Top Events In New England
Top Events - - July and August 2010 presented by Yankee Magazine
From the editors of Yankee Magazine, Top Events in New England for July and August
CONNECTICUT
JULY 8 & 22, AUG. 19: MYSTIC, Cocktails with the Whales. Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and live music in front of Mystic Aquarium's outdoor Arctic Coast exhibit, home to the aquarium's resident beluga whales. Three 20-foot underwater viewing windows provide guests with an up-close look. 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org
JULY 10-11: MILFORD, New England Arts and Crafts Festival. Held on historic downtown Milford Green, this event features more than 100 fine art and craft exhibits, a food court, music, theater, children's activities, and the popular annual "Sidewalk Chalk Competition." 203-878-6647; milfordarts.org
JULY 17: EAST LYME, Great Niantic Bay Raft Race. Thrift and ingenuity come in handy at Hole in the Wall Beach, where teams build makeshift rafts without motors or commercial flotation devices. Music, entertainment, vendors, food, and more; part of "Celebrate East Lyme Day." 860-739-5828; celebrateeastlyme.com
JULY 24: WINDSOR, Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Taste the summer's most popular cool treat on the lawns of Elmwood, the Oliver Ellsworth homestead. Also enjoy a pancake breakfast, arts, crafts, antiques, a farm stand, and tours of the property. 860-688-8717; ctdar.org/OEH
AUG. 6-8: KENT, Litchfield Jazz Festival. Friday evening, celebrate the great Dave Brubeck's 90th birthday (coming up in December), and come back for still more jazz greats on the next two days and nights, all at the Kent School. 860-361-6285; litchfieldjazzfest.com
AUG. 6-8: NORTH BRANFORD, North Branford Potato and Corn Festival. This annual event at Augur Farm offers food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family, including a classic car show, carnival, crafts, 5K race, fireworks, and a canine Frisbee competition. 203-315-6017; nbpotatofest.com
AUG. 7-8: LAKEVILLE, All-Mozart Weekend. The Amernet String Quartet, featuring Chauncey Patterson, performs six of Mozart's viola quintets at Music Mountain. 860-824-7126; musicmountain.org
AUG. 21: MIDDLEFIELD, Lyman Orchards Clambake. Bring the family and an appetite to this evening feast of fresh seafood: lobster, steamers, mussels, and clam chowder, plus, for non-seafood lovers, hotdogs, hamburgers, and plenty of sides. Reservations required. 860-349-6043; lymanorchards.com
AUG. 28-29: MYSTIC, Dog Days. Mystic Seaport hosts canines and their best buddies for a weekend of lifesaving demonstrations, search-and-rescue presentations, and a roster of other fun family activities. 888-973-2767, 860-572-5315; mysticseaport.org
MAINE
JULY 4: FREEPORT, 4th of July Blueberry Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Held annually at St. Jude Church to kick off the holiday's activities, this traditional feast offers great breakfast foods, juice, and plenty of happy servers. 207-846-5584; freeportusa.com
JULY 11: THOMASTON, SOUTH THOMASTON, CUSHING. Gardens in the Watershed Tour. Featuring seven diverse properties; pre-order your gourmet bag lunch. Proceeds go toward conservation of the Georges River watershed. 207-594-5166; grlt.org
JULY 16: ROCKLAND, Maine Windjammer Parade. Bring blankets, chairs, and a camera for a close-up look at the entire fleet as it sails past Rockland Breakwater. Stake out a spot anywhere along the mile-long structure for the best spectator views. 800-807-9463; sailmainecoast.com
JULY 23-24: STONINGTON, Deer Isle Jazz Festival. Explore the music of New Orleans--ragtime, R&B, and jazz--in performances at the Stonington Opera House. 207-367-2788; operahousearts.org
JULY 30-AUG. 1: AUGUSTA, Maine Quilts 2010. The Augusta Civic Center hosts a show of more than 500 quilts, "Merchants Mall," demonstrations, lectures, quilt appraisals, silent auction, and special quilt exhibits. 207-415-4417; mainequilts.org
