NEW HAMPSHIRE

Wide variety of fine crafts of all descriptions. Well-established show. Information: www.castleberryfairs.com/calendar.php

This nine-day event showcases the work of more than 350 craftspeople’s items made by hand. It's the place to see an incredible variety of beautiful, one-of-a-kind craft items that are functional, decorative, and built to last. You can meet the craftsmen, learn about their techniques, and purchase from them. Do-it-yourselfers (adults and children) can sign up for workshops -- including basket weaving, tools for kids, and glassblowing -- and make their own handmade treasures. Information: http://bit.ly/13yciPW

An audience favorite in 2002, this Snow White puts the familiar cast of characters in a whole new light. Join Snow White, all seven dwarves, the handsome prince, the not-quite-so-evil-but certainly-misunderstood witch, a very sassy mirror, and a dancing chicken in a romp the whole family will love. June 29, July 5, 6, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

The Hampton Beach Children's Festival kicks off with a magic show and builds up to a Giant Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on August 16. Every child gets a prize just for being in it. Information: www.HamptonChamber.com

"Providing enchanted homes for fairies & gnomes," the world's largest fairy house tour takes place each fall in the historic South End of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. More than 150 fairy houses built by creative professionals, community members, and students will be on display. Guests can also enjoy free 'fairy' ballet performances and book readings. Rain or Shine!
Tickets will go on sale for the 2013 Tour in July. The main information/ticket booths will be located at Peirce Island, Marcy Street, and the Tyco Center at Strawbery Banke on the days of the event. Tickets and tour maps will be available. Ticket holders may start the tour at any location.
Limited parking on Peirce Island; free parking at the Portsmouth City Hall. Information: www.portsmouthfairyhousetour.com/

A one-hour family-friendly sketch comedy show where the familiar and unfamiliar blend together in creating a somewhat recognizable world that is slightly (and funnily) askewed. This show is The Twilight Zone meets Monty Python with a bit of farce. Information: http://bit.ly/S8IimM

This hysterical storyteller is winning over theater and cabaret audiences around the country with an interactive one-man drag show featuring edgy one-on-one improv, a professionally trained singing voice, and an athletic approach to physical comedy. Information: http://bit.ly/146Q9x5

Breweries from across New England will gather to tap into their exceptional brews. Come to the the Lincoln Village Shops to sample and learn about these delicious craft brews. While you're tasting, enjoy live entertainment, craft beer education programs, great food and exhibits offering brew paraphernalia and souvenirs. Information: www.nebrewfest.com/

Stroll through encampments of fur traders to Civil War soldiers; see and hear cannons and Native Americans in battle; try early crafts and games; pan for gold in the river; tour stone arch bridges on back roads; chat with Abe Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Laura Ingalls Wilder; hear live period music; watch demonstrations by skilled craftsmen; experience daily life in 18th and 19th century America at four historic sites. Information: www.Living

Focus on flowers in art and treat yourself or your favorite gardener to a beautiful exploration of all the museum has to offer. If you work up an appetite during the tour, be sure to stop by the Winter Garden Café for lunch when the tour is done! Free with museum admission. Free parking is available in the on-site lot. Information: www.currier.org

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis’ 25th Anniversary Tour will take the world-renowned big band across the U.S. performing brilliant repertoire which may include tunes made famous by John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis and more. Information: http://bit.ly/ZXT0Eq

This series of performances by well-known artists starts at 7 p.m. each Wednesday night (except for Richard Thompson). Performances are all free, and donations of $5-$10 are encouraged. Information: www.prescottpark.org/wednight.cfm or call 603-436-2848
Richard Thompson. June 30, 7 p.m. This Sunday show kicks off the Concert Series with British folk rock icon Richard Thompson, one of the most praised and prolific artists on the planet.
Lake Street Dive. July 3, 7 p.m. This eccentric alternative group returns to Portsmouth by popular demand.
Justin Townes Earle. July 10, 7 p.m. This singer / songwriter has proven his ability to carry on his famous father's Americana folk legacy, in his own style.
Carolina Chocolate Drops. This trio of Grammy winners brings traditional folk to modern times with their versatile and reflective music.
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Marc Cohn. July 24, 7 p.m. The songwriters perform together on stage, with hit selections like Cohn's "Walking In Memphis", along with some of their personal favorite songs.
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. July 26, 7 p.m. Get electrified with the hip-hop / funk / soul combination of this New Orleans creation.
The Head and the Heart. July 31, 7 p.m. This Seattle band takes audiences to the intersection of logic and emotion between the "head and the heart" with folk-pop you can both dance to and ponder.
Judy Collins with Ari Hest. August 7, 7 p.m. Prescott Park is a favorite venue for this contemporary folk legend.
Dar Williams. August 14, 7 p.m. Her most recent album was inspired by mythology. . . Folk rock, a genre inspired by human experiences, cannot get much more anthropological than that.
Spirit Family Reunion. August 28, 7 p.m. This group, which includes acoustic guitar, fiddle and accordion, presents high-energy, "homegrown American music".
Steve Earle and the Dukes and Duchesses. August 30, 7 p.m. This jack-of-all-artistic-trades roots rocker emerged in the mid-'80s and has delighted crowds (and other artists) for decades.
Bruce Cockburn. September 1, 7 p.m. This Canadian Hall of Fame member has recorded 31 albums -- Wow!

