New England Events – July 2013
Summer in New England is in full swing this month and there is no shortage of great events and festivals to enjoy. Head to Boston to celebrate Independence Day, enjoy outdoor concerts and plays, and watch the arrival of spectacular tall ships from around the world.
Bar Harbor Music Festival
June 30 - July 28, 2013
Bar Harbor, Maine
Acclaimed by Phi Beta Baton as “one of the nation’s proving grounds for gifted young artists,” the Bar Harbor Music Festival has gained national recognition as one of the few music festivals in the United States whose mission is to provide essential performance opportunities for outstanding up-and-coming talent.
WaterFire
Select dates throughout the summer - see web site for details
Providence, Rhode Island
WaterFire is a highly unique public art experience that has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Rhode Island’s creative capital city of Providence. The event is based on an original artistic installation of bonfires lit on the three waterways passing through downtown Providence. WaterFire creates a magical artistic event celebrating earth, air, fire and water. Amidst the flicking firelight of 100 bonfires, stroll through Waterplace Park and enjoy music and entertainment from around the world.
Music Mountain Summer Chamber Music Festival
Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the summer
Falls Village, Connecticut
Music Mountain in Falls Village, Connecticut, is one of the premiere destinations in the United States for intimate chamber music concerts. Gordon Hall is one of the finest chamber music halls in the country with legendary acoustics and resonant, full-bodied sound. This summer festival season includes a 16-concert Chamber Music series and a Saturday Twilight series of Jazz, Big Band, and Country concerts – with dancing on our outdoor dance floor! Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut, in the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles or 2 1/2 hours from New York City.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra: TD Bank Summer Festival Tour
June 27 - July 7, 2013
Statewide
For a perfect summer evenings of picnics, music and fireworks, come see the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The VSO has performances throughout the season at various outdoor venues around the state. Check link for full schedule.
Prescott Park Arts Festival – Open Air Theater Production of Annie
Running each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June 28 - August 25, 2013
Prescott Park - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Come to beautiful Prescott Park on the banks of the Piscataqua River for a wonderful evening performance of the timeless classic “Annie.” With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan ANNIE charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.
Annual Boston Harborfest
July 2-4, 2013
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Harborfest 2013 is a six-day long Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. The award-winning festival strives to honor and remember the past, celebrate the present, and educate the future with reenactments, concerts, historical tours and much, much more. Over 200 Daily Events during the Festival are concentrated in Boston’s historic downtown and waterfront districts, with sponsored Main Events on Boston’s City Hall Plaza. Visitors to the Annual Chowderfest will vote for “Boston’s Best Chowder” after sampling traditional New England-style clam chowder from some of the Boston area’s top restaurants on Sunday, July 7, 2013.
An 1830′s Independence Day Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village
July 4, 2013
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the northeast and portrays life in a New England village in the 1830s. Step back to a time when America was new, and veterans of the fight for freedom still lived. Join in the fun as the martial band leads the citizen’s procession as they march through the streets. Cheer and huzzah during a rousing patriotic reading of the Declaration of Independence and sign a giant reproduction of the document. Make your own tri-cornered hat to wear as you learn to drill with the Sturbridge Militia. Learn dances done by 19th-century Americans and play a game of “base ball.”
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
July 4, 2013
Boston, Massachusetts
America’s premier Independence Day celebration, this annual event is a Boston holiday tradition which is televised across the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come from around the world to celebrate America’s birthday on the banks of the Charles River. The Boston Pops Orchestra leads the celebration including a famous rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” which features real cannons and the live ringing of area church bells. The entire event ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the skies above Boston. Take public transportation, bring some picnic food and drink, and arrive before noon to find a good seat!
Strawbery Banke: An American Celebration
July 4, 2013
Porstmouth, New Hampshire
A real old-fashioned fabulous 4th of July! Complete with children’s bike & wagon parade, giant kite fly, potato sack races, kids liberty treasure hunt, garden crafts, live music, historic garden tours, costumed role-players, colonial hearth cooking, basket weaving, hand-thrown pottery, food and fun for all. Tour a Gundalow River Boat and meet Abe Lincoln. Tickets: Regular museum admission of $15 for adults. Kids 17 and under are free, as are active military, retired military and their families.
America’s Oldest Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2013
Bristol, Rhode Island
Come to the town of Bristol, Rhode Island, for one of the most famous Independence Day parades in the USA. Bristol holds the record as the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the USA. Overlooking Narragansett Bay, this town has a classic American main street feel with beautiful stately homes decorated for the occasion. There’s also a Fourth of July ball, a Drum Corp show, a visiting ship and fireworks over Bristol Harbor.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
July 4 - August 11, 2013
East Dorset, Vermont
The Vermont Summer Festival Horse show attracts the best show jumping athletes, including Olympic medalists from across the country and around the globe. The event offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont. This is a series of events over the course of July and August.
