Press Kit
Calendar of Events in Mt. Washington Valley, NH June - December, 2019
News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – December 24, 2016
Contact: Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org
Mt Washington Valley’s 2019 Calendar of Annual Events
North Conway, NH – While hundreds of events are hosted in Mt Washington Valley, NH each year from June through Decmeber, the list below offers insight into those annual events to look forward to year after year. For a complete and up-to-date calendar of events, visit www.MtwashingtonValley.org and click on EVENTS or simply click here. To read about events that take place from January through May, 2019, click here.
June, 2019
June 1: Annual Mountain Garden Club Spring Plant Sale at North Conway Community Center, 9:30am - 11:30 am: Appreciated by plant enthusiasts far and wide, this event offers plants carefully cultivated by Mountain Garden Club members, plus garden sundries created by the MGC’s talented members. Whether to enhance your own gardens, or to provide a unique gift for others, you won’t want to miss this eagerly awaited plant sale. Come early for best selections. Info: www.mountaingardenclub.org.
June 1 & 2: Asthma Awareness Weekend at Story Land: Breathe NH is promoting asthma and allergy awareness at Story Land. Information and resources will be available to families, and the entire park is smoke free. Info: www.Storylandnh.com.
June 2-7: Restaurant Week at Settlers Green: Indulge in culinary creations and special menu items at over a dozen restaurants, cafes and specialty food stores at Settlers Green. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
June 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12: Bicknell’s Thrush Tours: Bicknell’s Thrush is an extremely rare species with very limited breeding grounds. They usually breed at higher elevations, normally nesting above 3,000 ft. The unique and harsh climate is just what the birds prefer due to the combination of low vegetation and abundant moisture. The Mt. Washington Auto Road offers you a rare opportunity to view these obscure birds. The Bicknell’s Thrush Guided Tours leave early in the morning before the Mt. Washington Auto Road opens to the general public to insure there is as little additional noise or disturbance as possible. Our success rate at hearing and seeing this elusive thrush is quite good, but with the species in decline due to wintering habitat losses, there can be no guarantee of sightings. Tours depart from the base of the Auto Road at 6:00am and last approximately 2 hours. Cost: $50 per person, Advanced reservations required. Info & online booking: https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/bicknells-thrush-tours.
June 8 & 15: Murder Mystery Dinner Train on Conway Scenic RR – Help solve the whodunit while enjoying a fabulous dinner on board. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
June 15 & 16: Sensory Sensitive Weekend #1 at Story Land: A modified Story Land experience for all! Park music/announcements/sound effects turned down or off, some water features turned off, informational resources available, entire park smoke free, and more ways to make the park appealing to sensory sensitive guests! Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.
June 21: Annual MWVCC Golf Tournament: This event brings business and community leaders together each year for a day of fun and friendly competition out on the greens. This year's tournament will be held at the Province Lake Golf Course in Parsonsfield, ME, with an awards lunch and celebration to follow at the clubhouse. Register as an individual or as a team of four to compete for top prizes. Info: www.Mtwashingtonvalley.org.
June 16: Dads Fly and Golf free at Bretton Woods: Dads Treat Dad to a complimentary Canopy Tour on Sunday, June 16 with the purchase of an accompanying full-price Canopy Tour. Based on availability and space is limited—call 603.278.4ZIP (4947) to make your reservation today! In addition, Dad’s green fees are free on Father’s Day with an accompanying paying player! (Reservations are required; call 603-278-4653 to set up a tee time!
June 16: Father’s Day at Conway Scenic RR: Dad can enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts on the train to Conway where there will be an outdoor equipment show. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
June 15: Northeast Delta Dental Mt Washington Road Race: The annual “Run to the Clouds” draws thousands of runners from across New England, throughout the U.S., and from countries as close as Canada and as far away as Kenya, to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, Mt Washington. Info: Click here
June 29 & 20: Chalk Art Fest at Story Land. Professional Chalk Artists take over Story Land! Watch as they craft epic chalk murals on the Story Land pathways. Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.
June 24, July 29 & August 26, 2018: Sunrise Drive up Mt Washington Auto Road: The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens early on three Sundays every summer, allowing guests to drive themselves to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunrise from the highest peak in the Northeast. Due to the popularity of these sunrise opportunities, don’t wait until the last minute to arrive as you may spend time waiting at the Toll House due to traffic. New last year, Guided Van Rides are available too. The State Park building on the summit will be open with limited food service on all three of these mornings. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/sunrise-drives.
June 29: Art in Bloom in Jackson Village: Take the self-guided walking tour of Jackson Village and see artworks and floral works displayed in businesses throughout Jackson. Presented by the Mountain Garden Club. Free. Info: http://www.mountaingardenclub.org/calendar.htm.
