Category: This Week

Thursday, May 23

The Nashua Public Library will conduct an Adult Field Trip to Mine Falls Gatehouse and Hydroelectric Dam at Mine Falls Park in Nashua today from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants will learn how the hydroelectric dam supplies clean, renewable energy to Nashua, and might see migrating river herring using the fish elevator. Deb Chisholm, Sustainability Manager for the City of Nashua, and Paula Lochhead, Vice Chair of the Mine Falls Advisory Committee, will lead this program. Participants should meet at the Mine Falls Gatehouse. There is limited parking at the dam and gatehouse, so parking and walking in at the Mine Falls Gatehouse Entrance across from the David W. Deane Skateboard Park on Stadium Drive is recommended.

Thursday, May 23

Catch the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on the big screen at Chunky’s in Manchester (chunkys.com). Reserve a seat for tonight’s Celtics game at 8 p.m. with a $5 food voucher. “Chunky’s will be showing all games as long as they continue on during the 2024 NBA Playoffs,” according to the website.

Friday, May 24

Senior performing troupe Silver Stars will perform a cabaret-style show at The Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) today at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. They will share stories and memories paired with songs. The Silver Stars are a 55+ performance group based at The Palace Theatres. Tickets start at $12.

Saturday, May 24

The New Hampshire Arms Collectors will hold their annual Gun Show at Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-2784, concordnh.gov/496/Everett-Arena) today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $10; children 12 and under are free, with an adult.

Friday, May 24

The Nashua Silver Knights will play their season opener at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua, 718-8883, nashuasilverknights.com) tonight at 6 p.m. against the Vermont Lake Monsters, featuring a fireworks show. Tickets start at $12.

Saturday, May 25

The Massachusetts Area Blaster Club will hold its May 2024 Nerf Battle Event at Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370) today from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Club’s facebook page.

Monday, May 27

The Memorial Day Parade in Concord will begin today at 9 a.m. at the Christ the King Church parking lot on Thorndike Street and eventually head to the City Plaza where there will be a brief ceremony, according to concordnh.gov where you can find the full route of the parade.

Save the Date! Sunday, June 2
The Palace Theatres’ Kitchen Tour (Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) will return for its 17th year on June 2. The event, a self-guided tour, will this year feature beautiful kitchens in Bedford, Goffstown and Hooksett. On the day of the tour, registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at Granite State Cabinetry (384 Route 101, Bedford, 472-4080, gscabinetry.com). Tickets are $55 if purchased in advance or $65 on the day of the event.

Thursday, May 16

The Riverwalk Trail connecting Hooksett and Allenstown is finally complete. There will be a grand opening ceremony today from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the trailhead (100 Merrimack St. in Hooksett), just past the Hooksett District Courthouse and the Hooksett Dog Park. There will be speakers and a chance to walk the new 1½ miles of trail. A golf cart will be available to transport anyone needing assistance to the end of the trail and back. For more information, contact Community Development at 485-4117.

Saturday, May 18

Canobie Lake Park (85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com) opens for the 2024 season today at 10:30 a.m. The Park features 85 rides and attractions, food, games and more.

Saturday, May 18

The Indian Association of New Hampshire will hold a Vasant Indian Cultural Festival starting at noon at Nashua High School South (36 Riverside St. in Nashua). There will be competitive and noncompetitive presentations of Indian dance, music and art. Tickets cost $10; children 5 and younger get in free. See ianh.org

Saturday, May 18

Plant sales continue: Get flowers, veggie starters and more (including a bake sale) today from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the plant sale at the corner of Clontin and Norwich St. in Concord (79 Clinton St.) from the Wesley Church (concordwumc.org). The Bedford Garden Club (bedfordgardenclubnh.org) will hold its annual plant sale today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Bedford Village Common (15 Bell Hill Road in Bedford). Find more plant sales this weekend in the April 25 issue of the Hippo in the story that starts on page 10; go to hippopress.com to find the e-edition.

