When to Go

January

New Year's and First Night Celebrations, regionwide. Boston, MA.; Portland, ME; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT; Portsmouth, NH; Burlington, VT; and many other cities and towns, celebrate the coming of the New Year. Check with local chambers of commerce for details. New Year's Eve.

February

U.S. National Toboggan Championships, Camden, ME. This is a raucous and lively athletic event where being overweight is actually an advantage. Held at the toboggan chute of the Camden Snow Bowl. Call tel. 207/236-3438. Early February.

Dartmouth Winter Carnival, Hanover, NH. Huge, elaborate ice sculptures grace the village green during this festive celebration of winter, which includes numerous sporting events. Call tel. 603/646-1110. Mid-February.

Stowe Derby, Stowe, VT. The oldest downhill/cross-country ski race in the nation pits racers who scramble from the wintry summit of Mount Mansfield into the village on the Stowe Recreation path. Call tel. 802/253-7704. Late February.

March

New England Spring Flower Show, Dorchester, MA. This annual harbinger of spring presented by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (tel. 617/536-9280; www.masshort.org) draws huge crowds starved for a glimpse of green. Second or third week in March.

Maine Boatbuilders Show, Portland, ME. More than 200 exhibitors and 9,000 boat aficionados gather as winter fades to make plans for the coming summer. A great place to meet boatbuilders and get ideas for your dream craft. Call tel. 207/774-1067. Mid- to late March.

April

Patriots Day, Boston area (Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Lexington Green, Concord's North Bridge), MA. The events of April 18 and 19, 1775, which signified the start of the Revolutionary War, are commemorated and reenacted. Participants dressed as Paul Revere and William Dawes ride to Lexington and Concord to warn the Minutemen. Mock battles are fought at Lexington and Concord. Call the Lexington Chamber of Commerce (tel. 781/862-1450; www.lexingtonchamber.org) or the Concord Chamber of Commerce (tel. 978/369-3120; www.concordmachamber.org). Third Monday in April; a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine.

Daffodil Festival, Nantucket, MA. Spring's arrival is trumpeted with masses of yellow blooms adorning everything in sight, including a cavalcade of antique cars. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Late April.

May

Brimfield Antique and Collectible Show, Brimfield, MA. Up to 6,000 dealers fill several fields near this central Massachusetts town, with similar fairs in July and September. Call tel. 800/628-8379 or 508/347-2761, or go to www.brimfieldshow.com. Mid-May, also mid-July and Sept.

Cape Maritime Week, Cape Cod, MA. A multitude of cultural organizations mount special events -- such as lighthouse tours -- highlighting the region's nautical history. Call tel. 508/362-3828. Mid-May.

Lilac Festival, Shelburne, VT. See the famed lilacs (more than 400 bushes) at the renowned Shelburne Museum when they're at their most beautiful. Call tel. 802/985-3346. Mid-May to late May.

Figawi Sailboat Race, Hyannis (on Cape Cod) to Nantucket, MA. The largest and wildest sailboat race on the East Coast. Intensive partying in Hyannis and on Nantucket surrounds this popular event. Call tel. 508/362-5230. Late May.

June

Old Port Festival, Portland, ME. A block party in the heart of Portland's historic district with live music, food vendors, and activities for kids. Call tel. 207/772-6828. Early June.

Yale-Harvard Regatta, on the Thames River in New London, CT. One of the oldest collegiate rivalries in the country. Call tel. 617/495-4848. Early June.

Taste of Hartford, Hartford, CT. One of New England's largest outdoor festivals, where many area restaurants serve up their specialties. You'll also get a "taste" of local music, dance, magic, and comedy. Call tel. 860/728-3089. Early June.

Market Square Weekend, Portsmouth, NH. This lively street fair attracts 300 vendors and revelers from throughout southern New Hampshire and Maine into downtown Portsmouth to dance, listen to music, sample food, and enjoy summer's arrival. Call tel. 603/436-3988. Early June.

Motorcycle Week, Loudon and Weirs Beach, NH. Tens of thousands of bikers descend on the Lake Winnipesaukee region early each summer to compare their machines and cruise the strip at Weirs Beach. The Gunstock Hill Climb and the Loudon Classic race are the centerpieces of the week's activities. Call tel. 603/366-2000. Early June.

Nantucket Film Festival, Nantucket, MA. This annual event focuses on storytelling through film and includes showings of short and feature-length films, documentaries, staged readings, panel discussions, and screenplay competitions. You may see a celebrity or two. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Mid-June.

Provincetown Film Festival, Provincetown, MA. Focusing on alternative film, this fete has brought out celebrities like John Waters and Lily Tomlin. Call tel. 508/487-FILM. Mid-June.