AUG. 1-7: SOUTHWEST HARBOR, Claremont Croquet Classic. The historic Claremont Hotel, established in 1884, holds its annual tournament. All ages are welcome and encouraged to play. Preregistration suggested. 207-244-5036; theclaremonthotel.com
AUG. 10: GEORGETOWN, Georgetown Working League Fair & Luncheon. This art exhibit and sale features league members' talents, including crafts, hand-sewn gifts, home-baked pies, and a quilt raffle. Live entertainment and a fresh-seafood lunch, too, all at Georgetown Central School. georgetownworkingleague.org
AUG. 14-15: BRISTOL, The Age of Pirates. Local author James Nelson is the infamous Dixie Bull, a 1630s English sea captain-turned-privateer, at this Olde Bristol Days event at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site. 207-677-2423; friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org
AUG. 19-21, 26-29: STONINGTON, Shakespeare in Stonington: "Measure for Measure." The Stonington Opera House gives one of the Bard's most complicated and funny tales a modern-day twist. This original production channels the Southern Gothic voice of Flannery O'Connor in a classic love story of three arranged marriages, complete with villainous plots, displays of honor, deception, and more. 207-367-2788; operahousearts.org
MASSACHUSETTS
JULY 4: STURBRIDGE, An 1830s Independence Day Celebration. Old Sturbridge Village visitors sign a giant Declaration of Independence, play 1830s-style baseball, and more during the day; the evening brings music, family games and activities, and a 30-minute fireworks display at dusk. 800-733-1830, 508-347-3362; osv.org
JULY 8-11, 15-18: ROCKPORT, Rockport Chamber Music Festival. Enjoy lectures and demonstrations, "brown bag" lunchtime Q&A sessions, and a variety of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists, including world-renowned violinist Midori, all at the new Shalin Liu Performance Center. 978-546-7391; rockportmusic.org
JULY 10: STOCKBRIDGE, Hidden Treasures of the Berkshires. The Lenox Garden Club's 20th annual self-guided house and garden tour features six distinctive properties in this historic area. 413-298-3089; lenoxgardenclub.net
JULY 27-28: SOUTH YARMOUTH, AAUW Cape Cod Book and Jewelry Sale. At Nelson Hall, browse thousands of volumes and pieces of jewelry, ranging from "good beach reads" and costume baubles to collectible books and valuable gems. 774-212-2778; aauw.org
JULY 29, AUG. 5 & 12: YARMOUTH PORT, Kitchen Chats. Marjorie Jones demonstrates cooking techniques in the 18th-century kitchen of the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum. Topics include "From Flicker to Wick: An Illuminating Survey of Early Lighting Devices," "Coming Clean: Flushing Out the 'Dirt' on Early Laundry Techniques and Equipment," and more. 508-775-1258; hsoy.org
AUG. 13-14: PROVINCETOWN, Provincetown Jazz Festival. Experience the survival and revival of New Orleans' greatest gift to the world as this music fest commemorates the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. New to the festival and opening the concert at Provincetown High School will be the Berklee Rising Stars. 508-274-2513; provincetownjazzfestival.org
AUG. 14: EASTHAM, Summer Antique Show & Sale. The Eastham Historical Society presents 48 local and regional dealers of quality wares, including primitives and fun vintage finds, at Eastham Windmill Green. Don't miss the "treasure table." 508-240-1247, 508-255-0788; easthamhistorical.org
AUG. 14-15: STURBRIDGE, Textile Weekend. Early-19th-century New England needlework is the focus this year at this Old Sturbridge Village event. Watch demonstrations of a variety of needlework techniques, tour the Village and see fabrics from the Village's collection, and take part in hands-on activities. 800-733-1830, 508-347-3362; osv.org
AUG. 17-21: WEST SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. This weeklong show at the Eastern States Exposition Coliseum features more than 400 registered Morgan horses competing in a wide variety of events. 413-246-8757; thebige.com
