There is still plenty of summer left, and I am in no rush to start thinking about fall. But looking ahead, Greenfield is gearing up for its busiest season.
As secretary of the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meetinghouse, I have to mention Oktoberfest, which is Saturday, Sept. 26 at Oak Park. Prices are the same as last year, and $30 for advance tickets is a bargain for a German dinner cooked by Keg, Warren, and Todd; live music, local beer and wine, and a craft fair with the vendors of the Greenfield Farmers’ Market. Tickets are on sale now at greenfieldmeetinghouse.org/events, and all profits go to continued repairs to our 231-year-old Meetinghouse.
The Greenfield Farmers and Crafters Market at Oak Park will run until Oct. 17, featuring local produce, arts, crafts, jewelry, and a flea market on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 28, the New Hampshire Astronomical Society will host a free skywatch at Oak Park. Amateur astronomers from NHAS will be present with their equipment to point out what’s happening in the skies, and the public will have a chance to look through telescopes. For information, go to nhastro.com/skywatch.php.
Saturday, Aug. 29 is the Legends and Lore Fantasy Faire at Stephenson Library. Library director, Ella Cademartori, is still looking for volunteers to help out with face painting, fairy houses and storytelling.
On Sept. 12, the library will host “Day of Honor: Stories of Service and Citizenship” to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and is seeking local veterans to share their military experiences and reflect on what service, citizenship, and community have meant throughout their lives.
To volunteer for either event, stop by the library or email ellac@stephensonlibrary.org.
The Greenfield Harness, Drawbar and Tractor Club annual show is Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. Tractor and machine buffs and children especially love this event, which includes tractor rides and a lawnmower slow race.
On Friday night, Sept. 25, the Greenfield Inn will host a Murder Mystery Dinner, “Murder at Doom Mansion,” with medium Karen Tatro.
On Oct. 10, the American Power Boat Association will host the “Greenfield Howler,” a powerboat race, at Greenfield State Park. This organization hosts professional powerboat races all over the country. Anyone planning to kayak or canoe on Otter Lake that weekend might want to go somewhere else.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, the Barbara C. Harris Center will host the inaugural “Otterfest,” a music festival featuring Galactic, Nick Shoulders, Florabelle the Band, Dylan Triplett, and local favorite Sheepdip. The New Orleans-based headlining band, Galactic, is known for funk/jazz style incorporating hip hop, electronica, and brass band.
If you have never been to the Barbara C. Harris Center – remembered as “Camp Union” by people who grew up in town – it is a beautiful campus on the north end of Otter Lake, across the water from Greenfield State Park. The center is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and is often confused with The Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock.
Otterfest will also feature food trucks, a children’s area, craft and nonalcoholic beverages, and a vendor village. The event supports the center’s community mission, which includes emergency housing for people in transition, retreats for families affected by disability, conservation of Otter Lake, hosting youth and adult sports programs year-round, and providing space for nonprofit organizations. Otterfest is looking for sponsors and volunteers. For more information, go to otterfestbch.org
The Greenfield Fire Association has set the date of the annual Fire and Ice celebration for Dec. 12 and is looking for volunteers, like every organization in town. If you are new to town, have a little time, and would like to get involved or just meet some people and have some fun…please, join a Greenfield organization or committee. You will be glad you did.
Jesseca Timmons is always looking for ideas for the Greenfield Beat. Please email jtimmons@ledgertranscript.com.