Boston Pride March, Back Bay to Beacon Hill, Boston, MA. (tel. 617/262-9405; www.bostonpride.org). The largest gay pride parade in New England is the highlight of a weeklong celebration of diversity. The parade, on the second Sunday of the month, starts at Copley Square and ends on Boston Common. Early June.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Becket, MA. The oldest dance festival in America features everything from ballet to modern dance and jazz. For a season brochure, call tel. 413/243-0745. Late June through August.

Williamstown Theater Festival, Williamstown, MA. This nationally distinguished festival presents everything from the classics to comedies and contemporary works. Scattered among the drama are readings and cabarets. Call tel. 413/597-3399. Late June through August.

July

Tanglewood Music Festival, near Lenox, MA. The Boston Symphony Orchestra makes its summer home at this fine estate, bringing symphonies, chamber groups, and soloists to the Berkshire Hills. Call the Tanglewood Concert Line at tel. 413/637-1666 (July and Aug only) or Symphony Hall at tel. 617/266-1492; or go to www.bso.org. July through August.

Boston Harborfest, downtown Boston (along Boston Harbor and the Harbor Islands), MA. The city puts on its Sunday best for the Fourth of July, which has become a gigantic weeklong celebration of Boston's maritime history. Events include concerts, tours, cruises, fireworks, the Boston Chowderfest, and the annual turnaround of USS Constitution. Contact Boston Harborfest (tel. 617/227-1528; www.bostonharborfest.com). First week in July.

Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display, Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade, Boston, MA. The big day culminates in the famous Boston Pops' Fourth of July concert. People wait from dawn 'til dark for the music to start. Visit www.july4th.org. July 4th.

Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. More than 200 artists gather in this quaint village for one of the East Coast's oldest art festivals. Call tel. 401/294-6840, or go to www.wickfordart.org. Weekend after July 4th.

Newport Music Festival, Newport, RI. Chamber-music concerts are held inside Newport's opulent mansions. Call tel. 401/846-1133. Second and third weeks in July.

Friendship Sloop Days, Rockland, ME. This 3-day event is a series of boat races that culminates in a parade of sloops. Call tel. 207/596-0376. Mid-July.

Vermont Quilt Festival, Northfield, VT. Displays are only part of the allure of New England's largest (and oldest) quilt festival. You can also attend classes and have your heirlooms appraised. See descriptions at www.vqf.org, or call tel. 802/485-7092 for more information. Mid-July.

Revolutionary War Days, Exeter, NH. Learn all you need to know about the War of Independence during this historic community festival, which features a Revolutionary War encampment and dozens of reenactors. Call tel. 603/772-2411. Mid- July.

Barnstable County Fair, East Falmouth (on Cape Cod), MA. An old-time county fair complete with rides, food, and livestock contests. Call tel. 508/563-3200. Late July.

Marlboro Music Festival, Marlboro, VT. This is a popular 6-week series of classical concerts featuring talented student musicians and seasoned artists performing in the peaceful hills outside of Brattleboro. Call tel. 802/254-2394 (or 215/569-4690 in winter) for information. Weekends from July to mid-August.

Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, ME. Fill up on the local harvest and a boiled lobster or two at this event marking the importance and delectability of Maine's favorite crustacean. Call tel. 207/596-0376. Late July to early August.

August

Southern Vermont Art & Craft Fair, Manchester, VT. More than 200 artisans show off their fine work at this popular festival, which also features creative food and good music. Held on the grounds of Hildene, a grand historic home. Call tel. 802/362-2100. Early August.

Newport Folk Festival. Newport, RI. Thousands of music lovers congregate at Fort Adams State Park for a heavy dose of performances on an August weekend. It's one of the nation's premier festivals. Call tel. 401/847-3700, or go to www.newportfolk.com. Early August.

Annual Star Party, St. Johnsbury, VT. The historic Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium hosts special events and shows, including night-viewing sessions during the Perseid Meteor Shower. Call tel. 802/748-2372. Mid-August.

Wild Blueberry Festival, Machias, ME. A festival marking the harvest of the region's wild blueberries. Call tel. 207/794-3543 or 207/255-6665. Mid-August.

JVC Jazz Festival. Newport, RI. This 3-day jazz festival brings together some of the best in the music industry to play for a sizzling weekend at Fort Adams State Park. Call tel. 401/847-3700. Mid-August.

Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair, West Tisbury, MA. An old-fashioned country fair featuring horse pulls, livestock shows, musicians, and woodsman contests, along with plenty of carnival action. Call tel. 508/693-4343. Third weekend in August.

Pops Goes the Summer, Barnstable County Fairgrounds, Falmouth, MA. Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra concert followed by a huge fireworks display. Call tel. 508/548-8500. Late August.

September

Windjammer Weekend, Camden, ME. Come visit Maine's impressive fleet of old-time sailing ships, which host open houses throughout the weekend at this scenic harbor. Call tel. 207/236-4404. Labor Day weekend.