Performers are Prescott Park alumnus Jonathan Edwards, Maine native Slaid Cleaves, the string-band Joy Kills Sorrow, and the fiddle-wielding Laura Cortese Quartet. Information: www.prescottpark.org/americana.cfm

The summertime tradition returns. Schedule of performers: 12 p.m., Ted Casher and the Irregulars.
1:30 p.m., Dominique Eade Quintet.
3 p.m., Mike Tucker and Eric Bloom Quintet.
4:30 p.m., Seacoast Big Band. Information: www.prescottpark.org/jazzfest.cfm

Performing artists are singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick, Francophone dance trio Vishten, indie honky-tonk group The Defibulators, and local favorite Dan Walker. Information: www.prescottpark.org/fredmrocks.cfm

Folk music is a pure American expression of oral and vocal tradition. The schedule of performers so far includes new hit group Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue; Ruthie Foster's soul and blues; Ben Taylor, the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon; and American country-folk group Hurray for the Riff Raff. More performers TBA. Information: www.prescottpark.org/folkfest.cfm

'Roots' describes genres of music like traditional, folk, Americana, and world. Recently, roots has been 'revived' by young performers in America. Performers include Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, a Louisiana Cajun/Creole group; Matuto, a festive Brazilian roots act; Heather Maloney, a soulful and intimate singer-songwriter; and Elsa Cross, a rockabilly singer-songwriter. Information: www.prescottpark.org/rhytmroots.cfm

Music lovers will experience the sounds of award-winning hit-maker, pianist and recording artist Jim Brickman as he brings one of the most entertaining and romantic concert events of the year with The Love Tour. With special guest vocalist John Trones Information: www.musichall.org

Some say Bela is the world's premiere banjo player, while Abigail is a singing, songwriting, clawhammer banjo player. They’ll be playing music they developed as a couple, a mix of traditional and original songs in this rare live duo performance! Information: www.musichall.org

This event began in 2001 with 220 tons of imported sand and three-day competition of ten world class masters creating their own unique sculptures. It is now the competition of master sand sculptors in the Northeast. Millions of visitors come to watch this event as a form of performance. Information: www.hamptonbeach.org/sandcastle-competition.cfm

George Burns is now miraculously alive and kicking in a stunning multimedia presentation. We discover George in limbo between this world and the next, unable to join his beloved wife and partner, Gracie Allen, until he gives the command performance of his lifetime for God. Joel Rooks stars in an unforgettable performance. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

Leapin' lizards! In this classic musical adventure, young orphan Annie faces the whole of New York City with her signature sass and optimism. Will she find a home to call her own?
Performances are each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 28 - August 25.
Matinee performances: June 30, 1 p.m.; July 27, 1 p.m.; August 17, 1 p.m.
Information: www.prescottpark.org/showtimes.cfm

As children, Ted and Richard don’t have much in common – except for the shared desire to become classical pianists. But does either of them have what it takes? “2 Pianos 4 Hands” follows the dynamic and comical journey of two boys into adulthood, their musical aspirations gleaming like the grand pianos that they play masterfully on stage from beginning to end. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

In Anton Chekhov’s masterwork "Seagull," unforgettable characters reveal the passion and pathos of everyday life. When famed actress Irina Arkadina visits her family with her lover Trigorin in tow, they become ensnared in a tangle of romance, intrigue and unrequited love. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

A hilarious comedy and genuinely affectionate look into the world of the theater. When The Playhouse, a rustic New England summer theater, schedules a repertory season of Dracula, Hamlet and Charley's Aunt, comic mayhem ensues. We follow the well-intentioned but over-matched company from outrageous auditions to ego-driven rehearsals through opening nights gone disastrously awry to the elation of a great play well told. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

“Les Misérables” presents in a magnificent sung-through score the story of Jean Valjean’s unjust imprisonment and life-long struggle for redemption despite being pursued relentlessly by the obsessed police inspector Javert. Information: www.reaglemusictheatre.org.

The party may be in the living room, but the action and comedy is in the kitchen. Three couples, three kitchens, three successive Christmas Eves – laugh as relationships change, fortunes rise and fall, and rise again, and the social order gets all mixed up. A ferociously funny play by the master of British comedy. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

This hilarious play is still talked about from its 1982 production at the Players. A must-see for all lovers of madcap comedy and for the child in all of us…age 8 to 108. Molière wrote his play in 1671; this production brings it alive for today’s audiences in an extraordinarily stylish and extremely funny way. August 24, 27, 30, 31 at 2 p.m.; August 26 at 7 p.m. Information: www.PeterboroughPlayers.org.

The Motor Mania event is revving its engine and ready to showcase classic cars and motorcycles that belong to car enthusiast from across New England. This family fun event offers a wide variety of activities for everyone – food, cars, motorcycles, shopping, games, and so much more. Fee to participate is $10 per vehicle. To register your car today please visit http://motormania13.eventbrite.com. Rain date is July 27. Information: www.TelegraphEvents.com

Antique, classic and contemporary boats will be on display for competitive judging at the 40th Annual Boat Show. Nearby at Hesky Park, even more boats will be shining proudly in the sun. Antique and classic cars will also be on display in the parking lot in front of the docks. Friday, July 26: Judging Clinic and Cocktails. Saturday, July 27: Boat Show. Sunday, July 28: Brunch and Awards. Information: Necacbs.org

Classic, antique cars and trucks will be on display. The day also includes a scavenger hunt and other fun activities for kids; refreshments for purchase; and a raffle with prizes. Information: www.bedfordhistoricalnh.org

As soon is 250 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach, the sculpting begins. Sculptures on display for the public through July 7. Information: www.hamptonbeach.org/sandcastle-competition.cfm