New Hampshire Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Renowned for its majestic mountains and awe-inspiring autumn foliage, New Hampshire boasts an equally enthralling culinary scene. From delectable bacon and artisanal brews to mouthwatering ribs and pristine seafood, the Granite State plays host to a multitude of food and beverage festivals set to enchant your palate and leave you craving more.

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NH Bacon & Beer Festival: June

 

The scenic Anheuser-Busch Brewery outdoor fields in Merrimack transform into a celebration of craft beer and smoky delights each summer. Over 60 craft brewers offer more than 150 different beer varieties while local restaurants and food trucks serve creative dishes featuring North Country Smokehouse bacon. The Slakas, a high-energy five-piece cover band from Nashua, entertain crowds with classic and modern rock hits ranging from Led Zeppelin to Pearl Jam.

 

VIP ticket holders gain exclusive access to the Biergarten restrooms and special perks throughout the event. Attendees can vote for their favorite bacon-infused creations as local chefs compete for top honors. Food vendors offer larger portions for purchase after their complimentary samples run out, ensuring guests can fully indulge in their preferred dishes.

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Manchester Brewfest: September

 

The largest craft beer festival in New Hampshire draws thousands of beer enthusiasts each summer to Arms Park along the Merrimack River. The Manchester Brewfest features over 40 craft breweries including local favorites like Great North Aleworks, Able Ebenezer Brewing Company, and To Share Brewing Company. Festival-goers can sample from hundreds of different beer styles while enjoying food from popular food trucks serving everything from wood-fired pizza to gourmet grilled cheese.

 

Live music fills the air throughout the day with performances by local bands including The Crab Shack Band and Los Sugar Kings on the main stage. Notable festival features include a designated VIP tasting hour, special release beers brewed exclusively for the event, and collectible tasting glasses for all attendees. With views of the historic millyard as a backdrop, this riverside celebration typically welcomes over 3,000 attendees who gather to celebrate New Hampshire's thriving craft beer scene.

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Hampton Beach Seafood Festival: September

 

Located along the scenic New Hampshire coastline, this annual celebration has become one of New England's largest and most anticipated seafood events, drawing over 150,000 attendees during its three-day run. More than 60 of the Seacoast's finest restaurants and vendors gather at Ocean Boulevard, transforming the Hampton Beach strip into a seafood lover's paradise, featuring local favorites like Brown's Lobster Pound, Petey's Seafood, and Al's Seafood Restaurant. Visitors can savor everything from fresh-caught lobster and steamers to fried clams, seafood chowder, and grilled fish tacos, while two beer and wine tents serve local craft brews and coastal-inspired cocktails.

 

Entertainment takes place across multiple stages, with regional bands performing rock, blues, and jazz throughout the festival grounds. The event includes unique touches like a lobster roll eating contest, culinary demonstrations by local chefs, and more than 80 arts and crafts vendors selling ocean-inspired merchandise. The festival features a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean, while the Kiddie Land area offers face painting, balloon artists, and interactive games for younger festival-goers.

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New England Wine Spectacular: January

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The largest wine festival in New Hampshire draws thousands of wine enthusiasts to the grand ballrooms of the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. Celebrity chef demonstrations and wine seminars feature prominently throughout the weekend, with attendees sampling from more than 1,800 wines poured by 60+ wineries including Caymus Vineyards, Silver Oak, and Justin Vineyards. Local restaurants serve gourmet small plates that perfectly complement the wines, with standouts like Bedford Village Inn and Cotton offering their signature dishes.

 

A selection of artisanal cheeses from Thistle Sage Farm and Brookford Farm pairs beautifully with both domestic and international wine offerings. The Winter Festival's Grand Tasting includes live jazz performances by the David Newsam Trio, while VIP ticket holders gain early access to limited production wines and specialty champagnes in an intimate setting.

 

Whether you're a carnivore with a hankering for smoky ribs, a seafood enthusiast longing for the freshest catch, or simply someone who appreciates good food and camaraderie, New Hampshire's food and drink festivals cater to everyone.