What’s Happening This July in the Northeast

June 26, 2025

From clam festivals to classical music by the sea, here are some of the season’s best road trip-worthy events—organized by state and ready to inspire your next summer stop.

Maine

• Yarmouth Clam Festival – July 19–21, Yarmouth
  One of Maine’s most iconic summer weekends, with fried clams, parades, crafts, and old-fashioned family fun.
• North Atlantic Blues Festival – July 13–14, Rockland
  A powerhouse blues lineup set on the Rockland waterfront—an annual favorite for music lovers.
• Moxie Days – July 12–14, Lisbon
  Celebrate Maine’s most unique soda with a quirky mix of parades, concerts, and Moxie memorabilia.
• Maine Celtic Celebration – July 19–21, Belfast
  Music, dance, and athletic games bring Irish and Scottish culture to life on the Belfast waterfront.
• Abbe Museum Dawnland Festival – July 12–13, Bar Harbor
  A moving celebration of Wabanaki culture, featuring storytelling, drumming, food, and Indigenous artisans.

New Hampshire

• American Independence Festival – July 12, Exeter
  Celebrate the moment the Declaration of Independence arrived in NH in 1776, with reenactments, colonial games, and historic tours.
• Rafting for Wishes – July 18–19, Meredith
  Teams float rafts for 24 hours in a fun and heartfelt fundraiser for Make-A-Wish NH.
• Annual Bloom Party – July 12, Strafford
  Lavender ice cream, yard games, and pick-your-own bundles at Blue Winds Lavender Farm.
• The Duel at the Dog (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) – July 19, Winchester
  High-octane racing excitement at Monadnock Speedway.
• Fairy and Hobbit House Festival – July 18–20, Lee
  Build whimsical woodland homes and explore magical trails at Bedrock Gardens.

Vermont

• Vermont Brewers Festival – July 18—19, Burlington
  World-class brews, lake views, and a relaxed, scenic vibe make this one of the state’s most beloved festivals.
• Middlebury Festival on the Green – July 13—19, Middlebury
  A week of free live music, dance, and community fun right on the town green.
• Dead of Summer Music Festival – July 11–13, Manchester
  Jam bands and camping in southern Vermont’s rolling hills.
• Stowe Jazz Festival – July 18—20, Stowe
  A stylish summer soundtrack set in the mountains, with jazz performances across the village.
• Stowe’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July – July 4, Stowe
  Parade, fireworks, and classic Americana charm to kick off the month.

Massachusetts

• Lowell Folk Festival – July 25–27, Lowell
  One of the largest free folk festivals in the U.S., with global music, dance, and food from six stages.
• Brimfield Antique Show – July 8–13, Brimfield
  Treasure hunting at one of the largest outdoor antique markets in the country.
• Boston Harborfest – July 2–4, Boston
  Colonial reenactments, live music, and waterfront fireworks as part of the city’s epic Independence Day.
• Boston Puerto Rican Festival – July 26–28, Boston
  A lively celebration of Puerto Rican culture, food, and music in Franklin Park.
• Woods Hole Film Festival – July 26–Aug 2, Woods Hole
  The Cape’s oldest film fest, featuring indie documentaries, shorts, and ocean science storytelling.

Rhode Island

• Newport Folk Festival – July 25–27, Newport
  One of the most iconic music festivals in the U.S., set at scenic Fort Adams State Park.
• Bristol Fourth of July Parade – July 4, Bristol
  The nation’s oldest continuous Independence Day parade—since 1785.
• Newport Classical Music Festival – July 4–22, Newport
  Chamber music, orchestras, and soloists performing in historic mansions and open-air venues.
• Hall of Fame Open – July 6–13, Newport
  Watch ATP players compete on the legendary grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• FringePVD – July 13–26, Providence
  Over 300 artists in dance, theater, comedy, and visual arts take over the city’s creative spaces.

Connecticut

• Celebrate New London – July 12, New London
  A reimagined Sailfest with fireworks over the Thames, food trucks, live music, and artisan vendors.
• North Stonington Agricultural Fair – July 10–13, North Stonington
  A traditional country fair with tractor pulls, rides, and 4H exhibits.
• Lebanon Country Fair – July 25–27, Lebanon
  Rides, competitions, and community fun on the historic Lebanon green.
• Creed at the Xfinity Theatre – July 22, Hartford
  A nostalgic return of the 2000s rock icons—part of a big summer concert lineup.
• Take No Losses Basketball Tournament – July 19, Waterbury
  A high-energy, community-centered basketball event showcasing top talent.

Ready to Hit the Road?

This month’s events are just the beginning. For more ideas—from ice cream trails to classic county fairs—check out our state-by-state guides and stay tuned for our Mid-Atlantic roundup next.