The Best Events Happening in July

The Androscoggin Valley ATV Invasion is back for another year of muddy fun. Courtesy photo

Hillsboro Summer Festival, Hillsboro, July 8-11 

Formerly known as the Hillsboro Balloon Fest & Fair, this festival brings visitors from all over New England with the best from Miller Amusements, food trucks and one of the greatest fireworks shows around. There will be a car show, amusement rides, a 5K road race, a parade and more. hillsborosummerfest.com

The Prescott Park Arts Festival, Portsmouth, July 9-August 15

This beloved summer arts festival is back, and though things will look and feel a bit different this year, you can still enjoy a season of world-class entertainment for the whole family. Due to new safety protocols, there will be limited audience sizes and other changes, but you can still expect outstanding performances. This year’s theatrical production on the main stage is “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and keep an eye on the website and social media for concert announcements and more information. prescottpark.org

A Brew With a View, Sanbornton, July 10

Sip on local brews while taking in the stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam during this classic summer event. Bring your family and friends to the tent at Steele Hill for your chance to sample a variety of local craft breweries and select meads, wines and liquor. There will be great music, door prizes and tasty food. A concert will close out the festivities. abrewwithaview.com

2021 “Swing for Seacoast” Charity Golf Tournament, Somersworth, July 12

Seacoast Family Promise is an amazing local nonprofit that serves families experiencing homelessness. This golf tournament will have a luncheon, silent auction and opportunity to win a Subaru Outback Onyx edition. seacoastfamilypromise.org

Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea Concerts, Rye, July 15-22 

This summerlong concert series brings some of New England’s hottest bands to the Seacoast on Thursday nights. Enjoy great tunes from bands like Jumbo Circus Peanuts or Joshua Tree and the seaside setting while supporting the Center and their ocean education mission. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic or purchase freshly grilled dinner beverages on site. Concertgoers can also enjoy the Center and its exhibits, free with concert admission. seacoastsciencecenter.org

Seek the Peak Mount Washington Adventure Expo, Gorham, July 16-17 

The nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory invites you to join them in the White Mountains of New Hampshire — or from wherever your favorite outdoor playground is — to raise funds, earn prizes and to be a part of this amazing event. Great Glen Trails will also be at the “base camp” for all activities, from registration to the epic expo taking place on Saturday featuring a vendor village, food trucks, live music and more. mt-washington.com

“Havana Nights,” Cornish, July 16-18

Opera North brings high-flying circus artistry and vocal virtuosity together again under the big top (with open sides). Pulsating Latin rhythms blend with circus acrobatics, juggling and aerial work as Opera North’s resident artists bring sultry, sizzling, sensational favorites from Bizet, Lecuona and Puccini to a joyous crescendo. Once again, the mash-up of song and circus promises to be a fun-filled family outing. operanorth.org

Read more about summer theater shows near you here. 

New England Vintage Boat and Car Auction, Wolfeboro, July 17

Boats, vintage boating memorabilia, cars, car memorabilia and more will be available for you to view online or in person at this event. nhbm.org

Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, Loudon, July 18

If you haven’t taken the plunge to attend a NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, here is your chance. The weekend features three days of exciting on-track action for one of New England’s biggest parties of the summer. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be taking center stage for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on Sunday. The weekend will also feature the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Be there to see Kevin Harvick defend his 2018 Foxwoods 301 victory. nhms.com

Chris Smither, Chocorua, July 18

Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for 50 years, Smither is truly an American original. Reviewers and fans from around the world, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, agree that Smither continues to be a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist and intense performer as he draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. Oh, and he just so happened to pen the Bonnie Raitt classic “Love Me Like a Man” at the ripe old age of 16. thefarmstand.net

Hula Hustle 5K & 10K, Manchester, July 25

Get out your craziest Hawaiian shirt and grass skirts for this fun Hula Hustle in memory of Bill Kelley. Once you have completed the road race and received your lei at the finish line, you are invited to attend the luau party at the poolside Tiki bar. Don’t forget to participate in the new most outrageous costume contest and be one to win a prize courtesy of Runner’s Alley. Proceeds from this event will benefit New Horizons. hulahustle.org

The Androscoggin Valley ATV Invasion, Berlin, July 30-31

This festival is an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true. The event takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which has more than 80 miles of trails. There will be mud races, demo rides, obstacle courses, kids’ fun zone, live music, delicious food and more. You won’t want to miss this summer weekend of fun. avatvinvasion.com