What is there to do for Memorial Day weekend in the White Mountains? A lot! Take your pick of adventures up the Mt. Washington Auto Road, comedy shows, kayak tours, rubber ducky races, tax-free shopping, and more.
This round up represents the best of the best Memorial Day events in NH. In between it all we hope you’ll give some time to also remember and honor service members across the country.
Many of our Major Attractions are open over Memorial Day Weekend! For the most current information, view the dates of operation for each Major Attraction. Several are open on weekends or a limited schedule during late May/early June.
If you have never visited our Major Attractions or would like to learn more, watch our Local Lens series for a glimpse inside each White Mountains Attraction.
MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD (Gorham, NH)
Ascend to the summit of Mt. Washington to celebrate Memorial Day atop the Northeast’s highest peak! Over the holiday weekend, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is offering their 2-hour guided coach tours as well as their classic drive-yourself tours. If you’re after something especially novel though, check out Alton Weagle Day. This annual event, held Saturday, 5/25 this year, is for the creative spirits after a first ascent up the Auto Road (with past participants using everything from Segways and camels to pogo sticks to conquer the 7.6-mile ascent).*
For more things to do near the Mt. Washington Auto Road, check out what’s happening right across the street at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.
*Alton Weagle Day is RSVP only. Send an email with your first ascent idea to marketing@mt-washington.com to be considered.
Drive-Yourself: 9am–5pm (hours start 5/25), no reservations required. 2-Hour Guided Tour: Daily tours depart at 9am, 11:15am, 1:30pm, and 3:45pm. Reservations Recommended.
Memorial Day Events
Back to Top of ListJACKSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (Jackson, NH)
Duck, duck, go! The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is at it again with their 34th Annual Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival. Purchase your rubber ducky of choice and send it down the river – there are over 50 prizes to be won, including cash prizes for first place in each respective category! There will also be live entertainment, dancing, fair food, a parade, a silent auction, and vendors.
Sunday, 5/26. Regular tickets: $6 for each of 4 for $20 (first prize: $1,000 cash). Olympic duck tickets: $20 each (first prize: 50% of ticket sales, up to $1,3000). Big duck tickets: $100 each, only 30 sold (first prize: $1,000). For more information, visit the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
NORTH COUNTRY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT JEAN’S PLAYHOUSE (Lincoln, NH)
If you’re looking for a laugh in Lincoln, NH, the North Country Center for the Arts at Jean’s Playhouse is always a great place to start. On the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, their North Country Comedy series kicks off with an outstanding lineup of comedians. Host Greg Boggis will keep the jokes rolling before headliner Mitch Stinson, an aircraft-carrier-aviator-turned-comic, takes the stage with his signature mix of civilian meets veteran humor. To wrap it up is regional legend Scott Higgins, who honed his chops at the Comedy Connection in Faneuil Hall and the Comedy All Stars Show at the Bradley Playhouse. Get ready to giggle!
Saturday, 5/25, 7:30pm. $32/ticket. General seating. Rated PG-13. To book your tickets in advance, visit the Jean’s Playhouse website.
WATERVILLE VALLEY RECREATION DEPARTMENT (Waterville Valley, NH)
Kick off the start of summer with Casting for Kirby, a youth fishing derby hosted by the Waterville Valley Recreation Department! Fisherfolk ages 15 and under are welcome to crowd around Corcoran Pond with fishing pole in hand - $1,000 in prizes is up for grabs, and face painting and DIY t-shirts will keep the whole family having fun.
Saturday, 5/25, 8:30am – 11am. $8 Registration fee; all participants must register in advance. For more information, click here.
WATERVILLE VALLEY TOWN SQUARE (Waterville Valley, NH)
Chow down on the best of the best at Waterville Valley Town Square’s 34th Annual Chowder Festival! In the western White Mountains this event rates as a holiday tradition, so boogie over to the Valley for live music, homemade chowder samples from local restaurants, and the chance to cast your ballot for the winner.
Sunday, 5/26, 12 – 2pm. $7.50 for adults, $5 for children.
WREN - LOCAL WORKS MARKETPLACE & GALLERY (Bethlehem, NH)
“Whispers of the Wild: Imagery of Land and Life” continues its runs at the Gallery at WREN through 6/23, giving art enthusiasts plenty of time to enjoy the painterly works of Linda McDermott and Jessica Fligg.
The Gallery at WREN is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Memorial Day Activities
Back to Top of ListGREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)
Paddle your way into a summer of adventures with Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham, NH. Over the holiday weekend (and throughout the summer), this sporty hub is offering Guided Wildlife Kayak Tours. Their half-day tours will take you out on the gorgeous Androscoggin River, where you can try to spot moose, eagles, osprey, and other New Hampshire wildlife.
Looking for even more out of your experience? Great Glen Trails also offers full-day and multi-day kayak tours, as well as White Water Clinics.
Half-day tours depart at 8am and 12:30pm. Reservations recommended. For more information, visit Great Glen’s website or call 603-466-2333.
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN CLIMBING SCHOOL (North Conway, NH)
If you explore the outdoors, knowing Wilderness First Aid is essential. The International Mountain Climbing School (North Conway, NH) is offering a Wilderness First Aid Course over Memorial Day Weekend that covers basic first aid skills for hikers, bikers, climbers, and more. If you need any other reason to sign up, know that this course is offered in partnership with SOLO, one of the most respected wilderness medical schools in the United States.
For information, visit the International Mountain Climbing School’s website.
NORTH COUNTRY KAYAK (Littleton, NH)
North Country Kayak opens for the season on Saturday, 5/25. This Littleton, NH-based outfitter offers kayak rentals and guided tours on Moore Reservoir, and they are running an awesome 10% special to get you out on the water for your first paddle of the season. See you there?
Book online between now and 6/1/24 to receive 10% off any kayak rentals or tour. Enter promo code MEMORIALDAY10 at checkout.
Memorial Day Lodging
Back to Top of ListBRETTON WOODS VACATIONS (Various Locations)
Choose from over 130 homes with virtual check-in, 24/7 support, and exclusive perks like discounted Cog Railway tickets and pool or gym access at the Mountain View Grand Resort. The best part? For Memorial Day weekend, Bretton Woods Vacations is offering 10% off 3 – 7 nights when checking in between May 18th and May 25th.
Use coupon code SUMMERFUN at checkout on Bretton Woods Vacations’ website.
CHRISTMAS FARM INN & SPA (Jackson, NH)
Contrary to the name, the Christmas Fam Inn & Spa isn’t just a seasonal place to stay – in fact, we look forward to visiting it year-round. Just in time for Memorial Day, this stop (touted as one of the best inns in Jackson, NH) will be opening “The Backyard” for the season. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all summer long, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, sip drinks at the snack bar, and indulge in lawn games. If you’re a local or staying somewhere nearby, you always opt for a day pass to The Backyard too!
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1pm – 5pm, all summer long.
CRANMORE INN (North Conway, NH)
Snag your stay at Cranmore Inn in North Conway, NH before the summer gets away from you! This boutique bed and breakfast is offering a room rate discount for the holiday weekend, and we can’t wait to partake in the blend of modern amenities and historical charm, as well as the outdoor activities, great dining, and local shopping waiting just outside the front door.
Use code summer24 at checkout on the Cranmore Inn’s website.
