Kids Guide to Summer

Fairs, shows, outdoor adventure and more sunny fun for your chill kids

Fairs and festivals

Catch a town fair, a specialty expo or a local old home day celebration this summer — here’s a list of all those happenings and more set to take place across the Granite State over the next few months. Be sure to visit each event’s or organization’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date details.

• The Nashua Parks and Recreation department kicks off its Summer Fun schedule of events on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m.. to 1 p.m. with Celebrating DPW Day in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua), featuring live music (including Joe Birch at 10:15 a.m.), BJ Hickman Magic Show at 11:15 a.m., local stage acts, a bounce house, vendors and more. SummerFun highlights include a Silver Knights baseball game on Monday, July 4, at 11 a.m. when kids 12 and under get in free, and the evening includes the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corp and fireworks; family field day at the library on Thursday, July 14, at 2 p.m.; a Fairy Tale Festival in Greeley Park on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a costume parade, and Wheels & Wings at the Nashua Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17. Nashua also will host several Pics in the Park at Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua): Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993) on Friday, July 15, at dusk; Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG-13, 1981) on Friday, Aug. 12, at dusk, and Shrek (PG, 2001) on Friday, Sept. 16, at dusk. And the city hosts several outdoor concerts throughout the summer. See nashuanh.gov.

• The 40th annual Somersworth International Children’s Festival is happening on Main Street and Noble Pines Park in Somersworth on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, local vendors, rides, wildlife encounters and a variety of other children’s activities, including — new this year — a Touch-A-Truck area. A pre-festival celebration will take place the night before, on Friday, June 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive), and will include a fireworks display. Visit nhfestivals.org.

Plaistow’s Old Home Day will be held on Saturday, June 18 — activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Hall green (145 Main St., Plaistow) and will include demonstrations, contests, a parade, a road race, raffles, fireworks and more. Find them on Facebook @plaistowoldhomeday for updates.

• Intown Concord’s annual Market Days Festival, a three-day free street festival, is set to return to Main Street in downtown Concord from Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25. Visit marketdaysfestival.com for the full list of happenings, which will include live music, a beer tent, participating local vendors, children’s activities and giveaways. The “KidZone” will be open each day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn and will feature two bounce houses this year, as well as hula hoops, cornhole, jenga and other games.

• The Wilton Main Street Association will present its annual SummerFest on Saturday, June 25 — a full day of festivities is planned across town, including a pancake breakfast, live music, street vendors, an arts market and fireworks in the evening on Carnival Hill. See visitwilton.com/summerfest for the full schedule.

• The next New England Reptile Expo is scheduled for Sunday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). The event features thousands of reptiles on display and for sale as pets, plus vendors selling cages, supplies, frozen feeder rodents and other reptile-related items. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7 to 12 and free for kids under 7. Visit reptileexpo.com.

Fathom Events (Fathomevents.com) and GKids present Studio Ghibli Fest 2022 kicks off with The Cat Returns (G, 2002) screening Sunday, June 26 (Cinemark Rockingham Park om Salem) and Monday, June 27 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square in Epping). Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service (G, 1989) will screen at Cinemark Rockingham Park on Sunday, July 31; Monday, Aug. 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 3. Only Yesterday (PG, 1991) will screen Sunday, Aug. 28 (Cinemark Rockingham Park) and Monday, Aug. 29 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square).

O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy. in Epping; 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) will feature family-friendly films on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. starting on Monday, July 4. According to the website, the lineup includes Trolls World Tour (PG, 2020) on July 4 and July 6; Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (PG, 2022) on July 11 and July 13; The Croods: A New Age (PG, 2020) on July 18 and July 20); Minions (PG, 2015) on July 25 and July 27, and The Boss Baby: Family Business (PG, 2021) on Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, and Sing 2 (PG 2021) on Aug. 8 and Aug. 10.

• The Hillsborough Summer Festival, returning to Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough) from Thursday, July 7, through Sunday, July 10, features live entertainment, midway and carnival rides, a fireworks show, a 5K road race, a parade, a car and truck show 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 — go to hillsborosummerfest.com for the full schedule of happenings.

• The Raymond Town Fair returns from Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, at the Raymond Town Common. Enjoy a firemen’s parade, sack races, pie eating, live music, a fireworks display and more. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit raymondareanews.com.

• In lieu of the Stratham Fair, which was canceled earlier this year, a new one-day community event known as the Stratham 4-H Summerfest is being planned for Saturday, July 16, at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham). The smaller event will feature a single-day family experience, showcasing several 4-H programs and livestock, along with forestry and tractor driving contests, club displays, a teen talent fair and a limited menu of food offerings. Email strathamfairinfo@gmail.com for more details.

• Save the date for the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, happening at the American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• Don’t miss the Canterbury Fair, returning on Saturday, July 30, at Canterbury Center (Baptist and Center roads). A full day of festivities is planned, from hands-on demonstrations from local artisan and antique vendors to live music, children’s activities and more. Visit canterburyfair.com.

Concord’s National Night Out Against Crime is on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rollins Park (33 Bow St. in Concord) and will feature food, prizes, K-9 demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, a zoo exhibit, a rock climbing wall and more according to concordnh.gov.

• The Suncook Valley Rotary’s Hot Air Balloon Rally will take place Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7, in Pittsfield with a craft fair, a 5K, helicopter rides, a regatta and more. See suncookvalleyrotary.org.

• The Belknap County Fair is scheduled to return on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at 174 Mile Hill Road in Belmont. The fair features animal shows, demonstrations, live entertainment, exhibits and food. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors over 65 and for police, fire and EMS personnel, and free for kids under 10 and for military service members. Visit bcfairnh.org.

Hudson’s Old Home Days return to the grounds outside the Hills House (211 Derry Road, Hudson) from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 14 — hours are from 5 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. Festivities include free children’s games, live music, carnival games, a fireworks display, fair food and more. Visit hudsonoldhomedays.com.

• The Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival returns to the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road, Milford) for its fifth year on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a variety of local food trucks, plus artisan vendors, a beer tent, a cornhole tournament, a kids zone, live music and more. Advance tickets are $5 and are available now. Kids ages 14 and under are free. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road) is scheduled to host a food truck festival on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit windhamnh.gov.

• Catch the 15th annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, happening during the week of Monday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 19, during which there will be magic shows, a costume parade, dancing, storytellers, balloons, ice cream and more. All activities are free and open to the public. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

Londonderry’s Old Home Days, set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 22, are coinciding with the town’s 300th anniversary celebration this year. Several days’ worth of happenings are planned, including a parade, local vendor booths, games, food and much more. Follow the Facebook page @townoflondonderryoldhomeday for updates.

• Formerly known as the Living History event, History Alive will return to various locations in Hillsborough, rain or shine, on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also coinciding with the town’s 250th anniversary celebration this year, History Alive will feature several historical reenactments throughout the weekend, plus children’s activities, crafts, speakers, musicians and much more. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids under 16. Visit historyalivenh.org.

• Don’t miss the annual Candia Old Home Day celebration, happening on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore Park (74 High St., Candia) and featuring a parade, local vendors and live entertainment. Visit candiaoldhomeday.com.

• Join Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) for its annual family fun day event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when there will be local vendors, children’s games, face painting, a touch-a-truck, live music, food trucks and — new this year — a rock climbing wall. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• A Labor Day weekend tradition, the Hopkinton State Fair will return to the fairgrounds (392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook) from Thursday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 5. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday — the multi-day event features everything from local vendors and classic fair food to live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and demonstrations and more. One-day admission passes are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors over 60, $8 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for kids ages 3 and under. Five-day passes are also available at a rate of $39 for both kids and adults. Visit hsfair.org.

