NH Pumpkin Festival’s Beer Release Party at Twin Barn in Meredith
The peak foliage and perfect fall weather is as good as it gets in the Lakes Region this weekend. It’s a time to get outdoors and celebrate the harvest season and experience the kaleidoscope of colors unfolding. When you're out exploring nature’s colors, join us for a festive celebration at Twin Barns in Meredith on Sunday, October 20th, starting at noon as we raise a glass to the release of the Official Beer of the NH Pumpkin Festival! Hosted in partnership with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, this special event brings together great beer, local flavor, and community spirit. The featured brew, Pumpkin Festival Ale, is a rich and flavorful American amber ale crafted with care using roasted pumpkin from Moulton Farm. Blending warm pumpkin spices with malted rye, this brew evokes the comforting taste of fresh-baked pumpkin pie, with additional notes of caramel and toasted bread courtesy of the roasted pumpkin. At 5.5% ABV, this seasonal ale promises to be a perfect companion to crisp fall days.
Sponsored by Roche Realty Group, the event officially starts at noon on Sunday, but you’ll want to be sure to arrive by 2 pm for the Official Toast to the Festival and the grand debut of this much-anticipated brew! As you explore either the Taproom or the Biergarten, you can enjoy more than just great beer—there will be delicious food, lively lawn games, and pumpkin painting activities for the little ones, making this an event the whole family can enjoy. A big thank you to Wanda Keenan, a Realtor® at Roche Realty Group, for organizing our sponsorship.
Beer festivals and happy community times are gatherings where families, friends, and enthusiasts come together to create memories against the backdrop of New Hampshire’s spectacular fall scenery. According to DailyMail.com, New Hampshire was recently crowned the beer capital of America.
Another accolade came across my phone the other day where New Hampshire took the crown for the most alcohol consumed per capita per year in the United States as reported by Vinpair.com. Obviously, this elevated per capita consumption is the result of New Hampshire’s lack of a sales tax on alcohol purchases which attracts drinkers from other states for bargain booze. After all, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission operates 65 Liquor & Wine Outlet retail locations across New Hampshire and serves more than 12 million customers each year. In fact, the retail outlet was named one of the top 10 retail outlets in the USA for the 5th year in a row. That’s another reason why New Hampshire has been tagged as Massachusetts liquor store for years. You might add Maine, Rhode Island, etc., to the list. New Hampshire, however, drinks in moderation and responsibly because, according to America’s Health Rankings, New Hampshire ranked 33rd in the US for excessive drinking rates.
A Farm-to-Table Tradition: Moulton Farm
The roasted pumpkin that gives the Pumpkin Festival Ale its signature flavor comes from none other than Moulton Farm, a Meredith staple that has been deeply rooted in the community since 1890. This beloved farm is known not only for its high-quality produce but also for its dedication to sustainable farming practices. Over the decades, Moulton Farm has evolved from traditional agricultural methods to embrace modern, eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the land remains healthy and productive for future generations. Today, visitors can explore the farm’s bustling farmstand, bakery, and garden center, as well as take part in fun seasonal activities like pick-your-own produce, pumpkin patches, and their famous fall corn maze.
Moulton Farm has long been more than just a farm—it's a place where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy fresh, locally-grown food and participate in events that celebrate the beauty of the Lakes Region. With a strong focus on community engagement and partnerships with local businesses, the farm remains a cherished destination year-round.
A Fall Tradition: The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival itself is an autumn celebration like no other, steeped in tradition and brimming with family-friendly fun. Originally established in 1991 in Keene, New Hampshire, the festival quickly gained national and even international recognition for its awe-inspiring displays of glowing jack-o-lanterns. For years, the festival held the Guinness World Record for the most lit pumpkins in one location, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from near and far. After decades of success in Keene, the festival found a new home in Laconia in 2015, where it has continued to thrive, bringing the same spirit of creativity and community to the picturesque streets of this Lakes Region city.
Nestled in the heart of the Lakes Region, Laconia provides a stunning backdrop for the festival, with its quaint downtown streets filled with glowing pumpkins, lively entertainment, and countless activities for all ages. Each year, the festival grows bigger and better, offering something for everyone, from live music and hayrides to food vendors, beer gardens, and fireworks.
This year’s Pumpkin Festival is packed with exciting events spread over two days! On Friday, October 25th, festivities kick off with Glow Hand & Face Painting at the Laconia Library at 3:30 pm, setting the tone for a magical weekend. At 4:30 pm, the Turkey Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience on rails, followed by the SPOOK N/GROOVE DJ Dance Party at 7 pm at The CAKE Theatre. For Taylor Swift fans, Friday night also features Let’s Sing Taylor at the Colonial Theatre, where fans can enjoy a live celebration of the pop superstar’s greatest hits.
On Saturday, October 26th, the fun begins bright and early with the Runaway Pumpkin 10k & 5k Run/Walk at 9 am. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun way to kick off the day, this race offers a scenic route through the town. At 10 am, families can enjoy pumpkin suncatcher painting, while the Great New England Craft & Artisan Show showcases unique handmade goods from talented local artisans. Take a ride on the Pumpkin Express, enjoy hayrides, or try your luck in the Pie Eating Contest—there’s something for everyone!
At 3:30 pm, the Children’s Costume Parade will see little ones showing off their creative and spooky costumes, and at 5:46 pm sharp, the Pumpkin Tower Lighting will officially illuminate the night in a dazzling display of thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns. As the day draws to a close, festival-goers will be treated to a Musical Laser Show at 7 pm, providing a spectacular finale to a fun-filled day.
On Saturday, Roche Realty Group will have a booth at the festival, and we encourage everyone to stop by and say hello! Whether you’re interested in the local real estate market, looking for your next home, or simply want to chat with our team, we’d love to meet you and be part of your Pumpkin Festival experience.
Celebrate the Spirit of Autumn with Us
With a perfect blend of local flavor, community spirit, and fall fun, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in Laconia and the release of the Pumpkin Festival Ale at Twin Barns in Meredith are events you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting the Lakes Region, there’s no better way to celebrate the beauty and magic of autumn. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable weekend of festivities!
This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.