Sunday, May 19

The latest Granite State Antique Show (Granite Town Plaza, 185 Elm St. in Milford, gsashows.com, 506-9848) is today beginning at 7 a.m. The event will showcase more than 40 vendors from around New England and feature a large range of antiques and vintage collectibles.

Sunday, May 19

The Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) hosts this year’s Granite State Blues Challenge today beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15.

Tuesday, May 21

Rock artist and international singer-songwriter Debby Holiday will perform with her full 10-piece live band in a Tina Turner tribute at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org). Tickets start at $49.

Save the Date! Sunday, May 31
Piff the Magic Dragon will perform at the Nashua Center for Performing Arts on Friday, May 31, at 8 p.m. Since breaking out on America’s Got Talent in 2015, Piff the Magic Dragon has won the heart of America through his Vegas residency, network television appearances and non-stop touring. For the past five years Piff has headlined the iconic Flamingo Hotel and Casino in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, with more than 250 shows a year in the Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre. Tickets begin at $39 and are available through the Nashua Center’s website.

Thursday, May 9

The 2024 Nashua International Sculpture Symposium at The Picker Artists’ studios (3 Pine St. in Nashua, 930-5080, pickerartists.com) starts today with an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Four sculptors will work on new pieces of public art: Anna Korver from New Zealand/Benin, Hoyoung Im from South Korea, Evan Morse from the U.S. and KōV (aka Kevin Percevault) from France, according to nashuasculpturesymposium.org, where you can find the map of sculptures from previous years as well as a schedule for this year. See the artists work Monday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 13 through May 30, the website said.

Thursday, May 9

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) presents Ask the Airport Director, a presentation and Q&A session with Ted Kitchens, Director of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, at 7 p.m. at the Aviation Museum. This event is free.

Saturday, May 11

The New Hampshire Audubon Society (nhaudubon.org) will host a birding outing at its Massabesic Center in Auburn (26 Audubon Way in Auburn, 668-2045) from 8:30 to 10 a.m. This is an informal outing to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day that begins at the Massabesic Center and explores the trails with local birder and Massabesic Center Advisory Committee member Joe Mahoney. The cost is $10; registration is required.

Saturday, May 11

Corey’s Closet (1329 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 722-2712, coreyscloset.org) will host an ’80s Prom for special needs teens and adults from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Puritan Event Center (245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 666-9893, puritanbackroom.com/events). Prom tickets are $50 and include a buffet. Tickets are available through Corey’s Closet’s website or at the store.

Saturday, May 11

Great New England Craft and Artisan Shows will host a Fine Craft and Artisan Show at the Merrimack Outlets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., presented by NH Made (shop.nhmade.com). See gnecraftartisanshows.com.

Saturday, May 11

Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road in Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org) opens for the 2024 season today, beginning at 10 a.m., with indoor guided tours, specialty lectures and a 5K race.

Saturday, May 11

The Amherst Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale today from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wilkins School (80 Boston Post Road in Amherst). This year’s sale will highlight native plants. See amherstgardenclub.org.

Tuesday, May 14

“How Smart Is Our Electrical Grid” is the theme for Science on Tap presented by SEE Science Center. It starts at 6 p.m. at Stark Brewing Co., (500 Commercial St. in Manchester). This event is free and open to the public; sign up at see-sciencecenter.org.

Save the Date! Sunday, May 19
The Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) will host this year’s Granite State Blues Challenge on Sunday, May 19, beginning at 1 p.m. Local blues musicians will perform to secure a slot at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Tickets cost $15.

Friday, May 3

The 2024 New Hampshire Farm, Forest and Garden Expo starts today at the Deerfield Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and continues Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Consult with experts, run machinery, attend workshops and more. Tickets cost $10 for adults; children 12 and under can attend free. See nhfarmandforestexpo.org.

