Category: This Week

Big Events July 13, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, July 13

Hillsborough Summer Festival begins tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough). The festival runs through Sunday, July 16, with live entertainment (tonight’s entertainment is a DJ; see the website for a list of performers), a midway and carnival rides, a fireworks show on Saturday night, a 5K road race on Friday, a hometown parade on Sunday at noon and more, according to the website. The festival is open Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. See hillsborosummerfest.com.

Friday, July 14

It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from today through Sunday, July 16 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday; a doubleheader on Saturday featuring the Ambetter Health 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, followed by the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, and the Crayon 301 race on Sunday. Tickets vary in price, depending on the race. See nhms.com.

Saturday, July 15

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820) takes some time off from wings to celebrate wheels at the Classic Car Show today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show will feature a student-built aircraft but also ground-bound vehicles of all eras, according to a press release. The day will also feature food trucks, a raffle and a yard sale, the release said. Admission to the show for spectators costs $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free, and includes admission to the museum (which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the release said.

Saturday, July 15

The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane in Exeter; 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) celebrates the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire (on July 16, 1776) with the American Independence Festival today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The day will feature a Traditional Artisan Village with artisans demonstrating shoemaking, coopering, millinery, fiber arts, dancing, tinsmithing, brewing and more, according to a press release. The festival will also feature military exhibits, performances, games, a beer garden, food and more, the release said.

Saturday, July 15

Stop in at WineNot Boutique (25 Main St. in Nashua; winenotboutique.com) for a tasting of “Exotic Wines from South America” from 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 16

Jake Shimabukuro brings his ukulele to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774) today at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond in the listings on page 38.

Save the Date! Friday, July 22
The Palace Theatre’s Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org) will host an Intimate Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare and Ron Poster on Saturday, July 22, with shows at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29.

Featured photo: Classic Car Show.

Big Events July 6, 2023 and beyond

Friday, July 7

The Raymond Town Fair begins today at 5 p.m.; today will also see the Fireman’s Parade at 7 p.m. featuring the newly crowned Miss Raymond (the pageant for whom is held Thursday, July 6), according to a press release. The fair, which runs through Sunday, July 9, also features a book sale to support the library, bingo and live music all three days — with scheduled performers including Kitchen Party on Friday, the Dave Berry Band (pictured) on Saturday and Ben Eramo on Sunday, the release said. Saturday will see a town-wide yard sale, a children’s parade (at 10 a.m.), children’s activities, a motorcycle show at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., according to a schedule on the event’s Facebook page, where you can find a complete list of events and locations. Sunday will include a 5-mile road race, a dog parade (11 a.m.) and a children’s whipped cream pie eating contest, the schedule said. The fair will also feature a midway, demonstrations and exhibits, food and more.

Friday, July 7

Intown Concord’s First Friday runs from 4 to 8 p.m. tonight in downtown Concord featuring a food truck, music in Bicentennial Square, a wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wine On Main and more, according to a newsletter. See intownconcord.org.

Saturday, July 8

The 22nd Annual Powwow at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road in Warner; indianmuseum.org, 456-2600) will feature music, dancing, museum tours and more today and tomorrow, Sunday, July 9, with the museum open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature grand entry today at noon, storytelling today from 1 to 3 p.m. and a sensory-friendly hour Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., according to the website.

Saturday, July 8

Twiggs Gallery (254 King St. in Boscawen; 975-0015, twiggsgallery.org) will have a Make & Take activity today from 1 to 3 p.m. Drop in to make a “Little Leaf Book” — the gallery will provide the supplies to make this free nature craft, according to a press release. The gallery’s current exhibit is “NEST,” which runs through Friday, Sept. 1, and features pieces by several New Hampshire artists exploring the concept of a nest, according to the website.

Sunday, July 9

The New England Reptile Expo takes place today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). Visit reptileexpo.com.

Sunday, July 9

See The Allman Betts Band, featuring Devon Allman and Duane Betts (sons of The Allman Brothers’ Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, respectively), tonight at 7 p.m. at Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774). Tickets start at $39. Find more upcoming concerts in the concert listings on page 42.

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 10
Save the date for dinosaurs! The Jurassic World Live! Tour comes to SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com, 644-5000) Friday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 12. See the video on jurassicworldlivetour.com for a look at this stage presentation. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, and noon and 4 p.m. on Nov. 12. Tickets run from $19 through $104, according to snhuarena.com.

Featured photo: Dave Berry Band.

Big Events June 29, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, June 29

Today is the last walk in the woods hosted by New Boston’s Recreation Department. The walk will be on one of the town’s scenic trails. Meet at 8:50 a.m. at Town Hall (5 Meetinghouse Road), where hikers will either carpool or walk to the trail. For more information visit newbostonnh.gov.

