Family events in Concord, NH

Children of all ages are invited to a playful storytime that changes from session to session. Some gatherings take place at different locations, while others welcome a guest storyteller to share stories. The mix of settings and visiting voices keeps the experience fresh for curious young listeners.

Outdoor activities suitable for all ages include chalk-drawn obstacle courses, a real life angry birds challenge, and giant board games, with more surprises in the mix. The featured setup changes weekly, so there is always something new to try.

Downtown Concord comes alive for a First Friday celebration with unique shopping, local art galleries and exhibitions, live music, and plenty of food and drinks, including food trucks. Families can enjoy activities tied to fun seasonal themes and opportunities to connect with the community. This edition highlights the Dog Days of Summer. Supported by the City of Concord, the festivities take place along Main Street Concord Nh.

You can sign up for SRP whenever the library is open. Reading and fact-finding games are underway, with plenty of prizes to be awarded. Sunglasses are encouraged.

Gimme S’more UpDog offers a full weekend of canine competition with two days of games. Day one features Throw N Go, Fireball, Freestyle Level 2 Performance, Time Warp, and two rounds of Far Out, with the order subject to change. Day two continues with 4 Way Play, Spaced Out, Freestyle Level 2 Criterion, Greedy, and Boom!, also with the order subject to change. Per UpDog rules, a dog may only play 10 runs per day regardless of the handler, and this event has a soft limit of 150 runs per day. On-site amenities include a porta potty, space along the field for tents, and nearby parking that makes working from your car an option. Accessibility accommodations can be arranged in advance. The entry fee is $15 per run, payable upon completion of registration via Venmo (friends and family) to @Kate-viles-1. Registration is complete only after payment is received, and alternate payment arrangements are available if Venmo is not an option.

The Hot Rods, Muscle & More Car Show returns to the New England Racing Museum with a full day that welcomes every kind of vehicle. Highlights include a loudest engine challenge, twenty awards, a 50/50 raffle, and a Youth Zone featuring valve cover racing. Complimentary coffee and donuts will be available, along with the Smoke Shack food truck and an ice cream stand. Spectator admission is $5 at the gate and show vehicle registration is $20 at the gate. Admission or registration also includes access to the museum for the duration of the event, bringing together great vehicles, family-friendly activities, tasty options, and a chance to explore New England racing history.

Join Salisbury’s Old Home Day for a full day of local fun, including a chicken BBQ, activities, and vendors. There will also be a White Elephant Sale hosted by the Salisbury Historical Society, plus chances to win great prizes at the SHS table.

Join the Forest Society for Open Woods Day, a special statewide celebration of conserved lands across New Hampshire as part of the organization’s 125th Anniversary. On Saturday, August 8, participating landowners will open their properties for self-guided exploring, including forests, farms, trails, and scenic landscapes. You can also chat with landowners along the way and learn how conservation helps protect the places that make the state special. There are four regions to choose from across New Hampshire.

2X Monster Trucks Live returns to Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Contoocook for a high-energy show packed with monster-truck racing, wheelies, freestyle stunts, and car crushing. The event features multiple trucks taking over the track, plus family-friendly extras like ride opportunities in a real monster truck, kids’ activities (including Power Wheels races, meet-and-greets, and giveaways), and food, vendors, and official merchandise. A King Sling race truck and FMX freestyle motocross are also part of the lineup.

Cars & Coffee on Capitol is a monthly meet in Concord, NH that takes place on the second Sunday. All makes and models are welcome. No registration or reservations are needed, and it is free to attend. Poster photo by Brody Palmateer.

Enjoy an hour of acoustic music at White Park with Mr. Aaron, an artist known for creating kid-focused songs. This performance is part of the Summer of Music Series, which presents more than 30 concerts at locations across Concord. If weather affects plans, updates will be shared on the series Facebook page, and concerts may be rescheduled as schedules allow.

The finale of Granite State Bark Crawl caps a 10 week, dog friendly tour of New Hampshire craft breweries that raises funds for Darbster Rescue. The celebration has a concert feel, with dogs available for adoption, a friendly crowd and local brews, plus raffles that support the cause. Throughout the series, brewery events have welcomed new visitors and strengthened community connections while directly aiding lifesaving rescue efforts, and this closing event continues that family friendly spirit.

Savor summer among acres of bright blooms at Brookford Farm in Canterbury, NH, where a family-run organic operation welcomes guests to wander sunflower fields and enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life. Stroll through pick-your-own rows, pause on viewing platforms for sweeping photos, and refuel with farm-to-table meals made from ingredients grown and raised on site. Hot dishes and cold drinks are offered on weekends, with farm-prepared grab-and-go options and beverages available during the week. The experience includes live local music on weekends, leisurely tractor hay rides, hands-on crafts for kids, daily cow parades, friendly farm animals to meet, and an artisan market featuring goods from area makers. The new farm store is stocked with organic produce, pasture-raised meats, raw milk, farmstead cheeses, and snacks from local partners. This is a working farm with a focus on sustainability, so the day centers on authentic connections to the land and community. Tickets are valid for any day of the event. Pricing is as follows: general admission for ages 13 and up is 12.49 in advance or 14 at the door, kids ages 5 to 12 are 7.49 in advance or 9 at the door, and children 4 and under are free. Payments are accepted by tap, credit or debit card, and cash. Pets are not permitted. While refunds are not available, tickets may be transferred to a different day of the event.

Enjoy a family-friendly performance of Little Red Riding Hood as part of IMPACT Children’s Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts. It’s presented as an in-person live show for kids and families.

Loudon Cruise Night returns with an evening of gleaming classics, hot rods, and trucks in a welcoming small-town setting. Participants may display their vehicles, and visitors can explore the lineup while enjoying food, lighthearted fun, and a sense of community. The Triple Tuesday feature returns, and trophies will be presented with opportunities for photos. Local vendors and booths will be on hand for snacks and shopping. Rusty Lantern is offering an event discount of 20 percent off all food from the kitchen and 10 percent off store purchases, excluding age-restricted items, and this deal is open to everyone. Whether stopping in to admire the cars or grabbing a bite at Rusty Lantern Kitchen, the evening highlights standout vehicles and local flavor.

All summer long, Kona Ice makes a weekly stop, situated at the outdoor pool at Capital City Sports and Fitness.

Club Soda takes the stage in Eagle Square in downtown Concord as part of the Summer of Music Series presenting more than 30 concerts across the city. This lineup showcases a wide range of musical styles. Weather cancellations will be announced on Facebook, and concerts will be rescheduled when possible as schedules allow.