Maine Windjammer Association - 37th Annual Great Schooner Race
July 5, 2013
Rockland, Maine
Come see the largest annual gathering of historic schooners in America. For the 37th Annual Great Schooner Race hosted by the Maine Windjammer Association, dozens of schooners will race across Maine’s Penobscot Bay, from Islesboro to the Rockland Breakwater, where their dramatic mid-afternoon arrival will be reminiscent of the days when cargo-laden schooners raced to be the first to port so they might capture the best market prices. Guests are invited to participate in this informal, friendly competition that includes a multi-day “training” cruise to help new crew members learn the ropes before the big event. Fireworks are held the previous evening.
Opening Night: Tanglewood (Summer Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra) All-Tchaikovsky Program
July 6, 2013 (and dates throughout the summer)
Lenox, Massachusetts
Tanglewood is an estate and music venue in Lenox and Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and hosts the annual Tanglewood Music Festival and Tanglewood Jazz Festival. This opening night event is followed by fireworks. Tanglewood holds events from June 22 through September 2012.
Fabulous ’50s, Sensational ’60s & Antique Aeroplane Show - Owls Head Transportation Museum
July 6-7, 2013
Owls Head, Maine
Come to this unique museum in beautiful mid-coast Maine. This event features more than 400 classic autos from the industry’s most stylish decades. Relive the years of big fins, big engines, fuzzy dice and poodle skirts. Vehicle demonstrations, Model T rides, family activities and more.
Hall of Fame Tennis Championships
July 8–14, 2013
International Tennis Hall of Fame - Newport, Rhode Island
Direct from Wimbledon, the world’s top tennis players are heading to Newport – you won’t want to miss a shot of the action! The competition is already getting exciting as early commitments to the player field include two-time defending champion John Isner and fellow top American, Ryan Harrison. Hosted right after Wimbledon, the tournament kicks off the United States summer swing for the ATP World Tour, and it is the only ATP World Tour event in the Northeast. A highlight of the week is always the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, when the highest honor in the sport of tennis is presented to great champions and leaders in the sport. Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis will be enshrined this year, along with Australian tennis great Thelma Coyne Long, and longtime tennis industry leaders Cliff Drysdale, Charlie Pasarell, and Ion Tiriac. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 13, just prior to the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Shows
July 9-13, 2013
Brimfield, Massachusetts
The Brimfield Antiques Show is the largest outdoor antiques show in the country, with over 4,500 dealers and 130,000+ visitors during the course of the week. Often referred to as “The Show,” it is actually comprised of 23 fields, owned by “Promoters,” who lease spaces to dealers from all over the world. The Show takes place three times a year. Different fields open on different days, and run for different periods of time. The Show runs about a mile along Route 20, on both sides of the road, extending several hundred yards back from each side of the road. Most dealers opt to show their wares inside large and comfortable tents, and all fields are contiguously located next to each other, so seeing everything is an easy stroll.
Maine Windjammer Parade and Open "Schooner" Tours
July 12, 2013
Rockland, Maine
The entire windjammer fleet participates in an afternoon Parade of Sail past the mile-long Rockland Breakwater, providing spectators with stunning, close-up views of Maine’s fleet of tall ships. On Saturday, stop by for Open “Schooner” Tours from 2:00-4:00 pm. Visitors can stop by North End Shipyard and Windjammer Wharf (off Tilson Avenue) for dockside tours of the American Eagle, Heritage, Isaac H. Evans, Nathaniel Bowditch and Stephen Taber.
Nantucket Yoga Festival
July 12-14, 2013
Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Nantucket Yoga Festival will bring together the very best world class yoga instructors,wellness experts and healthy living guides. The Westmoor Club will host an exciting opening night celebration followed by classes and workshops outdoors under tent at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm. 24 workshops; 15 teachers; one inspiring weekend.
Moxie Festival
July 12-14, 2013
Lisbon Falls, Maine
A festival in honor of beverage that has a cult following in New England. Music, entertainment, food, fireworks, a bed race and carnival games.
Annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 12-14, 2013
Stowe, Vermont
More than 25 hot-air balloons will soar for one of Vermont’s most popular summer celebrations, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa will once again host the spectacular three-day event. Festival attendees are welcome to join in the fun; hot-air balloon rides are priced at $275 per person, plus tax, and advanced reservations are recommended. Tethered rides on the hot-air balloons may be available for $10 per person.