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Live entertainment

• The Palace Teen Apprentice Company presents Seussical Jr. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Wednesday, June 15, and Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

•​ See Blippi The Musical at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $39.50 to $59.50. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

•​ The North Country Center for the Arts presents its IMPACT series, a six-week tour of performances by a children’s theater troupe, at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., from July 5 through Aug. 9. It kicks off with Sleeping Beautyon July 5, followed by Lost in Wonderlandon July 12, Neverland on July 19, Little Red Riding Hoodon July 26, Return to Oz on Aug. 2 and Jack & the Beanstalkon Aug. 9. Tickets are free. Visit ccanh.com.

• The 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents a series of shows at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) with a Tuesday-through-Friday run every week in July and August. Shows include magician BJ Hickman July 5 through July 8; Wizard of OzJuly 12 through July 15; RapunzelJuly 19 through July 22; Peter PanJuly 26 through July 29; Cinderella Aug. 2 through Aug. 5; Beauty and the Beast Aug. 9 through Aug. 12; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Aug. 16 through Aug. 19; and Disney’s Frozen Kids Aug 23 through Aug. 26. Showtimes are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, and at 10 a.m. on Friday. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

•​ The Majestic Theatre presents Big The Musical at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) from July 8 through July 17, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7649.

. • Camp ENCORE presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Reserved seating tickets cost $40. Visit prescottpark.org or call 436-2848.

• The Peterborough Players (55 Hadley Road, Peterborough) second company presents an outdoor performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes on Fridays, July 15, July 29, and Aug. 12; Saturdays, July 16 through Aug. 13; and Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Visit peterboroughplayers.org.

Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix, a slapstick comedy act with more than a dozen performing dogs, comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 17, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents a theatrical adaptation of The Rainbow Fish at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Thursday, July 21, with showtimes at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for children, $9 for seniors and students and $10 for adults. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

•​ The Sound of Music will run at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) from July 29 through Aug. 21. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com or call 335-1992.

• Disney cover band The Little Mermen comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character for a chance to win a prize. Tickets start at $30. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• Chinese acrobatics group The Peking Acrobats will perform at the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

•​ The Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $42. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

• The Peacock Players youth theater company presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Aug. 5 through Aug. 14, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• Children’s musician Laurie Berkner will perform a “Greatest Hits Show” at the Tupelo Music Hall, (10 A St., Derry) on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35. VIP tickets, which include counter seats, an after-show meet-and-greet and a photo op, cost $100. Visit tupelomusichall.com.

Seussical the Musical comes to the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia), with showtimes on Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased before Aug. 7 cost $16 for youth age 18 and under, $18 for seniors and $20 for adults. Tickets purchased Aug. 7 and after cost $18 for youth, $20 for seniors and $22 for adults. Visit coloniallaconia.com.

•​ The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) presents Oliver! from Aug. 18 through Sept. 3, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Saturday, Aug. 20; Thursdays, Aug. 25 and Sept. 1; and Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $42. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents The Lion King Experience Jr. at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students, children and seniors. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Riverbend Youth Company presents Shrek the Musical at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28. More information is TBA. Visit svbgc.org/amato-center.

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Outdoor fun

See a baseball game, attend a car show, or find other fun ways to get outside this summer on this list below.

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, are in the middle of a homestand against the Somerset Patriots. Catch them at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester) on Thursday, June 16, at 6:35 p.m.; on Friday, June 17, (Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond night) or Saturday, June 18, (featuring post game fireworks) at 7:05 p.m.; or on Sunday, June 19, at 1:35 p.m. Then, after a day off on Monday, the Fisher Cats will host a six-game series against the Altoona Curve from Tuesday, June 21, through Sunday, June 26. The team’s final home game of the season will be on Sunday, Sept. 18, against the Harrisburg Senators. In addition to post game fireworks on some nights, other special events to look out for include North Woods Law night (July 8), Christmas in July (July 22), Star Wars Night (July 23), Cats-Con Night (Aug. 6), Princesses in the Park (Aug. 7) and Wizards & Wands night (Sept. 3). Visit nhfishercats.com.

• The Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League recently kicked off their 2022 season and will next play at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua) on Thursday, June 16, at 6 p.m. against the Brockton Rox. Upcoming theme days include Kids Club Sunday on Sunday, June 19, and Scout Night on Friday, June 24. The team’s last home game is on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. against the Worcester Bravehearts. Visit nashuasilverknights.com.

• Don’t miss the 22nd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, happening from Thursday, June 16, through Saturday, June 18. The event features multiple award ceremonies, with prizes given out for the best sand sculptures, along with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The sculptures will then be lighted for nightly viewing through June 26. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Movies in the Park series kicks off Saturday, June 18, with a screening of Encanto (PG, 2021) at 8:30 p.m. The lineup also includes Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13, 2021) on Saturday, July 23, at 8:15 p.m. and Sing 2 (PG, 2021) on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to Merrimack residents and non-residents. Screenings are held in Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road in Merrimack). See merrimackparksandrec.org.

• Join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) for its annual “Welcome Summer” Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boire Field, at the hangar of Nashua Jet Aviation (83 Perimeter Road, Nashua). Pilots are invited to fly in, and vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft are especially welcome. A barbecue buffet will be served at noon — the meal will include chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, salad, pasta, desserts and drinks. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for museum members, $10 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Visit nhahs.org.

• The second annual Chandler’s Ball 3-on-3 Kids Basketball Tournament is happening on Saturday, June 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Emmett-Sheridan Park (324 Beech St., Manchester). The cost is $15 per team, and players will be divided into age groups of 8 to 12, 13 to 16 and 17 to 21 years old. Visit chandlersangels.org.

• Beaver Brook Association is hosting Strawberry Station: A Family Event at Brown Lane Barn (52 Brown Lane, Hollis) on Sunday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn to spot wild strawberries and make strawberry shortcake. The cost is $45; children are free, but attendees must register in advance. Visit beaverbrook.org.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Curry Place, 846 Route 3, Holderness) will hold its StoryWalk Kickoff Reception: The Bugliest Bug, on Friday, June 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stroll along the path that surrounds the Holderness Town Gazebo while reading The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields, posted one page at a time along the trail. The story is about the news of a big contest taking place in the land of insects. After the kickoff reception, the trail will be open daily through Sept. 6.

• Dozens of high school football players from across the state will participate in this year’s CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game, scheduled for Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at Saint Anselm College (100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester). General admission tickets are $15, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). Visit chadkids.org.

• The Prescott Park Arts Festival has movies on the schedule for screening in Prescott Park in Portsmouth (prescottpark.org). A $5 per person donation is suggested to make a reservation (with other options for a table or blanket). The Monday Night Movie Series kicks off on Monday, June 27, at 8:30 p.m. with a screening of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13, 2012). The rest of the lineup includes Encanto (PG, 2021) on Monday, July 11, at 8:30 p.m.; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (PG, 1980) on Monday, July 18, at 8:30 p.m.; Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13, 2012) on Monday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m.; Clue (PG, 1985) on Monday, Aug. 1, at 8:30 p.m.; Grease: Sing-Along (1978) on Monday Aug. 8, at 8:30 p.m.; Hook (PG, 1991) on Monday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 p.m., and The Wizard of Oz (1939) on Monday, Aug. 29, at 8:30 p.m.

• Join the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) for Fourth on the Farm, happening on Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be historical reenactments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, lawn games, tractor rides, strawberry shortcake and more. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• If you spend a summer Monday at the beach, finish your day at the coast with Movie Night Mondays on Hampton Beach (next to the playground) starting July 11 at dusk (approximately 8:22 p.m. for that first movie and then a few minutes earlier for each subsequent film). The films run weekly through Aug. 29, admission is free, bring a chair or blanket. The lineup of family-friendly films kicks off with Paw Patrol (G, 2021) on July 11. See hamptonbeach.org for the full schedule and the approximate dusk times; rain days are Tuesdays.

