Category: Cover Stories

It’s a fall full of events!

This fall, there are indoor events as well as outdoor events and we are getting more of the music, theater, art exhibits, special film screenings and festivals that traditionally fill the season’s schedule.

Of course, as with everything this year, events listed here may change closer to event-time and check with the organization in advance about special Covid-related precautions or requirements. Take out your calendar and get ready to save some dates…

Theater

• The Peterborough Players (55 Hadley Road, Peterborough, peterboroughplayers.org) perform Where You Are at the new outdoor Elsewhere Stage at the Players now through Sept. 12, with showtimes daily at 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $47.

•​ The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) presents It Had To Be You outdoors now through Sept. 18, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 4 p.m. plus matinees on Saturdays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37.

• The Community Players of Concord will perform White Rabbit Red Rabbit at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) from Sept. 10 through Sept. 26, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 to $25 for adults, $19 to $22 for members, seniors and students, and $16 to $19 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston from Sept. 10 through Sept. 26, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children.

•​ Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical will be at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) Sept. 16 through Nov. 6, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. The show is also available to livestream. Visit seacoastrep.org.

•​ The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents Honey Punch ’n’ Pals on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $10. The show is also available to livestream. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents Barefoot in the Park from Sept. 18 through Oct. 3, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

•​ Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) presents Glorious Sept. 22 through Oct. 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. plus matinees on Tuesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents Cruel Intentions The ’90s Musical from Sept. 23 through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• Theatre KAPOW presents The Boyg at the Stockbridge Theatre (5 Pinkerton St., Derry) Sept. 24 through Sept. 26, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. Visit tkapow.com.

•​ The Kids Coop Theatre will perform Willy Wonka at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) from Sept. 24 through Sept. 26. Visit kids-coop-theatre.org.

• Cirque-Tacular comes to The Dana Center (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Saturday, Sept. 25, with showtimes at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Visit anselm.edu.

• The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) presents Greater Tuna from Oct. 1 through Oct. 10, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

•​ New World Theatre presents 9/12 at the Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) from Oct. 8 through Oct. 17, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org. New World Theatre will also bring 9/12 to the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• The Community Players of Concord will perform Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Friday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for youth age 17 and under and seniors age 65 and up before Oct. 13, and an additional $2 after Oct. 13. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• The Peacock Players will perform Matilda The Musical Jr. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) presents American Son from Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) will present a mainstage production of Mamma Mia from Oct. 15 through Nov. 14, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children.

• Illusionist David Caserta performs at The Dana Center (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Visit anselm.edu.

• Phylloxera Productions presents Wonders at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) from Oct. 29 through Nov. 7, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• Friends! The Musical Parody comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $55.

Clue!

The traveling performance troupe Lend Me a Theater will present Clue!,a dinner theater production based on the board game and the 1985 film, in November. Catch it Saturday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton (700 Elm St. n Manchester); tickets (which include dinner) cost $40. Or see the show at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) on Saturday, Nov. 20, when the dinner starts at 6 p.m. (tickets cost $40 for the dinner and the show) or see just the show at 7:30 p.m. (tickets cost $20). See lendmeatheater.org.

• Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44.50.

• The Community Players of Concord’s Children’s Theater Project presents All Together Now! at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• The Peacock Players will perform The Wedding Singer at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

•​ The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents Peter Pan from Nov. 18 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents The Nutcracker on Friday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. and 4 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 21, at noon and 4:30 p.m. Tickets $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children.

• That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Saturday., Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35.

TV on the stage

Catch some favorite TV shows live on stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, 225-1111) this fall. On Sunday, Oct. 31, see Friends! The Musical Parody at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $55 (plus fees). On Saturday, Nov. 20, picture it, 8 p.m., four women considering cheesecake at That Golden Girls Show! A Puppet Parody. Tickets cost $35 plus fees.

Music

• See country legend Willie Nelson at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $89.75.

• Carbon Leaf will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 general admission.

• Singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes will take the stage at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $75 to $95.

• Kittel & Co. will be at The Historic Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $45.

• See Susan Werner at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

• The Tupelo Music Hall will host hard rock legends Blue Oyster Cult on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $65 to $77.

• Breaking Benjamin will perform with Memphis May Fire at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

• Pink Floyd tribute act The Machine will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $34.

• Cold Chocolate will be at Fletcher-Murphy Park on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12.

• See singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot at The Historic Music Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $48.75.

• See the Eagles tribute band Another Tequila Sunrise at the Palace Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39.

• American Idol alum David Cook will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $40.

• TLC will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• See Blue Light Rain at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• George Thorogood and The Destroyers will take the stage at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $27.

• Tom Rush will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $45.

• Great American Concerts will present Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon, with opener Best Not Broken, at the Anheuser-Busch Tour Center & Biergarten on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $40.

• See Alice Cooper at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

• Scarab: The Journey Experience will take the stage at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.

• Jxdn will perform at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

• Al Di Meola will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

• See John Hiatt and The Jerry Douglas Band at the Chubb Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $49 to $69.

• Kimayo will be at Fletcher-Murphy Park on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12.

• Martha Davis and The Motels will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.

• See Tiger Saw & The Reasons Why at The Historic Music Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60 for a small table (two-person limit).

• Country star Granger Smith will be at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

• Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti will be at The Historic Music Hall on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $38.

• Country duo Thompson Square will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $50.

• Brad Paisley will take the stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• Eagles tribute act Eaglemania will be at the Chubb Theatre on Friday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $45.

• See the Blaggards at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

• See Crystal Bowersox at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $35.

• The Rex Theatre will host an evening with Livingston Taylor on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.

• The Gratitude Music Festival, a multi-stage outdoor music festival honoring local first responders and frontline workers, is set for Saturday, Sept. 25, in Portsmouth and will feature live performances by Neighbor at 1 p.m. on Chestnut Street, Carsie Blanton at 3:30 p.m. at Portwalk Place, and Anderson East at 8 p.m. at the Historic Theater. Tickets are $90 for a day pass, or $30 for access to an individual performance. You can also nominate your favorite frontline hero to win a free pair of passes to the festival.

• Toad the Wet Sprocket performs at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $59 to $74.

• The Mersey Beatles will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36.

• See 3 Doors Down at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• Justin Hayward performs at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $74.

• Not Fade Away, a tribute show celebrating some of the biggest names in rock ’n’ roll, will be at the Rex Theatre for two performances on Thursday, Sept. 30, and Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $29.

• Rapper and singer-songwriter NF will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50.

• See GA-20 and JD Simo at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

• Under the Streetlamp will be at the Palace Theatre on Friday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50.50.

• Country star Sara Evans performs on Friday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall. Tickets range from $70 to $90.

• Bruce Springsteen tribute act Bruce in the USA performs at the Chubb Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $45.

• See Rush tribute act Lotus Land at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

• Rock legends The Association will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39.

• Christopher Cross performs at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $60.

Five For Fighting

Catch the band Five For Fighting with a string quartet on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com). Tickets cost $40 to $55.

• Korn will perform with Staind at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50.

• See Billy Currington at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48 in advance and $53 at the door.

• Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will be at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $37.

• See Herman’s Hermits at the Palace Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $44.50.

• Blues guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor performsat the Rex Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

• Grain Thief will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• ’80s tribute act Foreigners Journey will perform two shows at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets range from $32 to $37.

• Lez Zeppelin, an all female tribute act to the rock legends, will perform at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

• Maryland rockers Clutch take the stage at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

• Jingo, a tribute to Santana, will be at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.

• Country stars Lady A will take the stage at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $28.

• Tom Rush will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.

• The Capital Jazz Orchestra, a tribute to Sinatra, will be at the Chubb Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $27.50.

• See Frank Turner at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 in advance and $37 at the door.

• Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile will perform at The Historic Music Hall on Monday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $50.

• See The Struts at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 in advance and $33.50 at the door.

• Rick Wakeman will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $70.

• Maine roots rockers The Mallett Brothers Band will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• Ben Folds will be at the Chubb Theatre on Friday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $75.

• Everclear will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $69.

The Sixties Show

The Sixties Show, a performance featuring former band members of The Who, The Saturday Night Live Band and Bob Dylan, will be held at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. With live performances of some of the most popular songs of the 1960s, the show is a full multimedia Broadway-type production, dramatized by a combination of special effects, narration and newsreel footage. Tickets start at $29.

• See the Brooklyn Charmers, a tribute to Steely Dan, at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

• Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band takes the stage at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39.

• The Linda Ronstadt Experience, featuring American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh, will be at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39.

• Rumors of Fleetwood Mac, a tribute act to the rock legends, will perform at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $21.

• Damn the Torpedoes, a tribute to Tom Petty, will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

• Great American Concerts returns with a performance from country artist Sam Grow on Sunday, Oct. 17, with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $26.

• ABBA The Concert, a tribute to the Swedish pop group, will be at the Chubb Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29.50 to $49.50.

• See Patty Griffin and Gregory Alan Isakov at the Chubb Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50.

• Saving Abel will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $35.

• Start Making Sense, a tribute to the Talking Heads, will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18.

• Voyage, a tribute to Journey, will be at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $21.

• See Piff the Magic Dragon at the Chubb Theatre on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

• Josh Turner will be at The Historic Music Hall on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $78.

• Rock supergroup The Airplane Family will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $45.

• Queen tribute act Almost Queen will perform at the Chubb Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $47.

• Doobie Brothers tribute act The Doobie Others will take the stage at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29 in advance and $39 at the door.

• See John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• U2 tribute act Unforgettable Fire will perform at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40.

• See Amythyst Kiah at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.

• The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be at the Tupelo Music Hall for two shows on Sunday, Oct. 24, at noon and at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.

• The Mavericks will perform two shows at The Historic Music Hall, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, and Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets range from $48 to $75.

• See Bad Bad Hats at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• The Adam Ezra Group will take the stage at the Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Friday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

• Acclaimed Led Zeppelin tribute act Get the Led Out will be at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $31 in advance and $36 at the door.

• The Rex Theatre will host an evening with Jonathan Edwards on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.

• Bernard Ilsley will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45.

• See Pat Metheny on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $79.

• Nashville-based singer-songwriter Liz Longley will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

• I Am Kaweki performs at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.

• Country star Phil Vassar will be at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44.

• Buddy Guy and Samantha Fish will be at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $31.

• The U2 Show, a tribute act to the acclaimed rockers, is set for Saturday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre. Tickets range from $29 to $39.

• Hollywood Nights, a tribute to Bob Seger, will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

• The Kitchen Dwellers will perform at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• See Lettuce at The Historic Music Hall on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $32 to $52.

• George Winston will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $60.

• Harlem 100, a show celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance with several local live performances, will be at the Chubb Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free (limit of four tickets per party).

• See The Wailin’ Jennys at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.

• The Blues Project will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

• See Jocelyn & Chris at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12.

• Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story will be at the Chubb Theatre on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $44.50.

• Multi-platinum-selling country artist Joe Nichols will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $65.

• The Wailin’ Jennys will perform at The Historic Music Hall on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.75.

• See Keller Williams at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• Peter Wolf will also perform at the Tupelo Music Hall on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $65.

• See singer-songwriter Marc Broussard at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $55.

• The Immediate Family will take the stage at the Tupelo Music Hall on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $40.

• Roomful of Blues will be at the Tupelo Music Hall on Friday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

• Jamantrics Reunion will be at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Friday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

• See Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

• Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Chris Barron of Spin Doctors will perform a dual show at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

• Singer-songwriter Jake Clemons will perform at the Rex Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39.

• See The Psychedelic Furs at the Chubb Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $49.

• See Eric Martin of Mr. Big at the Tupelo Music Hall on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $35.

• The Freese Brothers Big Band will be at the Rex Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29.

Live music venues

Anheuser-Busch Tour Center & Biergarten, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, greatamericanconcerts.com

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, meadowbrook.net

Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Fletcher-Murphy Park, 28 Fayette St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 929-4100, casinoballroom.com

Historic Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Music Hall Loft, 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre

Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com

Fairs & Fests

• The Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair returns to Hilldale Lane in New Boston from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12, featuring a weekend full of midway rides, demonstrations, 4-H animal shows and exhibitors, live music and more. Visit hcafair.org.

Auburn day and duck race

The Auburn Historical Association is holding its annual Auburn Day and Duck Race on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Auburn Day is the Association’s largest fundraiser, taking place out in front of the Griffin Free Public Library and featuring dozens of food and craft vendors. New this year will be an Author’s Alley with several local authors set up for a meet and greet in the library parking lot. During the duck race, thousands of rubber ducks are set adrift on Sucker Brook, with prizes being awarded to first through 10th place. On Friday, Sept. 10, there will also be a mini-fest hosted by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, at Auburn Village School (11 Eaton Hill Road). Happenings will include live music, eats from local food trucks and a fireworks display. Visit auburnhistorical.org.

• Hollis Old Home Days are happening on Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11, at Nichols Field and the adjacent Lawrence Barn (Depot Road, Hollis). Festivities will include a town parade, midway rides, a local artisan market, live entertainment and a fireworks celebration at dusk on Saturday. Visit hollisoldhomedays.org.

• Join Petals in the Pines (126 Baptist Road, Canterbury) for its ninth annual New Hampshire Monarch Festival on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival aims to educate kids and adults about the monarch butterfly, featuring games and activities, local vendors, children’s book authors, butterfly wing tagging, free milkweed seeds and more. There is a $5 suggested donation for adults, but kids receive free admission. Visit petalsinthepines.com/monarch-festival.

Thunder Over New Hampshire

Thunder Over New Hampshire, an air show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as well as performances by flying aerobatics pilots such as Rob Holland and Mike Wiskus, will take place at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington on Saturday, Sept. 11, and Sunday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Flying will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on both days; see the lineup of all the performers at thunderovernewhampshire.com. Admission is free, though on-site parking requires reservations (see the website for parking tickets in advance). There will also be military and civilian planes as part of a ground display, kid activities and concessions, according to the website.