Vermont Mountain Bike Festival
July 13-14, 2013
Ice Center - Waterbury, Vermont
This is Vermont’s premier mountain biking event: bringing riders together to enjoy Vermont’s finest trails as well as industry manufacturers and retailers with booths and demo products. For two jam-packed days, the VMBF will be home to exciting events catering to beginner and expert cyclists alike. VMBF is family friendly and will also offer kids’ rides led by Wheels Around Waterbury, a local summer camp that teaches kids mountain biking skills. Local shops and industry vendors will be on hand to share their products and provide demos.
North Atlantic Blues Festival
July 13-14, 2013
Rockland, Maine
The North Atlantic Blues Festival is an annual two-day blues music festival featuring national blues performers and considered one of the most prestigious on the East Coast. The festival is held at the Public Landing in Rockland, Maine, overlooking the picturesque Rockland Harbor. Some of the top names in blues music have been featured at this prestigious East Coast festival. In addition to all day live entertainment, the festival has vendors selling a wide array of food, drinks and crafts. Saturday evening Main Street is closed to traffic for the NABF Club Crawl. Attendees of legal age, wearing their wristband from the festival are allowed admission to the many bars and restaurants featuring many of the top regional blues performers. There are also bands performing on Main Street for all ages at no charge.
Annual Wickford Art Festival
July 13-14, 2013
Wickford, Rhode Island
Ranked the #1 fine art festival in New England by Sunshine Artist. Come to this beautiful seaside town to see the work of over 250 artists. Enjoy shops, restaurants and kayaking nearby.
Newport Mansions: Green Animals Children’s Party
July 14, 2013
Green Animals Topiary Garden - Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Children and adults of all ages are invited to enjoy the festivities at the annual Children’s Party at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. This site is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. The party will feature circus acts, music, magic, clowns, puppets, pony rides, refreshments and much more on this historic 7-acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay.
Vermont Brewers Festival
July 19-20, 2013
Burlington, Vermont
This is an Artisan Craft Beer Festival celebrating Artisan Craft Beer and the Brewers who brew them. Come enjoy a great weekend in July at Burlington Waterfront Park with scenic views of Lake Champlain framed by the Adirondack Mountain Range.
Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 19-21, 2013
Wakefield, Rhode Island
Fly high above America’s smallest state in a hot air balloon at this special festival in Scenic South County. Enjoy carnival rides, see the world famous racing pigs, watch a pizza grilling competition, and try the climbing wall, followed by fireworks. New this year: Rhode Island State Barbeque Championship Competition and Campus Cookoff. Bring your camera for the special Balloon Glow at dusk.
The Yarmouth Clam Festival
July 19-21, 2013
Yarmouth, Maine
On this extended weekend, the normally quiet New England village of Yarmouth, Maine, will swell to 15 times its size, as over 100,000 visitors flock to the Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival — including visitors from 13 countries and 32 U.S. states. One of Maine’s most popular summer events, the festival includes a Friday night parade, Saturday night block party and fireworks, Clam Shucking contests, a Firefighters’ Muster, the Diaper Derby and, of course, lots and lots of clams! A boatload of other seafood will also be served up: lobster stew, lobster rolls, grilled scallops, shore dinners, and fried shrimp, to name a few. A wide array of favorite foods for landlubbers includes pizza, burgers and dogs, meatball subs, home-baked desserts, the famously thirst-quenching Lime Rickeys, and much more.
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
July 19-21, 2013
Hartford, Connecticut
Now in its 15th year, this free-of-charge festival is a world-class jazz event. Over twenty-five hours of music performed by internationally acclaimed artists. Wonderful world-class musicians will grace the mainstage of the Thomas Harris IV Pavillon in Bushnell Park during the 2013 Festival. Local and regional artists will perform on the Arch Stage located in the marketplace adjacent to Trinity Street.
Killington Wine Festival
July 19-21, 2013
Killington, Vermont
Over the last nine years, the Killington Wine Festival has become a signature summer event for the Killington region. Guests enjoy a nice July weekend tasting fine wines with Killington Peak and the Green Mountains of Vermont as a scenic backdrop. This year’s event will feature over 500 wines from around the world represented by over 40 wineries and distributors.
