Top New England Events
New England Events attract hundreds of thousands annually to attend Country Fairs, Festivals, Celebrations, and Annual Traditions.
Explore the most popular events in New England below. To feature your New England Event, Submit Your Event to New England Living.
Lancaster Fair New Hampshire Event
Lancaster Fair – A Classic New Hampshire Country Celebration
Welcome to Lancaster, New Hampshire, a town steeped in history and tucked into the rolling green landscapes of New England’s Great North Woods. Every year as summer fades into fall, Lancaster comes alive with one of the region’s most beloved traditions: the Lancaster Fair. For more than a century, this agricultural fair has been the heartbeat of Coös County, drawing families, farmers, food lovers, and fun-seekers from all corners of New England.
Whether you’re a first-timer looking for the ultimate New Hampshire fall festival, or a returning visitor making a cherished family tradition, the Lancaster Fair is the kind of event that leaves you smiling, full, and ready to plan next year’s trip before this year’s has even wrapped.
Let’s take a deep dive into all things Lancaster: the fair, the town, what to expect, and where to stay.
Cabot Inn & Suites, 200 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584 | 603-788-3346
A four-season family resort located in the heart of the White Mountains, over-looking the Presidential Range. Cabin Inn & Suites features a fitness center, indoor pool, banquet hall, and 60+ acres, with breathtaking views of the mountains. Bretton Woods, Cannon, Wildcat, Attitash, Loon, Black Mountain, Cranmore ski areas nearby. Family restaurant and lounge. Indoor heated pool, game room, outdoor playground, video game hook-ups. Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water park a short drive away.
Visit Cabot Inn & Suites - Lancaster, NH
Badger, Peabody & Smith Realty | 1-603-823-6700
New Hampshire, Western Maine & Eastern Vermont Real Estate Services. With eight conveniently located offices, we offer full-service real estate services to the Great North Woods, Mt. Washington Valley, White Mountains, Central, Lakes Region, and the Upper Valley. In addition, we specialize in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and Western Maine. We also have a team dedicated to commercial real estate. If you are looking for commercial lease space in Plymouth, a development opportunity in Littleton, a hospitality property for sale in North Conway, or a business opportunity in Berlin, we can assist. Visit our website to view listings.
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Welcome to Lancaster, New Hampshire
Located in northern New Hampshire, just south of the Canadian border and close to the Vermont state line, Lancaster is a scenic small town with roots reaching back to the mid-1700s. Surrounded by forests, farmland, and mountain views, it’s a gateway to outdoor adventure and classic New England charm.
Lancaster isn’t a tourist-trap kind of place. It’s authentic. Here, you’ll find red barns, covered bridges, fresh mountain air, and people who still say hello on the street. While the town is well-known for its friendly vibe and stunning location along the Connecticut River, it truly earns its spot on the map every Labor Day Weekend, when the Lancaster Fair rolls into town.
The History of the Lancaster Fair
The Lancaster Fair began back in 1870, making it one of the oldest agricultural fairs in New England. In its early days, the fair was primarily a showcase for livestock, local farm goods, and the skills of northern New Hampshire’s farming community. Farmers brought their best cattle, oxen, and horses to be judged, while bakers and crafters competed for blue ribbons in categories ranging from pickles to quilts.
Over the decades, the fair evolved to include carnival rides, music performances, motorized events, and delicious fair food, while still preserving the agricultural core that defines its character. Today, the Lancaster Fair is a shining example of what a true country fair should be: wholesome, fun, inclusive, and steeped in community tradition.
What to Expect at the Lancaster Fair
Attending the Lancaster Fair is like stepping into a vibrant, sensory-rich New England postcard. Held annually in early September, typically wrapping around Labor Day Weekend, the fair spans six full days of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Livestock & 4-H Competitions
Expect barns full of dairy cows, draft horses, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and more. Local 4-H clubs compete in showmanship contests, offering city visitors a firsthand look at the farming lifestyle. Watch ox-pulling contests, learn about livestock judging, or just enjoy the simple joy of petting a newborn calf.
Carnival Midway
Bright lights, thrilling rides, and the scent of cotton candy fill the midway. Whether you’re brave enough for the tilt-a-whirl or prefer to keep your feet on the ground with some classic ring-toss games, the midway is a crowd favorite. There are rides for all ages—from pint-sized merry-go-rounds to scream-worthy coasters.
Food Vendors
No fair is complete without indulgent eats. Lancaster Fair delivers with sizzling sausages, fried dough dusted in powdered sugar, creamy soft serve, and fresh local favorites like maple cotton candy and cider donuts. Don’t miss the home-cooked meals served by local civic groups—it’s real New Hampshire comfort food. We love the Apple Crisp, made fresh and served with vanilla ice cream.
Agricultural & Craft Exhibits
Step into the exhibition halls to admire stunning quilts, intricate woodworking, local photography, and beautiful floral arrangements. Area bakers and home cooks compete for best pies, pickles, breads, and jams. It’s a display of creativity, skill, and pride.
