Annual Events

Exeter is a busy New England town with lots of events throughout the year. Like any New England town, it's always a great idea to visit Exeter and experience one of the four seasons.

Please contact the organizers directly with any questions or concerns. Events run by town departments or committees can be found at exeternh.gov/calendar.

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January

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February

Sweethearts Family Dance - Parks and Rec hosts this fun and family-friendly event at Exeter Town Hall around Valentine's Day each year. 

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March

Town Election/Town Meeting is one of oldest forms of democratic participation in America. Originating in New England during the initial founding of the colonies, the Town Meeting has called for a gathering of citizens to decide the important issues in front of the Town. However, much has changed about the Town Meeting process since the founding of Exeter.  Citizens of Exeter vote each March in the Town Election, held the second Tuesday of each year, for their local officers, budget, and bond issues.

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April

Arbor Day Celebration - Exeter is proud to be a "Tree City USA." See the Exeter Tree Committee page for information on celebrating Arbor Day and other tree-friendly news.

Town Egg Hunt - Celebrate spring with a children's Egg Hunt at the Rec Park, featuring the big bunny himself!

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May

TEAM - Exeter Arts & Music Festival, sponsored by TEAM, kicks off the summer season with an all day celebration featuring some of the region's finest artists, musicians and makers.

Summer Senior Kick-Off BBQ - Join Exeter Parks & Recreation for a BBQ party to kick off the summer, with live entertainment, friends, and good food. 

Picking the Parks - Help Parks and Rec clean up our town's green spaces in this fun volunteer event. 

Memorial Day Parade - Memorial Day Parade - A great town tradition is the Memorial Day parade and ceremony.  The parade traditionally kicks off at Swasey Parkway at 10:00 a.m. and winds along Front Street to Gale Park, with guest speakers and a flag ceremony.

Get Fit in May - The Exeter School PTO organizes this yearly 5K race. 

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June

Summer Concert Series - Parks and Rec hosts live music during the summer. 

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July

Exeter Brass Band Concerts - Exeter Brass Band concerts - Monday nights in July at the Bandstand, Downtown Exeter. See this Exeter institution each summer on Monday evenings at the Bandstand, intersection of Front and Water Streets. An Exeter tradition since 1847. 

American Independence Festival - This annual festival, put on by the American Independence Museum, includes vendors, music, and a special Revolutionary War period re-enactment. It is the showcase Exeter event of the summer, and concludes with a concert and fireworks on Swasey Parkway.  On display during the day is one of the few original existing copies of the Declaration of Independence. The festival typically occurs in mid-July, to more accurately coincide with the reading of the Declaration in New Hampshire. Full details are on the American Independence Museum website. 

Exeter Classic Bike Race - This fact-paced pro event takes over the downtown in July each year. 

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August

UFO Festival - Labor Day Weekend 

This community event features UFO enthusiasts and speakers from around the country. Kids events are included. Come celebrate your inner alien and relive the "Incident at Exeter"!

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September

TEAM- Fall Equinox Fest ushers in the new season with live music, artist vendors, kids activities and a local food court.

Connor's Climb 5K - The Connor's Climb 5k and Family Walk benefits the organization's suicide prevention efforts.

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October

Powderkeg Beer and Chili Festival - This event is part of the Fall Festival and features over 20 breweries. 

SkyWatch at Raynes Farm - The Conservation Commission hosts a family-friendly sky watch at the Raynes Farm Conservation property. For this and more nature-focused events see the Conservation Commission page. 

Exeter Halloween Parade - Each year the Town's Parks/Recreation Department sponsors a Halloween Parade. The parade begins at Swasey Parkway. See the Parks/Recreation page for more details!

Exeter Trick or Treat - Takes place on October 31st each year from 4:00 PM to 7 PM.  

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November

Exeter Holiday Craft Fair - The craft fair proceeds help finance the Christmas parade.

Dan Healy Memorial 5K- An annual 5k honoring Senior Chief Petty Officer Dan Healy which raises funds for local scholarships and veteran's assistance.

EAGFWC Yuletide Fair - Each year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, The Exeter Area General Federation of Women's Clubs presents over 100 crafters offering their wares just in time for the holidays. This event takes place at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham.

Thanks 4 Giving 5k and 10k - An Annual Thanksgiving day run/walk and kids fun run. Hosted by the Exeter Run Club, this event is a fundraiser for Saint Vincent de Paul.

Festival of Trees - Festival of Trees - This event, also sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, is a silent auction of Christmas Trees donated by local businesses.  The event takes place the same night as the Holiday Open House.  This is always a very popular event, as people tour the Town Hall viewing all the beautifully decorated trees.  Bids are submitted and the winners pick them up the next day.  Each tree carries unique coupons and discounts.  Proceeds support the Chamber Children's Fund.

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December

Exeter Holiday Parade.  The Town's annual Holiday Parade is a great Exeter tradition, typically held on the first Saturday in December. Come to Downtown Exeter or line up on Portsmouth Avenue and enjoy the event, which also features our fantastic Christmas Light Display downtown and a visit from Santa!

Christmas Eve Luminaries -  An Exeter tradition is to line the streets with paper lanterns to help Santa's sleigh find its way into town.  

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For more details and registration information please visit: Parks and Recreation events