AUG. 21-22: STOCKBRIDGE, Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show. Berkshire Botanical Gardens hosts 80 jury-selected artists and crafters and their works, ranging from paintings, ceramics, and fiberware to blown glass, high-fashion handmade jewelry, and Shaker and contemporary woodenware and furniture. 413-298-5200; stockbridgechamber.org
NEW HAMPSHIRE
JULY 6-AUG. 10: PLYMOUTH, New Hampshire Music Festival: "Beethoven--A Season of Triumph." Emerging young conductors, guest artists, and an award-winning orchestra highlight this three-part chamber, classic, and pops series, all at Silver Center for the Arts. Visit the Web site for a full schedule. 603-279-3300; nhmf.org
JULY 9: NEWBURY, Boston Meets Newbury: A Musical Evening with the New England Brass Consort. Mount Sunapee Resort kicks off the town's Old Home Day (July 10) celebration with five musicians from four of New England's finest groups: the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the Handel and Haydn Society, and the Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra. 603-763-3461; centermeetinghouse.org
JULY 17: EXETER, American Independence Festival. Join the American Independence Museum in celebration of America's freedom and the institution's 20th anniversary with troop encampments, a Revolutionary battle re-enactment, traditional artisans' displays, and a showing of New Hampshire's original 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, discovered hidden under attic floorboards in 1985. 603-772-2622; independencemuseum.org
JULY 25: NEW LONDON, Country Antiques Auction. Experience an old-time auction at the New London Historical Society. Treasured items of all values, from estates and collections both large and small, will be up for bidding. 603-526-6564; newlondonhistoricalsociety.org
JULY 30-AUG. 8: FREEDOM, "Set Sail to Freedom" Old Home Week. Enjoy family-oriented events over 10 full days: parade, land and water sports, 5K road race, "Kids' Fun Run," and more. 603-539-7758; freedomoldhomeweek.com
AUG. 7: RINDGE, Rindge Summer Craft Fair. Sponsored by the Rindge Woman's Club and held on the picturesque Meeting House Lawn, the event's offerings include quilts, woodworking, jewelry, photography, candles, soaps, pottery, refreshments, and more. 603-899-5052; rindgewomansclub.org
AUG. 8: SUNAPEE, Love Your Lakes Day & Antique Boat Parade. View restored classic vessels in Sunapee Harbor, plus educational and entertaining activities and exhibits designed for families and boat lovers. 603-763-2210; lakesunapee.org
AUG. 14: SWANZEY, Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival. Step into the past with an old-fashioned family folk celebration at the Cheshire Fairgrounds. Enjoy blueberries, live music, and food; browse craft vendors; participate in an original New England melodrama; and join a family contra dance. 603-239-6495; blueberryfiddlefestival.com
AUG. 20-21: CONCORD, "This Place Is a Zoo" Flower Show. Back for the first time in 15 years, this event at the New Hampshire Audubon Center will offer displays based on a variety of animals from around the world. Plus floral arrangements by top designers, "Building Green," and youth and New Hampshire Orchid Society exhibits. 603-399-4453; NHFGC.org
RHODE ISLAND
JUNE 26-JULY 5: BRISTOL, 225th Fourth of July Celebration. The nation's oldest continual Independence Day celebration kicks off with a Rockwell Amusements Carnival on the town common, fireworks the night of the 4th, and a huge parade on the 5th, plus a drum-and-bugle corp competition, jazz and Army Band concerts, picnics, pageants, and more. july4thbristolri.com
JULY 10: LITTLE COMPTON, Little Compton Church Fair and Road Race. The Congregational Church hosts 50 craft vendors, local fare (including lobster rolls), a climbing wall, silent auction, live music, raffles, a kids' race, and a 4.8-mile road race with prizes. 401-635-8472; ucclcri.org
JULY 10-11: WICKFORD VILLAGE, Wickford Art Festival. Sponsored by the Wickford Art Association, this townwide event attracts 250 juried artists from across the country. 401-294-6840; wickfordart.org
