New England Events – June 2013
Hello Summer – we’re ready! June in New England is brimming with events. Head to Boston’s Harborfest and Independence Day events; get jazzed up at the festival in Burlington, Vermont; or experience WaterFire in Providence.
For more New England events in June, check the individual state web sites at the bottom of the page. Choose from over 40 major events around the six New England states.
20th Annual Cape Cod Martime Festival
May 19-June 21, 2013
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The month-long event will include a variety of Cape-wide maritime-themed activities, including guided kayak excursions, lighthouse & walking tours, nautical art exhibits, the Wellfleet Harborfest and Nautical Flea Market on June 1st and more. Maritime Days will culminate with the 5th Annual Cape Cod Quahog Day at the oceanfront Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis on Friday, June 21st. See why this annual event was designated one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
May 31 - June 9, 2013
Burlington, Vermont
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival fills downtown Burlington with sounds of jazz, blues, funk, swing and Latin music. For 10 days, the entire city comes alive with a mix of concerts, street parties, cruises on Lake Champlain, meet-the-artist sessions and workshops. With an estimated 45,000 in attendance, venues for ticketed and free events include the majestic Flynn MainStage, intimate FlynnSpace, bucolic Waterfront Park, the bustling outdoor pedestrian mall Church Street Marketplace, and City Hall Park, bars, clubs and restaurants throughout the city. Past headliners have included greats such as Sonny Rollins, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, Béla Fleck, and more.
Piscataqua Waterfront Festival
June 1, 2013
Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Celebrate Portsmouth Harbor and Great Bay with music, maritime artisan demonstrations, free museum tours, hands-on children’s activities and more. The festival is designed to heighten awareness of Portsmouth’s maritime history, contemporary water quality issues, boat building heritage and opportunities, marine management, water recreation and conservation.
Great Chowder Cook-off in Newport, Rhode Island
June 1, 2013
Newport, Rhode Island
Be a part of the original, largest, and longest running (over 30 years!), chowder bonanza in New England located right in the buzz of historic downtown Newport. With a wide spread from national to regional competitors, festival-goers will taste-test a myriad of traditional and exotic chowders from all kitchens, then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative. The winners’ pots are bigger than ever this year making this culinary competition piping hot! In addition, we have added some new and exciting culinary competitions, contests, live music and more!
The Fields of Lupine Festival
June 1-15, 2013
Franconia Notch – White Mountains, New Hampshire
Come view the beautiful blooming lupine fields in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Tour the fields by foot or horse-drawn wagon. Visit the many museums and attractions: Sugar Hill Historic Museum, New England Ski Museum, Franconia Heritage Museum, The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the Frost Place. Festival events include art exhibits, concerts, walking tours, an open-air market, specialty dinners at local inns, and a variety of promotions at local businesses. Your ticket to take part in the events is the Fields of Lupine Festival Tour Book, which includes a calendar of events, local map, descriptions of participating businesses, and discounts at local businesses. Some Festival events may require an additional cost; see booklet for details.
The Kennebunkport Festival
June 4-9, 2013
Kennebunkport, Maine
The Kennebunkport Festival is a multi-day dining extravaganza that kicks-off with intimate, private dinners prepared by some of Maine’s top chefs in area residences or opt for dinner at the White Barn Inn, an AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated restaurant, hosted by Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright. The festival includes art events, music and more. Come for all six days or plan a long weekend escape.
Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport
June 6-9, 2013
Mystic Seaport - Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport is proud to host its 34th annual Sea Music Festival, one of the world’s premier sea music events. Thousands of people gather each year to hear Mystic Seaport’s Chantey Staff along with performers from around the globe carry on the classic musical traditions of the Golden Age of Sail. Enjoy featured music from maritime cultures around the world, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Australia, Iceland, Poland, Netherlands, France, Canada and Africa, as well as native peoples within the United States. Please check the Mystic Seaport website for concert times and ticket information over the four-day festival. Some performances require a ticket in lieu of Museum admission.
Annual Strolling of the Heifers Weekend / Slow Living Summit
June 7-9, 2013
Downtown Brattleboro, Vermont
The Strolling of the Heifers aims to connect people with healthy local foods and with the farmers and producers who bring it to them. The centerpiece of the weekend is the world-famous Strolling of the Heifers Parade which features up to 100 heifer calves, along with cows, horses, goats, tractors, bands and more. The crowd follows the parade to the all-day 11-acre Live Green Expo for food, music, dance, demonstrations, exhibits and fun — all related to the event’s mission of sustaining family farms by connecting people with healthy local food. Sunday features the Tour de Heifer, a trio of scenic farm-to-farm bicycle rides tailored to all levels of cycling ability, with routes ranging from 6 to 60 miles. The Tour de Heifer raises money for grants that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in farm and food enterprises.