• The Granite State Fair (formerly the Rochester Fair) will be held from Thursday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 19, and from Thursday, Sept. 23, through Sept. 26, at the Rochester Fairgrounds (72 Lafayette St., Rochester). The fair features midway rides, a full schedule of live music, local vendors and exhibitors, circus performances and more. Advanced tickets are $8 per person and are available through Sept. 12. Tickets at the door are $10 per person (free for children ages 8 and under). Visit granitestatefair.com.

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) is throwing a 300th birthday party on Friday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., to celebrate the anniversary of the historic Ladd-Gilman House. The event will be held on the newly reconstructed lawn of the Folsom Tavern and will feature an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and music. Tickets are $75 per person. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• Loon Mountain in Lincoln will once again transform into the Scottish Highlands for one weekend during the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, happening from Friday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 19. The flagship event of the New Hampshire Gathering of the Scottish Clans, the games and festival will celebrate Scottish culture with music and dance competitions, local vendors and more, all at Loon Mountain Resort (60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln). This year, tickets will be sold per carload. A carload admission ticket is $200 per vehicle for one-day admittance (up to five people per vehicle, including children; ages 2 and under are free). Visit nhscot.org.

• Don’t miss Derryfest, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MacGregor Park (East Broadway, Derry). Derryfest features a full day of live entertainment, including games, balloons, live animal demonstrations, local crafters and vendor booths. Visit derryfest.org.

• Pelham’s Old Home Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3 Main St. and will feature a variety of activities, like craft vendors, food trucks, a town parade, live performances, a penny sale, a cornhole tournament and more. Visit pelhamoldhomeday.org.

• TEAM Exeter will host its annual Fall Equinox Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Swasey Parkway, featuring live music, artisan vendors, local food, children’s activities, dance performances and cultural exhibits. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Visit teamexeter.com.

• Granite State Comic Con returns on Saturday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). One of the largest area comic book and pop culture festivals, Granite State Comic Con features panels and workshops, costume contests and other competitions, local exhibitors and more. Admission is $25 per person on Saturday and $20 on Sunday, or you can get a weekend pass for $40. Visit granitecon.com.

• The Sandown Old Home Day Fall Festival returns to Sandlot Sports (56 North Road, Sandown) from Friday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 26. Festivities will include live entertainment, games, craft and food vendors, a 5K fun run and a fireworks display. Follow festival happenings on Facebook @sandownnhfallfestival.

• Join the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road, Warner) for its Harvest Moon Festival and Naturefest, happening on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be Native American foods for sale, plus craft demonstrations, tomahawk throwing, and a special “raptor rapture” program with New Hampshire Audubon. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and for Indian Museum members, or $30 per family. Visit indianmuseum.org.

Go Joe!

If this summer’s Snake Eyes movie got you back into G.I. Joe you may want to check out the New England G.I. Joe Show, on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn (9 Northeastern Blvd. In Nashua). Admission costs $5 (kids under 12 get in free); early bird preview starts at 9 a.m. when admission costs $10, according to the event’s Facebook page. According to a post about the 2020 show, the event features vintage (‘60s and ‘70s) through modern-era figures as well as G.I. Joe comic books and more.

• The Deerfield Fair, scheduled from Thursday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 3, at the Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road), will feature amusement park rides, live music and other performances, 4-H animal shows and demonstrations and much more. Fair hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under. Visit deerfieldfair.com.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St., Candia) is holding a multi-day pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin picking, tractor train rides, horse-drawn wagons, pumpkin art, live music and more. Visit their website to pick a date and time to attend. Available dates are Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 9, through Monday, Oct. 11. Tickets are $22 per person and must be purchased online (free for kids ages 23 months and under). Visit visitthefarm.com.

• The Milford Pumpkin Festival is returning to the town’s Oval from Friday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct. 10. Festivities will include live music on the Community House Lawn and Oval stages all three days, plus local food and artisan vendors, scarecrow making, pumpkin and face painting, circus and dance performances and other family-friendly activities. Visit milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

• A modified version of the Warner Fall Foliage Festival is scheduled from Friday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct. 10, in downtown Warner. While the parades and the children’s fun run have been canceled, the festival will still feature local craft and artisan vendors, rides, food, music, competitions and more. Visit wfff.org.

• The Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta returns to the Goffstown Historic Village on Saturday, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 17, featuring local vendor booths, pumpkin boats and more. Visit goffstownmainstreet.org/pumpkin-regatta.

Professional Bull Riders

The PBR Monster Energy Invitational comes to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; 644-5000, snhuarena.com) on Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:45 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 16, at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for either show, featuring professional bull riders in a championship competition for a world finals in early November (according to the arena website), start at $19. On pbr.com, find add-on events, such as an Granite State Escape Room event on Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. for $75 per ticket.

Art

Exhibits

• The Currier Museum of Art(150 Ash St., Manchester; 669-6144, currier.org) has a number of special exhibitions on display now and into the fall. “The Body in Art: From the Spiritual to the Sensual,” which runs through Sept. 12, provides a look at how artists through the ages have used the human body as a means of creative expression. Philadelphia-based potter Roberto Lugo pays homage to his Puerto Rican heritage and explores his cultural identity in the exhibit “Te traigo mi le lo lai – I bring you my joy,” up through Sept. 26. “As Precious as Gold, Carpets from the Islamic World” opens on Oct. 23 and will feature 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for members and children under age 13. Museum hours are Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle St., Portsmouth, portsmouthhistory.org) has two exhibits on display now through Sept. 12. “Twilight of American Impressionism” showcases New England painters and masters of impressionism Alice Ruggles Sohier and Frederick A. Bosley. “Don Gorvett: Working Waterfronts” features more than 60 works by the contemporary Seacoast printmaker. Admission costs $7.50 for adults and is free for kids under age 18, seniors age 70 and older and active and retired military. Gallery hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The New Hampshire Art Association presents an exhibit, “Images Made from Adventures Great and Small,” featuring photographs by Sarah Cail, at the Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (49 S. Main St.) now through Sept. 16, followed by “Around New Hampshire,” featuring the oil paintings of Elaine Farmer, from Sept. 21 through Dec. 16. The New Hampshire Art Association also has several exhibitions at its NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) on view now through Sept. 26. “Landscapes – Real & Imagined” features paintings by Peter Anderson. “Circle of Life” is a themed show featuring works by multiple artists. “The Shop: Photographs of European Auto of Rye” features work by Carol Van Loon. “And What a Time it’s Been” features a compilation of new works created by painters JoAnn Portalupi and Shawn Pelech during the past 18 months of pandemic living, and will include a conversation with the artists at the gallery on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• Art 3 Gallery (44 W. Brook St., Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com) has an exhibit, “Think Outside the Box,” on view now through Sept. 30, featuring experimental pieces in a variety of media created by local artists during the pandemic.

• Creative Framing Solutions (89 Hanover St., Manchester) features work by different New Hampshire Art Association artists every month. The artists for September are Ellen Marlatt, Eileen Belanger and Elizabeth Craumer. There will be an artist reception on Friday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• A new community art installation, “1,000 Cranes for Nashua,” is on display now in The Atrium at St. Joseph Hospital (172 Kinsley St., Nashua). It features more than 1,000 origami paper cranes created by hundreds of Nashua-area kids, adults and families since April. Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org.

• The Women’s Caucus for Art’s New Hampshire Chapter presents an exhibit, “Kick-Start!,” at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen; 975-0015, twiggsgallery.wordpress.com) from Sept. 11 through Oct. 31, with an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. The shoe-themed exhibit will feature paintings, sculptures, artist books, drawings and mixed media pieces.

• The New Hampshire Art Association presents its 22nd annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition at the NHAA Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) from Sept. 29 through Nov. 28. It features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com) presents its “Salon 2021” exhibition from Nov. 6 through Jan. 6. The exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches.

• Manchester art gallery Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition, “The Dysfunction of Social Practice,” at the Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). The exhibition, which opens on Nov. 20, will feature paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Fests and fairs

• The annual TEAM Fall Equinox Festival will take place along Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature live music, artist vendors, local food, yoga, activities for kids and more. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Visit teamexeter.com.

• The ​last two Concord Arts Markets of the season will take place on Saturdays, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). The juried outdoor market features a variety of art and crafts by local artists and craftspeople. Visit concordartsmarket.net.

• The Canterbury Artisan Festival returns to Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org.) on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual event celebrates artisanal, handcrafted works and features live music and demonstrations. Admission costs $12 for adults, $6 for Village members, and is free for youth and young adults under age 25.

• The Capital Arts Fest, hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., outside the League of NH Craftsmen headquarters (49 S. Main St., Concord). The fair will feature contemporary and traditional crafts by League members and invited artisans, live music, pop-up street theater, dance performances, author presentations and more. Visit nhcrafts.org or call 224-3375.

• The Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org) hosts its 40th annual Fall Festival and Nature Art Show on Saturday, Sept. 25, and Sunday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature art by regional artists, children’s art, live music, live animal demonstrations, guided hikes and natural products for sale.

• Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, will host its inaugural Women’s Artisan Fair on Friday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Oct. 16. The fair will feature handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts by women artisans. More information is TBA. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

Classical Music

•​ Two piano concerts are coming to the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Richard Dowling performs “The World’s Greatest Piano Masterpieces” on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $23 online. William Ogmundson performs American piano music on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. That concert is free. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.

•​ Symphony New Hampshire’s opening night concert will take place on Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua). The concert will feature Frank Ticheli’s There Will Be Rest, a tribute to health care workers and those lost during the pandemic, followed by Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds and the concert chamber orchestra suite of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Visit symphonynh.org.

•​ The New Hampshire Philharmonic presents “From Darkness to Hope” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Dr., Salem) on Saturday, Oct. 16, and Sunday, Oct. 17. The concert will feature Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Visit nhphil.org.

•​ The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s fall concert will be held at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org, 436-2400) on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. The concert will feature Tchaikovsky’s Tempest, Julius Eastman’s “Gay Guerilla” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Tickets cost $25 to $35 for adults, $25 to $30 for seniors age 60 and up and $20 for students.

•​ Symphony New Hampshire presents “Suites and Schubert” on Friday, Nov. 5, at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua). The concert will feature music by Bach, Schubert and Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933. Notable pieces will include Price’s Suite of Dances, Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, “Air on a G String,” and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. Visit symphonynh.org.

Film

• The Silent Film Series at the Flying Monkey (39 S. Main St. in Plymouth, flyingmonkeynh.com, 536-2551) continues through the fall, with screenings accompanied by live music performed by Jeff Rapsis. On Thursday, Sept. 9, catch The Shakedown (1929). On Thursday, Oct. 21, the film is The Phantom Of the Opera (1925), starring Lon Chaney. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, it’s The Big Parade (1925). For all films, doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m. General admission costs $10.

• Fathom Events has a full slate of anniversary screenings and other special movie screenings this fall. Upcoming screenings include the 35th-anniversary screening of Labyrinth (PG, 1986, David Bowie) at the AMC Londonderry and the Regal Fox Run in Newington Sept. 12 at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sept. 13 and Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.; Forever Golden: A celebration of The Golden Girls featuring a screening of some of the series episodes on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington; Citizen Kane (1941) on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. at Cinemark Rockingham Park and Regal Fox Run (where it will also screen at 7 p.m.) and on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at both locations; and Carrie (R, 1976) at AMC Londonderry and Regal Fox Run on Sept. 26 at 3 and 7 p.m. and on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Find a complete roster of upcoming events and purchase tickets at fathomevents.com.

• Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) has several movies on the schedule this fall. As part of its Movies for a Cause series, catch recent classics (1980s and after) at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 and benefit a local organization. Next up on the schedule: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (PG, 1989) on Sept. 14, Field of Dreams (PG, 198 ) on Sept. 15, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (R, 2001) on Sept. 21, Serial Mom (R, 1994) on Sept. 22, Frankenweenie (R, 2012) on Oct. 17, and The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG, 1993) on Oct. 18. Also on the schedule for the Rex: Nosferatu (1922), the silent film starring Max Schreck and directed by F.W. Murnau,will screen with live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

• Telluride by the Sea returns to the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth; themusichall.org, 436-2400) Friday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 19. This year’s new (not yet widely released) films on the lineup include director Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, the film A Hero from Iran, the Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed The Lost Daughter, The Hand of God from Italy, the documentary Cow and the documentary The Real Charlie Chaplin. Tickets to individual films cost $20 and packages including all films and special events and seating are also available.

• Jeff Rapsis will also be performing at silent films screening at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre (Main Street in Wilton; wiltontownhalltheatre.com). Drifting (1923) will screen on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 10, it’s The White Tiger (1923). On Friday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. it’s The Blackbird (1923). On Saturday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m. it’s Outside the Law (1920) and The Unholy Three (1925). On Sunday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. it’s Where East is East (1929). On Sunday, Nov. 14, it’s Hot Water (1924), starring Harold Lloyd. On Sunday, Nov. 28, catch Paths to Paradise (1925) and Hands Up! (1926). All Sunday films start at 2 p.m.; suggested donation is $10.

• Be part of the film festival jury at the 24th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which will screen Friday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 3, at NHTI in Concord (in Sweeney Hall). Watch the 10 shorts that made it to the final round (out of 960 entries from 70 countries) and then vote for the film you think should win. Admission costs $10. The batch of 10 films will screen Friday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 2, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. Find information about the films at manhattanshort.com.

The Invisible Man meets The Wolf Man

Two Universal monster movie classics are getting a double feature release in theaters on Saturday, Oct. 30. Catch 1933’s The Invisible Man (starring Claude Rains and Gloria Stuart) and 1941’s The Wolf Man (also starring Rains as well as Ralph Bellamy, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr.) starting at 1 p.m. at AMC Londonderry 10 (16 Orchard View Dr.), Cinemark Rockingham Park 12 (15 Mall Road in Salem) and Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 (45 Gosling Road in Newington). Tickets cost $12.50. Find more information at Fathom Events (fathomevents.com).

