Tag: 230907

Cooking and gardening: a marriage made in heaven

Grow basil, eat pesto, let the kids help out

I love to cook, and I love to eat. I got started gardening in the vegetable garden more than 70 years ago, in part, because everyone I knew loved to eat homegrown vegetables — raw in the garden, fresh in the kitchen or cooked for dinner. I’d pull a carrot and rinse it off with a hose — or just wipe off the dirt on my shirt. My mother didn’t care if I ate some fresh (organic) soil with my carrot; she was just glad I liked carrots.

This is the season for pesto, a dish that is heavenly — and simple to make. It has just four basic ingredients: fresh basil, garlic, Romano or Parmesan cheese, olive oil and nuts (and salt and pepper to taste). I used to use pine nuts, but when their price went north of $20 a pound I switched to walnuts. They taste great, too.

We grow a lot of basil each year — 20 plants or more this year. You can grow it in big pots if you don’t have space for a vegetable garden. But this year, if you didn’t grow basil, visit your local farm stand and get a couple of big bunches. For my recipe you will need 2 cups of basil leaves packed down in a 2-cup measure.

If you grew your own basil, hopefully it has not started to bolt — get tall and flower. It will still be usable even if it has, but it is tastier before that happens. Throw away any flowers that have appeared — and snip off flowers on other plants that you are not harvesting today. Blossoming makes the basil a bit bitter.

Wash the basil, then spin dry in a salad spinner if you have one. Remove the leaves from the stems and then pat the leaves dry with a cloth towel. You need enough basil to fill a 2-cup measuring cup with leaves packed down firmly, which is a lot of leaves.

Place leaves in a food processor and add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of roasted walnuts or pine nuts and pulse a few times. I brown the raw nuts in a cast-iron fry pan at medium heat. They brown better if you lightly oil the pan. But be careful: They can easily be burned, so stay right there, stirring constantly until they just brown. I find roasting improves the flavor considerably.

Next, prepare the garlic. You can use a lot or a little, depending on your love of raw garlic. I crush three large or six small cloves of garlic in a garlic press, add to the blender and pulse. I grow my own garlic but you can buy it if you don’t. Har-neck garlic is more flavorful than soft-neck — ask for it at a farm stand, as grocery stores don’t tend to sell it.

Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of olive oil slowly with the food processor running. Blend the ingredients until the leaves, nuts and garlic are totally blended. Finally add half a cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and pulse until well mixed in. Taste immediately on a toasted baguette or an English muffin. This is heaven.
This has not been a stellar year for tomatoes. All the rain and the paucity of sun has caused many tomatoes to get overwhelmed by fungal diseases. Fortunately, one of my favorites has done well. It’s called Sun Gold. It’s a cherry tomato that is not only delicious but also relatively productive and disease-resistant. I grow a dozen plants each year and each plant gives me 100 tomatoes or more. They grow in clusters of 10 to 20, producing from early to late in the season.

I dehydrate most of my Sun Golds, but also love them fresh in salads, in sandwiches, or cut in half and mixed with pesto. When I put them in a food dryer, I cut them in half with the cut side up. They turn into little nuggets of summer I use all winter in soups and stews.

Pesto is also good with boiled homegrown potatoes. I serve it as a potato salad with fresh tomatoes and a little celery. Yes, after giving up on celery years ago, I grew it this year and it has done well with all the rain. Although in the past it was tough and stringy and attracted slugs, this year it has been a pleasure to grow. I don’t harvest it all at once, but go down to the garden and cut what I need for that day. The stems are much smaller than commercial celery, but I’m glad I grew it.

I think the world would be a better place if every child learned to garden and learned the joy of eating fresh vegetables. You can teach your kids or grandchildren to love gardening the way my family did: Welcome kids to the garden, offer them meaningful jobs that are easy and fun, and never leave them alone to pull weeds. Let little ones ride in a wheelbarrow on top of a pile of weeds you pulled.

One of my first jobs in the garden was to stir the “tea” my Grampy brewed in a wooden barrel full of rain water and hen manure. I stood on an apple crate and stirred it with a long stick. It was a messy job, and a bit stinky, but it seemed like real work to a 3-year-old. Eventually I was allowed to dip out the tea in a metal frozen orange juice can, and give each tomato plant one full can. I’ve been hooked on gardening ever since.

Gardening really should be for everyone, so get your little people to spend time with you in the garden, even if they only search for toads and bugs or push trucks around.


Henry is a lifetime organic gardener living in Cornish, N.H. He presents at garden clubs and libraries around the region, and is the author of four gardening books. Reach him at henry.homeyer@comcast.net.

Featured photo by Henry Homeyer.

Kiddie Pool 23/09/07

Family fun for the whenever

Music on the farm

Mr. Aaron will perform on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m. at the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road in Bedford; theeducationalfarm.org). Tickets cost $20 per family. The afternoon will also feature food trucks, vendors and face painting, according to the event’s Facebook post, where you can find a link to tickets.

Save the date for comics

The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane in Exeter; independencemuseum.org) will host a series of free Constitution Comics workshops on Saturday, Sept. 16. New Hampshire-based cartoonist Marek Bennett (marekbennett.com) will hold a workshop at 10 a.m. for educators about how to use comic-making in the classroom to explore primary sources, according to a press release. At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., participants will practice what they learned by instructing families and kids on basic techniques of cartooning, the press release said. Preregister on the museum’s website; the events for kids and families have a suggested donation of $10, according to the website.

