Hello, Fall! Things to Do in New Hampshire This September

There is a point every September in New Hampshire when you can feel the seasons changing.

The mornings get cooler. A few leaves start showing off. Farm stands fill up with apples and pumpkins. And suddenly, ordering an apple cider donut feels less like a snack and more like a seasonal obligation.

Welcome to fall in New Hampshire.

September is one of our favorite months to get out and explore the Granite State. Whether you already call New Hampshire home, are visiting for the weekend, or are considering moving to New Hampshire, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the beginning of fall.

Pick Your Own Apples

Few activities say fall in New Hampshire quite like apple picking.

September is prime orchard season, and there are farms throughout the state where you can pick apples, browse farm stands, grab cider and baked goods, and make an afternoon of it.

Southern New Hampshire has plenty of options, including Mack's Apples in Londonderry, while other favorites around the state include Carter Hill Orchard in Concord and Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls.

And let's be clear: going apple picking and leaving without cider donuts requires a level of self-control we simply don't aspire to.

Before heading out, check directly with the orchard for current picking conditions, varieties and hours since availability changes throughout the season.

Experience the New Hampshire Highland Games

If bagpipes echoing through the White Mountains sound like a good way to welcome fall, head north.

The 51st Annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival takes place September 18 through 20, 2026, at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln.

This three-day celebration of Scottish culture includes traditional heavy athletics, pipes and drums, live music, dancing, Scottish food, cultural activities, Clan Village and even Highland cows.

The setting alone is worth the drive as the White Mountains begin transitioning into fall.

Learn more and plan your visit:
https://nhscot.org/events/new-hampshire-highland-games-festival-2026/

Spend a Day at a New Hampshire Agricultural Fair

Agricultural fairs are another New Hampshire fall tradition, and September kicks off fair season in a big way.

Earlier in the month, the Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair in New Boston brings together animals, agriculture, fair food, carnival rides, music and family activities.

And just as September comes to a close, one of New Hampshire's most beloved traditions is getting ready to open.

The Deerfield Fair runs October 1 through 4, 2026, which makes the final days of September the perfect time to start planning your visit.

Livestock, horse and cattle pulls, exhibits, competitions, rides and enough fair food to make you question several of your life choices await.

Deerfield Fair information:
https://deerfieldfair.com/

Head to the Seacoast

Fall doesn't mean beach season is completely over.

September is actually a wonderful time to visit the New Hampshire Seacoast. The summer crowds begin to thin, but there's still plenty happening in Portsmouth, Hampton, Rye and the surrounding communities.

One of September's biggest events is the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, which took place September 11 through 13 this year and featured more than 50 Seacoast restaurants, local vendors, chef demonstrations and live entertainment.

Even after the festival ends, a September drive to the Seacoast is worth adding to your list. Walk the beach, explore downtown Portsmouth, grab lunch and enjoy a different side of fall in New Hampshire.

Take a Fall Drive Before Peak Foliage

You don't have to wait for peak foliage to enjoy a beautiful fall drive.

In fact, September can be a great time to explore before leaf-peeping season reaches full swing.

Head toward the Kancamagus Highway, explore the Lakes Region, drive through the Monadnock Region, or simply take the back roads through Southern New Hampshire.

If you live around Hollis, Brookline, Amherst or Milford, you don't have to travel very far at all.

Sometimes the best fall drive is the one where you turn off the GPS, take the road you've never taken before and see where it goes.

Preferably with coffee.

Visit a Local Farm Stand

One of the simplest ways to enjoy September is to stop at one of New Hampshire's many farm stands.

This is the time of year for apples, late summer vegetables, mums, pumpkins, cider, local honey, maple products and all kinds of locally made goods.

It's also an easy way to support New Hampshire farmers and small businesses.

If you're exploring a town because you're considering buying a home in New Hampshire, stopping at local farms, markets and small businesses is also a surprisingly good way to get a feel for the community.

Get Outside for a Hike

September hiking in New Hampshire can be spectacular.

The temperatures are generally more comfortable than the middle of summer, fall color begins appearing at higher elevations, and there are trails for just about every ability level.

You certainly don't have to tackle a 4,000 footer.

Explore a local conservation trail, take a walk around a lake, visit a state park or head north for a day in the White Mountains.

One of the biggest advantages of living in New Hampshire is having this kind of recreation within reach.

Visit a Farmers Market

September is also a great time to visit one of New Hampshire's farmers markets.

Produce is abundant, fall products are arriving and many markets feature local meat, cheese, baked goods, flowers, handmade products and prepared foods.

Check your local community calendar or town website for markets near you and their remaining dates for the season.

Have One Last Lake Day

Don't put away those camp chairs quite yet.

September can deliver some absolutely beautiful days on New Hampshire's lakes.

Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Sunapee and countless smaller lakes and ponds throughout the state offer opportunities to kayak, boat, fish or simply sit by the water.

The cooler temperatures and quieter atmosphere can make September one of the nicest times of year to enjoy New Hampshire lake life.

Start Planning for October

September may start fall, but October takes things to another level.

The Deerfield Fair kicks off October 1, followed by foliage festivals, pumpkin celebrations, fairs, haunted attractions and harvest events throughout the state.

So if you don't manage to fit everything into September, don't worry.

New Hampshire is just getting started.

Fall Is One of the Best Times to Explore New Hampshire

For those considering moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, fall is an especially good time to explore potential communities.

Spend a Saturday in Hollis, Brookline, Amherst, Milford, Merrimack, Bedford or Nashua. Visit the local shops. Stop at a farm. Walk a trail. Drive through a few neighborhoods.

Because choosing where to live isn't just about finding the right house.

It's about finding the community and lifestyle that feel right, too.

At Marmonti Real Estate, we help buyers and sellers throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts navigate their real estate plans on both sides of the state line.

And while we can help with the houses, we're also pretty big believers in getting out and enjoying everything that makes this part of New England such a great place to call home.

Happy fall!