Food

Tastings, Classes, Workshops & Meals

• The Women’s Fellowship of the Union Congregational Church (71 Main St.) will host a lasagna dinner on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The dinner will feature a spread of homemade meat and vegetable lasagnas, along with tossed salads, Italian breads, assorted home-baked pies and more. Tickets will be sold at the door only (no reservations). The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. To-go containers are also available. Find the church on Facebook @uccunionnh.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst; 14 Route 111, Derry) has several cooking and wine pairing classes coming up on its schedule at both locations; the next two, set for Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 16, both in Derry at 6 p.m. will respectively cover classic wine and chocolate pairings and knife skills. A similar knife skills class is planned for the Amherst space on Wednesday, Sept. 22, also at 6 p.m. Visit labellewinery.com for the full schedule.

• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) will continue its summer dinner series with a New Orleans dinner on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. on its Grand Terrace. The five-course dinner will feature New Orleans-inspired options, and each course will be paired with a classic handcrafted New Orleans cocktail. Tickets are $125 per person (event is open to attendees ages 21 and up only). Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• Join LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) at its Amherst location for a beer recipes cooking class on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. Attendees will get to enjoy a sample of several items cooked with beer, including beer-battered fish tacos, bratwurst in beer with sauerkraut and stout beer chocolate cheesecake. Wine pairings and recipe cards will also be provided. Admission is $32.70 per person. Visit labellewinery.com.

• The next boxed Greek dinner to go, a drive-thru takeout event at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 N. State St., Concord), is happening on Sunday, Oct. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. Orders are being accepted now for boxed meals, featuring half lemon roasted chicken. The event is drive-thru and takeout only — email ordermygreekfood@gmail.com or call 953-3051 to place your order. For details on any future takeout events at the church, visit holytrinitynh.org.

• LaBelle Winery will host classes in decorative focaccia bread making, first at its Derry location (14 Route 111) on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m., and then at its Amherst location on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. Founder and winemaker Amy LaBelle will walk participants through how to make their own focaccia bread from scratch and how to decorate it with fresh herbs and vegetables to create an edible work of art. The cost is $49.05 per person (including tax) and all ingredients and tools will be provided. Visit labellewinery.com.

• Local chowder and chili makers will compete for the best dish during the 20th annual Lake Sunapee Chowder and Chili Challenge, happening on Sunday, Oct. 17, from noon to 3 p.m. at Sunapee Harbor. A kids tent and local vendors are also expected. See the event on Facebook @chowderchallenge.

• Enjoy Thanksgiving afternoon tea with The Cozy Tea Cart of Brookline, happening on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gatherings at The Colonel Shepard House (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford). In addition to teas, food options will include multiple types of tea breads and sandwiches, seasonal pastries and more. Tickets are $39.95 per person and reservations are required. Visit thecozyteacart.com.

• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) will hold its annual Able Ebenezer FORUM Ale Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. in its Charolais Room. The event will start with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner, with each course paired with a craft beer selection from Able Ebenezer Brewing Co. of Merrimack. Tickets are $79 per person and must be purchased in advance. Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.

• Have a Feast of the Pilgrims at the Colby Hill Inn (33 The Oaks, Henniker) on Saturday, Nov. 20. The multi-course wine dinner will feature the chef’s interpretations of some of the foods that could have been served at the original Thanksgiving feast, based on records of what was available during the fall harvest in Plymouth. Live music will also be featured. The cost is $130 per person. Visit colbyhillinn.com.

Festivals

• Join The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) for the NH Maker & Food Fest, set for Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. New this year, the event is offering a “pay what you can” admission (suggested donations are $5 per person). Visit childrens-museum.org.

• The Egyptian Food Festival is due to return to St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church of Nashua (39 Chandler St.) from Friday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 19. Visit stmarycoptsnh.org or follow the church on Facebook @stmaryandarchangelmichael.

Glendi

Get your pastichio, Greek meatballs, baklava and more at Glendi, a three-day festival celebrating Greek culture with food, live music, dancing and crafts. The long-running event will return for the first time since 2019 to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St., Manchester), from Friday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 19. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (with food service ending at 9:30 p.m.) and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit stgeorgeglendi.com or follow festival happenings on Facebook @glendinh.

• Food options from around the world will be represented at the Concord Multicultural Festival, returning on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to a new location at Keach Park (Newton Ave., Concord). Food vendors include restaurants and community members, and the festival also features live entertainment, artisan vendors and more. Visit concordnhmulticulturalfestival.org.

• Join The Stone Church Music Club (5 Granite St., Newmarket) for Oysterfest, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m., an outdoor event that will feature several local oyster farms, craft beer and live music. Visit stonechurchrocks.com.

• Don’t get yourself in a pickle, because the Winchester Pickle Festival is due to return to downtown Winchester on Saturday, Sept. 25. An event celebrating the town’s Polish heritage, the festival will feature local vendors all day, free Patriot Pickle Co. pickles on the Town Hall lawn (corner of Main Street and Route 119) until they are gone, and photo opportunities at noon on the gazebo with “Mr. Pickle.” Visit winchesternhpicklefestival.org for a full schedule of events.

• Join Tuscan Market (9 Via Toscana, Salem) for Passeggiata: Walk of Wine, an annual festival featuring more than 40 Italian and world wines along with several stationary and passed appetizers happening on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Visit tuscanbrands.com.

• The New London Rotary Club and the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce are organizing the second annual New London Food Truck Festival on the Town Green on Sunday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. More than 10 local food trucks are expected to attend, and a beer tent and live music from Peabody’s Coal Train are expected as well. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids (foods are sold separately per item), with proceeds benefiting the Rotary Club’s Charitable Foundation. Visit lakesunapeeregionchamber.com.

• Join Black Bear Vineyard & Winery (289 New Road, Salisbury) for its annual Harvest Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 25, and Sunday, Sept. 26. Attendees can enjoy live music outside between 1 and 5 p.m. each day, and will also have the opportunity to learn how grapes are processed from vine to wine. Food trucks will be on site all day too. Reservations are not required, but bringing your own chairs is recommended. Visit blackbearvineyard.com.

• Apple Harvest Day returns to downtown Dover on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day-long family event features more than 300 vendors, food, live entertainment and more. Visit dovernh.org/apple-harvest-day.

• Join The Salvation Army of Nashua for its annual Applefest, a two-day event happening on Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at Sullivan Farm (70 Coburn Ave., Nashua). Applefest features a variety of family-friendly fall activities, like apple picking, hay rides, scarecrow making, pumpkin painting and more. Demonstrations from local restaurants and groups will take place throughout both days, and fresh cider, apple pies, ice cream, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for sale. Visit nne.salvationarmy.org/nashua/applefest.

New Hampshire PoutineFest Spooktacular

A special Halloween edition of the event beloved by poutiniacs from all over New England, the New Hampshire PoutineFest Spooktacular will take place at Anheuser-Busch Tour Center & Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack) on Saturday, Oct. 23, with VIP entry at 11:30 a.m. and general admittance at 12:45 p.m. Restaurants, food trucks and other vendors will be vying for your palate for the best poutine dish, and the festival will also feature craft beer, children’s activities, games and a DJ. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Tickets to the festival go on sale on Saturday, Sept. 18, and are $39.99 for general admission, $49.99 for VIP admission, $14.99 for kids ages 6 to 12 with sampling and free for kids ages 6 to 12 with no sampling and for kids ages 5 and under. Visit nhpoutinefestspooktacular.eventbrite.com. Photo by Matt Ingersoll.

• Join the Junior Service League of Concord for its annual Fall Festivus, returning on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Bull Meadow (63 Bog Road, Concord) and will feature live music and beer, wine and food samples from local vendors. Tickets are $25 per person or $80 for a group of four. Visit jslconcord.org.

Drinks

• Join the Wilmot Public Library (11 N. Wilmot Road) for Brewing in New Hampshire: An Informal History of Beer in the Granite State from Colonial Times to the Present, a program scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., in partnership with New Hampshire Humanities. Presenter Glenn Knoblock will explore the history of the state’s beer and ale brewing industry from the Colonial days to today’s modern breweries and brew pubs. Visit nhhumanities.org.

• The Kingston Brewfest will return for a second year on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 4 p.m., at 148 Main St. in Kingston. The event features a variety of local beer and food options, and live music is also planned. Tickets are $35 per person for full access to beer tastings, or $5 for designated drivers. Donations to the Kingston Volunteer Fire Association will also be accepted. Follow them on Facebook @kingstonbrewfest.

• Red, White & Brew, a craft beer and wine festival presented by Veterans Count, returns to Funspot (579 Endicott St. N., Laconia) on Saturday, Sept. 25, with VIP admittance from noon to 1 p.m. and general admittance from 1 to 4 p.m. The event also features food, a car show, raffles, an auction and live music from The Bob Pratte Band. General admission is $35 and VIP admission is $50. Admission for all attendees includes sampling tickets and a commemorative glass while supplies last. Visit vetscount.org/nh/events/red-white-brew-craft-beer-wine-festival.

• To Share Brewing Co. (720 Union St., Manchester) will host an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 9 p.m. featuring food specials, beer releases, stein hoisting competitions and more. Visit tosharebrewing.com.

• Northwoods Brewing Co. (1334 First New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood) is holding its inaugural Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 25, featuring a trunk show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 20 New England makers and small businesses, plus live music throughout the day, the release of a new Oktoberfest brew, fall cocktail specials, specialty food menus and more. Visit northwoodsbrewingcompany.com.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) is holding a blindfolded wine tasting at its Amherst location on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. Attendees will try five wines while blindfolded during the session, relying on their senses of smell and taste to guess which is which. Admission is $49.05 per person (including tax) and registration is required. Visit labellewinery.com.

• The Powder Keg Beer Festival returns to Swasey Parkway in Exeter on Saturday, Oct. 2, with two sessions, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is presented by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and the Exeter Parks and Recreation department, featuring more than 200 different beers, ciders and hard seltzers to taste from a variety of local vendors. In place of the chili this year, which is normally a staple of the festival, food trucks offering all kinds of options are expected to attend. Tickets are $35 per person, or $10 for designated drivers. Visit powderkegbeerfest.com.

• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) will host the fourth and final session of its Walks in the Vineyard series on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. Vineyard manager Josh Boisvert and wine educator Marie King will lead attendees on an educational walk throughout LaBelle’s Amherst vineyard, focused on the vines’ overall life cycles. You’ll also have an opportunity to taste four different types of wines throughout the session. Admission is $27.25 per person and includes tax. Visit labellewinery.com.

• The Milford Rotary and Lions Clubs are working on presenting a lineup of vendors for two nights of beer, wine and spirits tastings during the Milford Pumpkin Festival, on Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Community House Lawn (Union Street, Milford). The cost is $15 per person for 10 tasting tickets before Oct. 4 and $20 per person after Oct. 4. Visit milfordpumpkinfestival.org/bws-tastings.

• The New Hampshire Brewfest will return to Cisco Brewers (35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth) on Saturday, Oct. 9, with VIP admittance from noon to 1 p.m. and general admittance from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $50 to $65 and includes access to tastings from a variety of New England-area craft breweries. Food options from local food trucks will also be available at an additional cost. Visit nhbrewfest.com.

• Don’t miss the Great Oktoberfest, happening on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Anheuser-Busch Tour Center & Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack). Two sessions are available, from noon to 3 p.m. or from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., when attendees will get to taste more than two dozen fall and winter brews, including several authentic German varieties. The festival will also feature European-style food, live music, food trucks, games and more. Tickets start at $45 general admission and $15 for designated drivers, with proceeds supporting the Merrimack Rotary Club. Visit greatoktoberfest.com.

• Save the date for the Manchester Brewfest, which is due to return to Arms Park (Commercial Street, Manchester) on Sunday, Oct. 31, with VIP admittance from noon to 1 p.m. and general admittance from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $40 general admission, $50 for VIP admission and $15 for designated drivers. Visit manchesterbrewfest.com.

• Lakes Region Uncorked returns on Thursday, Nov. 4, to the Church Landing at Mill Falls (281 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith), with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event features tastings of more than a dozen area craft breweries and wineries, plus food samples, a silent auction, live music, raffles and more. General admission is $50 per person. There is also a premier ticket rate of $90 per person, which grants you access to a celebrity chef demonstration and tasting, with seatings at either 5:30 or 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Lakes Region Community Services. Visit lakesregionuncorked.com.

• Get your ticket now to the eighth annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, happening on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). The centerpiece of New Hampshire Distiller’s Week, the event features more than 700 spirits and foods from more than 25 restaurants to sample. Tickets are $60 per person, with proceeds benefiting the New Hampshire Food Bank. Visit distillersshowcase.com.

Books

• Kerri Arsenault presents Mill Town:Reckoning with What Remains at The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $60 for a small table with two copies of the book included.

• Margaret Porter presents The Limits of Limelight at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, gibsonsbookstore.com) on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m.

• Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St., Manchester, bookerymht.com) welcomes R.W.W. Greene with his book Twenty Five to Life on Friday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Regina Hansen will be at Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St., Manchester, bookerymht.com) on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 6 p.m., presenting her book The Coming Storm.

• Lara Bricker presents Dead on Deadline at The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter) on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 per person. Bricker will also be at Water Street Bookstore (125 Water St., Exeter) on Friday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit waterstreetbooks.com.

• Daniel Cantor Yalowitz presents Reflections on the Nature of Friendship at the Toadstool Bookshop (12 Depot Square, Peterborough, toadbooks.com) on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m.

• Barnes & Noble (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester, barnesandnoble.com) welcomes Gigi Georges with her book Downeast: Five Maine Girls and the Unseen Story of Rural America, on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m.