JULY 14: PORTSMOUTH, Green Animals Children's Party. Spend a perfect summer afternoon at Green Animals Topiary Garden, home to more than 80 animal- and geometrically shaped topiaries. Plus circus acts, music, magic, clowns, puppets, pony rides, refreshments, and views overlooking Narragansett Bay. 401-847-1000; NewportMansions.org
JULY 17-18, AUG. 21-22: TIVERTON, LITTLE COMPTON, South Coast Artists Open Studio Tour. Meet crafters in two Rhode Island towns and in Dartmouth and Westport, Massachusetts; painting, ceramics, photography, woodworking, sculpture, weaving, and more. 401-635-3999; SouthCoastArtists.org
JULY 24-25: USQUEPAUGH, Kenyon's Grist Mill Summer Festival. Take a free tour of the mill and see the grinding process; enjoy free kayaking on the Queen's River; sample local food and johnnycakes; and meet local artisans and farmers. 800-753-6966, 401-783-4054; kenyonsgristmill.com
AUG. 1: BRISTOL, Summertime Jazz at Cove Cabin. Spectacular views overlooking Mount Hope and Narragansett bays, a steak and lobster feast, and the smooth sound of jazz make for a relaxing summer afternoon at Mount Hope Farm. Reservations required. 401-254-1745; MountHopeFarm.com
AUG. 2-5: NEWPORT, BridgeFest. Venues across Newport County host live evening performances between the Folk and Jazz Festival weekends. 401-849-8048; newportarts.org
AUG. 14: PROVIDENCE, Family Snore and Roar: Most Extreme at RWP Zoo. This family-oriented overnight at Roger Williams Park Zoo includes dinner, a night hike, activities, a program of animal encounters, and a light breakfast. 401-785-3510; rwpzoo.org
AUG. 28-29: NEWPORT, Newport Arts Festival. Find fine and functional works, from fabrics, wood, and glass to paintings, photography, and pottery, by select regional and national artists at Newport Yachting Center. Plus live music, children's activities, and a food café. 401-846-1600; newportartsfestival.com
VERMONT
JULY 3, AUG 21: LUDLOW, Craft Festival. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts showcases New England works; plus food, music, kids' entertainment, and plenty of kettle corn. 802-228-8770; fletcherfarm.org
JULY 9-18: WAITSFIELD, WARREN, MORETOWN, FAYSTON, Vermont Festival of the Great Outdoors. Celebrate the best of the Mad River Valley's sports, recreation, and outdoor activities: biking, hiking, kayaking, gardening, birding, tennis, golf, guided activities, and much more. 802-496-3260; vtoutdoorsfest.com
JULY 10: CRAFTSBURY, Annual Antiques & Uniques Festival. Hosting more than 100 vendors of vintage wares, jewelry makers, quilters, potters, woodworkers, and more, all on the Common. Visit the bake sale and the grill and listen to live music, all in support of local nonprofits. townofcraftsbury.com
JULY 17-18: SOUTH NEWFANE, Rock River Artists Tour. Eighteen professional painters, printmakers, sculptors, woodworkers, potters, and more open their homes, gardens, and studios to visitors. Start at the historic Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane to view works and pick up a map. 802-348-7865; rockriverartists.com
JULY 31-AUG. 1: WOODSTOCK, Quilt Exhibition Opening Weekend. Meet the talented quilters of Windsor County at Billings Farm & Museum as they discuss their work. Plus quilting programs, informal workshops for beginning quilters, and activities for all ages. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org
AUG. 13-15: HYDE PARK, Jane Austen Weekend. A leisurely weekend of literary diversions at the Governor's House. Discuss Miss Austen and her celebrated novels over dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, plus a Saturday afternoon English tea and a Sunday-brunch quiz with prizes. Opt for a carriage ride, watch movie adaptations, and dress for whatever century suits you best. 866-800-6888, 802-888-6888; OneHundredMain.com
AUG. 14-15: RUTLAND, Art in the Park Summer Festival. Featuring fine art and craft exhibitors, music, free kids' activities, and hourly door-prize drawings, all at Main Street Park. 802-775-8836; chaffeeartcenter.org