June 29: Larry Siebert White Mountain Art & Artisan Festival: Celebrate the arts in Jackson in conjunction with Arts in Bloom event. Peruse and purchase art and artisan creations from more than 40 vendors, enjoy the live music shared from local and visiting musicians, taste some of the area’s best fair food vendors located through the village. There will be Artist demonstrations, kids creating tent, woodworking, art classes for budding artists, raffles and an incredible Silent Auction. Info: Click here.
June 23-29: White Mountain Pride: New to the calendar, this event includes a variety of activities for LGBTQ individuals, families, and their allies such as hikes, dances, movie nights, and theatrical productions. Pride Week will culminate in a free family-friendly festival at the North Conway Community Center and Park on Saturday June 29th from 10:00-4:00pm, including liver music, performers, food trucks, games and contests, and more. Info: www.whitemountainspride.com.
June 29:North Conway Strawberry Festival: The Strawberry Festival is held 11:00 am -4:00 pm on the North Conway Congregational Church campus in North Conway Village. The festival offers a fun day of feasting on locally grown fresh strawberries served in shortcakes, in smoothies and in hand-dipped chocolate covered treats. There will be free kids games, balloon animals, live music and a white elephant sale of treasures. Tours of the historic “First Church” are available to those interested in learning about the living history of the nearly 250 year-old building. Info: www.firstchurchnc.com.
June 30: Fireworks in Jackson: Start the Independence Day celebration in Jackson Village as the first of many fireworks displays kicks off the holiday week. Bring a blanket to the park in Jackson Village as they light up the sky with a spectacular firework display at approximately 9:00pm(ish). Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/316/Fireworks.
July, 2019
July 4: Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy a good old fashioned July 4th fair in Schouler Park in North Conway Village along with fireworks at night. Info: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
July – Aug (Dates TBA): Arts Jubilee Summer Concert Series at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Featuring live performances from folk to pop to symphony. Bring friends and family plus your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. An early concert by area performers, is at 6:00pm, the featured main performance is at 7:00pm. The Arts Jubilee concert Series is a rain or shine event. Concert goers are encouraged to come prepared as they would to any outdoor event. Tickets are Adults: $12, Seniors: (65 and up) $10, Students: $5, Children (12 and under): Free. Info: http://www.cranmore.com/Summer-Fall/Events/Arts-Jubilee-Summer-Concert-Series .
July 12: Art Night at Settlers Green: Artist compete for a purchase prize during a live plein-air art competition. Plus, grab a brush and make your mark at the interactive art installation. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
July 13: Coasting for Kids at Story Land: Ride roller coasters all day for a great cause! All money raised goes to Give Kids the World (https://www.gktw.org) . Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.
July 19-20: Seek The Peak: Seek the Peak is the nation's premier hiking event and the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory. ... Registration for Seek the Peak 2019 is now open! Amazing prizes, comradery of other hikers. Fabulous after party at the base of the Mt Washington Auto Road. Gather in the White Mountains of NH for a weekend filled with hiking, observatory tours, two parties and an amazing gear giveaway! Info: www.seekthepeak.org.
July 21: Summit Salute: Celebrating service members, veterans & military families at Mt Washington Auto Road: Join other service members, veterans, & military families for this special FREE event at the base of Mt. Washington at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/summit-salute.
July 23 & 30: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Offered on successive Tuesdays, this four-week movie series is sure to bring the family together for an evening of yard games, face painting, and weekly special guests, topped off with a family-friendly movie at dusk. Activities begin at 6 p.m. “on the green” near Timberland. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
July 25 – Christmas In July on Conway Scenic RR: Santa and his elves will be on the Valley Trains with milk and cookies to spread a little Christmas cheer in the middle of the summer. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
July 26-Aug 4: Annual Mall Wide Tent Sale at Settlers Green: Headlined by the New Balance Store, now is the time to do some back to school shopping with lots of extra value at stores throughout the mall. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August, 2019
Aug 5: Art in the Park: Shop for beautiful handmade artworks under the big tents in Schouler Park. Sponsored by the MWV Arts Association. Info: https://www.facebook.com/MWVArts/events/
Aug 5: Summit Salute: Celebrating service members, veterans & military families at Mt Washington Auto Road: Join other service members, veterans, & military families for this special FREE event at the base of Mt. Washington at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/summit-salute.
Aug 6 & 13: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Offered on successive Tuesdays, this four-week movie series is sure to bring the family together for an evening of yard games, face painting, and weekly special guests, topped off with a family-friendly movie at dusk. Activities begin at 6 p.m. “on the green” near Timberland. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August 7 - Conway Scenic Railroad’s 43rd Birthday Celebration: Celebrate Conway Scenic RR’s birthday with reduced fares. Each passenger riding will receive cake and lemonade on the return trip. Other festivities and entertainment included. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
August 18: Back-To-School Blitz at Settlers Green: Enjoy great kids activities including arts & crafts, music, yard games and a special 45-minute live variety show street performance from 10am to 2pm. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
Aug 17: Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb: The original bicycle race up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Deemed the Toughest Hillclimb in the World. Info: Click here.
