The following is advertorial content sponsored by Kendall-Jackson Wine. When the temperatures rise and snow (finally) melts, the time comes for travelers to pack up their cars, get outdoors, and experience the best that New England has to offer — from festivals to cultural events and more. Below, you’ll find a roundup of this season’s can’t-miss New England events, so get ready to mark your calendar!

8 CAN’T-MISS NEW ENGLAND SUMMER EVENTS

WEEKENDS WITH YANKEE SEASON 2 SCREENING | May 7, 2018

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Head for the Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth for an evening celebrating season 2 of Weekends with Yankee. Stick around after the exclusive screening for a panel discussion and Q&A with series cohost and Yankee senior food editor Amy Traverso, senior producer Anne Adams, and special guests.

NANTUCKET WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL | May 16–20, 2018

Nantucket, Massachusetts This Nantucket event spotlighting world-class food and wine is sure to leave a lasting impression. The four-day Nantucket Wine & Food Festival combines gourmet flavor with Cape Cod beauty through tastings, dinners, and panels. There are dozens of scheduled events, including a bluegrass brunch and a wine tasting with New York Times chief wine critic Eric Asimov, as well as plenty of downtime for attendees to check out the local and regional vendors in the Culinary Tent.

PATRICK AHEARN’S TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE | May 29, 2018

Boston, Massachusetts Patrick Ahearn, FAIA, is an expert on New England architecture. From historic townhouses in Boston’s Back Bay to sprawling estates on Martha’s Vineyard, Ahearn has a celebrated career of building and restoring homes that combine New England charm and tradition with modern innovation and luxury. Join the award-winning architect and author of Timeless as he opens the doors to his world of architecture with a one-hour lecture followed by a book signing at Grogan & Company in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.

PORTLAND WINE WEEK | June 18–24, 2018

Portland, Maine Get ready for an all-new food and wine celebration coming to New England this summer. Portland Wine Week brings pairing events, performances, and more to restaurants all over Maine’s beloved foodie city. If you’re looking to hone your palate and better understand varietals, check out classes and seminars that will have you tasting and pairing wines like a pro. You can also explore new flavors with tastings ranging from fresh Maine oysters to Burger Night.

JAMES TAYLOR AT TANGLEWOOD | July 3–4, 2018

Lenox, Massachusetts There’s a reason James Taylor has been invited back to Tanglewood more than 20 times. With his iconic tunes that range from emotional folk-rock to funky blues and pop, he and his band keep audiences wanting more. Tanglewood welcomes Taylor and his All-Star Band this July 3 and 4; the Independence Day performance will be followed by a stunning fireworks display over the Stockbridge Bowl. As Taylor’s only New England appearances of the summer, these shows are sure to be packed.

MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL | Aug. 1–5, 2018

Rockland, Maine From creamy lobster chowder to buttery lobster rolls to grilled lobster with savory sides and toppings, it’s hard to go wrong with this classic seafood treat. To find it all, look no further than the internationally recognized Maine Lobster Festival at Rockland’s Harbor Park. With entertainment, fine art, and 20,000 pounds of lobster in the world’s largest lobster cooker, what’s not to love?

VERMONT CHEESEMAKERS FESTIVAL | Aug. 12, 2018

Shelburne, Vermont With rolling fields and meandering cows alongside Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms provides a stunning backdrop for the annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. Crowds flock to the festival grounds every year to learn more about cheesemaking at workshops, taste world-class cheeses and local products, and meet the chefs and producers that make it all happen. With dozens of artisan food producers setting up shop, be sure to bring your appetite.

NEW ENGLAND CHOWDAFEST | Sep. 30, 2018

Westport, Connecticut Finish your summer with a bang and make your way to Westport for one last flavorful celebration before the cold weather sets in. Join award-winning New England chefs as they try to prove they have the best chowder, soups, and bisques in the region. Sample the competing recipes and help select the winner of each category: classic New England clam chowder, traditional chowder, creative chowder, soup/bisque, and vegetarian.

SEE MORE: Best of New England | 2018 Summer Travel Guide Best New England Summer Events in 2018 Best Summer Seafood Festivals in New England

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