Category: This Week

Monday, Dec. 30

Comedian Juston McKinney will close out the year with shows at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 through the Center’s website.

Saturday, Dec. 28

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will take to the court at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) today with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35 through ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, Dec. 28

To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com) will host One Last Drag Show for 2024 tonight at 7 p.m. This full-blown show will feature performances by Glamme Chowder, Luke Laroe, ChiChi Marvel, Obscura Freakshow, and Baddie Longlegs. This is a 21+ event, with a $10 cover.

Tuesday, Dec.31

There are three ways to celebrate the new year at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com): (1) A special New Year’s Eve Scratch Ticket Bingo tonight at 6:30 p.m. Winners will receive a stack of $5 scratchies. With purchase guests will receive a complimentary movie pass, a $5 food voucher to be used toward one food item during the event, a reserved seat, a bingo card and a $5 scratch ticket (provided by Chunky’s) gets added to the pot. Tickets for the event are $13 each. Or (2) Celebrate with an evening of standup with comedians Steve Scarfo, Kyle Crawfod and Dan Crohn, with shows at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Or (3) Celebrate with the 21+ spectacle of Life’s a Drag, hosted by Karisma and Larissa Montes at 10 p.m. This hilariously filthy event comes with a Champagne toast. This drag show features New England’s fiercest entertainers. Tickets are $30.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

First Day Hikes are a long-running tradition at New Hampshire’s State Parks. Seven parks will host hikes today. This year’s participating parks include Milan Hill State Park, Monadnock State Park, Northwood Meadows State Park, Odiorne Point State Park, Pisgah State Park, White Lake State Park and, new to the list, Pawtuckaway State Park. Participants will be greeted with warm beverages and snacks around a cozy fire, along with a limited supply of New Hampshire State Parks-themed giveaways, including a special 90th-anniversary calendar and stickers. Register at nhstateparks.org/things-to-do/first-day-hikes-2025.

Save the Date! Thursday, Jan. 9
Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) with shows Thursday, Jan. 9, and Friday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets start at $18 through ticketmaster.com. Visit disneyonice.com/mickeys-search-party.

Featured photo: Juston McKinney.

Thursday, Dec. 19

There will be a 21+ Ugly Sweater Party and screening of 1989’s classic holiday movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation tonight at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com) beginning at 8 p.m. Wear your ugliest sweater and you could win a Chunky’s Gift Bucket for Two. Tickets are $5.99 at the door or through Chunky’s website.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Legendary rock band Quiet Riot will take to the stage at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) at 8 p.m. with special guest All Sinners. Tickets start at $50.

Friday, Dec. 20

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, a band of 14 classical musicians, breathing beautifully dark energy into rock and metal tracks, will perform at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Bathed in candlelight, skeletal players with rhinestone masks will switch between haunting melodies and powerful walls of sound. Tickets start at $63.75.

Friday, Dec. 20

The rodeo is coming to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com). PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) premier event, Unleash the Beast, will take place tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m. This is your chance to witness world-class athletes going head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls. Two-day tickets start at $73 through ticketmaster.com. Visit pbr.com/tours/unleash-the-beast.

Friday, Dec. 20

Vibe Yoga and Aerial Moon (182 Main St., Nashua, 759 8432, vibeyoga603.com) will host a Winter Solstice Celebration and Journey, tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Mark the rebirth of the sun during this two-hour winter solstice celebration and Shamanic Journey led by Jeanelle Boyer. Register through the Vibe website. The cost is $35.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Celebrate the holiday season with Canadian Brass tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com). Tickets start at $39.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with an unforgettable evening of music, dance and festive cheer as Christmas with the Celts takes the stage at the Stockbridge Theatre (22-98 Bypass 28, Derry, 437-5210, pinkertonacademy.org/stockbridge-theatre) tonight at 7p.m. Tickets start at $35.

Saturday, Dec. 21

There will be a Christmas Contra Dance with Dudley Laufman & Friends at the Citywide Community Center (14 Canterbury Road, Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov/1364/Community-Center) tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. Beginners, singles and families are welcome. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 15 to 20, and children under 15 can dance for free. Visit concordnhcontra.wordpress.com.

Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 28
Don’t miss your chance to see what fans love about the Harlem Globetrotters: the dunks, alley-oops, looooong shots, magic, history and more. See Globetrotter stars and their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com). There will be shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35.

Featured photo: Ugly Sweater Party at Chunky’s.

Thursday, Dec. 12

The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org) will stay open for Art After Work tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from the band Cozy Throne, check out the galleries, take part in an art activity and more. Admission is free. The Winter Garden Cafe will be open — find the menu online.

Saturday, Dec.14

The New Hampshire Audubon Society (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 224-9909, nhaudubon.org) will begin its annual Christmas Bird Count as early as today in some areas. Each count takes place in a designated “count circle” on a specific day. See the website for details.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Cheer on the brave souls “Freezin’ for a Reason” during the 8th Annual Pantry Plunge today at noon at Gallien’s Town Beach in Derry. The event raises money for the FBC Food Pantry. Find information on plunging yourself at pantryplunge.org.