• A Freethinker’s Corner(652 A Central Ave., Dover, 343-2437, freethinkerscorner.com) will host a multi-author book signing and sale on Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 4 p.m., and a multi-author children’s book signing and sale on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 4 p.m.

• Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, gibsonsbookstore.com) welcomes Jeff Benedict with his book The Dynasty on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m.

• Emma Philbrick will be at Barnes & Noble (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester, barnesandnoble.com) signing her book Arkivestia on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m.

• Humor writer David Sedaris comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49.

• Barnes & Noble (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester, barnesandnoble.com) hosts a book signing with Dianne Tolliver for her book Life Everyone Has a Story on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.Teks and Trails

Your guide to after-school adventure

The kids are heading back to school, which means it’s time to sign them up for after-school fun! Check out this guide for some ideas to get you started. If we missed a great kid activity, let us know at listings@hippopress.com.

GENERAL

• Boys & Girls Club (555 Union St., Manchester, 625-5031, mbgcnh.org; 1 Positive Place, Nashua, 883-0523, bgcn.com; 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, 898-7709, salembgc.org; 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 672-1002, svbgc.org; 55 Bradley St., Concord, 224-1061, centralnhclubs.org; 40 E. Derry Road, Derry, 434-6695, derrybgclub.com; 876 Main St., Laconia, 528-0197, lakeskids.org) offers after-school programs that include homework assistance, sports and recreation, arts and crafts, leadership development, life skills and more. Programs and costs vary at each location, depending on a student’s membership status and school. Call your local branch or visit its website for details.

• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Suite 105, Derry, 339-1664, culinary-playground.com) offers cooking classes throughout the year for kids ages 3 and up. Call for details on upcoming programs. The cost starts at $20 for individual classes, with parent-child team cooking classes also available.

• Daniel Webster Council Scouts BSA (625-6431, nhscouting.org) is the center of information for the New Hampshire division of Boy Scouts of America. Contact them for information about joining a local troop. Troops set their own start dates, meeting days and times and meeting locations.

• Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains (1 Commerce Dr., Bedford, 888-474-9686, girlscoutsgwm.org) offers programs for girls in kindergarten through grade 12, focused on leadership-building, including outdoor and STEM activities, sports programs, virtual programming and more. Girls can join existing troops or form a new troop any time. Visit mygs.girlscouts.org to learn how. The membership cost is $40 per girl per year and financial aid is available. Troops set their own start dates, meeting days and times, and meeting locations.

• Girls at Work (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 345-0392, girlswork.org) offers programs for girls ages 8 to 14, designed to build confidence, strength and resilience through building with power tools. Fall classes will begin at the end of September (schedule TBA). Open houses are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m.

• Girls, Inc. of New Hampshire (340 Varney St., Manchester, 623-1117; 27 Burke St., Nashua, 882-6256, girlsincnewhampshire.org) offers a girls-only after-school program that includes media literacy, self-defense, STEM, economic literacy, drug abuse prevention and leadership skill building. The program is open to girls ages 5 and up. The cost is $75 per week and financial aid is available. A preschool program for both boys and girls ages 3 to 5 is available at the Nashua branch only.

• Mathnasium of North Manchester (Northside Plaza, 1 Bicentennial Dr., Manchester, 644-1234, mathnasium.com/northmanchester) offers opportunities for kids in elementary, middle and high school to enhance their mathematics skills through a combination of studies and math-themed games. Fall enrollment is open now. The Mathnasium is open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., and Sunday,from 2 to 6 p.m. The program cost varies depending on the number of sessions chosen and the student’s grade.

• YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown (116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more, with before- and after-school care available at select Goffstown schools. After-school care is also available at the Y with transportation from select Goffstown and New Boston schools. Programs are open to students in grades K through 8, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

• YMCA of Concord (15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more, with before- and after-school care available at Boscawen (for Boscawen, Penacook and Webster students) and Loudon schools. After-school care is also available on site at select Concord schools and at the Y. Programs are open to students in grades K through 5, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

• YMCA of Downtown Manchester (30 Mechanic St., Manchester, 623-3558; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more, with before- and after-school care available at select Manchester schools. After-school care is also available at the Y with transportation from select Manchester schools. Programs are open to students in grades K through 5, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

• YMCA of Greater Londonderry (206 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 437-9622; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more. Before- and after-school care is available at select Londonderry, Chester and Windham schools. Programs are open to students in grades K through 8, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

• YMCA of Greater Nashua (24 Stadium Drive, Nashua, 882-2011; 6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack, 881-7778; nmymca.org/child-care/school-aged-child-care) offers before- and after-school programs for kids and teens of all ages at multiple locations, including at both branches, as well as at Mont Vernon Village School (1 Kittredge Road, Mont Vernon) and at Amherst Middle School (14 Cross Road, Amherst). Programs begin Sept. 7 and consist of an array of activities, such as crafts, sports, homework assistance, games, STEM and other educational enrichment activities. Costs vary depending on the program. An open house is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., at both branches.

• YMCA of Strafford County (35 Industrial Way, Rochester, 332-7334; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more, with before- and after-school care available at select Dover and Farmington schools. Programs are open to students in grades K through 4, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

• YMCA of the Seacoast at Camp Gundalow (176 Tuttle Lane, Greenland, 431-2334; a branch of Granite YMCA, graniteymca.org/child-care) offers opportunities for homework support, outdoor play, academic enrichment and more. After-school care is available with transportation from select Greenland and Portsmouth schools. Programs are open to students in grades K through 8, during various weekdays throughout the 2021-2022 school year (hours vary by program; call for pricing details).

Art

• Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford, 672-2500, creativeventuresfineart.com) offers a drawing and painting class for kids ages 8 through 12, held weekly on Wednesday. A weekly drawing class for teens will be offered starting in October. The cost is $20 per class.

• Kimball-Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com) offers a free after-school art club for middle and high school students on Tuesdays, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., starting Sept. 29. Participants will learn new art skills and engage in short-term exercises and long-term community art projects.

• League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Nashua Retail Gallery (98 Main St., Nashua, 595-8233, nashua.nhcrafts.org/classes) offer workshops and ongoing classes in a variety of crafts throughout the year that are open to teens age 12 and up.

• Paint pARTy (135 N. Broadway, Salem, 898-8800, paintpartynh.com) offers weekly drawing and painting classes for kids in grades 1 through 12 throughout the school year. Enrollment is ongoing. The cost is $20 to $25 per class.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) offers painting, drawing and clay classes for kids and teens ages 6 and up, starting Sept. 14. Classes are held once a week in six-week sessions. Tuition ranges from $115 to $130.

DRAW, PAINT, COLOR

The Currier Museum Art Center (180 Pearl St., Manchester) is offering a variety of five-week after-school and weekend youth art programs this fall. Kids ages 6 and 7 can learn how to draw sea creatures in “Under the Sea” (starts Sept. 25, with in-person classes on Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.), and draw and paint real and imaginary creatures in “Crazy Fantastic Creatures” (starts Sept. 22, with in-person classes on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.). In “Black, White, and Color,” kids ages 7 through 10 will learn about line, shape, texture and pattern, drawing from imagination and observation (starts Sept. 22, with in-person and online classes on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.). Kids ages 8 through 10 can pay tribute to their pet or favorite animal in “Exploring Pets with Paint” (starts Sept. 25, with in-person and online classes on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). Comic book lovers ages 9 through 12 can create their own comic book character in “Comics for Kids” (starts Sept. 21, with online classes on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.). In “Painting and Drawing: Color and Shape,” kids ages 11 through 14 will learn the fundamentals of drawing and acrylic painting (starts Sept. 23, with in-person and online classes on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.). For teens ages 14 and up there’s “Everyone Can Draw,” which includes step-by-step drawing instruction using pencils, pens, ink and markers (starts Sept. 23, with in-person and online classes on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.). All classes cost $157.50 for museum members and $175 for non-members. Call 518-4922 or visit currier.org/classes.

DANCE

• Alicia’s School of Dance (58 Route 29, Suite 201, Loudon, 406-0416, aliciasschoolofdance.com) offers tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, gymnastics, creative dance and dance fitness programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost for one class per week is $55 per month. Any extra classes are $15 per class.

• Allegro Dance Academy (100 Factory St., Nashua, 886-7989, allegrodancenh.com) offers ballet, pointe, jazz, acro, musical theater, hip-hop, tap and tumbling programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies depending on the number of classes taken per week and the child’s age, plus an annual registration fee of $60 per person or $75 per family.

• Bedford Dance Center (172 Route 101, Bedford, 472-5141, bedforddancecenter.com) offers classes in ballet, pointe, pre-ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and tap dance programs, as well as private lessons, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. Early registration online is available now, with a $25 fee per family.

• Bedford Youth Performing Company (155 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3894, bypc.org) offers dance, music and theater group and private classes for kids of all ages, beginning Aug. 30. Dance lessons include ballet, tap, jazz, acro, contemporary, lyrical and modern programs. Music classes include voice, piano, guitar, drums and percussion. Theater classes include acting and musical theater performance. The cost varies depending on the type and the length of each class.

• Broadway Bound Performing Arts Center (501 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-8844, broadwayboundpac.com) offers jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, tumbling, musical theater and special needs dance programs, as well as private lessons, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Tuition varies depending on the class. Call for cost details.

• The Cadouxdle Dance Studio (297 Derry Road, Hudson, 459-4392, thecadouxdledancestudio.com) offers programs in creative ballet, jazz, tumbling, ballet and Mommy and Me yoga, as well as private dance lessons, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for students ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Thursday. The cost is $180 for one weekly class for four months ($45 per month), plus a $20 registration fee.

• Concord Dance Academy (26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com) offers tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, pointe and karate programs, beginning Sept. 20. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up, from Monday through Saturday. The cost starts at $75 per month, plus a $35 registration fee per student for the program year, and varies from there depending on the number of classes taken. There is also a drop-in rate of $18 per class session. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Creative Dance Workshop of Bow (1125 Route 3A, Units A and B, Bow, 225-7711, nhdances.com) offers ballet, hip-hop, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap and contemporary dance programs, beginning in September. There is a flat rate of $65 per month for your first class. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• The Dance Company (130 Route 101A, Amherst, 864-8374, thedancecompanyonline.com) offers jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, pointe and hip-hop dance programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies depending on the number of class hours taken per week, plus a $30 registration fee.

• Dance Connection Fitness & Performing Arts (8 Rockingham Road, Windham, 893-4919, danceconnectionnh.com) offers jazz, tap, ballet, gymnastics, hip-hop and cheer dance programs, beginning in September. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday, and are available for kids in various age groups. Call for schedule and cost details.

• Dance Visions Network (699 Mast Road, Pinardville, 626-7654, dancevisionsnetwork.com) offers classes in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap and tumbling, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for kids ages 2½ and up. Call for registration and cost details.

• Dancesteps Etc. (27 Black Hall Road, Epsom, 736-9019, dancesteps-etc.com) offers jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary and musical theater programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. The cost varies depending on the number of class hours taken per week and the length of each class.

• The Dancing Corner (23 Main St., Nashua, 889-7658, dancingcorner.com) offers classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, musical theater, lyrical and Pilates programs, beginning Sept. 8. Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. The cost for a seven-week session varies depending on the number of class hours taken per week, starting at $112 for one class per week per session. There is also a $30 annual registration fee. Single classes, with permission from the instructor, are $20.

• Dimensions in Dance (84 Myrtle St., Manchester, 668-4196, dimensionsindance.com) offers classes in pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, contemporary and modern dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $42 to $126 per month, depending on the length of class each week. Open houses are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 2, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

• Gen’s Dance Studio (151A Manchester St., No. 5, Concord, 224-0698, find them on Facebook @gensdancestudio) offers ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and tumbling programs, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for ages 4 and up (exact schedule still TBA). The cost varies depending on the child’s age and the type of class taken. Open houses are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for new students only.

• Happy Feet Dance School (25 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 434-4437, happyfeetdanceschool.biz) offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance programs, beginning Sept. 8. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up. First class rates are $60 per month for 30 minutes, $65 per month for 40 minutes and $70 per month for 55 minutes. Rates for additional classes are $48 per month for 30 minutes, $50 per month for 40-minute classes and $56 per month for 55-minute classes. A rate of $295 per month for unlimited classes is also offered.

• Kathy Blake Dance Studios (3 Northern Blvd., Amherst, 673-3978, kathyblakedancestudios.com) offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical and music theater programs, as well as private dance lessons, beginning Sept. 11. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $60 to $72 per month, depending on the number of class hours taken per week, plus a $30 registration fee per student. The cost for private dance lessons is $40 per 30-minute lesson, $75 per one-hour lesson.

• Londonderry Dance Academy (21 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 432-0032, londonderrydance.com) offers ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop and contemporary dance programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. There is a bi-monthly cost, starting at $100 for a 45-minute class, plus an annual registration fee of $30 per student or $45 per family.

• Martin School of Dance (288 Route 101, Bedford, 488-2371, martinschoolofdance.com) offers ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, tumbling and a variety of other dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies depending on the child’s age and the number of class hours per week. There is also a registration fee of $25 per child or $50 per family.

• McKenna Dance Center (254 N. Main St., Concord, 715-1869, gotomckennas.com) offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, acro, contemporary and musical theater, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for kids ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost starts at $70 per month.

• Melissa Hoffman Dance Center (210 Robinson Road, Hudson, 886-7909, melissahoffmandancecenter.info) offers hip-hop, ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap and tumble dance programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $52 to $315 per month, depending on the child’s age and the number of class hours taken per week (with discounted rates for each additional child), plus a $40 registration fee per student, or $55 per family.

• Miss Kelsey’s Dance Studio (2626 Brown Ave., Manchester, 606-2820, mkdance.com) offers tap, jazz, ballet, acro, lyrical and musical theater programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 1½ and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost for classes starts at $55 per month for a 30-minute class, plus a $30 registration fee per student and an additional registration fee of $15 per family member.

• Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios (49 Range Road, Building 2, Suite A, Windham, 458-7730, chippswindham.com) offers a variety of recreational and competitive dance programs, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and hip-hop, beginning Sept. 10. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies depending on the child’s age and the number of class hours per week. Open houses are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24, Tuesday, Aug. 31, and Tuesday, Sept. 7, all from 4 to 7 p.m.

• New England School of Dance (679 Mast Road, Manchester, 935-7326, newenglandschoolofdance.com) offers classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop and more, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for kids ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. Costs vary depending on the number of class hours taken per week. Call for cost details. Two open houses are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursday, Sept. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

• New Hampshire Academie of Dance (1 Action Blvd., No. 4, Londonderry, 432-4041, nhadance.com) offers jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, acro and contemporary dance programs, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for preschool-age kids and up and are held Monday through Saturday. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• N-Step Dance Center (1134 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 641-6787, nstepdance.com) offers tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, tumbling and contemporary dance programs, beginning Sept. 8. Classes are available for kids ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. Most classes range from $55 to $65 in cost.

• Rise Dance Studio (125 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 402-2706, risedancenh.com) offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern and contemporary dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are held Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $75 to $400 per month, depending on the number of class hours per week, plus a one-time registration fee of $35 per student or $45 per family. There is also a drop-in rate of $25 per class.

• Showcase Dance & Performing Arts Center (5 Executive Dr., Hudson, 883-0055, showcasehudsonnh.com) offers ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, tap and a variety of other recreational and competitive dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $40 to $80 per month, depending on the child’s age and the class length, plus a $50 annual registration fee.

• Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater (19 Harvey Road, Units 19 and 20, Bedford, 263-3803, snhdt.org) offers ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop and modern dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 15 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies, depending on the child’s age and the number of class hours taken per week. Open houses are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Turning Pointe Center of Dance (371 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-8710, turningpointecenterofdance.com) offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and hip-hop, as well as private lessons, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. The cost starts at $65 per month. Open houses are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24, and Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.

• Unbound Dance Academy (237 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, 714-2821, unbounddanceacademy.com) offers classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, acro and musical theater, beginning Sept. 9. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held from Monday through Saturday. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

• Voter’s School of Dance (341 S. Broadway, Unit 16, Salem, 893-5190, votersdance.com) offers ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and other dance programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Saturday (in-person, Zoom or hybrid classes are available). The cost ranges from $60 to $265 per month, depending on the length of each class, plus an annual registration fee of $35 per child or $50 per family.

TWIRL & DANCE

Ameri-kids Baton & Dance Studio (Auburn, 391-2254, ameri-kids.org) offers baton-twirling and dance in recreational and competitive programs, beginning Sept. 12. Classes are held on Sundays at the Candia Youth Athletic Association (27 Raymond Road, Candia), at 5 p.m. for new twirlers. Classes start at $55 for a 45-minute session, plus an annual $30 registration fee. The cost for private lessons ranges from $25 to $45 depending on the session length.

GYMNASTICS

• A2 Gym & Cheer (16B Garabedian Dr., Salem, 328-8130, a2gc.com) offers recreational gymnastics, tumbling and ninja classes, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday, depending on the age group. The cost varies depending on the class and the amount of time for each. For recreational gymnastics, the cost is $90 per hour per month, $107 for an hour and a half and $125 for two hours. For tumbling and ninja classes, the cost starts at $90 per hour per month.

• Flipz the Gym for Kids (Flipz Gymnastics, 14 Chenell Dr., Concord, 224-3223, flipzgymnastics.com) offers gymnastics-based fitness classes for ages 12 months to 7 years, as well as tumbling classes for kids ages 8 to 14. The gym is open six days a week at various times for one-hour-long classes. The cost varies for each.

• Gymnastics Village (13 Caldwell Dr., Amherst, 889-8092, gymnasticsvillage.com) offers gymnastics programs and ninja and tumbling classes, beginning Sept. 1. Classes are available for girls and boys ages 18 months and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost starts at $21 for a one-hour class.

• Gym-Ken Gymnastics (184 Rockingham Road, Windham, 434-9060, gymkengymnastics.com) offers gymnastics, tumbling, parkour and other programs, beginning Aug. 29. Classes are available for boys and girls ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost for classes ranges from $190 to $210 per 10-week session with one class per week, plus a $50 annual registration fee per child (maximum $110 registration fee per family).

• Impact Gymnastics (301 River Road, Bow, 219-0343, impact-gymnastics.com) offers a variety of recreational gymnastics and tumbling programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $75 to $140 per month, depending on the length of the class.

• Nashua School of Gymnastics (30 Pond St., Nashua, 880-4927, nsggym.net) offers a variety of recreational gymnastics programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for boys and girls of all ages and are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. The cost varies depending on the length of each class. There is also a registration fee of $50 per child.

• Palaestra Gymnastics Academy (8 Tinkham Ave., Derry, 818-4494, pgagym.com) offers a variety of recreational gymnastics and tumbling programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. Call for cost and registration details.

• Phantom Gymnastics (142 Route 111, Hampstead, 329-9315, phantomgymnastics.com) offers various gymnastics and tumbling programs, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for boys and girls ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost varies depending on the age of the child, the type of each class and the length of each session.

• Seacoast Gymnastics Center (13 Lilac Mall, Rochester, 332-9821, kellysgymnastics.com) offers a variety of gymnastics, ninja and tumbling programs, beginning in September. Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $50 to $215 per week, depending on the child’s age and the number of class hours taken.

• Sky High Gymnastics (185 Elm St., No. 2, Milford, 554-1097, skyhighgym.com) offers a variety of gymnastics, dance and ninja programs, beginning Sept. 13. Classes are available for kids ages 2 and up and are held several days a week, depending on the age groups. Call for cost and registration details.

• Southern New Hampshire Gymnastics Academy (4 Orchard View Dr., No. 11, Londonderry, 404-6181, snhga.com) offers a variety of both recreational and competitive gymnastics programs, beginning Aug. 30. Classes are available for kids ages 1½ and up and are held Monday through Saturday. Call for cost and registration details.

• Spectrum Gymnastics Academy (26 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-8388, spectrumgymnast.com) offers several programs for boys and girls ages 3 and up, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are held various days from Monday through Saturday, depending on the age groups. Call for cost and registration details.

• Tri-Star Gymnastics & Dance Center (66 Third St., Dover, 749-1234, tristargymnh.com) offers gymnastics and dance classes for all ages, as well as open gym sessions, beginning the week of Aug. 30. Classes are available Monday through Saturday. The cost ranges from $67 to $165 per session, depending on the age group and the number of classes taken per week.

• Tumble Town Gymnastics (444 E. Industrial Park Dr., No. 10, Manchester, 641-9591, tumbletownnh.com) offers recreational and competitive team gymnastics programs, beginning Sept. 7. Classes are available for girls ages 3½ and up and most are held Monday through Saturday (days of the week vary depending on the class). The cost starts at $85 per month for one 60-minute class per week, with a 50-percent sibling discount available.

BE A NINJA

USA Ninja Challenge (locations at Gymnastics Village, 13 Caldwell Dr., Amherst, 889-8902, gymnasticsvillage.com; Flipz Gymnastics, 14 Chenell Dr., Concord, 224-3223, ninjaconcordnh.com; 17 Friars Dr., Unit 18, Hudson, 417-6820, ninjahudson.com; and 444 E. Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, 935-7100, ninjamanchester.com) introduces kids ages 4 and up to the sport of ninja, featuring a variety of swinging, jumping and climbing obstacles and an interactive learning program, in which they can have fun while learning fitness and life skills. The fall sessions begin in September (exact date varies depending on the location), with open enrollment year-round. The programs are open several days a week at various class times of 50 minutes, 60 minutes or 75 minutes. The cost varies depending on the length of the class.

Horseback riding

• Apple Tree Farm (49 Wheeler Road, Hollis, 465-9592, appletreefarm.org) offers year-round group and private lessons for all ages and experience levels. Beginner students will receive English balance seat instruction while advanced students will focus on eventing, which includes dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country. Group lessons cost $75 per one-hour lesson or $195 for a month of weekly lessons. Private lessons cost $55 for a half-hour, $85 for an hour and $175 for a month of weekly half-hour lessons.

• Chase Farms (146 Federal Hill Road, Hollis, 400-1077, chasefarmsnh.com) offers saddleseat group, semi-private and private lessons for kids ages 4 and up. The cost $40 for a group lesson (four to six students), $45 for a semi-private lesson (two to three students) and $50 for a private lesson. Lesson packages are also available.

• Fox Creek Farm (Pine Hill Road, Hollis, 236-2132, foxcreek.farm) offers group and private hunter/jumper lessons for all ages. A 30-minute private lesson costs $55, and a one-hour group lesson costs $45. A Pony Lover’s lesson package for kids ages 4 to 8 is available for $180 and includes a month of weekly half-hour lessons covering grooming, tacking up and basic riding skills.

• Hollis Ranch (192 Wheeler Road, Hollis, 465-2672, hollisranch.com) offers private horsemanship lessons for kids, focused on Western, English and driving disciplines. Lesson packages are customized.

• Mack Hill Riding Academy (3 Mack Hill Road, Amherst, 801-0958, mackhill.net) offers private and group riding lessons for kids of all ages. Disciplines include hunter under saddle, eventing, equitation, Western pleasure and horsemanship. The cost is $55 per lesson. Lesson packages are also available at $300 for six and $540 for 12.

• Walnut Hollow Farm (40 Walnut Hill Road, Amherst, 475-2714, walnuthollowfarm.com) offers one-hour private lessons for $60, semi-private lessons (two students) for $50 and group lessons for $45. A group lesson package with 10 lessons for $400 is also available.

Martial arts

• Al Lima’s Studio of Self Defense (28 Lowell Road, Hudson, 595-9098, alssd.com) offers kenpo karate and self-defense programs for kids and teens. Classes are held Monday through Thursday. Call for cost details. Private classes are also available.

• Amherst Karate Studio (Salzburg Square, 292 Route 101, Amherst, 672-3570, amherstkaratestudio.com) offers martial arts and self-defense classes for kids ages 4 and up. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Call for cost details.

• Bedford Martial Arts Academy (292 Route 101 West, Bedford, 626-9696, bedfordmartialartsacademy.com) offers karate classes for kids ages 18 months and up. Classes are held Monday through Thursday. An after-school pickup program is also offered for students in the Bedford Schools K-6 and Reeds Ferry, Merrimack K-4 school districts. Call for cost details.

• Checkmate Martial Arts (200 Elm St., Manchester, 666-5836, checkmateselfdefense.com) offers youth martial arts programs for kids ages 5 to 13. Classes are held after school on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and on Saturday morning. Call for cost details.

• Empowering Lives Martial Arts (542 Mast Road, No. 15, Goffstown, 978-414-5425, martialartsnewhampshire.com) offers a martial arts program for kids ages 4 through 6, a karate program for kids ages 7 through 12 and an adult martial arts program that is open to teens ages 13 and up. Virtual programs are also available. Call for scheduling and cost details.

• Eric Menard’s Complete Martial Arts Academy (295 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 888-0010, cma-martialarts.com) offers martial arts programs for kids and teens in four-week session packages. Call for scheduling and cost details.

• Golden Crane Traditional Martial Arts (46 Lowell Road, No. 6, Windham, 437-2020, goldencranenh.com) offers traditional karate classes for kids and teens ages 5 and up. Classes are held Monday through Thursday after school and on Saturday morning. Virtual classes are also currently being offered. Call for cost details.

• Granite State American Kenpo Karate (290 Derry Road, No. 5, Hudson, 598-5400, gsakenpo.com) offers martial arts programs for kids and teens. Virtual classes are also currently available. Call for cost and scheduling details.

• Inner Dragon Martial Arts (77 Derry Road, Hudson, 864-8756, innerdragonma.com) offers kenpo-based martial arts programs for kids of all ages. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Classes are held Monday through Friday after school and on Saturday morning. An after-school pickup program is also offered. Call for cost details.

• Kaizen Academy (17 Freetown Road, No. 6, Raymond, 895-1545, raymondkarate.com) offers martial arts programs for kids and teens ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Various packages are available. Call for cost details.

• Manchester Karate Studio (371 S. Willow St., Manchester, 625-5835, manchesterkarate.com) offers karate classes for kids ages 4 and up as well as Brazilian jiu jitsu self-defense programs for teens age 14 and up. Call for cost and scheduling details.

• Neil Stone’s Karate Academy (22 Proctor Hill Road, Hollis, 672-8933, neilstoneskarate.com) offers karate programs for kids and teens ages 2 1/2 and up. Classes are held Monday through Friday. A virtual option is currently available for teen classes. Call for cost details.

• New England Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (30 Henniker St., Unit 9, Concord, 369-4764, nebjj.com) offers Brazilian jiu jitsu classes for kids ages 5 and up. Classes are held Tuesday through Thursday after school and on Saturday morning. Packages include a month of unlimited classes for $14, a three-month block of unlimited classes for $325, a two-classes-per-week membership for $110 a month, and a one-class-per-week membership for $75 a month.

• Tokyo Joe’s Studios of Self Defense (85A Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 889-4165; 20 Hammond Road, Milford, 672-2100, tokyojoes.net) offers private and group martial arts lessons for kids and teens ages 3 and up. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Call each location for cost details.

• The Training Station (200 Elm St., Manchester, 505-0048, thetrainingstationnh.com) offers kenpo, jiu jitsu and general martial arts classes for kids and teens ages 3 and up, as well as private lessons. Various packages are available. Students can also take a drop-in class for $20.

• World Class Martial Arts (25 Nashua Road, Unit D3, Londonderry, 845-6115, londonderrymartialarts.com) offers karate programs for kids ages 3 and up. Classes are held after school Monday through Friday and on Saturday morning. Call for cost details.

