New Hampshire Antiques Week

Looking for fun places to buy antiques in New England? Look no further than the New Hampshire Antiques Week, typically in early August. There are several Antique Shows to attend, and each show is held in different towns in New Hampshire, all close to Manchester, New Hampshire. In this Blog Post, I’ll break down each one, including the location, cost, and other important details.

There are so many reasons to love New England! Fall in New England is legendary with spectacular Fall color! The coast of New England boasts some of the prettiest views in America! The Berkshires….the Adirondacks….I could go on and on!

In August, antique collectors, antique shop owners, and treasure hunters make their way to New Hampshire for the New Hampshire Antiques Week. Five fantastic antique shows attract hundreds of visitors looking for treasures. Will and I consider New Hampshire Antiques Week to be a must-attend. Here’s everything you need to know!

Milford Antiques Show

The Milford Antiques Show in Milford, NH starts off the New Hampshire Antiques Week. Historically taking place on Sunday, this is a half-day show, which is somewhat unusual. But, here’s the inside scoop. If you arrive at 8:30 am, you can pay an early-bird admission, allowing you to walk around the venue as the Dealers are bringing in their items and setting up. You will find yourself walking up and down every aisle several times, as Dealers continue to unpack tubs and boxes.

There are around 65 Dealers, and the quality of items ranges from very rare and expensive, to items that are more “vintage” and a lower price point. The Milford Antiques Show is held in an air-conditioned space, with easy access to restrooms.

A word of caution: in 2023, the Show Organizer announced their retirement. Meaning, the Milford Antiques Show might not happen in 2024. Before you make your travel plans, be sure and check this website!

The Deerfield Antique Show

The Deerfield Antique Show in Deerfield, NH is the second show during New Hampshire Antiques Week. This is a one-day show taking place on Monday at the Deerfield Fairgrounds. There’s an Early Bird Admission opportunity, which I highly recommend. Shoppers line up as early as 7am for a 9am early admission.

The show is held in two buildings on the Fairgrounds, and there are a handful of Dealers who also set up outside under tents. When the show opens, the Dealers are set up and ready for shoppers! There are approximately 85 Dealers at the show, and you might recognize a few who were also set up at the Milford Antiques Show. Will and I have several friends who set up as Dealers at this show.

There’s an abundance of very good quality Americana, rustic antiques, and antique and vintage decorative accessories.

These buildings are not air-conditioned. Easy access to restrooms, just down the hill from the event buildings.

Americana Celebration Antiques Show

The third show during the New Hampshire Antiques Week is the Americana Celebration Antiques Show. Early buyers enter the show at 8am, and the line forms as early at 6! This show is held in the Douglas Everett Arena in Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday.

This is a very good show, with approximately 60 excellent quality Dealers selling lovely Americana, antiques, art and furniture.

The venue is air-conditioned with concessions and easy access to restrooms. This is a one-day show.

Antiques in Manchester

The fourth show is an absolutely AMAZING show! Held in the Sullivan Arena on the campus of St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, this show is in its 11th year. Opens on Wednesday.

There is no “early admission” for this show, and shoppers arrive as early as 7am for a 10am admission. In 2023, the line formed inside the arena, at the concession level. As we entered, we presented our ticket, and were handed a sticker with a number. Then we proceeded to rows of folding chairs to sit in order, awaiting the opening. In the past, buyers had to walk down very steep and narrow stairs to the arena level to enter the show. This year, we exited the arena, walked outside down a moderately sloped sidewalk, and entered from outside the area. A slow process, but safer for everyone!

Will and I have dear friends who are Dealers at Antiques in Manchester, including the fabulous Allan Katz, whom I highlighted in this Blog Post. The quality a this show is exceptional. From Folk Art to furniture. Jewelry, art, decorative pieces and even rugs. The show is absolutely fantastic! This is a two-day show.

The venue is air-conditioned, there are concessions and easily accessible bathrooms, and there is also an on-site shipper to help you make shipping arrangements if needed.

The New Hampshire Antiques Show

In 2023, the New Hampshire Antiques Show celebrated its 66th year. Organized by the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association, there are approximately 59 Dealers who participate in this highly respected show, including friends of ours! It’s sometimes referred to as “The Dealer’s Show.” Opens on Thursday.

The show is held in Manchester, New Hampshire at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown. There is no early admission, but collectors begin forming the line as early as 6am for the 10:00am opening. Numbered entrance stickers are handed out, and while in years past the line formed inside the hotel, this year we lined up along the outside sidewalk. Will and I brought folding chairs to sit on while waiting.

The quality of antiques is exceptional. Furniture and Art. Jewelry, maps, Americana, Folk Art. A really fantastic show!

The venue is air-conditioned, concessions, and an on-site shipper if needed. This is a three-day show.

New Hampshire Antiques Week Tips

WHERE TO STAY: Will and I always stay in Manchester. The shows not located in Manchester are no more than 20 minutes away, so Manchester is a good central location. There are many national hotel chains in Manchester. We have stayed at the DoubleTree in the past, the same location as The New Hampshire Antiques Show. Recently, we’ve started staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester, simply because it’s easier for us to park our Sprinter Van in this hotel’s surface parking lot.

WHERE TO EAT: We always have a breakfast or two at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester. It’s open 24 hours a day, and is an easy spot to catch a good meal. I also enjoyed a very good dinner at Campo Enoteca in Manchester.

WHAT TO BRING:

Like any antiquing event, you can better negotiate prices with cash. However, many Dealers will take checks or VENMO.
You will want to wear very comfortable walking shoes! And all the shows are casual, although not flip-flop level casual.
If you drive or rent a car, it’s good idea to have bubble wrap and/or packing paper. Most dealers will be able to basically wrap up any “smalls” you might buy, but not secure enough for shipping or transporting around in your car for a few days. A quick stop at a Walmart, Lowes or Home Depot will provide all the boxes and packing material you might need.

OTHER TIPS: Will and I always enjoy driving to Maine. Since we start our days as early as 8, by 11 we are typically finished with the day’s show. It’s a short 45 minutes to Maine, and we love to drive up the coast hitting antique shops and malls along the way, and enjoying a Lobster Roll or two! Many Antique Malls have brochures detailing where to shop for antiques throughout the area, so be sure and take a look at those!

If you enjoy baseball, The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a Minor League Baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays major league club. The stadium is next door to the Hilton Garden Inn where Will and I stay, and the hotel has an outdoor restaurant and bar that overlooks the ball field. There’s always at least one or two games taking place during the New Hampshire Antiques Week.

I hope you will make plans to attend these fantastic shows! And, if you are looking for other Antique Shows to attend, be sure and read my post about the Antiques Shows in Nashville, TN in February, and the Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts.