Crisp Air & Coastal Flair: Exploring the Seacoast This Fall
This September and October, plan your trip to the Seacoast and experience all it has to offer. From thrilling air shows to award-winning haunted attractions, lively parades, and charming craft fairs, discover how to make the most of the spooky season—whether you’re traveling solo or bringing the whole family.
Check out Thunder over New Hampshire Air Show September 6th and 7th
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth, NH, where the roar of the engines will take your breath away. From 12:00 PM to 4:15 PM, the skies come alive with amazing performances from aviation’s finest, including the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the cutting-edge F-35A Lightning II, the powerful U.S. Marines C-130, the versatile UH-60 Black Hawk, and more. On-site parking is limited and usually sells out quickly, but shuttle service is available to and from the Fox Run Mall. You can buy your tickets here as well as a shuttle pass.
Enjoy Apple Picking, Tractor Rides and All Things Fall at Applecrest Farms
Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls, NH is a fall favorite and an absolute must-visit this season. From apple picking and tractor rides to homemade cider donuts, barnyard animals, and endless family fun, this iconic farm delivers the full autumn experience. Nearly every weekend in September and October, you can enjoy live music from bands like Cedar Mountain Bluegrass and Back Woods Road, plus seasonal events, lawn games for the kids, and an incredible indoor-outdoor restaurant serving delicious food in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. It’s a popular destination during the fall months, so expect a lively crowd — but it’s well worth it. Don’t forget to browse their tempting selection of fresh pastries, pies, produce, and more. The Fall Festival kicks off August 31st and September 1st from 12–4 PM, with plenty of other events lined up for the season. Plan your visit now for a day the whole family will love.
Shop at Hampton Falls Craft Festival and League of Maine Craft Show
Get a head start on your holiday shopping this year while supporting talented local artisans and small businesses. On Saturday, September 13th, the charming town of Hampton Falls will host its annual Craft Festival, a celebration of creativity where local makers showcase their one-of-a-kind creations. Stroll through rows of booths filled with beautiful paintings, crochet pieces, handcrafted pottery, and so much more — the perfect chance to find unique gifts your friends and family will truly treasure. Another amazing shopping opportunity to check out, The League of Maine Craft Show in Wells, Maine, taking place October 11th and 12th at the Wells Junior High School. With free admission and some of Maine’s most talented crafters all in one place, it’s a fantastic way to browse, shop, and get inspired for the holiday season.
Get Scared at One of the Top 13 rated Haunted Attractions in the Country
Haunted Overload, located at DeMeritt Farm in Lee, NH, is a two-time winner and consistently ranked among the top haunted attractions in the country. This intense 45-minute walk through dark, twisted forest trails delivers fright after fright, with every turn revealing eerie sets, spine-chilling props, and skilled actors ready to make you jump. Even if you’re not a fan of scares, it’s worth visiting during the daytime walkthrough, when you can explore the hauntingly detailed sets without the actors — the craftsmanship and atmosphere are truly impressive. But for those brave enough to face it at night, this is an unforgettable Halloween-season experience you simply can’t miss. Tickets are available on their website and tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.
Enjoy Some Scary-oke at Daniel Street Tavern October 11th
Get ready to sing your heart out — or gather your courage and take the stage — at Scary-oke, a fun-filled karaoke night supporting the annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Come as you are or show off your best costume for extra festive spirit. Throughout the night, you can browse Halloween parade merchandise, enter raffles for exciting prizes, and know that a portion of Jell-O shot sales will go directly toward funding the parade — a win-win for everyone. This event takes place October 11th, Daniel Street always delivers great drinks, good vibes, and awesome music, making it the perfect place to kick off the spooky season in style. Make it a bar hoping night and visit some of the other local favorites around town like State Street Saloon, The Wilder, Gas Light Grill and more.
Portsmouth's Annual Halloween Parade October 31st
The Portsmouth Halloween Parade kicks off on October 31st at 7:00 PM, bringing spooky fun for the whole family. Each year, the streets come alive with locals and visitors showing off their most creative and eye-catching costumes. Everyone is invited to gather at Pierce Island and march through Prescott Park, down Daniel and Market Streets, and back past State Street — or simply watch from the sidelines and enjoy the spectacle. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the crowd, this beloved tradition is a lively, colorful celebration that perfectly captures the close-knit, creative spirit of Portsmouth, NH.