Vermont State Fair, Rutland, VT. All of Vermont seems to show up for this grand event, with a midway, live music, and plenty of agricultural exhibits. Call tel. 802/775-5200. Early September.

Providence Waterfront Festival, Providence, RI. Musical performances are the highlight of this weekend event, especially the jazz festival on Sunday. Call tel. 401/621-1992. Weekend after Labor Day.

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Norwalk, CT. This waterfront festival celebrates Long Island Sound's seafaring past. Highlights include oyster-shucking and slurping contests, harbor cruises, concerts, and fireworks. Call tel. 203/838-9444. Weekend after Labor Day.

Convergence International Festival of the Arts, Providence, RI. Various Providence arts organizations pull together for this weeklong citywide event, which includes sculptural installations, musical performances, and other arts events. Call tel. 401/621-1992. Mid-September.

Eastern States Exhibition, West Springfield, MA. "The Big E" is New England's largest agricultural fair with a midway, games, rides, rodeo and lumberjack shows, country-music stars, and lots of eats. Call tel. 413/737-2443. Mid- to late September.

Provincetown Arts Festival, Provincetown, MA. One of the country's oldest art colonies celebrates its past and present with local artists opening their studios. Call tel. 508/487-3424. Late September.

Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME. A sprawling, old-time state fair with a twist: The emphasis is on organic foods, recycling, crafts, and wholesome living. Call tel. 207/568-4142. Late September.

October

Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, ME. Cotton candy, tractor pulls, live music, and huge vegetables and barnyard animals at Maine's largest agricultural fair. Call tel. 207/985-3268. One week in early October.

Mystic Chowderfest, Mystic, CT. A festival of soup served from bubbling cauldrons set on wood fires. Call tel. 860/572-5315. Mid-October.

Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston and Cambridge, MA. High school, college, and post-collegiate rowing teams and individuals -- some 4,000 in all -- race in front of hordes of fans along the banks of the Charles River. Call tel. 617/868-6200 or visit www.hocr.org for information. Late October.

November

Brookfield Holiday Craft Exhibition & Sale, Brookfield, CT. Thousands of unique, elegant, and artful gifts are displayed in gallery settings on three floors of a restored grist mill. Call tel. 203/775-4526. Mid-November through late December.

Thanksgiving Celebration, Plymouth, MA. The holiday that put Plymouth on the map is observed with a "stroll through the ages," showcasing 17th- and 19th-century Thanksgiving preparations in historic homes. Nearby Plimoth Plantation, where the colony's first years are re-created, wisely offers a Victorian Thanksgiving feast (reservations required). Call Destination Plymouth (tel. 800/872-1620; www.visit-plymouth.com) or Plimoth Plantation (tel. 508/746-1622; www.plimoth.org). Thanksgiving Day.

Victorian Holiday, Portland, ME. From late November until Christmas, Portland decorates its Old Port in a Victorian Christmas theme. Enjoy the window displays, take a free hayride, and listen to costumed carolers. Call tel. 207/772-6828 or 207/780-5555. Late November to Christmas.

December

Black Nativity, Converse Hall, Tremont Temple Baptist Church, 88 Tremont St., Boston, MA. (tel. 617/723-3486; www.blacknativity.org). Poet Langston Hughes wrote the "gospel opera," and a cast of more than 100 brings it to life. Most weekends in December.

Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport, ME. This scenic coastal village greets Santa's arrival in a lobster boat, and marks the coming of Christmas with street shows, pancake breakfasts, and tours of the town's splendid inns. Call tel. 207/967-0857. Early December.

Christmas Stroll, Nantucket, MA. The island briefly stirs from its winter slumber for one last shopping/feasting spree, attended by costumed carolers and Santa in a horse-drawn carriage. The weekend event is the pinnacle of Nantucket Noel, a month of festivities starting in late November. Call tel. 508/228-1700. Early December.

Candlelight Stroll, Portsmouth, NH. Historic Strawbery Banke gets in a Christmas way with old-time decorations and more than 1,000 candles lighting the 10-acre grounds. Call tel. 603/433-1100. First two weekends in December.

Boston Tea Party Reenactment, Old South Meeting House and Congress Street Bridge, Boston, MA. Re-creates the events of December 16, 1773. Call tel. 617/482-6439 or visit www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org. Mid-December.

Woodstock Wassail Celebration, Woodstock, VT. Enjoy classic English grog, along with parades and dances at this annual event. Call tel. 802/457-3555. Mid-December.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, festivities throughout New England. In Newport, RI, several of the great mansions offer tours; Mystic, CT, has a program of Christmas festivities; Nantucket, MA, features carolers in Victorian garb, art exhibits, and tours of historic homes. December 24 and 25.