Sunday River's Tough Mountain Challenge
July 20, 2013
Sunday River, Maine
Now in its third season, the Tough Mountain Challenge is a unique adventure obstacle race born in the mountains of Maine that tackles the alpine terrain of Sunday River ski resort. After running 5k in the mountains, under an arsenal of snow guns, crossing ravines and crawling under ski trails – you’ll feel it by the finish line. And when you cross that line you’ll be in the middle of an all-day party complete with live music, barbecues, a beer garden, a free Mini Mountain Challenge for kids, chairlift rides, ziplines and more.
Newport Blues & BBQ Festival
July 20, 2013
Newport Yatching Center - Newport, Rhode Island
Time to get down and dirty with this amped-up celebration of blues, beer, and barbeque. The one-day, 10-hour festival promises musical powerhouses and a BBQ Alley brimming with smoky goodness. This years line-up includes James Cotton Blues Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Matt “Guitar” Murphy with Rick Russell & the Cadillac Horns, Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, and Quinn Sullivan. Wow! Pair that with savory offerings and cold brews, and you’ve got the recipe for a quality dose of southern hospitality right here in downtown Newport. While you soak in the sun and sounds of our Blues masters, check out a variety of pit-masters who will be dishing out some of the best savory barbeque in the area.
Green River Festival
July 20-21, 2013
Greenfield Community College - Greenfield, Massachusetts
One of the top musical events in Western Massachusetts, the Green River Festival combines superb musical talent from around the US, local food and fine crafts and hot air balloons for two days of sun and fun.
Vermont Cheese Festival
July 21, 2013
Shelburne, Vermont
With over 50 cheesemakers, the highest number per capita in the country, Vermont is the premier artisan cheese state. Festival visitors will meet cheesemakers, taste, and purchase their cheeses. Come for educational seminars, cooking demonstrations by star chefs, and cheesemaking demonstrations throughout the day. The Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival has been organized by Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery in partnership with the Vermont Cheese Council.
Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
July 26 - August 4, 2013
Mount Snow Valley, Vermont
If it’s blue, it’s probably happening in the Mount Snow area of Vermont in late July and early August. The 2013 Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival is a community effort in which dozens of businesses, organizations and individuals have created blueberry or blue-themed events happening the first ten days of August. Visitors to the Valley will find a Big Blue Parade, a Blue Street Fair, a blue car auto show, blueberry bake sales, blue beer, and pick your own blueberry opportunities. Don’t miss Boyd Farm’s “Fields of Blue” public art display.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet Weekend
July 26-27, 2013
Galilee, Rhode Island
It began as a ceremony to ask for “Divine Protection” of those fishermen who risked their lives harvesting the sea. The annual Blessing of the Fleet tradition has blossomed into one of Rhode Island’s most popular weekend-long events that now also includes a road race and a seafood festival attended by nearly 30,000 people. A delicious harvest of seafood and other delectable foods are prepared in the New England tradition, including complete lobster dinners, linguini with clam sauce, barbecued shrimp, and a raw bar. The Blessing of the Fleet itself is a spectacularly colorful event that takes place at noon on Saturday, in Galilee. Hundreds of vessels line up to parade past thousands of spectators.
Old Lyme Midsummer Festival
July 26-27, 2013
Old Lyme, Connecticut
For the past 100 years artists have flocked to this town, located on a serene inlet at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Historic homes build by sea captains, an art museum, an art college, galleries, shops and delightful inns make Old Lyme one of New England’s most unique destinations. The town’s two-day Midsummer Festival takes place in the heart of Old Lyme’s historic district. As part of the events, the Florence Griswold Museum hosts Market En Plein Air, an open-air food event in a setting modeled after outdoor markets in French villages. The Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa is hosting the Shoreline Chef Competition in which four local chefs are given secret ingredients selected from Market En Plein Air vendors to compete for the winning dish. The festival also includes a dog parade, concerts and more.
Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique and Classic Boat Show
July 26-28, 2013
Meredith Public Docks - Meredith, New Hampshire
This summer’s Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show at the Meredith public docks will be another huge gathering of over 80 beautiful antique and classic wooden boats, on display all day long in a judged competition. This is quite a sight to behold, with all the vintage boats and large crowds.
Maine Lobster Festival
July 31 - August 4, 2013
Rockland, Maine
Love lobster? This is the festival for you. You’ll find fresh Maine lobster under nine tents overlooking Penobscot Bay — plus a sea goddess, a big parade, top notch entertainment, Maine arts and crafts, US Navy ship tours and more. In addition to lobster, you can choose from steamed and fried clams, fried Maine shrimp, shrimp cocktail, steamed mussels, and many varieties of traditional summer fair food, all prepared in the traditional Maine way.
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