Saturday, Dec. 14

The Christmas in Amherst Village House Tour will take place today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Congregational Church of Amherst, this tour has become a favorite tradition. Ready for the holidays with traditional and unique decorating ideas, every home is unique in size and style and each will be a surprise.Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 on the day of the event. Visit ccamherst.org/cav for ticket-purchasing locations.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Join the world-famous Boston Pops led by conductor Keith Lockhart for their iconic holiday performance tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com). This yearly concert is legendary for its high-energy, deeply emotional immersion in traditional holiday music. Tickets start at $33 through ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Mike Girard’s Big Swingin’ Thing will play at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.

Sunday, Dec. 15

The Wizards of Winter will play the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) this afternoon at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

Sunday, Dec. 15

The Yule Light Up the Night road race will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire Speedway in Loudon. Run the 2.1-mile course through the “Gift of Lights” display. Registration costs $25 for adults (12+) in advance, $30 on the day; $15 for youth (4 to 11) in advance, $20 on the day, $10 for kids (3 and younger), and $20 for virtual runners. See millenniumrunning.com to register.

Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 28
NHSCOT will hold its Hogmanay Celebration — a Scottish-style celebration of the new year — on Saturday, Dec. 28, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Pembroke Pines Country Club in Pembroke. Tickets cost $40 for adults and kids age 6 and up (ages 5 and under get in for free). This family-friendly event will feature indoor and outdoor activities including live music from Rebel Collective, a performance by Pipes and Drums of NHSCOT, s’mores, a Highland Fling, street curling, a parade and more. See nhscot.org.

Featured photo: Hogmanay Celebration.

Thursday, Dec. 5

A new exhibit, “Manchester Inspired: The Life and Works of Marylou Ashooh Lazos,” officially opens at the Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Suite 103, Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org) today from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition explores the local designer, artist and curator who drew inspiration, energy and purpose from her beloved hometown.

Friday, Dec. 6

Downtown Concord holds its annual Midnight Merriment tonight starting at 5 p.m. with downtown businesses open for shoppers, the Concord Arts Market holding its Winter Giftopolis in Eagle Square, a Parade of Lights on Main Street, cocoa and s’mores in Bicentennial Square and more. See intownconcord.org and Hippo’s story in the Nov. 28 issue (visit hippopress.com for the digital library; the story is on page 19).

Saturday, Dec. 7

Sanborn Mills Farm (7097 Sanborn Road, Loudon, 435-7314, sanbornmills.org) will hold its yearly Winter Market today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be a festive celebration of local craftsmanship, community and holiday cheer. The market will offer wares from the Farm’s workshop instructors. Enjoy live music, warm beverages and a lunch prepared by Chef Kelly Fahey.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Concord Dance Academy will perform two shows of “A Holiday Spectacular” at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord, 228-2793, theaudi.org), today at 1 and 6 p.m. This popular show opens with a kick line and includes Santa, photos, sweets, raffles, and gifts to community causes. Tickets are $25 at the box office on the day of the show.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Celebrate the release of Dav Pikey’s newest Dog Man book, Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, with a Dog Man Hero Party today from 1 to 4 p.m. at Balin Books (375 Amherst St., Somerset Plaza, in Nashua; balinbooks.com). The event will feature snacks, games, giveaways and more.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Catch the MHT Holiday Parade today at 4 p.m. on Elm Street in downtown Manchester. “Light Up the Night” is this year’s theme. Get there at 3 p.m. to watch the Santa Claus Shuffle, a race on Elm Street featuring stops where Santa suit-clad runners can enjoy the four food groups: chocolate, cookies and milk, maple and candy, according to Millennium Running, which organizes the race.

Saturday, Dec.7

The Manchester Choral Society will present Gifts of the Season this evening at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Sainte Marie Parish (378 Notre Dame Ave., Manchester, 622-4615, enterthenarrowgate.org). This inspiring holiday concert will feature Martin Sedek’s “Gifts of the Season” and Bob Chilcott’s “On Christmas Night.” Tickets are $30 at mcsnh.org or at the door.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Iconic swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform its “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 7:30 p.m.Tickets start at $39.

Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 14
Join the world-famous Boston Pops led by conductor Keith Lockhart for their
Holiday Pops performance on Saturday, Dec.14, at 7:30 p.m. at the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester. This yearly concert is legendary for its high-energy, deeply emotional immersion in traditional holiday music. Tickets start at $33 through ticketmaster.com.

Featured photo: Boston Pops.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Brookford Farm (250 West Road, Canterbury, 742-4084, brookfordfarm.com) will host Christmas with the Cows today and Sunday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as well as next Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8). This German-themed event will feature musician-led caroling with the cows from 3 to 5 p.m., opportunities to feed calves and piglets, campfire and hayrides, samples of salami and sauerkraut as well as crafts-to-make for purchase (gnome home, wreaths, candles) plus Christmas trees and farm-to-table foods. The farm will feature a German Christmas market and items such as German wurst, sauerkraut, hot mulled wine, goulash and stollen, according to the website.

