Rather than mourning the end of summer, it’s time to celebrate the onset of autumn — the season of the harvest, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and splendid New England foliage. Here are some of the big events coming up during the first official weekend of fall.
The Treasure of Cirque Fou
The circus is coming to Portsmouth, but it won’t be under a giant tent. Rather, it takes place on the bedroom-sized stage of The Players’ Ring, which hosts “The Treasure of Cirque Fou” from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7. The “steampunk pirate-themed circus show” features six performers juggling, clowning, and executing acrobatic aerial feats. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; tickets are $18. For more information, click here.
Fall Equinox Fest
TEAM (Town Exeter Arts Music) is celebrating the first day of fall with a festival featuring live music, artist vendors, yoga, dance performances, a local food court, kids’ activities, cultural exhibits, a didgeridoo session, and even a theatrical circus act, all outside on the grounds of Swasey Parkway in Exeter. The fourth annual Fall Equinox Fest takes place Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a $10 suggested donation. For more information, click here.
Portsmouth Fairy House Tour
The Portsmouth Fairy House Tour claims to be the largest such tour in the world, and our research supports that boast. The 14th annual tour is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 250 fairy houses handcrafted by local artists, florists, and schoolchildren will adorn the grounds of Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke Museum, and the Gov. John Langdon House. Tickets are $4 for kids, $12 for adults, or $25 for families. Learn more here.
2018 Smuttoberfest
Beer-drinking is a year-round activity, but it’s especially cherished worldwide in early autumn. The Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton hosts its annual Smuttoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 12-6 p.m. The field outside the facility will be transformed into a German biergarten with live music, games, food, and, of course, craft beer — including Smuttynose Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Ale. As an added bonus, there will be a mustache competition. Admission is free; VIP tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Welcome East Moto Show
More than 100 motorcycles from across New England will be on display at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth during the fifth Welcome East Moto Show on Saturday, Sept. 22. There will also be vendor displays, moto-art, tacos and beers from Barrio, and … robots! The show runs from 3-7 p.m., with awards at 7:30 p.m., followed by an after-party featuring Arlie and These Wild Plains. The free event is a benefit for New Heights: Adventures for Teens. Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.