Awwww, August -- we love you!

Welcoming the eighth month with open arms and lots of sunblock

Awwww, August -- we love you!

Welcoming the eighth month with open arms and lots of sunblock

More accurate than the fortune telling machine in the Hampton Beach arcade is the prediction that August will be full of timeless beauty, crashing waves, the smell of fry doe and feel of well-sifted sand through your toes. Each year, children (and parents) get excited for the Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, Aug. 13-18 that concludes with a giant kid-powered costume parade.

And folks of all ages look forward to the Hampton Beach Talent Competition for its outstanding vocalists complete with over-the-top stage presence. And then there a few August events you might not yet be privy to.

Celebrate the spirit of the surf


Come Aug. 22, head a tad inland from the coast to Throwback Brewery in North Hampton. Not only is Throwback home to farm-fresh beer (try the Donkey-Hote if you have a designated driver) and the Golden Girl goats (named Blanche, Rose and Dorothy, of course) but it’s hosting “Generations, The Movie: touted to celebrate the past, present and future of surfing, from the young guns to today’s pros to hall of fame legends. Plus beer. And great kale salad and burgers. Find the details online in Surfer magazine but it’s also best to call ahead to confirm: (603) 379-2317.

It’s not every day the Beast of the Northeast hits our shores

Watch athletes strive to bump*set*spike their way to victory at the Beast of the Northeast Volleyball Tournament on Aug. 11. Or–if you see this in time–you might be able to play yourself. Visit the SpikeU site for details.

A Circle of Friends

While some come to Hampton Beach for sunbathing and fruit punches, others come for healing by the sea and community (and still others, a little of both). On Aug. 11, NE Sober Events will be hosting a Circle of Friends at Hampton Beach State Park. It’s billed as “a sober day of fun for persons in recovery and their families” and will include live music, great weather (fingers crossed) and you’re asked to “bring your smile, good attitude, beach toys, sunscreen, friends and food.”

Hampton proper is a stone’s throw from the beach

If you haven’t heard of Smuttynose Brewing Company, then you haven’t heard of one of the original gangster’s of the craft beer movement, right here in the Granite State. They offer brewery tours, beer-friendly barbecue at their Hayseed restaurant, and a pretty awesome disc golf course on premises. On Aug. 22 from 6-8 p.m. join in the NHSPCA Yappy Hour and on Aug. 26 they’re down for a BBQ Competition. Bonus knowledge: Did you know Smuttynose is named after one of the nine islands that make sup the Isles of Shoals? Yes, sir!

Can you see downward dog in the dark?


Aug. 26 brings a Full Moon Celebration to Hampton from the bendy souls at retreat339.com. You’re asked to set your intentions under the moonlight with Dannika. The semi-darkness should provide encouragement for newbies, and you can end the month in celestial alignment. Sounds good to us.

Hashtag Hampton Beach


There are so many ways to hashtag Hampton Beach on Instagram: #hamptonbeachnh, #hamptonbeachfudge (it’s a pup!), the wellspring of them all is #hamptonbeach. With 130,413 posts at press time, you’ll spot natural beauty and natural beauties, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom stars and sea stars. It’s fun to leave your own Hampton Beach photo and tag it for the social media spectacle taking place every summer.