• It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday, a 200-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series race at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the Whelen Manufactured in America 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at 6 p.m. on Sunday, the Ambetter 301 will kick off at 3 p.m. Adult tickets start at $49 while kids ages 12 and under are $10. Visit nhms.com.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) will hold its annual classic car show on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See a wide variety of cars on display, along with restored antique fire trucks courtesy of Amoskeag Reserve Engine Co. Trophies will be given out for the People’s Choice and Museum awards, and the show will also include a 50/50 raffle, food trucks and more. Admission to participate in the show is $10 per vehicle, while for spectators it’s $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under (admission is cash only). Visit nhahs.org.

Old Stage & Tavern Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton). Experience what it was like to travel by stagecoach in the 1800s, then tour the museum’s historic Jones farmhouse with guides in period dress. There will also be tractor rides, and candle making and basket making demonstrations, along with a scavenger hunt with prizes awarded. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) will host a special Truck and Tractor Day on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be a large display of trucks, tractors, wagons and antique cars dating back to the mid-1900s. Tractor rides will be available around the farm for attendees to visit with the resident cows, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and chickens. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• Firefighters and police officers from across the Granite State will renew their friendly rivalry during the annual Battle of the Badges Baseball Classic, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester). Visit chadkids.org.

• One of the largest car shows in the area, Cruising Downtown is scheduled to return to the streets of downtown Manchester for its 21st year on Saturday, Sept. 3. Visit manchesterrotary.com for updates.

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Art & Museums

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) is a place for people of all ages to learn about America’s revolutionary history. It provides access to historic buildings and interactive, historically accurate depictions of what life was like during the American revolution. Museum tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, and $4 for children ages 6 to 18. Tickets are free for children under age 6 and for active or retired military veterans. Save the date for the museum’s 32nd annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) is dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation and features interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s open Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and over, veterans, active duty and kids ages 6 through 12, and is free for kids age 5 and under, with a $30 maximum for families.

• Travel back to a simpler time at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury), a restored Shaker village and history museum with historic buildings, interactive exhibits and activities, educational programs and more. The Village grounds and trails are open every day from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Guided indoor and outdoor tours with different themes are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tour tickets cost $20 to $25 for adults, depending on the tour, and are free for visitors age 25 and under. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover, 742-2002, childrens-museum.org) is a family museum featuring unique interactive exhibits with a focus on art, science and culture. Summer hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, with an additional session from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Masks are required on Tuesday and Sunday, but optional Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are available for either the morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) sessions and cost $11 for adults and children over age 1 and $9 for seniors over age 65. Participants must register online. This summer the museum is providing concert seats from its patio, directly across from the main stage where Dover’s Cochecho Arts Festival performances will be taking place on Fridays, July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per person.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) offers Creative Studio, a themed art-making project for families, every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free for New Hampshire residents. On the third Saturday of every month it hosts Art for Vets Family Days, where veterans and active military members and their families get free admission to the museum and can enjoy art-making activities and a complimentary lunch. Registration is required for all special events. Current gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17 and free for children age 12 and under and museum members. General admission to the museum is also free for New Hampshire residents on the second Saturday of the month. Call 669- 6144 or visit currier.org.

Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center (26 Main St., Peterborough, 924-4555, mariposamuseum.org) is a museum of art and artifacts from around the world that includes hands-on exhibits with costumes, puppets, instruments and more for children to explore. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3 through 16.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com) is a museum focused on astronomy and aviation, offering interactive exhibits, simulations, an observatory, a planetarium and more. It’s open daily during the summer, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs$11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors and $8.50 for kids ages 3 through 12. The museum also features a variety of planetarium shows, with daily showtimes on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an additional cost of $5 per person.

• The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum)is dedicated to educating the public about Manchester’s history, particularly the history of the Amoskeag Millyard. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.General admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62+ and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, free for kids under age 12.

• The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (1 Depot St., Warner, 456.2234, nhtelephonemuseum.com) features nearly 1,000 telephones, switchboards and other telecommunication memorabilia and history, and has an interactive kids room. Its summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and up and $3 for students in grades 1 through 12.

• Learn about New Hampshire marine life and science with live animals, hands-on exhibits and educational programs at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-8043, seacoastsciencecenter.org). Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3 to 11, and $8 for seniors age 65 and up. Children under age 3 are free. The Center recommends that attendees book ahead, since availability may be limited. The museum’s current special exhibit “The Edge of the Sea” allows kids to view various animals and organisms under a high-power microscope. The experience includes 500-gallon hands-on touch-tanks with simulated tide pools for visitors to view, touch and learn more about the ocean.

SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org) is a museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more, featuring interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. It’s home to the Lego Millyard Project, the largest permanent minifigure scale Lego installation in the world, depicting Manchester’s Amoskeag Millyard circa 1900. During the summer, the museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person and is free for kids under age 3.

Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org) is an outdoor museum preserving more than 300 years of history of New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans. Visitors can tour historic buildings preserved on their original foundations, meet historical costumed roleplayers, see traditional craft demonstrations and more. Summer hours at the museum are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $19.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors ages 65 and up and $9 for children ages 5 to 17. Children under age 5 are free. Family and group rates are also available. The museum will host its popular summer concert series Tuesdays on the Terrace every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning June 21. Hear local talent and mingle with the community by an open-air stage. Visitors should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) offers an all-ages family clay sculpting workshop on select Fridays at 4:15 p.m., for $20 per person, and a family pottery wheel workshop for kids ages 9 and up every Friday at 4:30 p.m., for $35 per person.

You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road #101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; yourefirednh.com) is an all-ages walk-in pottery studio, open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays are “Mini Mondays,” when studio fees for kids age 12 and under are half-off all day.

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At the library

Libraries across the Granite State have all sorts of summer reading programs and other fun events planned over the next few months. From arts and crafts to live music, nature, wildlife and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at their local library this summer.

Amherst Town Library

14 Main St., Amherst, 673-2288, amherstlibrary.org

Weekly storytimes: Family storytime (ages 3 and up) is Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10 (except July 20), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Little Listeners lapsit storytime (ages 3 and under) is Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 11 (except July 28), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 1 to 1:45 p.m. outside on the library grounds (all ages); no registration required

Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 12, 2 p.m.

Kick into Karate: Tuesday, July 19, and Friday, July 22, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

Children’s Pet Show: Wednesday, July 20, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Music with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up); no registration required

Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

End of Summer Ice Cream Social: Friday, Aug. 12, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Baker Free Library

509 South St., Bow, 224-7113, bowbakerfreelibrary.org

Pirate Party (summer reading kickoff event): Friday, June 17, 4 to 6 p.m. (all ages); features a special live performance from Miss Julieann at 5 p.m.

Weekly take-home craft kits:Each kit will include supplies and instructions for one craft project. New kits will be available every Monday on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning the week of June 20 and through the week of Aug. 8, and will be available for pickup any time the library is open.