Friday, May 3

“Petals and Pedals” is the theme to this month’s First Friday in downtown Concord, which runs today from 4 to 8 p.m. Look for live music, a planting party, a roller derby meet & greet, a bike ride and a guided tour of bike fix-it stops in Concord, food trucks, yoga and more. See intownconcord.org.

Friday, May 3

See Wheatus, the band known for its 2000 release “Teenage Dirtbag,” at 7 p.m. at Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St. in Manchester; jewelmusicvenue.com). Tickets cost $20.

Saturday, May 4

Doughnuts! Fresh produce! Locally made cheese! Doughnuts! The Concord Farmers Market returns for another season of outdoor offerings — including, did we mention, doughnuts? The market kicks off the season today from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Capitol Street next to the Statehouse lawn. Shop your way through the harvest season — the outdoor market runs through Oct. 26. See concordfarmersmarket.com for a list of vendors.

Saturday, May 4

The New England Racing Museum (922 Route 106 in Loudon, 783-0183, nemsmuseum.com) will host this year’s New England Racers Reunion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will feature a variety of race cars and race motorcycles for outdoor display and showcase racing exhibits. Admission to view the outdoor event costs $5 per adult. Admission for the indoor museumcosts $15 for adults. Kids under 12 get in for free.

Saturday, May 4

The 3rd Annual Run the Rail Trail 5-Miler begins at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) at 9 a.m. Participants can run or walk on a winding route through North Londonderry. Register through the Museum’s website.

Saturday, May 4

The Souhegan Valley ‘Happy Hour’ Rotary Club will host its annual Kentucky Derby party at 3:30 p.m. at the Gate City Casino (55 Northeastern Blvd. in Nashua, 943-5630, thegatecitycasino.com). ​Come dressed to the nines for a chance to win the Best Dressed Contest. Soel Sistas Food truck will be on site. Tickets are free, but donations are welcome.

Wednesday, May 8

The Rock and Race 5K in Concord start at 6 p.m. in front of the Statehouse at 107 N. Main St. and raises funds for Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care. The event includes live music from 12 bands. Registration costs $30. See gsrs.com/node/5071.

Save the Date! Saturday, May 11
The New Hampshire Renaissance Faire runs Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, and Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 80 Martin Road in Fremont. The Faire brings together education and fun for the whole family. Merchants are mainly local artisans with an emphasis on handmade items including costumes, jewelry, pottery, herbals, weaponry and more. Entry is $20 for adults and $15 for children 6 to 12; children 5 and under are free. See nhrenfaire.com.

Saturday, April 27

Today is Independent Bookstore Day! Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St. in Concord, gibsonsbookstore.com, 224-0562) will have bookstore bingo, a raffle, and give-aways of advanced reader copies of upcoming books, beginning at 10 a.m., while Bookery (844 Elm St., Manchester, bookerymht.com) will have a raffle, magic from Magic Man, and a performance by the Ukeladies at 3 p.m. Balin Books (375 Amherst St. in Nashua; balinbooks.com, 417-7981) has a list of special offerings on its website and will host New Hampshire author Maggie Thrash to discuss her novel Rainbow Black at 11 a.m. and singer-songwriter Sweet Harriet at 1 p.m. Toadstool Bookshop (12 Depot St. in Peterborough; toadbooks.com) will hold a 20 percent off new hardcovers sale. See indiebound.org for plans at more area bookstores.

Thursday, April 25

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, nhahs.org, 669-4820) hosts “Turtles Fly Too,” a presentation by local pilot David Dineen about a yearly mission to airlift misguided sea turtles out of cold New England waters at 7 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person for non-members. Tickets are available through the museum’s website. For more information, go to turtlesflytoo.org.

Saturday, April 27

The Great New England Spring Artisan, Antiques, and Vintage Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and Sunday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road in Milford, hampshiredome.com, 673-8123). There will be 150 exhibitors, food trucks, cocktails and live music. Tickets are $5 at the door and are good for both days. See gnecraftartisanshows.com.