Thursday, June 29

Head to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) for a lecture by Paul Houle on his book The Crash of Delta Flight 723 today at 7 p.m. The book looks at the crash of Delta Flight 723, known as the deadliest plane crash in New England history. The program costs $10 per person, free for members. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org for more information.

Saturday, July 1

The Hampton Falls Liberty Craft Festival is today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hampton Falls Town Common (4 Lincoln Ave.). This event is free to the public. More than 75 juried artisans will feature their work. Discover pottery, pillow quilts, wind chimes and more. Visit castleberryfairs.com for more information.

Saturday, July 1

See the legendary classic rock band Chicago at Bank of NH Pavilion (27 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford) today at 8 p.m. General admission to the lawn costs $25, with discounted four-pack tickets available as well, starting at $18.75. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit banknhpavilion.com.

Sunday, July 2

Celebrate with folk rock singer-songwriter Andrea Paquin at her pre-release album concert tonight at The Cantin Room at Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord). The concert will have songs from her soon-to-be released album along with some of her fans’ favorites. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at ccanh.com.

Wednesday, July 5

Today is the first day to pick your own lavender at Pumpkin Blossom Farm (393 Pumpkin Hill Road, Warner) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can have a picnic on the lawn, visit the baby chicks, and enjoy the shaded trails. Discount bundles are $15 during the weekdays and $20 on weekends. Visit pumpkinblossomfarm.com for more information.

Save the Date!
The Hillsborough Summer Festival is back this year at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough) from Thursday, July 13, to Sunday, July 16, with live entertainment, carnival rides, a firework show on Saturday night, a 5K road race on Friday, a parade on Sunday and more. Festival hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Visit hillsborosummerfest.com.

Big Events June 22, 2023 and beyond

Friday, June 23

Tonight is Cue Zero Theatre Co.’s opening night of Be More Chillat the Derry Opera House (29 West Broadway). The show is a sci-fi coming-of-age story about listening to the voices in your head. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at cztheatre.com.

Saturday, June 24

Visit The Big Little Garden (11 Brackenwood Drive, Nashua) for the garden conservatory’s Open Days and Plant Sale event today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden will be open for people to take walking tours, and the plant sale will have a variety of local plants for people to choose from. Proceeds from the plant sale will go to Kitty Angels, a no-kill cat rescue, shelter and adoption agency, and to Merrimack Community Hospice House. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at thebiglittlegarden.com.

Saturday, June 24

Join in the fun at Nashua’s Pride Festival on Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m. The main location for the festival will be in the parking lot of the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St.). The festival begins with a parade starting at the Elm Street School (117 Elm St.) and traveling down Main Street. For more information about this event, visit nashuanh.gov.

Saturday, June 24

Celebrate man’s best friend at the Second Annual Good Dogs Fest today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northwoods Brewing Co. (1334 First NH Turnpike, Northwood). The festival will have more than 30 artists selling their wares, as well as live music and other entertainment. At 2 p.m., there will be a Pet Gala Costume Walk, and all leashed dogs are invited to participate. Mary’s Dogs, a local rescue and adoption agency, will be on site with dogs looking for a forever home. For more information, visit northwoodsbrewingcompany.com.

Sunday, June 25

Attend the ARTalk at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) today at 2 p.m. The talk will be with photographer Gary Samson, a former Artist Laureate of New Hampshire, and will focus on the exhibition “Seeing is Not Believing: Ambiguity in Photography.” This is the final week for this exhibit. Registration for the program costs $15 and can be done at currier.org.

Tuesday, June 27

The Shana Stack Band is performing at the Angela Robinson Bandstand in Henniker today at 6:30 p.m. The six-piece country band has won several awards, including Country Band of the Year and the Fans Choice Award by the Independent Country Music Association. For more information about this event, visit henniker.org.

Save the Date! Friday, July 14
It’s the first day of NASCAR Weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon). The weekend will be packed with high-octane entertainment, including the annual “Magic Mile” Crayon 301 on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. The ticket gates open at 11 a.m. on all three days. Adult tickets cost $59, kids ages 12 and younger are $10. Visit nhms.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Big Events June 15, 2023 and beyond

Saturday, June 17

The Flashy Flock Community Art Project is starting today at Twiggs Gallery (251 King St., Boscawen) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The project pays homage to the farming roots of Boscawen. There will be a horse-drawn plow demonstration as well as wooden chicken cutouts for residents to take and display on their yards.Food and take-home crafts will be available for purchase. Visit twiggsgallery.org for more information.

