Geesh, there is a lot going on this weekend. We’ve narrowed our highlights down to five major local festivals, but be sure to check out all of our featured events here to see other worthy entertainment options.
Piscataqua Riverfest
The annual Piscataqua Riverfest celebrates Portsmouth’s rivers and bays with events and activities spread across several venues. Highlights include the Round Island Regatta boat race, the Great Little Gundalow Derby for kids, a traditional boat show at Strawbery Banke Museum, an educational exhibit at the Sheafe Warehouse, gundalow sales, and more. It all takes place Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $8-$15; learn more here. (There’s also a Riverfest Gala on Friday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m.)
Wings & Wheels
Skyhaven Airport in Rochester hosts the annual Wings & Wheels event on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The traditional car, motorcycle, and aircraft show also features family-friendly activities and entertainment, including a buffalo wing eating contest, food trucks, community vendors, live music, dance performances, a comedian and juggler, helicopter rides, crafts, exhibits, concessions, games, raffles, and more. A monetary donation to Rochester Rotary Charities is suggested (there is a charge for the helicopter rides). Learn more here.
Shake & Stir NH
The Shake & Stir NH Cocktail Tasting and Competition features a Grand Tasting Hall, distiller talks, mixology seminars, a Signature Luncheon with Brother Cleve, a Gospel Brunch with Sympli Whitney, an Evening Cocktail Reception, and more. The event takes place over two days at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, culminating in the Portsmouth Cocktail Competition at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from $39-$139. For more information, click here.
Chowder Festival
Dozens of area restaurants will serve up piping hot chowder during the 35th annual WOKQ Chowder Festival at Prescott Park in Portsmouth. The first big event in the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 2019 season takes place Saturday, June 1, from 11:30 a.m. until the chowder runs out. Guests can sample different chowder recipes and vote on their favorites while enjoying live country music and refreshments. Tickets are $12 ($5 for kids). For more information, click here.
Revel in the Meadow
Live music, art, food, beer, and kids’ activities are on the docket at the 2019 installment of Revel in the Meadow, taking place at Spring Hill in South Berwick on Saturday, June 1, from 1-7 p.m. Proceeds from the family-friendly festival benefit the Continuum Arts Collective. Last year’s event drew more than 1,200 attendees, and organizers hope to surpass that total this year. Tickets are $20-$75 ($5 for students ages 12-18; free for kids under 12). Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.