Aug 18: Back to School Blitz at Settlers Green: Enjoy great kids activities including arts & crafts, music, yard games and a special 45-minute live variety show street performance, 10:00am-2:00pm. Plus have the chance to see the latest in back to school fashion from some of your favorite retailers. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
August 31 & Sept 1 - Railfans’ Weekend: Join friends at Conway Scenic RRas they celebrate railfans with special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains on Saturday. There will be a special Notch Train on Sunday to Whitefield, operating on all the former Maine Central Railroad track owned by Conway Scenic. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
September, 2019
August 30-3: Labor Day Tent Sales at Settlers Green: Finish off the back to school shopping and get in on some great deals at this annual tent sale at Settlers Green outlets. Info: www.Settlersgreen.com.
Sept 2: September 2: Kids Fun Run at Story Land: Kids can race their way around Story Land and earn their admission for the day! Info: https://www.storylandnh.com.
Sept 2 - Railfans’ Day at Conway Scenic Railroad: Join in the fun as the whole Valley celebrates Railfans’ Day with special demos, freight cars, cabooses and other trains will be running along with a trip to the Notch and beyond. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
Sept. 6-8: Mud Bowl, the championships of mud football in Hog Coliseum: The championships of mud football mean good clean fun played in knee deep mud every year in North Conway's Hog Coliseum, Friday on the second weekend in September. Featuring ten teams from throughout New England, it may be full of laughs, but there's no denying there is serious competition with team names like the Muddahs Football Club, Rowley Mud Ducks, The Mt Washington Valley Hogs, and more. It's a double-elimination, three-day tournament played in a manmade mud pool making for a weekend of good clean muddy fun! One of the weekend’s highlights is the Tournament of Mud Parade on Saturday morning, on the streets of North Conway Village (Sept 7, 2019). Add in zany halftime entertainment, cheerleader competitions, synchronized mud swimming, and you can see there’ll be lots of smiles. Info: Visit Mud Bowl on Facebook.
Sept 6-8: Muster in the Mountains at Mt Washington Auto Road: A colonial encampment of reenactors representing various individuals of the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Mountain Man periods from 1750 through 1840 takes place all weekend in the fields at the base of Mt. Washington Auto Road. Participants will demonstrate the use of appropriate tools, clothing, and firearms for their respective time periods. This event is free open to the public from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Details and info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/muster-in-the-mountains.
Sept 7: Paul LeTarte Memorial Cross Country Race at Great Glen Trails: Join other cross country racers for a memorial race at Great Glen Trails. Info: www.GreatGlenTrails.com.
September 7 - October 14 Johnny Appleseed Express on Conway Scenic RR: On the Valley Train, there will be optional weekend stops at an apple orchard on route to Conway. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
September 14 & 15: Sensory Sensitive Weekend #2 at Story Land: A modified Story Land experience for all! Park music/announcements/sound effects turned down or off, some water features turned off, informational resources available, entire park smoke free, and more ways to make the park appealing to sensory sensitive guests! Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.
September 29: Fall Festival at Settlers Green: From 10am to 2pm, shoppers enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving demonstrations and more to celebrate the start of fall in North Conway! www.Settlersgreen.com.
October, 2019
Oct 1 – 20: Return of the Pumpkin People: Look for creative and whimsical displays of Pumpkin People throughout Mt Washington Valley. Pick up your map at Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Office, and vote for your favorite display. Over 20 displays can be voted on at Settlers Green for its Pumpkin People Decorating Challenge too. Info: www.jacksonnh.com.
Weekends in October: The Ghoullog at Cranmore Mountain Resort: Navigate your way through 4 individual haunts in one terrifying experience. Be chased through the dark woods and embrace the horror that's waiting for you behind every twist and turn? And scream the night away in the Haunted Playground with unlimited rides on the Giant Swing, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Mountain Coaster. Special effects and the occasional ghost or ghoul can be found along the way. Info: http://theghoullog.com .
October 12-13: Busker Festival at Settlers Green: Discover music around every corner on Columbus Day Weekend as Street musicians play from 12-3 p.m. at Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
Oct 18- 21 and 25-27- Pumpkin Patch Express: Special Halloween trains on the Conway Scenic RR where each child selects a pumpkin and costumes are encouraged. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
Oct 20 – Autumn Express on Conway Scenic RR: Hosted by the Mt. Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity and Kiwanis clubs, this is a fundraiser to benefit local children and families. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
October 27: Haunted Happenings at Settlers Green: From 12-4 pmKids ages 12 and under trick-or-treat at Settlers Green stores. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
October 29: Annual Meeting of Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (MWVCC): Join other members in a celebration of another successful year for the MWVCC. Business reports followed by a Silent Auction and membership awards dinner. Info: www.MtWashingtonValley.org.