KARATE KIDS

Penacook School of Martial Arts (15 Village St., Suite 6, Penacook) has three martial arts programs for kids and teens ages 4 and up. In “Pre Skillz,” for ages 4 through 6 (Saturdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m., $59 a month), and “Juniors Martial Arts,” for ages 7 through 13 (Monday through Thursday, 6:15 to 7 p.m., $139 to $159 a month), students will learn the foundations of martial arts, with a focus on listening skills and following directions; hand-eye coordination and mobility; social skills and respecting others; discipline and self-control; self-confidence; goal-setting and more. Teens ages 14 and up are welcome in the adult class (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 to 8:15 p.m., and Friday, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., $139 to $159 a month), which focuses on physical fitness and self-defense using techniques from karate and Brazilian jiu jitsu. Call 738-3173 or visit penacookkarate.com.

MUSIC

• Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool.org) begins its fall season in September with private lessons, group ensembles and more. Among the programs available is the Purple Finches Youth Chorus, which is open to kids in kindergarten through eighth grade who are learning an instrument. The three sections of the Chorus — the Fledglings, the Fliers and the Finches — allow an age-appropriate sequence of musical development, as students learn music literacy through regular rhythm, solfège and ear-training. Students rehearse weekly during the school year and perform regularly. The program is held Mondays at 4:10, 5 and 6 p.m. (times dependent on the student’s experience level), beginning Sept. 27. The cost is $175 per semester. Individual instruction in a variety of instruments is also available, including in guitar, bass, piano, percussion, clarinet, recorder, trombone, tuba and more. The cost for a 16-week semester curriculum is $672 for 30-minute lessons, $992 with 45-minute lessons and $1,296 with 60-minute lessons. Students are welcome at any time of the semester, with tuition prorated based on the number of lessons remaining.

• Let’s Play Music & Make Art (2626 Brown Ave., Unit A2, Manchester, 218-3089; 145 Hampstead Road, Suite 26, Derry, 425-7575; Rosita Lee Music Center, 136 Lowell Road, Hudson, 882-8940; letsplaymusic.com) offers weekly lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, cello, drums, saxophone and a variety of other musical instruments for students of all ages and abilities. The cost is $132 per month for 30-minute lessons, $244 per month for 60-minute lessons and $359 per month for 90-minute lessons. As of September 2020, Let’s Play Music & Make Art has taken over operations at Rosita Lee Music Center in Hudson.

• Lidman Music Studio (419 Amherst St., Nashua, 913-5314, lidmanmusic.com) offers private lessons in violin, viola and piano for kids of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. Lessons take place weekly in the afternoons and evenings, beginning Sept. 7. The cost is $120 per month, which covers four 30-minute private lessons.

• Londonderry Piano (20 N. Broadway, Salem, 898-9910, londonderrypiano.com) offers piano, guitar, drums, bass and voice lessons for all ages. The cost for one 30-minute lesson per week is $120 per month, $180 for one 45-minute lesson per week and $240 for one one-hour lesson per week.

• Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org) has a variety of opportunities beginning in September for private lessons, classes and youth ensembles for all kinds of musical instruments and all ages and levels of ability. Programs include Queen City Music & Leadership (grades 6 to 9, $250 per student), in which students participate in music lessons, ensembles and leadership and personal opportunities; Sprouting Melodies and Little Maestros (ages 6 months to 3 years old, $154 per student), in which younger children are introduced to music through a variety of age-appropriate activities); and Beginning Recorder (grades 4 to 7; free, with an online Zoom option), in which students will learn the basics of tone production and reading music. There is also a seven-week Music Theory session open to grades 6 and up ($199 per student); various chamber ensembles that include a flute choir, percussion, wind, and stringed instruments; and youth symphony orchestra opportunities. An open house for more information on all programs is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Manchester Music Mill (329 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8022, mmmlessons.com) offers private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, piano and voice for students of all ages and skill levels. Lessons are offered once a week. The cost ranges from $20 to $25 per 30-minute lesson. Hourly lessons are available if needed, as well as group lessons.

• Merrimack Music Academy (1 Bryce Dr., Merrimack, 493-9214, merrimackmusicacademy.com) offers private lessons piano, voice, and acoustic or electric guitar and bass for children of all ages and skill levels. Lessons are available both in studio and online. The cost is $145 per month for 30-minute lessons and $270 per month for one-hour lessons, plus a $35 one-time registration fee.

• NH Tunes (250 Commercial St., No. 2017, Manchester, 660-2208, nhtunes.biz) offers year-round lessons in voice, guitar, drums, piano, ukulele and more to students of all ages and abilities. The cost starts at $29.50 per 30-minute lesson. Certificates and studio time packages can also be purchased.

• Ted Herbert Music School (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, tedherbert.com) offers lessons in every band and orchestra instrument, as well as voice and theater, for students of all ages interested in various musical styles. Lessons are ongoing year-round, and instrument rentals are available through the school in partnership with David French Music. The cost is $28 per 30-minute lesson. Registration is being waived through December 2021.

MORE MUSIC PLEASE

The Nashua Community Music School (2 Lock St., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org) is moving into its new location at 2 Lock St. in Nashua on Sept. 1, which will feature larger lesson rooms and a full stage with capacity for 150 audience members. Fall programming begins Sept. 13 and will include a full range of both in-person and remote private music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba, as well as composition, songwriting and early childhood music. Private and small group music therapy sessions are also offered for all ages remotely and in person (all group programming is currently on hold but due to return sometime in the near future). Programs are open to kids and teens ages 3 and up and are held Monday through Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. A trial pack of three 30-minute lessons costs $99, while weekly lessons or music therapy sessions start at $140 per month (community fund scholarships are available). A fall open house will likely be held soon, date TBA.

Sports

• Amherst Soccer Club (amherstsoccerclub.com) offers fall soccer for tots through U9 non-travel. Players from all towns are welcome. Cost ranges from $95 to $195.

• Bedford Athletic Club (bedfordrecsoccer.com) offers fall recreational soccer for players in pre-K through grade 8. The season runs Aug. 28 through Oct. 30 and costs $100.

• Bedford Little League (bedfordll.com) offers fall baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 8 through 13. The cost is $50 per player for all programs. Registration is open through Sept. 5.

• Concord Sports Center (2 Whitney Road, No. 1, Concord, 224-1655, concordsportscenter.com) offers a fall 10-12, middle school and high school baseball league, with practices starting Sept. 1. Cost ranges from $275 to $300 for the season.

• Conway Arena (5 Stadium Dr., Nashua, 595-2400, conwayarena.com) offers hockey lessons for boys and girls ages 5 to 9. A 12-week session starting Sept. 28 costs $359. Youth hockey teams for kids and teens ages 6 to 18 are also offered from September through March. Skating lessons open to kids ages 5 and up are offered in eight-week sessions starting on Sept. 8 and cost $139. A figure skating program is available for kids with basic skating skills and includes 11 weeks of small group instruction for $275.

• Derry Soccer Club (Rider Fields, 38 Tsienneto Road, Derry, derrysoccerclub.org) offers U4 through U18 recreational soccer for kids residing in Derry and surrounding towns. Programs run for seven or eight weeks and range from $90 to $155.

• FieldHouse Sports (12 Tallwood Dr., Bow, 226-4646, fieldhousesports.com) offers a five-week soccer clinic for kids ages 3 to 6 starting on Sept. 11 for $40 to $45. Six-week soccer clinics for kids ages 6 and up start on Nov. 8 and cost $75 to $80.

• The Icenter (60 Lowell Road, Salem, 893-4448, the-icenter.com) offers skating and hockey lessons for kids ages 3 and up, beginning in September. An 11-week session starts on Sept. 11 and costs $275, and a 12-week session starting Dec. 4 costs $295.

• Longfellow New Hampshire Tennis & Swim Club (140 Lock St., Nashua, 883-0153, nashuaswimandtennis.com) offers tennis lessons for kids ages 8 and up. Eight-week sessions begin on Sept. 8. The cost ranges from $120 to $545, depending on the age group.

• New Hampshire Junior Roller Derby (nhjuniorrollerderby.com) offers a roller derby program for kids ages 6 through 17, with practices held at the New England Sports Center in Derry and the Plaistow YMCA. A three-week session starting on Sept. 10 costs $40, and a six-week session starting on Oct. 6 costs $80.

• New Hampshire Sportsplex (68 Technology Dr., Bedford, 641-1313, nhsportsplex.com) offers soccer classes for kids ages 18 months to 6, tee ball for ages 3 through 6, lacrosse for ages 4 through 8, field hockey for ages 4 through 12, basketball for ages 3 through 14, hockey for ages 4 through 8 and volleyball for ages 3 through 12. Eight-week sessions start on Sept. 8. Call for cost details.

• The Phanzone (142 Route 111, Hampstead, 329-4422, thephanzone.com) offers a field hockey program for girls in grades 1 through 6. A six-week session starts on Sept. 11 and costs $55.

• Salem Youth Baseball (salemyouthbaseball.net) offers fall baseball for players ages 6 and up. The cost is $65 to $75.

• Salem Youth Soccer Association (salemsoccer.com) offers recreational soccer for tots ages 3 and 4 for $55, and for U6 through U12 for $175, starting on Sept. 12.

• Seacoast Fencing Club (271 Wilson St., Manchester; 261 N. Main St., Rochester, 428-7040, seacoastfencingclub.org) offers group fencing classes for kids ages 7 and up of all experience levels. Nine-week sessions starting in September range from $100 to $275. Competitive training is also available in three-month terms for $335 to $380.

• Tri-Town Ice Arena (311 W. River Road, Hooksett, 485-1100, tri-townicearena.com) offers group skating lessons for kids ages 3 and up. Seven-week sessions start on Sept. 13. The cost is $126.

YOU GO, GIRLS!

Girls on the Run New Hampshire (girlsontherunnh.org) is a youth development program that empowers girls through physical activity, with a focus on self-confidence, decision-making, respecting others, teamwork, community service and other life skills. Programs are offered through local schools and rec programs for grades 3 through 5, grades 6 through 8 and ages 16 through 18. The cost for the fall season, which runs Sept. 13 through Nov. 13, is $140. Girls are selected for the program by lottery. Registration closes on Aug. 22. Visit girlsontherunnh.org or call 778-1389.

THEATER

• Kids Coop Theatre (East Derry, admin@kids-coop-theatre.org, kids-coop-theatre.org) offers youth theater productions throughout the year open to kids and teens ages 8 and up. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., at 46 East Derry Road in Derry. Visit the website for the most up-to-date audition schedule for shows.

• The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net) offers private lessons in acting and voice, workshops and performing opportunities in community theater productions. The cost is $28 per 30-minute session. Registration is being waived through December 2021. If cast in a performance, there is a $125 production fee (scholarship assistance available). On Tuesday, Sept. 7, and Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m., kids and teens ages 8 to 16 can audition for “Sleepy Hollow,” with public performances from Friday, Oct. 22, to Sunday, Oct. 24.

• New Hampshire Theatre Project (West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, nhtheatreproject.org, in collaboration with the Portsmouth Recreation Department, 610-7277, cityofportsmouth.com/recreation) is offering opportunities for kids to get introduced to the world of acting and theater through creative exercises, games, improvisation, storytelling and imagination exercises, beginning in late September. Programs include building characters, working with costumes, reading and writing scripts and performing in theater productions, and are open to kids from kindergarten to second grade on Tuesdays, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.; and third through fifth grade on Wednesdays, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., dates offered Sept. 28 to Nov. 17. The cost is $180 per child.

• Palace Youth Theatre (Forever Emma Studios, 516 Pine St., Manchester, 688-5588, palacetheatre.org) offers classes, coaching and performance opportunities throughout the year for young performers. Productions include mainstage junior musicals, plays and small cast musicals for students in second grade and up, as well as voice, acting and dance lessons throughout the year for students ages 3 and up. Classes start the last week of August and are offered throughout the year. If cast in a production, there is a $125 fee.

• Peacock Players (14 Court St., Nashua, 886-7000, peacockplayers.org) offers theater production opportunities for kids ages 6 and up. The next production is Matilda the Musical Jr. in October, with auditions on Monday, Aug. 30, and Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. Rehearsals are Thursdays and Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sundays, from 1 to 5 p.m., beginning Sept. 9. There is a $175 educational tuition cost for all those cast in the production. Financial assistance is available.

Featured photo: Studio 550 Community Art Center. Courtesy photo.

The wait is finally over for comic book lovers as Free Comic Book Day returns on Saturday, Aug. 14, for the first time since 2019. The annual worldwide event, postponed from its traditional date on the first Saturday in May, invites comic book shops to hand out free comic books created specially for that day and host comic-related fun like cosplay contests, door prizes, special guests and more.

Each participating local shop is doing things a little differently, so whether you’re looking to just pop in, grab your free comic and go, or don your best cosplay and spend the day celebrating all things comics, New Hampshire has a FCBD experience for you.

Diversity Gaming in Hooksett, a new comic book and gaming shop that opened a month before the pandemic, is keeping the focus on the comics for its first FCBD. Owner Erik Oparowske said he placed a large order of free comics to ensure that every customer who wants a free comic can get the one they want quickly and easily. He said he’s expecting the shop to “go through most, if not all” of the comics he ordered.

“We wanted to provide an option for people who may not have half an hour to stand in line,” Oparowske said. “For us, it’s about getting the comics into people’s hands.”

Merrymac Games and Comics in Merrimack will have five comic artists on site promoting and discussing their comic books with customers.

“It adds a little something extra to the event [beyond] the free comics,” manager Bob Shaw said, “and it allows people to meet artists without having to go to a comic convention, which is nice because conventions can be really crazy and crowded, and a lot of people aren’t comfortable enough to start going to them again.”

Famous for its FCBD costume contest that typically attracts more than 100 participants, Double Midnight Comics, which has shops in Manchester and Concord, has decided to hold off on the contest this year and “keep it low-key,” co-owner Chris Proulx said, with plans to resume its usual FCBD festivities in 2022.

