Celebrate Summer in Hanover NH: Your Guide to Can’t-Miss Community Events

As the days grow longer and the evenings warmer, we’re reminded just how special summer in Hanover NH can be. From classic 4th of July festivities to family picnics and ice cream socials, our community knows how to celebrate the season with heart. Here’s a round-up of this year’s must-attend events—mark your calendars, bring your friends, and get ready to make memories!

🍦 Annual Parks and Rec Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 4-5 PM
Location: Sustainability Park, 6 School Street, Hanover NH
Kick off summer with a free ice cream treat—fudgesicles, ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and more await! Yard games and sweet tunes will set the tone for a deliciously simple, community-first evening.

🎆 29th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

Friday, July 4, 2025 | Downtown Hanover & the Dartmouth Green

Parade at 10 AM starting from Hanover High School, ending at Dartmouth Green.

Festivities on the Green from parade end until 1 PM. Enjoy live music by The Tricksters Band and the Hanover Barbershop Harmony Society, plus classic games, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, BBQ by the Hanover Rotary, and the annual Lou’s pie-eating contest!

2025 Theme: Hanover in Harmony. Celebrate the music, talent, and vibrant spirit of our community.

🧺 Picnic in the Park Series

Wednesdays this summer, 5-6 PM—bring a blanket and picnic basket!

July 9: Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals at Trumbull Hall

July 16: Magician Robert Clarke at Sustainability Park

July 23: Musician and Puppeteer Tom Knight at Sustainability Park

July 30: Steve Blunt & Marty Kelley (musician & local author) at Sustainability Park

August 6: VINS: Raptors Up Close at Sustainability Park

Check the Hanover Parks and Recreation Instagram for weather updates – rain location at the RWB Community Center. Trumbull Hall is located at 195 Etna Road in Etna, NH and Sustainability Park is located at 6 School Street, Hanover NH

🌽 End-of-Summer BBQ Bash

Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: Sachem Field
Wrap up summer with yard games, mini golf, live music by Joe Stallsmith and the Occasional Jug Band, and a BBQ dinner by the Hanover Rotary Club. Red Kite Candy will be selling their homemade ice cream for the perfect sweet treat. This event is free, but RSVP is required by August 15 to help the organizers prepare for food – and don’t forget to let them know about any dietary restrictions! RSVP here by Friday, August 15 at 5:30 PM.

🌞 Summer in Hanover NH is just one of the fabulous four seasons we enjoy here. Please be in touch if you’d like to learn about what Hanover has to offer during the rest of the year and why we think you would love it here.