Concerts & Entertainment
Live music fills the fairgrounds every day, with performances ranging from country to rock to bluegrass. Regional bands and tribute acts light up the grandstand in the evenings. It’s common to see couples dancing by the stage as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Motorsports & Demos
If horsepower is more your style, don’t miss the Demolition Derby, a fan favorite, along with tractor pulls and antique engine demos. From revving engines to nostalgic displays, these events blend rural grit with good old-fashioned fun.
Kid-Friendly Activities
The Lancaster Fair is wonderfully family-friendly. Kids can enjoy pony rides, petting zoos, magic shows, and hands-on learning about farm life. Many children from the area participate in the 4-H and agricultural exhibits, making it feel like one big, welcoming family gathering.
The Spirit of a New England Fair
What sets the Lancaster Fair apart is its sense of community. This isn’t a corporate-sponsored mega-event—it’s run with heart by local folks who love the North Country and want to share its traditions with the world. You’ll feel it as you chat with a volunteer, cheer on a blue-ribbon winner, or join in the raffle for a locally made quilt. There’s a sense of belonging here, even if it’s your first visit.
The fair is more than just a weekend of fun. It’s an end-of-summer ritual, a final warm-weather celebration before fall rolls in with its crisp mornings and golden leaves.
Map of Lancaster, New Hampshire
Where to Stay in and Around Lancaster, NH
If you’re planning a trip to the Lancaster Fair, it’s smart to book your lodging early. The area has a good mix of charming inns, rustic cabins, and full-service hotels, with something for every budget. Below are some great local options.
The Cabot Inn & Suites – This convenient hotel just outside of town offers comfortable rooms, mountain views, and an indoor pool. A family-friendly favorite just a short drive from the fairgrounds.
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa – Located in nearby Whitefield, this historic grand hotel is known for luxury, beautiful views, a working farm, and top-notch dining. Perfect if you’re looking to elevate your stay.
Riverview Cottages – For a more rustic experience, book a cottage near the river. Quiet, scenic, and perfect for nature lovers looking for a little seclusion.
Campgrounds – There are several camping options in and around Lancaster, including Roger’s Campground, which offers RV hookups, tent sites, and amenities like a swimming pool and mini golf. A popular choice for fairgoers.
Explore Lancaster Beyond the Fair
While the Lancaster Fair is the main event, the town of Lancaster, NH, has plenty of charm on its own.
Main Street Strolls – Downtown Lancaster has a sweet little Main Street lined with local shops, cafés, and bookstores. Stop by the Col. Town Rec Center, Polly’s Coffee, the classic Regal Cinema, or the Lancaster Historical Society Museum to get a taste of local flavor.
Weeks State Park – Just a short drive away, this mountaintop park offers incredible panoramic views and historic buildings. Hike or drive to the summit and enjoy a picnic while looking out over the White Mountains.
The Israel River Walk – This lovely walking path runs along the scenic Israel River and is a peaceful place to unwind after a busy day at the fair.
Covered Bridges – The region around Lancaster is home to a few beautiful covered bridges, perfect for photos or a scenic drive.
Autumn Foliage Drives – Visiting during early September? You might catch the first signs of fall foliage in the higher elevations. Lancaster is ideally located for exploring the Kancamagus Highway, White Mountain National Forest, and scenic Vermont routes.
Getting to the Lancaster Fair
Lancaster, NH, is easily accessible by car. It’s located at the intersection of Routes 2 and 3, about 2.5 hours north of Concord, NH, and just under 3 hours from Portland, ME, or Burlington, VT. Parking is available on-site during the fair, but come early to avoid crowds on peak days.
While there’s no major airport in Lancaster, travelers can fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or Portland International Jetport (PWM) and rent a car. Some visitors also come through Montreal or Boston, combining the fair with a scenic New England road trip.
Tips for Visiting the Lancaster Fair
- Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds and enjoy breakfast at the fairgrounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot of ground to cover and and some of it can be uneven!
- Bring cash. While many vendors now take cards, some still don’t.
- If you have kids, visit the barns early in the day before the animals get sleepy.
- Check the Lancaster Fair schedule online for special event days and concerts.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Lancaster Fair
In a world of fast-paced, digital distractions, something is soul-soothing about walking through a country fair where real cows moo, fiddle music floats through the air, and neighbors cheer each other on in pie contests. The Lancaster Fair in Lancaster, NH is a celebration of everything that makes rural New Hampshire special: hard work, community, tradition, and good, clean fun. Thank you to all of the volunteers who make this annual NH event possible.
It’s an annual ritual that continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of dedicated locals who open their arms to visitors. Come once, and chances are you’ll be back again.
For more information about New Hampshire fairs, lodging, and living, bookmark NHLiving.com – New Hampshire’s Online Magazine.
The Lancaster Fair is a recommended annual event from New England Living Magazine – a shining star in the constellation of classic New England fall experiences.