“We’re encouraging people to come in, shop a bit and head home with their haul,” Proulx said. “It’s a bummer not having the big event for the second year in a row, but safety is our focus this year.”

New Hampshire’s largest FCBD celebration, the Rochester Free Comic Book Day Festival, will return full-scale, with local comic creators, a scavenger hunt, vendors, prizes, a costume contest and more at businesses and venues all over the city.

“We’re doing Free Comic Book Day just like we’ve always done it in the past, nothing different at all,” said Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics in Rochester, which hosts the festival in partnership with the city. “Everybody is excited to have a semblance of normalcy to life again.”

Oparowske said he looks forward to including more FCBD activities, like the ones at Jetpack, at Diversity Gaming in the future.

“I love that Jetpack and Double Midnight and places like that have that big, carnival-like atmosphere,” he said. “I hope that, once we’ve been here longer and are more firm in the community, we can do something a little like that.”

There are 51 Free Comic Book Day titles this year: 12 “gold” titles, which are available at all participating shops, and 39 “silver” titles, of which certain ones are available at select shops. The selection typically includes a mix of independent, standalone stories; spin-offs of movies, television shows, video games and established comic book series; and samplings or previews of existing or upcoming titles.

Comic book fans can pick up not only this year’s FCBD comics but also ones from 2020, which were released and distributed by comic book shops in batches over the course of nine weeks as part of “Free Comic Book Summer,” a reworking of FCBD held in lieu of the one-day event that year. Since Free Comic Book Summer took place at the height of the pandemic, the 2020 titles went mostly under the radar, and many comic book shops still have stacks of them that they’re hoping to give away at this year’s FCBD.

“I tried doing a free comic book drive-up last year. I got 12 people,” Shaw said, “so I’m still choking on last year’s Free Comic Book Day stuff that never got distributed.”

“I guarantee there is stuff people missed out on [in 2020], so it will be new to them this year,” Proulx added. “Everyone will leave with a nice stack of comics … from both this year and past years.”

Though thankful to be able to host Free Comic Book Day in its traditional format again, some comic book shop owners and staff are concerned that the rescheduled August date will affect the turnout.

Shaw said this year’s event and the new date haven’t been advertised on a national level nearly as prominently as in years past.

“There hasn’t been the same kind of buzz about it that you usually hear,” he said. “I think there will be a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, I didn’t know [FCBD] was today.’”

“We’ve had tons of customers asking us when [FCBD] is going to be,” Oparowske added. “There’s been a lot of confusion.”

But, Shaw said, it’s not always easy to predict what the turnout will be — it could go either way — and despite all of the variables that may determine whether people come out or not, there is one thing the comic book shops will always have going for them on FCBD: “People love free stuff, and that’s never going to change,” he said. “You can count on that, no matter what.”

Comics vs. Covid

When Gov. Sununu called for non-essential businesses to shut down in March of last year, local comic book shops were prepared for the worst.

“We went into panic mode,” DiBernardo said of Jetpack Comics. “We thought we would be shutting down for the foreseeable future.”

Now, about a year and a half later, many shops are not only surviving, but thriving, thanks to their innovative sales strategies and dedicated customer base.

Shaw said that once Merrymac Games and Comics shifted their business online, their sales numbers weren’t much different from before the pandemic.

“Honestly, the only change for us was that we didn’t have customers in the store,” he said. “We were still fulfilling and shipping out orders every day.”

For Jetpack, DiBernardo said, the ability to offer curbside pickup was the shop’s saving grace. He went from fearing that he would have to let half of his staff go, he said, to having to pay his staff overtime to keep up with the large volume of online and curbside pickup orders.

“Curbside pickup changed everything for us,” he said. “It gave us a goal — something that we could do. Once we figured out how to do it and we hit our stride with it, it went great for us.”

The shutdown was especially tough on Diversity Gaming, which had opened just a month earlier and therefore didn’t qualify to receive the state or federal financial aid that was being offered to small businesses. Oparowske said he owes the shop’s survival to the community.

“Even though we were the little babies on the block, people had already really embraced us and were excited about our presence here during that first month,” he said.

The popularity of online sales during the pandemic has led many comic book shops to make it a permanent part of their business model.

“We found that it was a big boost for us, and it still is,” DiBernardo said. “We’re seeing the same amount of online sales now that we were seeing a year ago.”

While comic book shops may not be considered an essential business on paper, Proulx said, they are essential to many people on a personal level.

“People needed distractions from the pandemic,” he said, “and we were there for them with comics.”

Find a comic

Local comic book store staff shared comic book and graphic novel recommendations for all kinds of readers.

Best comic for someone who “isn’t a comic book person”

Ice Cream Man by W. Maxwell Prince and Martin Morazzo.
A horror anthology series for fans of The Twilight Zone or Black Mirror.
Recommended by Jill Stewart, comic book manager at Double Midnight Comics.

Star Wars: The High Republic by Cavan Scott
A series of stories from the Star Wars universe for fans who want to get some background on where the upcoming movies might lead.
Recommended by Erik Oparowske, owner of Diversity Gaming.

Stray Dogs by Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner
A dog wakes up in a strange house with no recollection of how she got there and a feeling that something terrible has happened.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Best comic for adult comic book nerds

Reckless by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Crime noir set in 1980s Los Angeles.
Recommended by Chris Proulx, co-owner of Double Midnight Comics.

Unsacred by Mirka Andolfo
A risque take on heaven and hell.
Recommended by Erik Oparowske, owner of Diversity Gaming.

King in Black by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman
A new twist on old characters and the making of a new god for the Marvel Universe.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Crossover by Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Dee Cunniffe and John J. Hill
The series sets fictional characters from different comic books in real-world modern-day Denver, Colorado.
Recommended by Kyle Litchfield, staff at Jetpack Comics.

Best comic for teens who are too cool for superheroes

Radiant Black byKyle Higgins and Marcello Costa
A superhero story for a new generation, this series offers a more realistic look at what would happen if teens really had superpowers.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Life is Strange by Emma Vieceli
Based on the video game of the same name, this series follows a photography student who has the magical ability to rewind time.
Recommended By Erik Oparowske, owner of Diversity Gaming.

BRZRKR by Matt Kindt, Keanu Reeves and Ron Garney
Actor Keanu Reeves writes this story of the next movie that he wants to star in.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Best comic for young aspiring comic book creators

Strange Academyby Skottie Young, Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado
Dr. Strange of the Marvel Universe establishes a new academy for the mystic arts to train the next generation of magic-users.
Recommended by Kyle Litchfield, staff at Jetpack Comics.

Red Room byEd Piskor
This cyberpunk tale for teens is about a subculture of criminals who livestream murders for entertainment.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Best comic for kids who don’t like reading

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
The protagonist in this kids graphic novel series is part man and part dog-police officer and -superhero.
Recommended by Chris Proulx, co-owner of Double Midnight Comics.

Batman Fortnite Zero Point by Christos Gage, Donald Mustard and Reilly Brown
A collaborative comic between DC and the popular video game Fortnite that rewards readers with exclusive content for the game.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Saladin Ahmed and Javier Garrón
Miles Morales balances school, parents and life as a teen — who also happens to be Spider-Man.
Recommended by Seth Deverell, staff at Diversity Gaming.

Best graphic novels

Days of Future Past by Chris Claremont
A look at the X-Men dystopian future that formed the basis for the movies.
Recommended By Erik Oparowske, owner of Diversity Gaming.

Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera.
Children in the town of Archer’s Peak are mysteriously going missing, and the few that survive return with stories of terrifying monsters.
Recommended by Ralph DiBernardo, owner of Jetpack Comics.

Participating Comic Book Shops

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, visit freecomicbookday.com.

• The Comic Store, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 881-4855, facebook.com/thecomicstorenashua. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Collectibles Unlimited, 25 South St., Concord, 228-3712, collectiblesunlimited.biz. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Diversity Gaming, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 606-1176, diversitygaming.store. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Double Midnight Comics, 245 Maple St., Manchester, 669-9636; 67 S. Main St., Concord, 669-9636, dmcomics.com. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be sales and raffles.

• Escape Hatch Books, 27 Main St., Jaffrey, facebook.com/escapehatchbooks. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Jetpack Comics, 37 N. Main St., Rochester, 330-9636, jetpackcomics.com.The store partners with the City of Rochester to host the Rochester Free Comic Book Day Festival. Festivities including a scavenger hunt, cosplay competition, special guest comic book artists, vendors and more will take place at the store and at various locations throughout the city starting at 10 a.m.

• Khaotic Comics, 590 Central Ave., Dover, 834-9177, khaoticcomics.com. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store will have special guest comic book artists, food and an appearance by Spider-Man.

• Merrymac Games and Comics, 550 DW Highway, Merrimack, 420-8161, merrymacgc.com. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Special guest comic book artists will be at the shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Newbury Comics, 777 S. Willow St., Manchester, 624-2842; 310 D.W. Highway, Nashua, 888-0720; 436 S. Broadway, Salem, 890-1380, newburycomics.com. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Nex-Gen Comics, 122 Bridge St., Unit 3, Pelham, 751-8195, nexgencomics.wordpress.com. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Stairway to Heaven Comics, 109 Gosling Road, Newington, 319-6134, stairwaytoheavencomics.com. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special guest comic book creators will be at the shop.

Featured photo:

Row, row, row your boat

Hit the water in a canoe or kayak

by Matt Ingersoll

When Patrick Malfait founded the Contoocook River Canoe Co. in 1997, kayaking was still up and coming as a mainstream recreational sport in New Hampshire. Now he’s in his 25th season, offering a wide variety of canoes and kayaks for sale or for rent so people can enjoy paddling along the Contoocook River in Concord. A second operation was later launched under the name Merrimack River Canoe & Kayak, where you can do the same on Hooksett’s Merrimack River.

“We started with just renting canoes,” Malfait said. “Then a couple of years later the kayak just became very popular and the canoe kind of took a backseat for a while. … The popularity of canoeing has come back, but kayaking is still far ahead of canoeing [in] sales and rentals.”

Both canoeing and kayaking have their own unique advantages and features that can be best suited to particular uses. In general, a kayak may be smaller, faster and easier to maneuver, whereas a canoe is often larger, more stable and easier to enter and exit.

“When you’re in a single kayak, you’re one with the water. It’s just you and your boat … so it’s exciting for people to get out there and be able to control their boat by themselves,” Malfait said.

As the years have gone on, kayak manufacturers have introduced newer models tailored to specific purposes. There are multiple types of kayaks, from single recreational kayaks to touring or sea kayaks, and even kayaks with their own built-in accessories designed for fishing.

But canoes can be great to take out on the water too — especially, Malfait said, if you’re part of a larger group or are preparing for a bit of a longer trip.

“A canoe is a really great family vessel to go out and spend the day on the river or on the lake,” he said. “You can put everything and the kitchen sink in there, which you can’t do in a single kayak. It’s just a whole different experience, and for some people it’s more like being at home.”

Other than families with children, Malfait said, canoe rentals are also popular among older active adults, as well as traditionalists who enjoy an activity he pointed out has been around for hundreds of years. Rentals for both canoes and kayaks are an attractive option for those who don’t have the means to store or transport them or are getting into the sport for the first time.

Rental rates at the Contoocook River Canoe Co. are by the day, while for the Merrimack River operation there are additional options to have your boat out on the water per two-hour or four-hour block. If you’re going out on the Contoocook River, Malfait said, there is also a shuttle option to bring you and your boat about 9 miles upriver to paddle back to the beach.

All boats must be off the water by 5 p.m. each day, but that doesn’t mean canoeing or kayaking has to be a full-day commitment either. In fact, during the height of the pandemic last year, Malfait said he noticed many more short-term paddlers out on the water.

“We saw a large increase of late afternoon business, and it was all city people,” he said. “They’d only be out there for an hour or two but they loved it. For them, it was a getaway.”

In Nashua, Bill James first became interested in trying kayaking more than a decade ago when, on a bike ride in Mine Falls Park, he passed by a family of paddlers. Now he owns Nashua Kayak Rental, a by-appointment business offering single or double kayak rentals on Saturdays and Sundays. Renters can arrange meetings at one of the Nashua River’s public boat launches.

“Typically, I like to bring people to the Millyard Technology Park where there’s a public boat ramp, and I also use the Mine Falls Park boat ramp,” James said. “As long as I don’t have multiple appointments in one location that tie me to a given spot, we can wander around a bit. … For the most part, though, I just let people enjoy it however they want to.”

Reservations can be made through Nashua Kayak Rental’s website or Facebook page, and James will provide everything from your kayak and paddle to your life jacket.

“[Kayaking] is a really nice way to get out and explore … and the best part of renting is that you can go out and do it whenever you want and not have to deal with storage or transport,” he said.

Unless you’re on private property or a body of water that is only open to town residents, you can go pretty much anywhere with a canoe or kayak. Each is considered a non-motorized vehicle under New Hampshire law, meaning they are not required to register in the state. You are required, however, to always wear a life jacket while out on the water, Malfait said.

“There’s tons of information out there,” he said. “The AMC [Appalachian Mountain Club] has guides that they’ve produced that tell you where you can put boats in and take boats out, and there are meetup groups where people are paddling a different body of water each week.”

NH AMC Paddlers

The New Hampshire chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club maintains a regular schedule of upcoming outdoor group activities across the state, including for canoeing and kayaking. Visit amcnh.org/committees/paddling, or follow them on Facebook “NH AMC Paddlers.”

Contoocook River Canoe Co.

9 Horse Hill Road, Concord, 753-9804, contoocookcanoe.com

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Canoes and kayaks are both available to rent for use on the Contoocook River. Rates vary depending on the type and size capacity of the boat — $35 for a canoe or two-person kayak, $28 for a one-person 12-foot kayak and $33 for a one-person 14- to 16-foot kayak. Rates are for single-day use, with all boats off the water by 5 p.m. each day. Shuttle services about 9 miles upriver are also available.

