Entertainment and Events

Every July and August, the Jackson Gazebo Music Series comes to the town’s center. The free evening concerts range from jazz to orchestral.

Everything you want from a sports bar and more is at Red Fox Bar & Grille (Rte. 16, Jackson, 603/383-4949, www.redfoxbarandgrille.com [1], 4 p.m.–10 p.m. nightly; open at noon Sat. and 7:30 a.m. Sun.): wide-screen plasma TVs, wood-fired pizzas, and a full bar. The restaurant is located on Route 16 a mile-and-a-half north of StoryLand [2].

Meanwhile, everything you want from an Irish pub (namely, lots of beer, live music, and good conversation) is on tap at Shannon Door Pub (Rte. 16 & 16A North, Jackson, 603/383-4211, www.shannondoor.com [3], $9–16).

Jackson [4] has an active social calendar. One of the more entertaining events in the area is the Pumpkin People Festival (Oct.), in which area residents and businesses compete to create the best pumpkin-headed scarecrow.

One of the prettiest road races in the world is the Covered Bridge Footrace (June), which takes a five-mile scenic loop around Jackson’s “downtown.”

Expect lots of pretty scenes of mountains at the White Mountains Art & Artisan Festival (Aug.), an annual juried art show that takes place in Jackson Park along with music and crafts vendors.

For all of these events, contact the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce (603/383-9356, www.jacksonnh.com [5]).