Family storytime: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Glow in the Dark Nights: Wednesday, June 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 3 to 7), and Wednesday, July 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 8 and up); registration is required

Friday Summer Matinees: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 5, 1 to 4 p.m. (all ages); movie titles and descriptions will be available in the coming weeks)

Young Writers Workshop: Tuesday, June 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (grade 4 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

Young Writers Club drop-in hours: Thursdays, June 30 to July 21, 3 to 4 p.m. (grade 4 and up); no registration required

Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 4); registration is required

Ice Cream Party, featuring Mike the Bubble Man: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Bedford Public Library

3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-2300, bedfordnhlibrary.org

Weekly storytimes (registration required): Sailing Storytime (ages 6 and under), Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 28 (next one is June 16); Baby Sharks Storytime (ages 2 and under), Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 26 (next one is June 21); Starfish Storytime (ages 2 to 5), Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 27 (next one is June 22); Sprinkler Storytime (ages 12 and under), Saturdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., June 18 and July 16

Comics Workshops with Marek Bennett: Mondays, June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. (ages 9 to 12); registration is required

Drawing Under the Sea with Miss Lee Ann: Mondays, June 20, July 11 and July 25, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 6 to 9); registration is required

Touch-A-Truck event: Tuesday, June 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

Beach Explorers with UNH Marine Docents: Monday, June 27, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 5 to 12); registration is required

Zendoodles Under the Sea: Wednesdays, June 29, July 6, and July 20, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

H2OH! Party: Wednesday, July 6, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

Lunch Bunch: Thursdays, July 8, July 15, and July 22, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside under the library tent (ages 5 to 7); registration is required

Breakfast Buzz: Saturday, July 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

Magic by George: Monday, July 11, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

S’mores & Stories: Monday, July 18, 7 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

Summer Reading Finale Party: Friday, July 29, 2 to 3 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Boscawen Public Library

116 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-8576, boscawenpubliclibrary.org

Preschool storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (next one is June 22)

Make and take crafts: Thursday, June 30, 2 p.m.

Lego Saturdays: Saturdays, 10 a.m., July 2 to Aug. 6

Teddy bear workshop: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Brookline Public Library

16 Main St., Brookline, 673-3330, brooklinelibrarynh.org

Music Time with Miss Jackie: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. outside on the library grounds (next date is June 21, weather permitting)

Read to Kallie the dog: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 3:30 p.m.

Chester Public Library

3 Chester St., Chester, 887-3404, chesternh.org/chester-public-library

Bedtime stories: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (next one is June 20); registration is required. All ages welcome.

Weekly storytimes:Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); registration is required. All ages welcome.

Yarn wall garland craft: Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. All materials will be provided by the library (ages 9 and up); registration is required

Fishtail braiding craft: Tuesday, July 5, 2 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

Live animals program with the Seacoast Science Center: Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Pet show: Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m. (all ages and pets welcome, with prizes awarded); registration is required

Touch-A-Truck event at the Chester Fire Station: Tuesday, July 19, 1 p.m.; no registration required; rain date is July 26

Bubbles and Lights and Lasers show: Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Sand slime making activity: Wednesday, July 27, 4 p.m.; all materials will be provided by the library (all ages); registration is required

Tie-dye art activity: Thursday, July 28, 4 p.m.; bring your own T-shirt, socks or other clothing to tie-dye (all ages); registration is required

Concord Public Library

45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordpubliclibrary.net

Evening storytime: The Ocean Floor: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rolfe Park (79 Community Drive, Penacook); registration is required

Get to Know: The Outstanding Octopus: Friday, June 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Outdoor preschool storytime: Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (location varies depending on the date; the next one is scheduled for June 29 at Keach Park, 2 Newton Ave.)

Derry Public Library

64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org

Family storytimes on the patio: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; registration is required

Step Into Music!: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 2, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 3 to 5); registration is required

Enchantment Under the Sea Glow Dance Party: Tuesday, June 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Bedtime Stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 2 to 7); registration is required

Infant storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; registration is required

Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes:Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 1 to 3); registration is required

Explore the Coral Reefs: Thursday, June 23; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, June 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

Preschool storytimes: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8 (except July 4), 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to noon; registration is required

Fascinating Feelings of Dogs: Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Pool Noodle Sea Creatures: Thursday, June 30; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

Across Oceans: Exploring the Art, History and Culture of Japan: Thursday, July 7; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Teen comic workshop with Marek Bennett: Monday, July 11, 2 to 4 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Shell trinket dish and recycled bracelet workshop: Wednesday, July 13, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Fun With Dolphins: Thursday, July 14; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Jellyfish lantern workshop: Monday, July 18, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Shark Infested Fun!: Tuesday, July 19; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

No-sew octopus pillow workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Aquariums: Thursday, July 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

DIY marbled mugs workshop: Monday, July 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Searching for Treasure: Tuesday, July 26; includes a session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and one from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Campfire stories at the Taylor Library: Thursday, July 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; registration is required

Recycled submarines workshop: Monday, Aug. 1, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Lighthouses: Tuesday, Aug. 2; includes two sessions, at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

Seashell collages workshop: Thursday, Aug. 4; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

Pirate Scavenger Hunt: Tuesday, Aug. 9; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

End of Summer Party featuring magician BJ Hickman: Thursday, Aug. 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is recommended

Dunbarton Public Library

1004 School St., Dunbarton, 774-3546, dunbartonlibrary.org

Weekly storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. outside on the town band stand (next date is June 22)

Touch-A-Truck event: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. on the north side of the Town Common

Mr. Aaron live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

Judy Pancoast live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.

Goffstown Public Library

2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com

Whales & Seals presentation: Tuesday, June 21, at 10 a.m.; registration is required

Teen STEAM programs: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 2 p.m.

Reading with Candy the Therapy Dog: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, at 6 p.m.

Family Game Night: Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m.

Simple STEAM Activities: Mondays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 27)

Children’s movie matinee: Mondays at 2 p.m. (next one is June 27)

Preschool storytimes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June 28 to Aug. 3

Kids’ graphic novel book club: last Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 28)

Skywatch: Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 p.m.

Movers & Groovers: Thursdays, June 30 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

Kids Can Cook! workshop: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 1 p.m.

Teen Cuisine: Sea Creature Cupcake decorating: Wednesday, July 6, 3 p.m.

Teen Coding Hour: Thursday, July 7, 1 p.m.

Minecraft: Learning to Code for Kids: Thursday, July 7, 3 p.m.

Oceans of Bubbles: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.

Family drop-in storytimes: Saturdays, July 9 and Aug. 13, at 10 a.m.

Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 3 p.m.

Tie-dye workshop: Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.

Crazy about Pokemon!: Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Kids’ Picture Book Club: Fridays, July 29 and Aug. 12, at 10 a.m.

Drop-in video games: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m.

Family book discussion: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m.

Under the Sea tea party: Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m.

Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m.

Pirate Tales: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.

Teen Cuisine with Hannaford: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.

Drop-in craft extravaganza: Friday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m.

Murder mystery party: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4 to 6 p.m. (grades 5 through 12); registration is required

Griffin Free Public Library

22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483-5374, griffinfree.org

Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon (next one is June 21) and Fridays, 1 to 2 p.m. (next one is June 24)

Pirate adventure craft: Saturday, June 25, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

Sand painting craft: Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

Make a Scuba Diver craft: Saturday, July 16, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

Shark Week puppets: Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

Decode a Message in a Bottle: Saturday, Aug. 6, 1 to 2 p.m.; registration is required

Grand Finale Luau: Saturday, Aug. 13, noon to 2 p.m.

Hollis Social Library

2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, hollislibrary.org

Henna with Mandy: Tuesday, June 21, 5 p.m. (ages 12 and up); registration is required

Summer Reading Kick-off Party: Wednesday, June 22, 2 p.m. at Lawrence Barn Community Center (28 Depot Road, Hollis); all ages, registration is required

Music and Movement with Miss Jackie: Friday, June 24, 11 a.m. at Little Nichols Field, just outside the library (ages 6 and under); registration is required

Kids DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. (ages 6 to 10); registration is required

Teen DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 14); registration is required

Hooksett Public Library

31 Mount Saint Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org

Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Live performance from one-man-band Robert Depaolo: Saturday, June 18, noon to 2 p.m.