Florence Griswold Museum GardenFest
June 7-16, 2013
Old Lyme, Connecticut
This museum is the Home of American Impressionism. GardenFest is a ten-day celebration of the museums’s historic gardens, featuring special events, garden tours, demonstrations and family activities. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities for all ages and interest levels. Most events are free with Museum admission.
Gaspee Days Parade & Weekend
June 7-9, 2013
Warwick, Rhode Island
In June of 1772 brave colonists from Rhode Island burned the British revenue schooner, HMS Gaspee, in what has become recognized as the first overt action leading to the American Revolutionary War. For the past 48 years the village of Pawtuxet, Rhode Island, has commemorated this act with its annual Gaspee Days Celebration. This is one of the most exciting and patriotic parades in the country, featuring colonial fife and drum corps, Civil War era units, modern day drum and bugle corps, and more.
WaterFire
Select dates - see website for details
Waterplace Park - 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. On select evenings throughout the year, 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.
Star Island Gosport Regatta
June 8-9, 2013
Star Island - Isles of Shoals, off Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Star Island is one of the rocky, wind-swept Isles of Shoals, located off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. Boat rides are available from Rye and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Race classes include cruising, racing, and J-24, as well as a team cup for yacht clubs entering three or more boats. Follow the race from the starting line on the M/V Thomas Laighton and come ashore in time for lunch with entertainment and best views of the finish line.
Harwinton Antiques & Design Weekend
June 8-9, 2013
Harwinton Fairgrounds - Harwinton, Connecticut
The largest antique event in Connecticut with approximately 400 quality dealers offering an array of antiques and vintage collectibles under tents; with fine food concessions. Formerly the Farmington Antiques Weekend, this new location features more than 100 indoor vendors as well as plenty of room for outdoor vendors.
Progressive’s 90th Laconia Motorcycle Week
June 8-16, 2013
Laconia, New Hampshire
It’s the 90th anniversary of New England’s most famous motorcycle gathering! Laconia Motorcyle Week is a long-time favorite among biking enthusiasts – breathtaking motorcycle rides along winding roads, past stunning lake vistas, and on historic by-ways like the Kangamangus Trail. There will be headlining bands and concerts all through the Lakes Region so you can quench your thirst for some good music. Enjoy events that include “ The Ride to the Sky” up Mount Washington, Hillclimb/Drag Races, Vintage Motorcycle events, Rally in the Valley and trips to the new Amiercan Police Motorcycle Museum. Plan on attending some of the Gypsy Tours that will be held during Motorcycle Week that bring you on some great rides around the state of New Hampshire. Bikes rentals are available at Laconia Harley-Davidson and HK Powersports (Laconia) as well as Manchester Harley Davidson.
Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Crafts and Music Festival
June 14-16, 2013
Quechee, Vermont
The longest continuously running Hot Air Balloon Festival in New England features over 20 hot air balloons. Balloon rides will be available to purchase prior to and during the event. The event features continuous music and entertainment for all ages, and over 60 craft artisans and commercial vendors. Children’s activities include train rides, a bungee jump, an inflatable climbing wall, slide and tunnel; craft activities and face painting. And of course there will be festival food, a beer and wine garden, and more surprises!
Lyman Orchard's Strawberry Fest
June 15, 2013
Middletown, Connecticut
Join Lyman Orchards in celebration of strawberries, the first fruit of the season and the star attraction! The day’s activities include free tastings of strawberry treats, live music, pie eating contests, horse-drawn wagon rides and more great family fun! Come hungry and enjoy delicious strawberry treats, hotdogs, hamburgers, ice cream and more at Lyman’s Orchards Outdoor Grill.
Strawberry Festival at Smith’s Castle
June 15, 2013 (Rain date of June 16)
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Smith’s Castle is a house museum and one of the oldest structures in Rhode Island. The land was the original site of a trading company operated by Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and a well-known Baptist theologian. The land is also a national historic site known for the many Native American artifacts found nearby. Come of this day to savor Smith’s Castle’s celebrated strawberry shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry – a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with fun family entertainment.