AUG. 18-SEPT. 4: STOWE, "The Sound of Music." This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Rogers and Hammerstein's beloved Broadway hit based on the Trapp Family Singers. The Stowe Theatre Guild presents the musical for the first time this century at Town Hall Theatre. 802-253-3961; stowetheatre.com
AUG. 20-28: VERGENNES, "Reflections on Basin Harbor." Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain celebrates the 25th anniversary of this artist-in-residence program and juried exhibit, showcasing Vermont painters. As a fundraiser for the Vermont Arts Council, this year the show also features a display of 8-inch replicas of Adirondack chairs, embellished by the participating artists and available for sale by silent auction. 802-475-2311; basinharbor.com
AUG. 28: QUECHEE, Quechee Scottish Festival. Enjoy Highland games (including the caber toss), sheepdog trials, pipe bands and soloists, fiddling and more live music, dance, and great food--featuring haggis, meat pies, scones, and more--all at Polo Field. Vendors offer tartans, recordings, gifts, crafts, and Scottish antiques; clan society representatives will be on hand to help you trace your Scottish roots. Proceeds benefit the St. Andrew's Society Scholarship Foundation. 802-295-5351; scotlandbytheyard.com
Top Events -- April 29 presented by Yankee Magazine
MAY 1: COS COB, CONNECTICUT May Gardeners' Market. Twelve juried vendors from specialty nurseries come to Montgomery Pinetum to sell their collections of annuals, perennials, wildflowers, herbs, hanging baskets, plants, and orchids. Plants are also available for pre-order. 203-869-9242 x13; gecgreenwich.org
MAY 1: CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND May Breakfast. Ring in the spring with a traditional New England May breakfast at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church. Feast on eggs, ham, johnnycakes, and baked beans, served on china, with juice and coffee or tea. May baskets filled with sweets will also be for sale. 401-467-3300; phillipschurch.org
APR. 10-MAY 2: BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Daffodil Days. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum hosts special exhibits and family activities in celebration of spring and the blooming of 50,000 gorgeous bulbs. 401-253-2707; blithewold.org
MAY 1-2: WOODSTOCK, VERMONT Spring Farm Festival. A weekend packed with traditional spring activities at Billings Farm & Museum, including the annual shearing of the Southdown flock. Farmers demonstrate plowing skills with oxen and draft-horse teams; plus horse-drawn wagon rides and more. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org
MAY 2: ROCKINGHAM, VERMONT Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival. Take an early-morning walk through a renowned birding area and spot a variety of winged species along the Connecticut River. 802-843-2111; www.nature-museum.org
MAY 5: PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE Writers on a New England Stage. Acclaimed Latin American novelist Isabel Allende discusses her new book, Island Beneath the Sea. 603-436-2400; themusichall.org
MAY 6-8: MILFORD, CONNECTICUT Meet the Artists and Artisans Spring Show. Nearly 200 nationally acclaimed and juried exhibitors present their original works on the historic 1639 green at High and Broad streets. Listen to classical music, and enjoy alfresco dining; plus "The Greening" is a must for gardeners and conservationists. 203-874-5672; meettheartistsandartisans.com
MAY 7-8: STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS Annual Plant Sale. Early buying begins Friday morning for the thousands of annuals, perennials, herbs, rare and unusual plants, and trees and shrubs for sale at Berkshire Botanical Gardens. Choose from old, new, and gently used gardening books; vendors offer potted herbs and vegetable starts, tropical plants, garden ornaments, garden furniture, compost, and more. 413-298-3926; berkshirebotanical.org