Bubble party: Monday, June 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

STEM the Tide program: Mondays, June 20 to July 25, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Silly Seals music and movement program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (ages 6 to 30 months); no registration required

Crafty Crabs craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 10 a.m. to noon (ages 6 and under); no registration required

Aquatic Artists craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 1 to 3 p.m. (ages 7 and up); no registration required

Weekly storytimes: Oceans of Possibilities family storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 10 to 10:45 a.m., or 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Pajama storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Ocean Explorers: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up)

Family Movie days: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, noon to 2 p.m. (see website for movie titles); no registration required

Drop-in Lego play: Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22

Family Bingo Night: Friday, June 24, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, June 27, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Ocean Tie-dye art: Friday, July 15, 10 a.m. to noon (limit to two tie-dye items per person); no registration required

Wildlife Encounters: Friday, July 22, 10 to 11 a.m.

Dance Party: Monday, July 25, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 6)

Kelley Library

234 Main St., Salem, 898-7064, kelleylibrary.org

Summer storytimes: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (next date is June 21)

Magic Fred: Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m. (outside the library, weather permitting)

Exploring NH beaches with UNH: Tuesday, June 28, 1 p.m. (ages 5 to 9); registration is required

Beach party: Wednesday, June 29, 1 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

Telewise STEM show: Wednesday, July 13, 2 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Ocean zone bottle workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 1 p.m. (ages 7 and up); registration is required

Pirate party: Tuesday, July 26, 3 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

Bath bomb workshop: Thursday, July 28, 1 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

Leach Library

276 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1132, londonderrynh.org

Froggy visits the library: Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m.; Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m., and Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m.

Craft day: Mondays, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. (ages 5 and under) and 1 p.m. (ages 6 to 11)

Guppy Gang storytimes: Tuesdays, June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 23, at 11 a.m.

Magician Peter Boie: Wednesday, June 29, at 4 p.m.

Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Monday, July 11, at 4 p.m.

Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 27, at 4 p.m.

Encanto movie screening: Friday, July 29, at 6 p.m.

The Ooch Experience: Yo-Yos, Music and Dance: Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m.

Manchester City Library

Main Branch, 405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550; West Branch, 76 N. Main St., Manchester, 624-6560, manchester.lib.nh.us

Weekly craft sessions Mondays at 10 a.m. (preschool to grade 2) and 2 p.m. (grades 3 through 6); next date is June 20; no registration required

Ocean Games afternoons: Mondays, 3 to 3:45 p.m., June 20 to Aug. 8

Toddler Tuesdays: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 21; see website for each week’s theme)

Elementary Experiments: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 21)

NH Audubon presentation: Scales, Scutes and Skins: Wednesday, June 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7 p.m.

Family storytimes: Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 2 to 5; next ones are June 23)

Drop-in Lego afternoons: Thursdays at 2 p.m. (ages 2 to 5; next one is June 23)

Creative Daze craft workshops: Thursdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 23)

Baby storytimes: Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 6 months to 2 years; next ones are June 24)

Board games and a movie: Fridays at noon (next one is June 24)

Storytime with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, June 29, 3 to 4 p.m.

Family Fare performances: Thursdays at 6 p.m. (next one is July 7 with musician Steve Blunt)

Storytime at the Mall of New Hampshire: Tuesdays, July 12 and Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m.

Indonesian Play Day: Tuesday, July 12, 1 to 2 p.m.

Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, July 20, 3 to 4 p.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

Fairy Tales, Food and Fun: Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon

Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• “Dinosaur Hunt”: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 5); registration is required

Back to School Celebration with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 3 p.m.

Maxfield Public Library

8 Route 129, Loudon, 798-5153, maxfieldlibrary.com

Bring your own blanket storytime: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 to 9); next one is June 16

Cursive writing club: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (ages 8 and up); next one is June 16

Art in the Afternoon: Friday, June 17, noon; no registration required

Bring your own blanket music and movement: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 and under); next one is June 21

Summer Reading Kick-off show with Steve Blunt: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.

Rocky shores of New Hampshire, with UNH: Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

Merrimack Public Library

470 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org

Comics Club: Thursdays, June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (grades 4 through 6); registration is required

Creative Corner: Fridays, June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19, at 3:15 p.m.

Saturday stories: Saturdays, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Musical Me: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

Sleepy stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 7 p.m.

Read Aloud Book Club with Miss Sam: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4 p.m. (next one is June 21)

Sunshine storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 17, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Summer Reading Kick-off with Ben Rudnick and Friends: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7:15 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

Books and Babies: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 18, at 10:30 a.m. (ages 2 and under)

Storytime in the Park: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 19, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

Choosy Chapters with Miss Cathy and Miss Jenny: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 12, at 4 p.m.

Grimm’s Fairy Tales family trivia: Fridays, June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom

Facebook Live storytime: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 15 (except July 4) 10:30 to 11 a.m.; ages 2 to 6

Magical Make Believe: Every other Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 29), via YouTube

Tween boat building workshop: Friday, July 1, 2 to 3 p.m.

Pokemon Club Session A: First Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. (next one is July 6); recommended for kindergarten through grade 5; registration is required

Make recycled art: Tuesday, July 12, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 14, noon to 1 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 3 to 8); registration is recommended

Beach Baby Blast: Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 2 and under)

Pokemon Club Session B: third Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m., next one is July 20 (recommended for kindergarten through grade 5); registration is required

Nashua Public Library

2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org

Outdoor lapsit storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 16), 18 months and under

Outdoor STEAM storytimes: Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 18); all ages

Outdoor preschool storytimes: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); ages 3 to 5

Outdoor toddler storytimes: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (except July 4; next one is June 27); ages 18 months to 2 years

Shaping Watersheds workshop: Thursday, June 30, 2 to 3 p.m.; grades 3 to 5

English/Spanish bilingual storytime: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.

Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 7, 2 p.m.

Pajama storytime: Thursdays, July 7 and Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Family Field Day: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

Comics workshop with Kids Con New England’s Emily Drouin: Wednesday, July 20, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

Underwater Art in a Jar: Thursday, July 21, 2 p.m.; kindergarten to grade 2

Lights and Lasers: Thursday, July 28, 2 p.m. (grades 3 to 5); registration is required

Cupcake decorating workshop: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

Who Would Win: Ultimate Ocean Showdown: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 2)

Nesmith Library

8 Fellows Road, Windham, 432-7154, nesmithlibrary.org

Teen Summer Reading Kick-off with Kate Sheridan of The Laundress Tarot: Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Summer Reading Kick-off with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.

Storytime at the Windham Town Beach: Fridays, July 1, July 15 and July 22, at 10:30 a.m. at 45 Cobbetts Pond Road, Windham

Finding Nemo scavenger hunt: Tuesday, July 5, to Friday, July 8; no registration required

Teen mermaid scrub takeaway: Tuesday, July 5, all day starting at 9 a.m.

Camping evening storytimes: Thursdays, July 7 and July 28, 6:30 p.m. (all ages)

Make it Mondays crafts: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. (all ages)

Teen Captain’s log: Waves & Troughs: Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m. (ages 7 to 12)

STEAM: Oceans of Possibilities: Wednesdays, July 13 to Aug. 10, at 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 11); registration is required

Wildlife Encounters: Thursday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

Tween Percy Jackson party: Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8)

Touch-A-Truck event: Thursday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.

Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Tuesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8), and 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 10:30 a.m.

Teen Mario Kart tournament: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12)

Magic by Fred: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m.

Teen Murder Mystery dinner: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

Children’s Summer Reading Wrap-up party: Thursday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

Pelham Public Library

24 Village Green, Pelham, 635-7581, pelhampubliclibrary.org

Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. (next ones are June 16 and June 21)

Read to a Dog: Thursdays; multiple sessions available between 4 and 4:45 p.m. (next ones are June 16)

Daddy & Donuts storytime: Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.

Kids’ gaming afternoon: Mondays, June 27, July 11 and Aug. 8, at 2:30 p.m.

Summer Reading Kick-off: Wednesday, June 29, 6 p.m.

Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Thursday, June 30; multiple sessions available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (ages 8 and up)

Virtual Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Friday, July 1, noon

Make a Birdhouse: Wednesday, July 6, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Tuesday, July 12, 7 p.m.

