Top 20 New Hampshire Events

Call ahead to confirm dates, times, and admission prices. For hundreds of fairs, festivals, exhibits, shows, and other fun activities, go to: YankeeMagazine.com/events

MAY 5: PORTSMOUTH, Writers on a New England Stage. Acclaimed Latin American novelist Isabel Allende joins this celebrated series at The Music Hall to discuss Island Beneath the Sea. 603-436-2400; themusichall.org

MAY 8-9: CONTOOCOOK, New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival. At Hopkinton State Fairgrounds, vendors, workshops, and animal demonstrations and shows. See sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, and more. 603-744-3851, 603-747-3869; nhswga.com

MAY 15: MILFORD, Milford Garden Club Annual Plant Sale. Vegetables, annuals, perennials, garden-related items, and educational exhibits, all on the Community House lawn. 603-673-4431; milfordnh.com/clubs/garden.htm

MAY 28-31: DANBURY, Best of the Wurst Festival. This three-course, prix-fixe dinner at the Inn at Danbury’s Alphorn Bistro is a delectable sampling of German fare, including bratwursts and schnitzels, beer, spaetzle, and live music. 866-326-2879, 603-768-3318; innatdanbury.com

MAY 28-31, JUNE 5-6, 12-13, 19-20: NEWBURY, New England Hooked Rugs as Art: 1850-1920. This exhibit at The Fells’ Main House Gallery celebrates handcrafted pieces, with examples from the collection of rug historian Jeff Good. Also, don’t miss “Artist Weekend at The Fells,” JULY 24-25, when New England painters set up their easels within the grounds and gardens of the historic John Hay estate and work en plein air. Demos and kids’ table on Saturday; reception, exhibit, and sale on Sunday. 603-763-4789; thefells.org

MAY 29-30: LISBON, Lilac Festival. This annual event features a parade and carnival, music and live entertainment, kids’ games, local arts and crafts, fireworks, and food vendors, all throughout downtown. 603-838-2200; lisbonmainstreet.org

JUNE 5-6: MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY, Inn to Inn Herb Tour. Join 13 premier country inns in the White Mountains, from Fryeburg, Maine, to Chocorua, New Hampshire, as they present an in-depth look at a popular culinary herb at each stop. Take home historical facts, recipes, and seedlings. 800-233-8309, 603-383-9339; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

JUNE 11-13: MERRIMACK, Rock’N Ribfest. Professional ribbers cook for this nonprofit event sponsored by Nashua West Rotary at Anheuser-Busch/InBev Brewery. BBQ championship, music and entertainment, kids’ activities, hot-air balloon rides, and more. 603-589-2333; rotaryribfest.org