Big Festivals, Big Fun in NH This Weekend

Here’s a roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Southern New Hampshire:

1. The Deerfield Fair: The Deerfield Fair kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday. The 137th annual event draws thousands of attendees from New Hampshire and beyond. There are rides and games, tons of animals and much more. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children age 12 or younger.

2. Cider Festival: Amherst's 11th annual Cider Festival will be held on Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lindabury Orchard at the top of Christian Hill. This year, Cider Fest will feature a pick-your-own event. The ticket price includes an apple bag that can be filled the old-fashioned way–right from the tree! Once the bag is filled, festival goers can immediately wash their apples and press them into cider. Each apple bag will generate about a half-gallon of cider! Also at Cider Fest, there will be hayrides and kid activities, music, a bake sale featuring pies, cookies and crisps, and apples and pumpkins for sale. Buy your tickets at Moulton's Market (and get them soon as the event often sells out). A family pass is $20 dollars (two adults and kids). Single tickets for $8 for adults or $5 for kids. Tickets can be purchased at Moulton's Market or by emailing ellenchap@gmail.com or call 672-9450.

3. Merrimack Fall Festival: The Merrimack Fall Festival and Business Expo kicks off on Saturday morning. The expo will be held at the Mastricola Complex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. There will be venues both inside and outside. Admission is free and is open to everyone. More than 125 businesses, organizations and crafters will be on hand to show residents from all over New Hampshire what Merrimack and surrounding communities have to offer as they sell their goods and demonstrate their products. Food will also be available from many Merrimack restaurants. 

4. ArtWalk Nashua: ArtWalk Nashua 2013, the city’s premier cultural event, is growing this year, and is expected to draw more than 1,200 art lovers to the Gate City. First held in 2005, ArtWalk is a two-day festival in downtown Nashua and the nearby Mill Yard that event showcases local artists and creative downtown businesses and restaurants, along with free entertainment, workshops, and special events. It runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

5. Concord Multicultural Festival: The 8th annual Concord Multicultural Festival will be held on Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m. on the State House Plaza. Festival participants represent many native countries of current Concord community members. Presenters will celebrate their cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, storytelling and other engaging educational experiences. Cultural activities will include henna, hair braiding, and other offerings.