MAY 8: PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS Spring Pops. The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra presents "Irish Night: A Celtic Music Celebration" at Memorial Hall. 508-746-8008; plymouthphil.org
MAY 8: SOUTH KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND East Farm Spring Festival. Visit the University of Rhode Island's 72-acre research facility and learn about "green" gardening, farming, and energy techniques. Exhibits, workshops, food, entertainment, and plenty of children's activities. 401-874-4453; uri.edu/cels/ceoc/east-farm-spring-festival.html
MAY 8-9: CONTOOCOOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival. At Hopkinton State Fairgrounds, vendors, workshops, and animal demonstrations and shows. See sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, and more. 603-744-3851, 603-747-3869; nhswga.com
Top Events -- April 15 presented by Yankee Magazine
APR. 16-17: DAMARISCOTTA, MAINE Sustainable Living Expo. Come to the Central Lincoln County YMCA and learn more about conserving our precious resources. Vendors, organic cafe, and kids' play area. 207-832-5584; midcoastgreencollaborative.org
APR. 16: MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT Chris Brubeck's Triple Play. Enjoy blues, rock, and jazz at Town Hall Theater, with Chris Brubeck on bass, trombone, piano, and vocals; Joel Brown on guitar and vocals; and Peter "Madcat" Ruth on harmonica and vocals. 802-388-0216; afterdarkmusicseries.com
APR. 17: MONTPELIER, VERMONT Best of the Big Apple. Four celebrated New York City chamber musicians perform Schubert, Beethoven, and Amy Beach at Unitarian Church. 802-476-8188; capitalcityconcerts.org
APR. 18: NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT Jupiter String Quartet. Performing at South Church in a program featuring Haydn, Janacek's Kreutzer Sonata, and Cesar Franck's Piano Quintet in F Minor with pianist David Westfall. A reception follows. 860-223-7555; musicseries.org
APR. 18: AUBURN, MAINELetters for Literacy Scrabble Fest. Show off your spelling skills! The Hilton Garden Inn hosts teams of up to four players in three rounds of team Scrabble, all to raise money for literacy projects. 207-333-6601 x1321; literacyvolunteersandro.org
APR. 19: HOPKINTON, MASSACHUSETTS Boston Marathon. Cheer on thousands of runners at the 114th event, 26 miles from Hopkinton to Boston's Back Bay. 617-236-1652; bostonmarathon.org
APR. 21: HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT Mark Twain Seance. Commemorate the centenary of the great humorist's death at the Mark Twain House & Museum. Performed by Todd Robbins, the program educates visitors about the spiritualism popular in middle-class America in the late 19th century. Plus, celebrated ghost investigator Lorraine Warren leads special tours. 860-247-0998; marktwainhouse.org
APR. 9-25: PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND "Thoroughly Modern Millie." A musical presented by Rhode Island's longest-running community theatre, now in its 89th season, at Jenks Auditorium. 401-726-6860; thecommunityplayers.org
APR. 10-MAY 2: BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Daffodil Days. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum hosts special exhibits and family activities in celebration of spring and the blooming of 50,000 gorgeous bulbs. 401-253-2707; blithewold.org
MAR. 2-JUNE 13: COS COB, CONNECTICUT A Stitch in Time. Visit the museum gallery of the Greenwich Historical Society and the Bush-Holley House to see more than 25 distinctive and colorful 19th-century quilts illustrating traditional patterns and town history. 203-869-6899, hstg.org
MAR. 27-APR. 24: LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS Shakespeare and the Language That Shaped a World. A fast-paced, fun, and accessible introduction to the Bard for kids of all ages, followed by a hands-on workshop with the actors at Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre. 413-637-3353; shakespeare.org