Soak up every moment of summer in the Lakes Region! From lakeside festivals and family fun to local dining, live entertainment, and can’t-miss events, we’ve got your weekly guide to it all.
August 17th - August 23rd, 2026
🛶🍄 Paddle to one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s hidden gems and discover the fascinating world of fungi!
Join a guided adventure to Stonedam Island Conservation Area for a scenic paddle and nature walk led by local ecologist Dr. Rick Van de Poll.
📍 Stonedam Island Conservation Area, Meredith, NH
🗓️ Tuesday, August 18
⏰ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Explore beautiful shoreline, learn about the island’s unique ecology, and search for native mushrooms on this unforgettable outdoor experience. Bring your kayak or canoe and enjoy a day immersed in nature! 🌲☀️
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/stonedam-island-guided-paddle-and-mushroom-walk-meredith-nh/
🌿🦋 Discover the fascinating world of butterflies while helping real conservation efforts!
Join wildlife experts for a guided BioBlitz: Walks With an Expert and explore the incredible biodiversity of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
📍 Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, NH
🗓️ Tuesday, August 18
⏰ 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Learn directly from scientists, contribute to community science through iNaturalist, and experience nature in a whole new way. Perfect for ages 12+ who love the outdoors, wildlife, and discovery!
For More Information ⟶ https://business.lakesregionchamber.org/events/details/bioblitz-walks-with-an-expert-butterflies-with-heidi-holman-and-george-dewolf-60395?calendarMonth=2026-08-01
🌊⛵ Set sail for an afternoon of hands-on fun at the New Hampshire Boat Museum!
Young captains can build, race, and explore during this exciting Junior Skippers: Raingutter Regatta program as part of Lake Discovery Days.
📍 New Hampshire Boat Museum, Moultonborough, NH
🗓️ Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Perfect for kids in grades K–5, this interactive program combines creativity, STEM, and boating fun. Admission includes the event, and registration is encouraged. Bring the family for an afternoon of learning and adventure on the lake!
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/junior-skippers-2026-new-hampshire-boat-museum-moultonborough-nh/2026-08-19/
🎉🌽 Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled summer evening at Family Fun Night at Beans & Greens Farm!
Enjoy live music, delicious food, and plenty of activities the kids will love in a beautiful farm setting. 🚜🍕🎶
📍 Beans & Greens Farm, Gilford, NH
🗓️ Thursday, August 20
⏰ 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Grab dinner from the food truck or pizza wagon, then let the kids enjoy the Fun Park while you relax and soak in the summer atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening together! ☀️💚
For More Information ⟶https://www.lakesregion.org/event/family-fun-night-beans-and-greens-farm-gilford-nh-2/2026-08-20/
🥾🏝️ Adventure is calling from Rattlesnake Island!
Lace up your hiking boots and experience Lake Winnipesaukee from a whole new perspective during the Rattlesnake Island Preserve Guided Hike with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust! 🌲🌊
Your adventure begins with a boat ride from Alton to Rattlesnake Island Preserve before setting out on a roughly 2-mile round-trip hike along the island’s rocky ridge. Led by LRCT AmeriCorps members, the hike offers incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains and shoreline. 📸⛰️💙
📍 Rattlesnake Island Preserve | Alton, NH
🗓️ Friday, August 21
⏰ 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
🚤 Boat transportation provided
🎟️ Registration Required | Space is limited
Because of limited dock space, all participants will travel to and from the island together and should plan to stay for the full excursion.
If you’re ready for a little adventure, beautiful scenery, and a morning spent exploring one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s unique island preserves, this one is worth adding to your summer bucket list! 🌿🚤🥾✨
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/rattlesnake-island-preserve-guided-hike-alton-nh/2026-08-21/
🏍️🔥 Throttle Up—Bike Night is Back!
Kick off the weekend at Bike Night at Laconia Harley-Davidson for a summer evening packed with bikes, live music, great food, giveaways, vendors, and plenty of good times.
Whether you’re rolling in on two wheels or just coming by to check out the action, grab your friends and enjoy a night built for riders, motorcycle fans, and anyone looking for a fun Friday night in the Lakes Region. 🤘🎶
📍 Laconia Harley-Davidson, Meredith, NH
🗓️ Friday, August 21
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎸 Live Music 🍔 Food & Drinks 🛍️ Vendors 🎁 Giveaways 🏍️ Bikes, Community & More!
Roll in, hang out, and soak up a perfect summer night in Meredith! ☀️🏍️🔥
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/bike-night-laconia-harley-davidson-meredith-nh/
🌄🍔 Take your weekend dining to new heights at Pan Pub!
Ride the scenic chairlift to the top of Gunstock Mountain Resort and enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and incredible panoramic views of the Lakes Region.
📍 Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, NH
🗓️ Saturday, August 22
⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Make a day of it with mountaintop dining, breathtaking scenery, and live music at the Barrel Bar & Grille later in the afternoon. It’s the perfect summer outing for family and friends! ☀️🍺
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/pan-pub-to-reopen-fourth-of-july-weekend-gunstock-mountain-resort-gilford-nh-2-2/2026-08-22/
🪩✨ Calling All Dancing Queens! ✨🪩
Get ready to dance, sing, and take a trip straight back to the groovy ’70s with Dancing Dream: The Tribute to ABBA at the Lakeport Opera House! 💃🎶
This high-energy tribute brings the magic of ABBA to the stage with incredible harmonies, dazzling costumes, exciting choreography, and all the hits you know and love. From Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen to Take a Chance on Me, Fernando, and more—you’ll be singing along all night! 🌟🎤
📍 Lakeport Opera House
🗓️ Saturday, August 22
🚪 Doors & Bar Open: 7:00 PM
🕺 Show Starts: 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets Start at $4
Grab your friends, break out the bell bottoms and platforms, and get ready to say Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! to an unforgettable night of ABBA favorites! 🪩💙✨🎶
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/dancing-dream-abba-tribute-lakeport-opera-house-laconia-nh/
🎨✨ Art, Music & Summer Magic in Meredith!
Stroll through downtown Meredith and discover one-of-a-kind artwork, handcrafted treasures, live music, and delicious local eats at the 46th Annual Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!
📍 Main Street & Mill Falls Marketplace, Meredith, NH
🗓️ Sunday, August 23
⏰ 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Browse more than 100 juried artisan booths, watch live art demonstrations, enjoy great food, and soak up one of the Lakes Region’s favorite summer traditions. Admission is free, and the event is held rain or shine!
For More Information ⟶ https://www.lakesregion.org/event/meredith-fine-arts-and-crafts-festival-meredith-nh-2/2026-08-23/
There’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the Lakes Region this week. We hope this guide helps you make the most of it while supporting the amazing local businesses and events that make our community so special.