Make a Giant Squid: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

Throwback kids’ movie screenings: Fridays, July 15 and Aug. 5, at 2:30 p.m.

UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Tuesday, July 19, at 4 p.m.

Sink or Float (boat making workshop): Wednesday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

Doodling workshop with Cara Bean: Tuesday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m. (suitable for ages 8 to 14); virtual option also available

Sharks, Skates and Rays: A Virtual Field Trip: Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 2:30 p.m.

Ceramic painting: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 6:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

Make a Sea Life mobile: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

Pembroke Town Library

313 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-7851, pembroke-nh.com/library

Dads & Donuts storytime: Friday, June 17, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Oceans of “Craftabilities” drop-in craft event: Tuesday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Super Spanish with Senora Manzelli: Fridays, June 24 through July 29, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Baby Sharks in the Park (storytime and music and movement): Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Memorial Park in Pembroke

Jumpin’ Jellyfish (storytime and music and movement): Tuesdays, June 28 to Aug. 2, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Ocean STEM Club: Wednesdays, June 29 to Aug. 3, 4 to 5 p.m.

Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, July 11, 4 to 5 p.m.

Animal Ambassadors: Wednesday, July 13, 2 to 3 p.m.

Living Shores aquarium visit: Wednesday, July 27, 3 to 4 p.m.

Rodgers Memorial Library

194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org

Story Safari programs at Benson’s Park (19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson): Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., June 16 to Aug. 2 (geared toward ages 3 to 8)

Family candy bar bingo: Thursday, June 16, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Tween and teen candy bar bingo (grades 5 through 12): Thursday, June 16, 3 to 4 p.m.

Welcome summer party with Steve Blunt: Friday, June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Creative Kids programs: Mondays, June 20 to July 25 (except July 4) 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Tween Scene and Fantasy Book Club events: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26 at 3 p.m. (themes vary depending on the week)

Songs & Snuggles: Wednesdays, June 22 through July 27, at 10 a.m. (birth to 18 months old)

Teen Anime & Manga club: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, at 2:30 p.m.

Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

Family playtime: Thursdays, June 24 to July 28, at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Curious Kids programs: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 10 a.m.

Tween and Teen DIY events: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 1:30 p.m. (grades 5 through 8) and 3 p.m. (grades 8 through 12)

Puzzle Swap: Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to noon; all ages

Dungeons & Donuts: Saturday, June 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; all ages

Teen K-Pop night: Tuesday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m.

Encanto movie screenings: Wednesday, July 29, 1 p.m., and Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m.

Let’s Play Music! concert: Friday, July 1, 6 p.m.

Turtles of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Tuesday, July 5, 1:30 p.m.

Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 13, 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m.

Marine Mammal Rescue, with the Seacoast Science Center: Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m.

Harry Potter birthday event: Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.

Pottering around the U.K.: real life locations from the world of Harry Potter: Tuesday, July 26, 7 p.m. (virtual event)

Sandown Public Library

305 Main St., Sandown, 887-3428, sandownlibrary.us

Story hour: Thursday, June 16, 10 to 11 a.m.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Mondays, 9:30 to 10 a.m. (next one is June 20)

Family Fun in the Kitchen: Monday, June 20, 4 to 5 p.m.

Graphic novel book club: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

Octopus slime: Wednesday, July 6, 4 to 5 p.m.

Messy Mondays: Mondays, July 11 and Aug. 8, 10 to 11 a.m.

PJ storytime: Wednesday, July 20, 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Smyth Public Library

55 High St., Candia, 483-8245, smythpl.org

Outdoor gazebo storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

Summer Reading Kick-off: Aquatic Critters: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. (featuring the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center)

Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.

Wadleigh Memorial Library

49 Nashua St., Milford, 249-0645, wadleighlibrary.org

Teen Summer Reading Kick-off: Friday, June 17, 3 p.m.

Children’s Summer Reading Launch Party: Friday, June 17, 6 p.m.

Teen writing group meetings: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 3 p.m.,

Baby lapsit: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. (next one is June 22); no registration required

Tie-dye t-shirts: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 6 p.m.; registration is required

Little Explorers programs: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

Teen craft and STEAM events: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, at 3 p.m.

Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, June 27, 10 a.m.

Painting on Canvas program: Tuesday, June 28, 2 to 3 p.m. (ideal for kids ages 2 to 5); registration is required

Fourth of July crafts: Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, 9 a.m.

Pirate Palooza: Wednesday, July 6, 11 a.m.

Drop-in games: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon

Family storytimes: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.

Make your own “Socktupus”: Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. to noon

Owls of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Sunday, July 17, 2 to 3 p.m.

Sea slime workshop: Monday, July 18, 3 to 5 p.m.

Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Wednesday, July 20, 10 a.m.

Mer-Madness: Wednesday, July 27, 11 a.m.

Book Bingo: Thursday, July 28, 5:30 p.m.

Teen Summer Reading Wrap-Up party: Thursday, Aug. 4, 3 p.m.

End of Summer Ice Cream party: Friday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m.

Weare Public Library

10 Paige Memorial Lane, Weare, 529-2044, wearepubliclibrary.com

Summer reading Kick-off party: Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.; all ages

Mario Kart 8 tournament: Tuesday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. (recommended for kids ages 7 and up); registration is required

Whipple Free Library

67 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, 487-3391, whipplefreelibrary.org

Weekly storytimes: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., dates offered June 20 to July 29

Summer Reading Kick-off: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Monday, June 20, 6:30 p.m. on the New Boston Town Common

UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Monday, June 27, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Whimsical Wednesdays: Wednesdays, June 29 to July 27

Whalemobile: Thursday, July 21; includes sessions at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon for younger kids and at 12:30 p.m. for teens

Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library

7 Forest Road, Wilton, 654-2581, wiltonlibrarynh.org

Story circle: Thursdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 16) outside on the library grounds

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Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

This Week 22/06/16

Big Events June 16, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, June 16

The 22nd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic runs today through Saturday, June 18, with artists working on their solo creations leading up to voting for the People’s Choice Award on Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. (a fireworks display will follow at 9:30 p.m.). The sculptures will then be lighted for nightly viewing through June 26. See hamptonbeach.org.

Friday, June 17

Grab a burger at The Barley House (132 N. Main St. in Concord; thebarleyhouse.com), which is holding its annual Burgerfest to raise money for Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. See the menu of burgers (which includes options such as Brie and Chutney Bison Burger, Beef Wellington Burger, Stuffed Portabello Burger, Bourbon Steakhouse Burger and Bali Lamb Burger) at thebarleyhouse.com/burgerfest-2022. The Burgerfest started June 13 and runs through Saturday, June 18.

Saturday, June 18

The Palace Theatre will hold its 3rd annual Queen City Gardens self-guided tour today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on the day (register at Demers Garden Center, 656 Mammoth Road in Manchester, from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday or purchase tickets via palacetheatre.org/calendar/queen-city-gardens-garden-tour).

Saturday, June 18

Get 20 acts on three stages at today’s Pizzastock 6, the annual tribute concert held by the Jason R. Flood Memorial. The event runs from noon to 8:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club in Derry (40 E. Derry Road) and will feature family activities, community service tables, food trucks, pizza and musical acts including More Than Jake, The Nostalgics, The Hasbeens, Cozy Throne (the Pizzastock 4.5 winner) and Second To Last Minute (the Pizzastock 5.5 winner; pictured), according to pizzastock.org. Admission is free.

Saturday, June 18

The Nashua Parks and Recreation department kicks off its SummerFun schedule with Celebrating DPW Day today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua), featuring live music (including Joe Birch at 10:15 a.m.), BJ Hickman Magic Show at 11:15 a.m., local stage acts, a bounce house, vendors and more. See nashuanh.gov for more on today’s event and the summer line-up of entertainment and activities. For more family fun, check out this week’s cover story (starting on page 10).

