest chowder tasting events. At the Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival, a multitude of restaurants come together to present their delicious chowder recipes to the public and compete for the Best Chowder title. Winners earn more than a few bragging rights and receive a special prize: the golden ladle. And if you need an intermission from filling your belly with all the mouthwatering food, you can enjoy a little live music and some tasty drinks with your friends.
See more: Fish, Potato and Corn Chowder
Winnipesaukee Wine Fest
Meredith
With hundreds of wines, tantalizing appetizers from local restaurants, auctions full to the brim with top-notch getaways, craft beer flights and wine sampling from countless domestic and international vintners, who wouldn’t want to visit the Winnipesaukee Wine Fest? Those particularly fond of wine may want to consider buying VIP tickets in advance in order to have access to the more exclusive drinks and take home a commemorative glass.
New Hampshire Food Truck Festival
Portsmouth
If you’ve never been to a food truck festival, you really are missing out. The Annual New Hampshire Food Truck Festival is a family-friendly event that welcomes food trucks of all shapes and sizes. You can enjoy some good old-fashioned comfort food, a few dressed up dishes and some of the region’s finest craft brews. They’ve even been known to set up a Bloody Mary station.
See more: New Hampshire’s Top 10 Ag Products
Apple Harvest Day
Dover
Apple Harvest Day in Dover has become one of the most popular festivals in the region. With hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, amazing food and more, this long-running event usually sees somewhere in the range of 60,000 visitors flocking to downtown Dover each year. Those interested in burning a few calories before savoring some beloved apple desserts can sign up for the 5k. Afterward, head over to the apple pie baking contest to reap the rewards.
Exeter Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival
Exeter
When the temperature drops and you can feel a chill in the autumn air, what could be better than a warm bowl of chili and a tall glass of beer? The people of Exeter don’t think so. Their Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival is one of the most popular events in the area, providing a wildly diverse range of food and drink offerings that will leave all festivalgoers feeling happy and satisfied. Just be sure to arrive hungry and thirsty; the event features over 100 different beers and a multitude of top-notch food vendors from across New Hampshire.
See more: What’s Growing? New Hampshire Produce Calendar
Winter Wine Festival
New Castle
With a tagline like “a celebration of wine, food and song,” who wouldn’t want to attend the Winter Wine Festival in New Castle? This event features everything from decadent, multi-course dinners and grand tastings to jazz brunches and weekday flight nights. In short, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of a historic seaside hotel while celebrating the best wine and cuisine from all around the world. Make sure to purchase your tickets and book your lodging in advance if you decide to go because seats are bound to fill up quickly!