November & December, 2019
November 1-11: Bring A Friend Shopping Sales at Settlers Green: Beat the crowds and enjoy special rates at participating lodging partners. Store specials and sales are in full swing! Text SHOPBAF to 22828 to get on our exclusive Bring A Friend mailing list.
Nov 8-11: 2019 Bring A Friend Shopping Weekend event at Settlers Green: Move aside Black Friday and Cyber-Monday, this event is even better Save during Black Friday-like deals at stores and enjoy a full schedule of activities including live entertainment, hourly raffles, complimentary refreshments, lodging discounts, special itineraries and deals at restaurants throughout North Conway. And the famous Settlers Green goodie bags that everyone lines up for happen on Saturday each year too. Bring A Friend is like the Superbowl of shopping in North Conway. The town will be bustling with shoppers, primarily women, on their annual pilgrimage with friends and family for reunions and special celebrations. It is a very festive atmosphere. Whether you're kicking off your holiday shopping or just looking for something special for yourself, the stores will roll out their red carpets and are ready to give you some deals! Text SHOPBAF to 22828 to get on our exclusive Bring A Friend mailing list. Info: http://www.settlersgreen.com/events/bring-a-friend.
Nov 9 – Heroes’ Appreciation Day on Conway Scenic RR: Join your friends on the train as they say “Thank you” to all those who serve our country and our communities. Vets and active military personnel who present proof of service, as well first responders who present agency ID or badge, ride FREE. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
Saturdays, November 9, 22, 30: Photos with Santa at Settlers Green: Portraits with Santa for the whole family. Sponsored by the MWV Kiwanis Club. Photos are $12 and proceeds go to this local charity. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
November 29-30: Black Friday/Plaid Friday/Small Business Saturday throughout Mt Washington Valley: Stores at Settlers Green open at 6am on Black Friday (Nov 29) and have some of the hottest deals of the holiday season! Visit Customer Service from 6-10 am on November 29th for raffles and special giveaways. In North Conway Village, look forward to Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday sales and events, celebrating the shop local movement and White Mountain Independents. Info: www.MtWashingtonValley.org.
Nov 29-30: Old Fashioned Christmas (Saturday), Festival of Trees (Friday & Saturday): On Friday and Saturday, don’t miss the beautiful trees decorated by businesses throughout Mt Washington Valley. Bid on one to take home. On Saturday, it’s a traditional tree lighting in Schouler Park with caroling, then follow Santa to the Eastern Slope Inn for a Christmas story and Cocoa. Info: www.MtWashingtonValley.org.
Nov 29 -Dec 1, Dec 5-8, 12-15, 20-23 – Journey To The North Pole: Make it your holiday tradition to bring the whole family for a magical journey to the North Pole! Join the elves on the train and ride to the North Pole where Santa will read a very special story. Return on the train and receive a special gift. Info: http://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/event-info.html.
Nov 29 -Dec 1, Dec 7 & 8, 14 &15, 20 - 23 - Santa’s Holiday Express: Santa is on board the Conway Scenic RR with his mischievous elves who will be sharing their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They'll take your picture, too, if you ask nicely, so be sure your cell phone is charged! Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.
December 7: Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Settlers Green: Celebrate the season with a day of family activities from noon to 4:30pm capped off with a Tree Lighting finale and a $500 shopping spree giveaway! Free horse-drawn sleigh rides, snow tubing with Cranmore, photos with Santa and free hot cocoa. Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.
Dec 14-15: 23rd Annual MWV Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour: Billed as the sweetest day in New Hampshire, holiday revelers will visit inns from one end of the Valley to the other, all decked out in holiday finery. Taste cookies at each inn, collect recipes, shop with local crafters and specialty food purveyors, and get some great holiday decorating ideas too. Stay at one of the participating inns and packages include tickets to the event. Each year tickets sell out, so get yours by reserving with the inns. Each year part of the proceeds benefits local non-profit organizations. Info: www.CountryInnsintheWhiteMountains.com.
December 26- 31 - Holiday Week Excursions on Conway Scenic RR: Old-fashioned train rides will be offered twice daily during Christmas Vacation Week. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com .
For more information on planning vacations to Mt Washington Valley, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE0-NH). To make plans for a New Hampshire getaway, go to www.VisitNH.gov.
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Photos available in the online photo gallery. Click here.
To request specific photos, contact Marti Mayne at PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org.