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
June 15-29, 2013
New Haven, Connecticut
The mission of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas is to create an internationally renowned festival in New Haven of the highest quality. The Festival’s ambitious music, dance, and theater programs fill New Haven with renowned international stars, newly-discovered artists, and a number of U.S. and world premieres each season. The eclectic ideas program offers a mix of serious, controversial, and whimsical topics, all designed to inspire new ways of thinking. The Festival also features plenty of family-friendly events. It continues to make more than 80% of Festival events free to the public, including some of the most prestigious opera, jazz, classical, rock, folk and fusion music in the world.
Jacob's Pillow Dance - 81st Anniversary Festival
June 15 - August 25, 2013
Becket, Massachusetts
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is the ideal destination for a summer getaway. A National Historic Landmark and National Medal of Arts recipient, Jacob’s Pillow is nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Called “the dance center of the nation” by The New York Times, the Pillow brings together dance, music, art, and culture, with more than 300 free and ticketed events including performances, photography and art exhibits, lectures and discussions, tours, dance class observation, onsite dining, and much more. Dance companies from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, and across the United States perform in two theaters and an outdoor stage throughout the summer.
Annual Travelers Golf Championship
June 17-23, 2013
Cromwell, Connecticut
This event attracts the world’s best golfers to compete for a $6 million purse, featuring exciting golf action, popular Celebrity Pro-Am, an interactive Fan Zone and family friendly events. The Championship is held at the TPC River Highlands, a par 70, 6,844 yard course in Cromwell, Connecticut, 10 miles south of Hartford, Connecticut.
Wanderlust Vermont: FOUR DAYS OF MUSIC, YOGA, AND NATURE
June 20-23, 2013
Stratton Mountain Ski Resort – Bondville, Vermont
Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind yoga and music festival held several times a year around the U.S. in places with inspiring natural scenery. Wanderlust is a mix of yoga classes, guided meditations, music performances, dance parties and other daytime and evening events for fans of music, yoga and environmentally and spiritually conscious living.
The Newport Flower Show - Jade: Eastern Obsessions
June 21-23, 2013
Newport Mansions - Newport, Rhode Island
The Newport Flower Show celebrates its 19th year as America’s premier summer flower show, held on the historic grounds of Rosecliff. Discover the mysteries of the East. Gardens, treasures, traditions, and native plants all blend to create the simple yet stunning beauty of this exotic part of the world.
Annual Stowe Wine & Food Classic
June 21-23, 2013
Stowe, Vermont
Up-scale meets down-home in this event. The Stowe Wine and Food Classic is a one-of-a-kind food and wine experience, taking you from farm to table and vine to glass. Not only will you rub elbows with top winemakers and chefs, you will also meet the farmers and suppliers these chefs count on daily for fresh ingredients. Enjoy well over 100 wines from around the world along with a grand array of offerings from area restaurants, cheese makers and brewers, all in a casual and vibrant atmosphere. The festival is held at the Trapp Family Lodge, owned and managed by the von Trapps, one of the world’s best known and beloved musical families. The 2,500-acre resort with sweeping mountain views provides accommodations in an Austrian-style Main Lodge plus guest houses and villas.
Martha's Vineyard: Annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival
June 22, 2013 (raindate: June 23)
Oak Bluffs - Martha's Vineyard Island, Massachusetts
Over 40 vendors from near and far, including many of the Vineyard favorites, plan to return for one of the Island’s most popular events. As always, an abundance of native seafood and gourmet treats await the festive gathering at this year’s Harbor Festival. Admission for this event is free and the public is encouraged to come and spend the day. For children, the Annual Faerie Festival will entertain all ages with mystical storytelling and Celtic musicians.
Cape Ann Artisans Spring Studio Tour 2013
June 22-23, 2013
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
Cape Ann Artisans is celebrating their 30th Annual Studio Tour Weekend. This self-guided tour along the scenic coastline of Gloucester and Rockport presents a unique opportunity to see the work of 21 professional artists in 18 studios. The work represented includes: pottery, painting, sculpture, photography, mosaics, weaving and jewelry. Several of the artists will be demonstrating their working process during the tour. Brochures with route maps will be available at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the Rockport Information Booth on Rte 127 and at each of the artisans. A bright magenta Studio Tour banner will mark each location. Download a brochure at: www.capeannartisans.com. This event repeats in October.
The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival
June 22, 2013
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Celebrate the taste of Maine’s Favorite Dessert at the 2013 Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. Dozens of bakers with thousands of Whoopie Pies will be on hand. Sample, purchase and enjoy this unique Maine delicacy. Come for the Whoopie Pies, but stay all day to enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts, vendors, and fun activities for the whole family!
