New England

8 New England Events You Can’t Miss This Summer

From food and wine to music and entertainment, here are our picks for some of the best New England events to check out this summer.

By Holly Sloane|Apr 19 2018| Print icon

8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Maine Lobster Festival | Can't-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Tim Sullivan Photography
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

8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Weekends with Yankee Launch Party | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Mark Fleming
Weekends with Yankee Screening | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Mark Fleming

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Nantucket Food & Wine Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: iStock
Nantucket Food & Wine Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: iStock

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Patrick Ahearn’s Timeless Architecture | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Michael Partenio
Patrick Ahearn’s Timeless Architecture | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Michael Partenio

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Portland Wine Week | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Sur Lie
Portland Wine Week | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Sur Lie

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

James Taylor at Tanglewood | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Hilary Scott
James Taylor at Tanglewood | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Hilary Scott

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Maine Lobster Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Tim Sullivan Photography
Maine Lobster Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Tim Sullivan Photography

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?
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Sabin Gratz Photography
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Sabin Gratz Photography

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.
8 New England Events You Can't Miss This Summer

Chowdafest | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events

Credit: Jessica Gordon Ryan
New England Chowdafest | Can’t-Miss New England Summer Events
Credit: Jessica Gordon Ryan

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

Holly Sloane

More by Holly Sloane

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Login to post a comment

You might also like...

5 Best Pumpkin Festivals in New England
New England
Best Pumpkin Festivals in New England
By Kim Knox Beckius
Charlestown Seafood Festival - New England August Event
New England
August in New England: Best Events and Things to Do
By Kim Knox Beckius
People on a colorful swing ride at an amusement park, legs outstretched, enjoying a sunny day.
New England
How to Staycation: 29 Family-Friendly Summer Attractions in New England
By Bill Scheller
Caricatures of U.S. presidents gardening and mowing in front of a large house, with one playing golf.
New England
Inside New England’s Presidential Homes, From John Adams to Franklin Pierce
By Justin Shatwell

Shop the New England Store

Unlock Your Roots – One Free Account, Endless Discoveries.

Get access to New England templates, research tools, and more.