Sunday, June 19

Treat Dad to some strawbereries (today is Father’s Day). Beaver Brook Association is hosting Strawberry Station: A Family Event at Brown Lane Barn (52 Brown Lane in Hollis) today from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about wild strawberries and make strawberry shortcake, according to beaverbrook.org where you must register for the event in advance. The cost is $45 per family.

Monday, June 20

The SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org) will hold its Kickoff to Summer today through Sunday, June 26, with special activities, raffles and “Spinning Science into Fun” performances by Brett “Ooch” Outchcunis featuring yo-yos, spin tops, frisbees and more, according to a press release. The center is open daily at 10 a.m. (through 4 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends) and admission costs $10 per person ages 3 and up. Advance registration is recommended, the website said.

Featured photo. Second to Last Minute will perform at Pizzastock 6. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/06/16

BROs helping kids

The Webster House Children’s Home in Manchester has partnered with BROs Inc., again as its charity of choice for its second annual Samurai Ride, which will raise funds to support the growing needs of the home. According to a press release, the ride will take off from Livingston Park in Manchester on Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 a.m., ending at Block Party Social in Hooksett with a raffle hosted by BROs Inc. At the inaugural event last year, BROs Inc. raised more than $3,500 with a total of 60 bikers.

Score: +1

Comment: “The kids are excited to end the ride at Block Party Social, a familiar favored activity spot for our children,” Blair Stairs, executive director of the home, said in the release.

Volunteers helping kids

A group of 25 colleagues from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will do volunteer work for Girls at Work, Inc. in Manchester as part of Point32Health’s annual Volunteer Week, going on June 13 through June 17. According to a press release, the volunteers will build and install raised garden beds at the building’s main entrance, build and install window boxes on the building’s access ramp and prepare the woodworking workshop for the organization’s seven-week summer camp beginning on June 27.

Score: +1

Comment:The second annual Volunteer Week has more than 1,200 volunteers serving at 49 nonprofits across New England.

Grant brings fun for kids

The YMCA of Downtown Manchester will host its sixth annual Rock the Block celebration on Saturday, June 25, after a two-year hiatus from community-wide events, according to a press release. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Community Event and Activation Grant, the Y is receiving a $10,000 grant for the event, which was created to promote community health and wellness.

Score: +1

Comment: The event will run from noon to 2 p.m., with Mechanic Street closed to vehicle traffic. It’s free and open to the public and will feature a live DJ, games, bounce houses, arts and crafts, face painting, giveaways and wellness activities, according to the release.

More supply chain woes

Multiple national media reports and a press release from Sen. Maggie Hassan added another product to the list of things experiencing some shortages and reports of price hikes: tampons. According to a press release from Hassan, who is also a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the senator addressed major U.S. tampon manufacturers Procter & Gamble, Edgewell Personal Care, Kimberly-Clark and Johnson & Johnson in a public letter, stating, “At the beginning of the pandemic, price gouging of essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and hand sanitizer was rightly criticized as an exploitation of an emergency for financial gain. Menstrual products should receive that same consideration.” A totally unscientific check of two drug stores and a supermarket in Bedford on June 14 revealed empty spaces on shelves for some brands and sizes but also some available products — a not unfamiliar state of things with many products over the past two years. (Similarly, a scan of the Target app on June 14 showed many brands and sizes in stock somewhere in southern New Hampshire, though not as many options at each store as buyers might be used to. Shipping was available for many, but not all, products.)

Score: -2 for the aggravation

Comment: Similar trends with baby formula led the Biden administration to invoke the Defense Production Act last month, according to the release.

QOL score: 79

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 80

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Tatum looks for his groove

As I write this, Game 5 of the NBA Finals goes off tonight in San Francisco with the Celtics and Warriors tied at two games apiece.

That is vexing to me as a writer because you will not see this until after it’s over, and going in I have no idea what is going to happen.

Part of that has to do with the rhythm of any seven-game series, while the other part, as Yogi Berra might say, is mental. By that I mean since Game 1 of the Milwaukee series the Celtics just can not stand prosperity. The latest example is Friday’s Game 4, where with a 2-1 lead and playing in front of a ravenous, frothing at the mouth crowd the series was there for the taking, especially after they jumped out to an early double-digit lead. But they didn’t/couldn’t keep their foot on the gas and let Golden State back in the game, which eventually cost them as under a barrage of late-game Steph Curry bombs they lost.

Give GS credit for staying the course and being tough enough to win in that environment. And the Celtics are hardly the first team to get bulldozed by Curry. But still, it seems like the C’s let a golden opportunity to take command of the series slip away.

However if you’ve been following this playoff season it shouldn’t have been a surprise really, as it’s had only two constants so far. One is that, by somehow going just 6-5 at home, the Celtics seem determined to make it harder on themselves. The other constant is their resilience. Just when you think they’ve put themselves in a hole they won’t get out of by losing all those supposedly vital home games, they do, thanks to being a ridiculous 8-3 in enemy buildings.

All of which brings me back to my original statement. I have no idea what’s going to happen in Game 5, let alone 6 and 7.

However, Curry’s brilliance aside, the unpredictability of the first four games speaks to why I much prefer the NBA playoffs to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. It’s a to each his/her own world. But, while watching the run of a dark horse is fun, you can luck out to win in a one-and-done tournament (see Villanova–Georgetown 1985), but outside of losing a key guy to an injury, you can’t luck out in a long series. You’ve got to earn it by surviving the inevitable ups and downs that come when excellent teams face each other seven times in a row. It builds friction among players that leads to increasing physical play and the kind of hard feelings that can form the foundation of a real rivalry. That rarely happens in the tournament.

There’s also the overreactions of the fans and pundits from game to game to enjoy. Like Steven A. Blowhard saying the Warriors looked in trouble after Game 1. Ridiculous. The C’s famed Mother’s Day massacre of L.A. shows Game 1 is just one game. Instead, most times, these things go game to game. Especially in the first four.

Then there was just last year when Phoenix dusted the Bucks by double figures in the first two games, to have the media spouting OMG, they’re dead because only four teams have ever climbed out of an 0-2 hole to win a title. Well guess what? It’s now five times because the best player in that series took it over after Game 2 to lead Milwaukee to win four straight, culminating with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s historic 50-point game in Game 6.

Which brings us to the point of this diatribe. While sometimes, like Cedric Maxwell in 1981 or Grant Williams in Game 7 vs. Milwaukee, an unexpected surprise happens. I’m standing by what I said before the series: that for the Celtics to win Jayson Tatum had to play Curry even and Jaylen Brown had to outplay Klay Thompson. So far the latter has happened, but with Curry averaging 34 per and making several backbreaking shots in the GS wins, the former has not.

And that’s where the series lies in the last three games — in the lap of Tatum, who has not played well in either of the last two series. At least not to the dominating level he showed in series wins over Brooklyn and Milwaukee.

It speaks to a guy’s talent when a big mouth like me can say a guy averaging 22 a game isn’t playing well. But the way to tell if a star is struggling, beyond the stats, is hearing announcers like the ABC crew bending over backward to talk about Tatum’s improved passing and floor game. That’s great and speaks well to the future. But Tatum isn’t paid to pass. He gets the big money for scoring big and imposing his will on big games. That’s what’s needed here because the Celtics won’t win unless he does.

Can he do that? Yes. Will he do it? I don’t have a clue. Though as of right now I’d bet on Curry, because Tatum hasn’t reached the point yet where you know he’s going to come through even when he doesn’t.

It was like that with Larry Bird. But even he suffered through some tough times, like his miserable games 3, 4 and 5 vs. Houston in the 1981 Finals, where he shot 11 for 37 as he scored just 8, 8 and 12 points in those games.