Saturday, June 17

Today is the Manchester Pride Festival from 1 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Park (723 Elm St.). There will be different forms of entertainment, including a drag queen storytime, food, more than 50 vendors, and an art extravaganza by Queerlective. Once the day’s events finish up, there will be an after party at Jewel Music Collective (61 Canal St.). Tickets to the after party cost $25 for general admission, $45 for VIP. For more information, see the “Granite State Pride” story in our June 8 issue online or visit manchestertrue.org.

Saturday, June 17

See the Aquamarines, the only artistic swimming team in New Hampshire, for their 53rd annual water show, titled “Synchro through the Ages,” at 1 p.m. today at The Boys & Girls Club of Nashua (1 Positive Place). The team is made up of athletes from 6 to 18 years old; they will demonstrate how artistic swimming has changed through the decades. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, free for children 4 and younger or for members of BGCN. For more information, visit bgcn.com.

Sunday, June 18

The Fully Loaded Comedy Festival is tonight at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford) at 7 p.m. The show will have comedic superstars including Bert Kreischer, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Norton, Big Jay Oakerson, Dan Soder and Tammy Pescatelli. Tickets start at $38 and can be purchased at banknhpavilion.com.

Tuesday, June 20

See the classic rockabilly band Dancing Madly Backwards tonight at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Henniker Concert Series at the Community Park. The band, formed in Rochester, is known for playing music from alternative to modern to rhythm and blues. For more information about the concert, visit henniker.org.

Tuesday, June 20

Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord) is welcoming Tom Raffio to speak about his new book, Stories from the Starting Line, today at 6:30 p.m. Raffio’s book explores stories of New Hampshire runners and why they run. Raffio interviewed everyone from stroller pushers to veterans with 100 races under their belts. For more information visit gibsonsbookstore.com.

Save the Date! Saturday, June 24
The Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) will host Trinity, a band that covers Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, at 7:30 p.m. The five-man group covers classics of the golden age of rock music. Tickets cost $29 and can be purchased at palacetheatre.org.

Big Events June 8, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, June 8

Celebrating Billy Joel – America’s Piano Man is coming to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St.) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the pianist’s album Piano Man. The multi-instrumental band will play all of Joel’s hits. Tickets to the show cost $29 to $59 and can be purchased at nashuacenterforthearts.com.

Saturday, June 10

Today is the first day of the Motorcycle Week at New Hampshire Motor Speedways (1122 Route 106 North, Loudon) starting at 10 a.m. The event runs from today through June 18 with events on and off the track, like demo rides by Katancha and Harley-Davidson, USCRA FIM North American Vintage Championship races, and classes with Penguin Roadracing School. The event is free to attend. Visit nhms.com for more information.

Saturday, June 10

Join The Sweet Spot at Sheridan Emmett Park (324 Beech St., Manchester) for a Summer Kickoff Craft Fair from noon to 4 p.m. There will be 40 vendors selling crafts and goods. For more information, visit facebook.com/thesweetspotandco.

Saturday, June 10

The Range (96 Old Turnpike Road, Mason) has the first concert in its Summer Concert Series tonight. The show will feature jam band Max Creek, which first formed in 1971. Tickets cost $30 in advance, $38 the day of, and kids younger than 6 years old are free. Visit therangemason.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Sunday, June 11

NH Guitars (41 Range Road, Windham) is hosting an informal summer jam session outside the shop today from 2 to 5 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring their own guitars or pick one up at the shop and join the team of instructors and professional musicians. Custom bass and guitar builder Mike Saint Germain will be at the jam for a meet-and-greet. For more information visit nhguitars.com.

Tuesday, June 13

SEE Science Center is teaming up with Science on Tap and Science Café NH to present Science Discussion Roadshow at the VFW Post 8641 (292 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack). The topic will be the science behind ice cream. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. More information about this event can be found at see-sciencecenter.org.

Tuesday, June 13

The Henniker Concert Series starts tonight with Peabody’s Coal Train, a New Hampshire-based Americana six-piece band that started up in 2023. The concert is at 6:30 p.m. at the Angela Robinson Bandstand (57 Main St.). In case of rain the event will be moved to the Community Center adjacent to the park. There will be food available by Primetime Grilled Cheese. Visit Facebook.com/HennikerConcert.

Save the Date! Saturday, June 17
The awards ceremony for the 23rd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic is today at 8 p.m. on the Hampton Beach Sea Shell Stage (100 Ocean Blvd.). Voting for the people’s choice portion of the award will be from 1 to 3 p.m. The ceremony is followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The sculptures will be on display at Hampton Beach through June 26. For more information visit hamptonbeach.org