Merrimack River Canoe & Kayak

35 Edgewater Drive, Hooksett, 406-1462, paddlemerrimack.com

Hours: Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Canoes and kayaks are both available to rent for use on the Merrimack River. Rates vary depending on the type and size capacity of the boat, with block pricing for two hours, four hours or a single day. A one-person kayak, for example, is $20 for two hours, $35 for four hours or $45 for the day.

Nashua Kayak Rental

nashuakayakrental.com, and on Facebook @nashuakayak

Hours: Saturday and Sunday, by appointment

Cost: One-person or two-person kayaks are available for rent for use on the Nashua River. Rates are $30 for two hours for a single kayak, or $50 for two hours for a two-person kayak. Weekend meetings with owner-operator Bill James are available by appointment at the public boat ramps at Mine Falls Park (Stadium Drive, near Stellos Stadium) or at the Millyard Technology Park (Technology Way).

More Places to Paddle

Here’s a list of more spots in southern New Hampshire, including some lakes and state parks, that offer canoe or kayak rentals or have public boat launches people can use to go canoeing or kayaking.

• Baboosic Lake (25 Broadway, Amherst, amherstnh.myrec.com)
• Bear Brook State Park (61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, nhstateparks.com)
• Beaver Lake (Pond Road, Derry, beaver-lake.org)
• Clough State Park (455 Clough Park Road, Weare, nhstateparks.com)
• Crystal Lake (186 Crystal Lake Road, Gilmanton, gilmantonnh.org)
• Glen Lake (300 Elm St., Goffstown, goffstown.com)
• Island Pond (Stickney Road, Atkinson, town-atkinsonnh.com)
• Lake Massabesic (Londonderry Turnpike, Auburn, manchesternh.gov)
• Lake Sunapee (Mount Sunapee State Park, 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, nhstateparks.org)
• Lake Winnipesaukee (Multiple towns in Belknap and Carroll counties, lakewinnipesaukee.net)
• Lake Winnisquam (Water Street, Laconia, winnisquamwatershed.org/public-access)
• Naticook Lake (Veterans Park Drive, Merrimack, merrimacknh.gov)
• Pawtuckaway State Park (7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, nhstateparks.org)
• Pillsbury State Park (100 Pillsbury State Park Road, Washington, nhstateparks.org)
• Silver Lake State Park (138 Silver Lake Road, Hollis, nhstateparks.org)

Cruising along

Scenic views from the comfort of a boat

by Meghan Seigler

From harbor seals in the Atlantic to great blue herons on Squam Lake, there’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife in the water and along the shores when you take a scenic cruise —‌ and the views along the way are pretty photo-worthy too.

“Normally we go straight out to White Island to see the lighthouse,” said Pete Reynolds of Granite State Whale Watch and Island Cruises in Rye, which offers tours of the Isles of Shoals on Uncle Oscar, a 62-foot-long single-deck boat. “All the islands are scenic in their own right.”

During the 5½-mile trip from Rye Harbor to the Isles, they often see marine porpoises and the occasional whale sighting, though Reynolds said those are fairly rare.

“Pretty frequently around the island we’ll see both harbor seals and grey seals,” Reynolds said.

“We see cormorants … and a tern colony … that’s always a favorite of bird watchers.”

The ocean tours are narrated, with the captain sharing the history of the islands, and unlike many scenic cruises, Uncle Oscar docks mid-tour to let passengers off to explore Star Island.

“[It’s] a great walking island,” Reynolds said. “It’s only 46 acres so you can explore pretty much the entire island when you’re on it.”

He said there’s an old stone chapel from the 1800s, replica stone buildings that recreate the fishing village that used to be on the island, short hiking trails and plenty of scenic views of the Atlantic.

Of course, New Hampshire has plenty of lakes too, which offer a different kind of cruise experience —‌ and those differ from lake to lake, says Amanda Gillen, marketing manager for Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

“I think the biggest thing for people to know is that Squam Lake is not Lake Winnipesaukee,” she said, referring to cruises aboard the M/S Mount Washington on New Hampshire’s biggest lake. “It has a very different, quieter, slower, more natural feel.”

The Science Center’s cruise is 90 minutes long and is a narrated tour of the whole lake, with cruise captains talking about the history of the area, the wildlife and sights like Church Island and other conservation land. The boats are covered pontoon boats and currently only hold 18 passengers.

“It’s a nice intimate experience,” Gillen said.

Gillen said passengers can expect to see wildlife like common loons, cormorants, great blue herons, muskrats, mink, swimming squirrels and bald eagles.

“We typically have a nesting pair of bald eagles on Squam Lake,” Gillen said. “The pair is around this year but did not successfully rear any chicks so the adults don’t stay by the nest for the easy view. … On one cruise a couple of years ago … an eagle flew down to catch a fish and the fish was so large that the eagle was using its wings to almost swim in order to get the fish to the closest shore. Everyone was pretty excited to see that.”

Gillen said the Squam Lake cruises are typically geared more toward adults and families with older kids.

“Marine patrol requires all children ages 12 and under to wear a lifejacket and we find that sometimes very little kids … don’t enjoy that for the full tour,” she said.

Take a scenic cruise
Enjoy nature and wildlife on a lake or on the ocean.

Lake cruises

Experience Squam
859 U.S. 3, Holderness, 968-3990, experiencesquam.com
Experience Squam is a private boating excursion aboard a 23-foot Sea Ray Bow-Rider that caters to your boating preferences, with all kinds of options available, like sunset cruises, star gazing, tours of historic Church Island and On Golden Pond movie sites and opportunities to anchor and swim. The boat fits up to 12 people and prices and schedules vary depending on number of people, length of ride and activities.

Mount Washington Cruises
211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, Laconia, 366-5531, cruisenh.com
The M/S Mount Washington offers 2½-hour narrated scenic tours as well as Sunday brunch cruises, dinner and cocktail cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee (prices range from $40 to $65 per person). A smaller boat, the M/V Doris E., offers one-hour scenic tours of the islands of western Lake Winnipesaukee ($25 per person). The U.S. Mailboat offers two-hour cruises while providing postal service to island residents ($40 per person). See website for cruise schedules.

Sunapee Cruises
1 Lake Ave., Sunapee, 938-6465, sunapeecruises.com
Tour Lake Sunapee on an afternoon narrated cruise aboard the MV MT Sunapee II or an evening dinner cruise aboard the MV Kearsarge Restaurant Ship. The afternoon cruise is 1½ hours long and leaves at 2 p.m. daily now through Labor Day, then Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Columbus Day. The cost is $22 for adults, $20 for military, seniors and AAA members, $12 for kids 6 to 12, and free for kids under 6. The dinner cruise is two hours long and leaves daily at 6:30 p.m. now through Labor Day, and at 5:30 p.m. after Labor Day. The cost is $45.99 for the cruise, dinner buffet and dessert. Children 12 and under are $32.99 (no children’s pricing on Fridays and Saturdays).

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
23 Science Center Road, Holderness, 968-7194, nhnature.org
Cruises are 90 minutes long and on canopied pontoon boats. There are several options available, including a Bald Eagle Adventure and a Loon Cruise. The cost is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and $23 for children through age 15. See website for schedule.

Ocean cruises

Granite State Whale Watch and Island Cruises
1870 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 964-5545, granitestatewhalewatch.com
The boat leaves twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and ocean tours are about three hours long, including the boat ride and a stop at Star Island for an optional walking tour and time to explore. Tours are offered until about mid-September. The cost is $35 for adults, $32 for ages 60+, $26 for ages 4 to 16, and free for kids under 4.

There are also several ocean cruises available based out of Portsmouth, including the Gundalow Co. (433-9505, gundalow.org), the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. (islesofshoals.com, 800-441-4620) and Portsmouth Harbor Cruises (portsmouthharbor.com, 800-776-0915).

Stand up and go

Paddleboarding is a simple way to get on the water

by Angie Sykeny

Paddleboarding is a popular water sport in New Hampshire, and for good reason, said local paddleboard guide Shaun Quinn.

“We have 14 miles of seacoast, plus all of the lakes and rivers, and you can paddleboard on almost all of them,” Quinn said. “It’s the perfect way to take advantage of the state’s natural resources.”

A paddleboard is like a surfboard, but wider. Traditionally, the paddleboarder stands on the board and uses a paddle to move across the water or ride the waves, but there are a variety of other ways to use a paddleboard, too.

“They’re pretty versatile,” Quinn said. “You can move your position around, sit down, lie down, kneel, surf on them, get a tan on them, do yoga on them — so many different things with this one single, small watercraft.”

You don’t have to be a “surfer kind of person,” to paddleboard, Quinn said; paddleboards are more forgiving and easier to maneuver than surfboards. Almost anyone can do it, regardless of their age, body type or athletic ability, he said, and most people pick it up quickly.

Local paddleboard instructor Chris Shields agreed and said that even people with physical challenges can usually find a paddleboarding position that’s feasible for them.

“If you can stand on the ground, you can paddleboard,” he said, “and if you’re someone who has trouble walking or standing, then you can just sit. It’s that easy.”

Paddleboarding appeals to people for a number of different reasons, Quinn and Shields said. For one, it’s a way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the water that’s “more accessible” than taking out a kayak or a canoe, Shields said.

“It’s easy to just pop in the water and go,” he said, “and, if you’re standing and looking down at the water, you actually get a [larger] perspective and can see more of what’s around you than you can in a kayak or canoe, which is really cool.”

Paddleboarding can also be good for your health, Quinn said. If you paddle properly, it’s a full-body workout that works “every muscle from your ankles to your core to your shoulders,” he said. Mentally, paddleboarding may be a way to relax and unwind.

“It’s a fantastic activity for the mind,” he said. “For me, it’s all about the simplicity of it; it’s just me, the board and the paddle, and that goes a long way to help me calm and focus my mind.”

Through his paddleboarding guide business The Wandering Paddler, Quinn offers private tours and lessons for people who are looking to paddleboard in New Hampshire. He also picks up and drops off the board and paddle rentals for his customers.

“I’ll go wherever people want to paddle, and if they don’t know where to go to paddle, I’m their guy,” he said.

Shields also offers paddleboard equipment rentals and lessons through his business SUPNH and said the demand is “bigger than ever.”

“If you’re someone who likes being out on the water, just give it a try for a day,” he said. “It will be worth it.”

Go Paddleboarding

Contoocook River Canoe Co.
Offers paddleboard sales, rentals, instruction and guided tours. Retail shop is at 9 Horse Hill Road, Concord. Rentals are $25 for a half day (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and $35 for a full day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Lessons with 30 minutes of instruction and one hour of coaching on the water cost $35 per person, with the paddleboard rental included. Call 753-9804 or visit contoocookcanoe.com.

Hampton Beach Parasail & Paddle Board
Offers paddleboard rentals out of its shop at 1 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, starting at $25 for one hour. Call 929-4386 or visit hamptonparasail.com.

Merrimack River Canoe & Kayak
Offers paddleboard rentals out of its shop at 35 Edgewater Drive, Hooksett. Rates are $20 for two hours, $35 for four hours and $45 for a full day. Call 406-1462 or visit paddlemerrimack.com.

Portsmouth Paddle Co.
Offers paddleboard sales, rentals, lessons, tours and yoga sessions. Retail shop is at 70 Heritage Ave., Portsmouth. Rentals start at $40 for two hours. Lessons range from $95 for one person to $60 per person in a group of four and include on-land instruction followed by 45 minutes of on-water coaching. Various tour options are available, starting at $60. Various yoga classes and workshops are held every day of the week, starting at $60. Call 777-7428 or visit portsmouthpaddleco.com.

Seacoast Paddleboard Club
A paddleboarding social club based in Portsmouth, with community paddles held every Tuesday night from May through September. Open ocean paddles for intermediate to advanced paddlers are held every Sunday from June through mid-September on the ocean and typically range from 8 to 12 miles. All paddles are free with a yearly membership fee of $50. Visit seacoastpaddleboardclub.com or call 498-8198.

Seven Rivers Paddling
Offers paddleboard tours, lessons and rentals out of its shop at 185 Wentworth Road, Portsmouth. Rentals cost $45 for three hours and $75 for a full day (9 a.m. to 4 pm.). Tours cost $65 and run for two-and-a-half hours. Visit sevenriverspaddling.com or call 969-5120.

Summer Sessions
Offers paddleboard lessons and rentals out of its two shops, at 15 Vaughn Mall, Portsmouth, and 2281 Ocean Blvd., Rye. One-hour lessons cost $65 for one person and $55 per person for groups of two or more. Rentals cost $35 for a half day and $45 for a full day. Visit newhampshiresurf.com or call the Rye shop at 319-8207 or the Portsmouth shop at 373-8147.

SUP-NH Paddleboard
Offers paddleboard rentals, lessons, repairs and sales. Retail shop is at 10 Mount Major Highway, Alton Bay. Rental options range from two hours for $30 to seven days for $280. A one-hour lesson is $45 per person or $40 per person in groups of three or more. Call 833-1211 or visit supnh.com.

The Wandering Paddler
Mobile service offering paddleboard tours, lessons and rentals throughout New Hampshire. Lessons and private tours cost $45 for two hours and $25 for each additional hour. Specialty tours, like a full moon paddle, are also available for $60. Rentals range from $35 for two hours to $250 for a week and include board delivery and pickup. Call 380-5077 or visit wanderingpaddler.com.

Wild Meadow Paddlesports Rentals & Sales
Offers paddleboard rentals and sales out of its shop at 6 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough. Rentals cost $50 per day (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or $275 for a week. Call 253-7536 or visit wildmeadowpaddlesports.com.

Featured photo: Photo courtesy of Contoocook River Canoe Company, LLC.