General admission tickets (for ages 13+) are $10 online and $15 at the door. Children’s tickets (3 to 12 years old) are $7 online and $10 at the door. Children 2 and under attend free. No pets. Visit brookfordfarm.com/events.

Friday, Nov. 29

The Candia Farmers Market will partner with Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia) for a Holiday Gift Barn Open House today from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring 29 vendors (most from the past season of the market), free admission to the farm, live music and storytelling, the Children’s Christmas Choir at 6:30 p.m. and more, according to candiafarmersmarket.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Pembroke City Limits (134 Main St. in Pembroke; pembrokecitylimits.com) will host Poets on the Loose, a gathering of local poets (all welcome) today at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 30

The Rotary Club of Merrimack will kick off its annual Christmas Tree Sale today at Watson Park (447 DW Highway in Merrimack) open weekdays 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until the trees sell out. See merrimackrotary.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Aquanett will bring the rock and metal of the 1980s to Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506, lakeportopera.com) on tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $38.56, plus fees.

Sunday, Dec. 1

There will be a showing of the classic silent WC Fields comedy So’s Your Old Man (1926) today at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St., Wilton, 654-3456, facebook.com/wiltontownhalltheatre) at 2 p.m. This silent film will have live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis. Admission is free; donations are accepted, with $10 per person.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Chunky’s (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com) will host a 21+ Scratch Ticket Bingo on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. A $13 admission (plus fees) gets you a seat, a $5 food voucher for that evening, a pass for a future movie and a chance to win $5 scratch tickets.

Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 7
Heavy metal band In This Moment will play the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) Saturday, Dec.7, as part of its Godmode tour. The show will feature the song “I Would Die for You” from the soundtrack of John Wick: Chapter 4, and performances by Kim Dracula, Nathan James and Mike’s Dead. Tickets start at $37.

Featured photo: Courtesy Photo.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Jazz and R&B fusion artist RaJon Marshal of Black Pumas will take the stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.75.

Friday, Nov. 22

The Artimus Pyle Band honors the music of Ronnie Van Zant Lynyrd Skynyrd at Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St. in Derry, tupelomusichall.com, tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

Friday, Nov. 22

Keys Piano Bar & Grill (1087 Elm St., Manchester, 836-7796, keysmanch.com) will present its Dueling Piano Show tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 23, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Talented pianists will go head-to-head, taking your song requests and turning them into an epic musical showdown. From classic hits to modern favorites, they’ll keep the tunes rolling and the crowd singing along all night long. Tickets are $10 through the Keys website.

Saturday, Nov. 23

There will be a Very Merry Gift Festival today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Doubletree Expo Center (700 Elm St., Manchester, 625-1000). Browse a variety of vendor booths and support local small businesses while doing all your holiday shopping. Enjoy vendor demonstrations, kids’ activities, a visit from Santa, a special kid-only shopping area, festive sounds of the season live from the expo stage, a 21+ holiday spirits aisle and more. Adult tickets are $6, tickets for seniors are $5, and children under 14 attend free. Visit simpletix.com for tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Find produce, baked goods, cheese and more eats for your Thanksgiving week meals at the Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market, 9 Eagle Square in Concord, from 9 a.m. to noon. Doug Farrell is slated to perform. See dcwfm.squarespace.com.

Saturday, Nov. 23

We’re in the thick of craft fair season. Today, check out the Craft Fair at White Rock Senior Living (6 Bow Center Road in Bow) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to bownh.gov. Find more craft fairs listed in the Arts section on page 18. Know of an upcoming fair? Let us know at [email protected].

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Celebrate Taco Tuesday tonight at the Flying Monkey in Plymouth were admission is free, first come first served, to a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13, 2014) at 7 p.m. and a menu of taco specials. See flyingmonkeynh.com.

Save the Date! March 6

Tickets are on sale for the Granite State Game Summit at Doubletree by Hilton Nashua (2 Somerset Pkwy., Nashua, 886-1200, hilton.com/en/hotels/ashssdt-doubletree-nashua) Thursday, March 6, through Sunday, March 9. Granite Game Summit focuses on social, open board gaming, with the goal of bringing people new and old to the hobby. More than 800 tabletop games will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring games from their own collections. Tickets cost $80 (plus fees) for four-day general admission, $35 (plus fees) for four-day youth badges.

Save the Date! March 6
Tickets are on sale for the Granite State Game Summit at Doubletree by Hilton Nashua (2 Somerset Pkwy., Nashua, 886-1200, hilton.com/en/hotels/ashssdt-doubletree-nashua) Thursday, March 6, through Sunday, March 9. Granite Game Summit focuses on social, open board gaming, with the goal of bringing people new and old to the hobby. More than 800 tabletop games will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring games from their own collections. Tickets cost $80 (plus fees) for four-day general admission, $35 (plus fees) for four-day youth badges.

Featured photo: Very Merry Gift Festival.