Great Aviation Adventure - New England Air Museum
June 22-23, 2013
Bradley International Airport - Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Come to the New England Air Museum’s first ever “Great Aviation Adventure.” Get up close to an exciting display of more than 25 airplanes and helicopters including military, corporate, homebuilts, war birds and antiques. The highlight of the show will be a Mitchell B-25 bomber which will make five flights a day. Visitors who wish to attend the show can buy their admission tickets at the New England Air Museum where they can board shuttle busses for the five mile trip to the airport for the show. Also available on the day of the event will be the Museum’s Flight Sim Spot which provides visitors with a high tech flight experience.
Annual Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Days
June 23, 2013
Statewide – Connecticut
Visit one or several of fourteen historic gardens across Connecticut. Each site offers special activities emphasizing their site. Programs and fees vary; hours are noon to 4 pm unless noted. Visit a site or two in your area, or make a day of it and head off to explore another part of the state. See the CHG Members web page for links to member sites and their Connecticut Historic Gardens Day activities.
51st Annual Windjammer Days Festival
June 25-26, 2013
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Annual Windjammer Days of Boothbay Harbor. Enjoy the beauty of fully rigged windjammers sailing into Boothbay Harbor. Four days of family fun: a sailboat race, golf tournament, pancake breakfasts, waterfront concerts, art & craft fair, hometown street parade, antique boat parade and fireworks over the harbor. Great fun for all! Click on the Windjammer button on the home page for more information about this maritime event. Participating Windjammers in this event offer overnight trips or hourly cruises.
Taste of the Nation
June 26, 2013
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Share our Strength makes a stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when more than 70 local restaurants will get together beneath big-top tents on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum. The proceeds go toward aiding hunger relief efforts.
St. Peter’s Fiesta Festival
June 26-30, 2013
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Starting at the turn of the century many Italian families from Sicily settled in the fishing community of Gloucester. They continued many of the customs they had practiced in the old country; among these, paying homage to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. This annual festival honors St. Peter and is a celebration of the community and its rich heritage. This festival includes an annual open air Mass at the Alter at St. Peter’s Square, followed by a procession and the blessing of the Italian-American fishing fleet. In the afternoon is the famous and entertaining Greasy Pole competition in which brave souls run across a grease-covered pole above the water trying to capture a flag. In the Seine Boat Races twelve man crews prove their strength and stamina by rowing against each other in old Seine boats in a grueling mile long race.
The Portland Performing Arts Festival
June 26-30, 2013
Portland, Maine
This new summer festival presents nationally-renowned performances in music, dance and theater all over Portland’s Arts District. Featuring music, dance, theater, and performance art, the Festival will transform Portland’s Arts District into a hotbed of creative activity for four days.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra: TD Bank Summer Festival Tour 2013
June 27 - July 7, 2013
Select locations around Vermont
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 Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show
June 29-30, 2013
North Kingston, Rhode Island
This airshow offers the finest aerial and static displays along with activities for people of all ages. This year’s show features the USAF Thunderbirds. Admission to the show and parking is free!
New England Brewfest
June 29, 2013
Village Shops - Lincoln, New Hampshire
Breweries from across New England will gather to tap into their exceptional brews at the 9th annual New England Brewfest! Come to the Lincoln Village Shops in Lincoln, New Hampshire — in the heart of the White Mountains – to sample and learn about these delicious craft brews. There will be 30 breweries and over 100 beers on tap. While you’re tasting, enjoy live entertainment, craft beer education programs, great food and exhibits offering brew paraphernalia and souvenirs. Lodging packages available; see website for details.
South Berwick Strawberry Festival
June 29, 2013
South Berwick, Maine
This volunteer festival gets bigger and better every year. Enjoy strawberry shortcake or strawberries on ice cream under the tents, or choose from the many food tables. There are crafts and jewelry for sale by many vendors, live music and entertainment throughout the day, and childrens’ rides and events. Nearby, visit the beautiful Hamilton House, a restored Georgian mansion, owned by Historic New England, situated on a bluff overlooking the Salmon Falls River, once a crucial point in the shipping business of the New England colonies. Or see the home of writer Sarah Orne Jewett, famous for capturing the history and flavor of the region.
Explore more New England events:
- Connecticut Events
- Maine Events
- Massachusetts Events
- New Hampshire Events
- Rhode Island Events
- Vermont Events
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