Saturday, April 27

Hudson Lions will sponsor their semi-annual Psychic Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hudson Community Center (12 Lions Ave. in Hudson, hudsonnh.gov, 886-6003). This event will benefit Hudson Lions Charities. No credit cards will be accepted. Admission is free; there will be a fee for psychic readings.

Saturday, April 27

The Coppal House Farm (118 N. River Road, Lee, nhcornmaze.com, 659-3572) holds Open Farm Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the kickoff event for the 2024 season, which starts the celebration of 20 years as Coppal House Farm. Animal barns will be open for visiting and there will be demonstrations of draft horse harnessing, ploughing, and glass flameworking, and more. Admission is free.

Sunday, April 28

Opera stars of the future compete in NH Opera Idol beginning at 3 p.m. in the Cantin Room at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S Main St., Concord, ccanh.com, 225-1111). Doors open at 2 p.m. Young opera singers compete for cash awards and performance contracts to a July 2024 production of “I Pagliacci.” The audience will choose the competition winners. Tickets cost $30.75 and are available through the Capitol Center for the Arts website.

Save the Date! Saturday, May 4
The Seacoast Cat Club will host its 45th Annual CFA Allbreed Cat Show, including feline agility competitions, Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road, Concord, concordnh.gov, 228-2784). Admission costs $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids under 12.

Thursday, April 18

NH Roller Derby will host a Rookie Meet-N-Greet for interested skaters, referees and non-skating officials. No experience is necessary; skating experience is helpful but not essential. Go to the Manchester Ballers’ Association (3 Sundial Ave. in Manchester) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to meet players, ask questions and watch a practice. See nhrollerderby.com for links to info on their socials.

Thursday, April 18

Positive Street Art and the Greater Manchester Chamber host a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the opening of a new gallery show, “Accessibility Through the Trees.” It will be held at the Chamber’s Positive Street Art Satellite Gallery (54 Hanover St. in Manchester, positivestreetart.org). The exhibition, which runs from today until June, features work from New Hampshire artists Richella Simard and Amber Nicole Cannan. This event is free.

Saturday, April 20

It’s Record Store Day! Look for special vinyl and CD releases and promotional products made exclusively for the day. Festivities vary between record stores. See recordstoreday.com for participating stores — including Music Connection (1711 S. Willow St. in Manchester), which has a tantalizing photo of (still boxed) Record Store Day merch on its Facebook page, and Pitchfork Records (2 S. Main St. in Concord), which will open at 8 a.m., according to a post (with accompanying photo of a previous year’s line of eager RSD shoppers) on its Facebook page.

Saturday, April 20

The Women’s Service Club of Windham (womansserviceclubofwindham.org, 821-4592) is holding its 12th annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road in Windham). The fair will have more than 100 artisans with arts and crafts, including ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. There is a $2 suggested donation for admission.

Saturday, April 20

The Granite State Trading Cards & Collectibles Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Douglas N. Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road in Concord, concordnh.gov/496/Everett-Arena, 228-2784). There will be sports cards, trading card games, autographs, memorabilia, autograph signings and more. Admission is $5, free for children 12 and under. Free parking is available.

Saturday, April 20

The Bedford Event Center (379 S. River Road, Bedford, bedfordeventcenter.com, 997-7741) hosts Spring, Flowers, & Plants!, a free indoor-outdoor craft fair with food trucks, a drink tent, local vendors and children’s activities, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 21

Humor writer David Sedaris will read new selections, take questions and sign books at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord, ccanh.com, 225-1111) at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $57.75

Save the Date! Thursday, April 28
British Guitar Blowout: The Music of Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck featuring Journeyman & Beck-Ola, will come to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, nashuacenterforthearts.com, 657-8774) on Thursday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. These two tribute bands feature veteran performers including Shaun Hague, Marty Richards and Johnny A. Tickets start at $29.