You can say it’s not fair to compare Tatum to Bird. But at that point he wasn’t Larry Legend. He was just in his second season and yet to win a title. But he came back in Game 6 to put 27-13-5 on the board in a 102-91 series-ending win.

Which brings us back to resilience. It’s been their calling card so far and how you win. You keep moving forward to get your groove back.

We’ll know by now if Tatum found his in Game 5.

Student-led

A Nashua sophomore talks about the March for Our Lives

On Saturday, June 11, students from Nashua North and South high schools gathered in Greeley Park in Nashua for a March for Our Lives protest as part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness about gun violence and advocate for gun control legislation. Nashua High School North sophomore Aarika Roy organized the event.

What is March for Our Lives?

March for our Lives is a student-led organization that was created by the survivors of the Parkland shooting, which happened in Florida in 2018. [Students] started doing marches … fighting for gun reform and justice.

How did you end up organizing one in Nashua?

When they had their first [march], Nashua students had organized one. At the time, I was only in the sixth grade. My mom [was] a teacher [at the time], and she figured it was important to get me exposed to the political world. … She brought me to the protests, and I joined kids from all different ages. It was honestly a really great experience for me. It’s how I got into activism. I was able to hear all these people give speeches, I was able to meet Maggie Hassaan as a little kid, and it was really great. After the Uvalde shooting, I felt like everything was getting [to be] too much, and I figured it was time for another [march]. I started asking around, like, ‘Hey, is anybody doing this?’ because I knew some people might be interested, and everyone was like, ‘No, I don’t have the time [to organize it], but I would go to it,’ so I was like, ‘OK, I can make the time to do it.’

What was the turnout and the response like?

There were at least 150 people. … We were expecting counter-protesters to be there, and they were, but it wasn’t that bad. … We got a lot of news coverage on this, which is great. There were a lot of different groups there, like Moms Demand Action, so we were able to meet a lot of people. Jim Donchess, our [Nashua] mayor, was there, and he commended a lot of us. We were able to get Sen. Maggie Hassaan to come, and we had speakers like Shoshanna Kelly, Alderwoman at Large … and Laura Telerski, who is a state rep.

What topics were discussed?

As the main organizer of the event, I was the first speaker. I basically just gave a quick introduction. Then, there were student speakers, and they talked about how they felt unsafe … how we feel scared to go to school … and how people need to put pressure on their legislators to sign in the right laws that will keep us safe, and to vote in the right people who will pass the laws to keep us safe.

What was involved in organizing the march?

I’m involved in a lot of socio-political organizations. I’ve been [involved] in organizing protests, but never organized one on my own. That’s the reason I was a little bit hesitant before I decided to do this protest, but I’m so glad I did, because I was able to learn a lot. It took two or three weeks [to plan]. … I started by … [designing] a flyer and posting on my social media … [calling for people] to get involved. I got a lot of really great responses. From there, I started organizing meetings. We figured out a location, which ended up being Greeley Park in Nashua. … We were able to get a lot of press coverage. … We got a lot of parents involved. … The day before, I was just making posters all night, and they turned out really great.

What are your future plans for the movement?

I don’t want to have to do this again. It’s awful that we had to have it in the first place again. If [a shooting] like this happens again, I will definitely take part in setting up and organizing another one again, but our hope is that it never happens again, not in New Hampshire or anywhere.

Featured photo: Aarika Roy, speaking at the March for Our Lives Nashua event. Photo courtesy of Aarika Roy.

News & Notes 22/06/16

Covid-19 update As of June 6As of June 13
Total cases statewide 327,358 328,834
Total current infections statewide 3,658 (as of June 2) 2,707 (as of June 9)
Total deaths statewide 2,542 2,555
New cases 2,985 (May 28 to June 6) 1,476 (June 7 to June 13)
Current infections: Hillsborough County 1,593 1,115
Current infections: Merrimack County 525 370
Current infections: Rockingham County 1,330 905
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Fentanyl legislation

Sen. Maggie Hassan has helped to introduce a new bipartisan bill created to combat the fentanyl epidemic. According to a press release from the Senator’s office, “Bruce’s Law,” led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, will support federal prevention and education efforts surrounding fentanyl, authorizing new community-based coalition enhancement grants to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl, and giving drug-free communities coalitions access to additional funds to bolster their efforts to end deadly fentanyl use. “I am proud to cosponsor bipartisan legislation like Bruce’s Law to continue addressing the substance misuse crisis and pushing for necessary resources,” Sen. Hassan said in the release. The law is named afterRobert “Bruce” Snodgrass, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2021 at the age of 22. “Bruce’s story echoes that of many Granite Staters whose families and communities continue to be devastated by fentanyl and the substance misuse crisis,” Hassan said. “This is an issue that should be approached from all angles to prevent more lives lost, which is why we provide educational grants in this bipartisan bill to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.”

A boost for child care

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will issue an additional $6 million to child care providers who qualified to receive American Rescue Plan Stabilization funds in the fall of 2021. According to a press release from DHHS, 486 child care programs are set to receive a sum, based on their licensed capacity, which could amount to up to $165 per child. Programs are encouraged to use the funds for staffing and occupancy costs, and about 75 percent of them have indicated that they plan to do so, the release said. New Hampshire has distributed more than $100 million in aid to child care providers throughout the state since the spring of 2020.

Better internet access

New Hampshire has been announced as the first state in the country to receive approval for a broadband expansion plan utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. According to a press release from the office of Gov. Chris Sununu, the $50 million plan will improve access to reliable broadband in unserved and underserved parts of the state. New Hampshire had dedicated $13 million in short-term CARES Act Funds to broadband expansion in 2020, which benefited more than 4,500 households throughout the state, “well before the federal government even created a program to do so themselves,” Gov. Sununu said in a statement on June 7, when the news was announced. “Today’s announcement is another step forward as New Hampshire continues to serve as a leader in expanding broadband services.” New Hampshire’s Statewide Broadband Build Program will select local internet service providers for the expanded areas, working with broadband networks that are owned, operated by or affiliated with local governments, nonprofits and cooperatives as much as possible. It is expected to serve around 15,000 rural and remote residences and businesses, which represents approximately half of the locations that are currently in need of access to high-speed internet, the release said.

Covid vaccines for children

The first batch of Covid vaccinations approved for infants and young children could arrive in New Hampshire as soon as June 20, the New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services announced in an official health alert. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines will be available to children ages 6 months through 4 years, and Moderna vaccines will be available to children ages 6 months through 5 years. NHPR reported that the state is expected to receive 12,200 doses in the first order, split evenly between Pfizer and Moderna, which will be distributed to local hospitals, health centers, doctor’s offices and other health care providers, while pharmacy chains that administer the vaccine will be issued doses directly from the federal government. The children’s vaccinations come 18 months after the first adults in the state became eligible for vaccination in December 2020.

A new traffic pattern is being implemented on Route 101 in Bedford as part of the red-listed bridge replacement at Pulpit Brook, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced. Daytime paving work was scheduled to take place Tuesday, June 14, through Thursday, June 16, weather permitting, to create a temporary traffic diversion. The diversion will require one-way alternating traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will remain in use until the Fall.

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig will join Queen City Pride on Friday, June 17, at noon, at Manchester City Hall (1 City Hall Plaza) for the Pride Flag Raising, according to the Mayor’s public schedule.

The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough will present a tribute to local educator Tim Clark on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. Clark died shortly before the publication of his book Beginning Educator: Navigating A Second Career In Teaching, which features a collection of twice-monthly columns he had been writing for the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript. Clark’s wife, May Clark, and Jason Lambert, both of whom are also teachers, will read selected columns and remember Tim Clark’s life. Call 924-3543 or visit toadbooks.com.

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