Keeping the farm in the fair

The Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair, among the oldest agricultural fairs in New Hampshire, opens its gates for the weekend of Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10. Fairgrounds open at noon on Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and military members and veterans.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Fair, which first pitched its tents in 1958 and was founded after the New Boston Annual Agricultural Fair folded in 1948. The Hillsborough County 4-H joined with the Future Farmers of America, the Future Homemakers of America, the Grange Agricultural Committee and the Joe English Grange to start work on a new agricultural fair that would serve New Boston and surrounding communities.

“We work hard to maintain the ‘agriculture’ in the Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair,” said fair Vice President Michelle Rowe in an email. The activities of the Hillsborough County 4-H make up the backbone of the attractions, including livestock exhibitions, farm horse and mule competitions, rabbit conformations, pie auctions, sheepdog herding demonstrations, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and the stock farm tractor pull.

The New Hampshire Agricultural Excellence Award is awarded annually to individuals, farms, businesses and organizations that enter exhibits promoting a better understanding of agricultural and rural life. The Bennington 4-H Club, run in conjunction with the University of New Hampshire, won the award last year and will be defending their title at this year’s fair.

While the agricultural exhibits and attractions make up the backbone of the fair, they’re just one aspect. Families with young children will want to check out the horseshoe tournament, which runs all day throughout the fair and offers prizes in boys and girls divisions. Tycho’s Twisted Tubes will be making balloon animals in the Children’s Venue. If you enjoy live music, don’t miss the Battle of the Bands on Friday night, and be sure to check out the live broadcasts and giveaways from 96.5 The Mill. If you’ve shared a meme from Dog Rates or Dogspotting, you’ll definitely enjoy Sgt. Nick Hogden and K9 Gibbs, who will share a demonstration of canine obedience, article search and apprehension skills. Amusement rides from Fanelli Entertainment open at 3 p.m. on Friday and at noon over the weekend. There will also be midway games like skee-ball, whack-a-mole and ring toss, in which players can win giant stuffed animals and other great prizes.Rowe promised a full spread of local food vendors in addition to the corn dogs, funnel cakes, lemonade and deep-fried everything you’ve come to love at county fairs.

Rowe described the Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair as “a small county fair, great for families and with something for everyone.”

Hillsborough County Agricultural
Where: New Boston 4 H Youth Center at 17 Hilldale Lane in New Boston
When: Friday, Sept. 8, from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children, seniors and veterans.
More info: hcafair.org

Wags to Whiskers

Humane Society’s annual festival returns

On Saturday, Sept. 16, humans and canines alike will gather by the thousands at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for the largest pet dog event in New England, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua’s annual Wags to Whiskers Festival. The money raised will support the animals at the shelter.
“[It’s] one of the largest community events that the shelter hosts,” said Olivia Echteler, the director of community engagement at the shelter. “Basically it’s just an afternoon of dog-friendly family fun. People of all ages would benefit from this event. There’s plenty to do.”

Of all the activities at the festival, including raffles, games, vendors, demonstrations and food from stands and trucks such as The Traveling Foodie food truck and Ben & Jerry’s, the most popular, according to Echteler, is the adoption tent.

“When [people] find out that we have the adoption tent, that’s the first thing they want to go to when they arrive at the festival,” she said. “We typically have a line forming at that tent right as we open up the festival.”
The Humane Society for Greater Nashua works with transport companies from Arkansas and other southern states that bring puppies of various breeds up from overcrowded shelters, Echteler said. Prior to the festival, the staff spends time with the puppies and performs medical and behavioral exams.

“We want to make sure, of course, the dogs are ready to be adopted out and that they’re healthy and that emotionally they’re all set to go with their new families,” she said.

Last year, all of the puppies, around 20, were adopted. About the same number is expected this year. Two tents will be set up, one where the puppies will be, and another where people can go to fill out applications. If they are a good fit, they can get their picture taken with their new addition and take them home that same day.

In addition to the adoption tent, the Merrimack police department will bring their dog, Drei, who will demonstrate commands, and the Granite State Disc Dogs will return to show off their tricks. Attending dogs can join in the fun too and try out the lure course provided by Good Mojo Dog Manor, who is one of the vendors this year. Others include Paws and Spas Boutique, Gunther’s Goodies, Point and Shoot Photography and Stitch N Stick Boutique. There will also be a raffle where you could win a gift basket filled with dog toys, beds and food dishes, a wine basket or a Yankee Candle holiday basket. Multiple organizations have donated gift cards, like Pet Supplies Plus in Nashua, Starbucks and Bahama Breeze, that you could win as well.

“We’re also planning on doing … something to honor our alumni,” Echteler said. “We have a lot of people come to this event with dogs that they’ve adopted from our shelter in the past, and we usually either have an alumni bandana, a badge or a little name tag that indicates that that dog was a previous Humane Society pup. We get a lot of people who will send us updates on their alumni and usually we will post those up on our social media pages, but it’s just nice to of course meet those previous adopters in person again and see how their dogs are doing.”

Wags to Whiskers Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Anheuser-Busch, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack
Cost: $15 for adults 21 and older (includes one free beer), $12 for ages 17 through 20, free for those 16 and under. Purchase tickets at hsfn.org.

The Art Roundup 23/09/07

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

  • Get Stage Struck: The curtain rises on Friday, Sept. 8, for the 9th season at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) with Phylloxera Production’s Stage Struck, a “wild comedic thriller” according to a press release. Robert, a former stage manager in London’s West End, is now a house-husband for famous actress wife Anne, whose therapist threatens to upset the balance of Robert’s life of dalliances in this play from playwright Simon Gray and directed by Gary Locke, the release said. The play contains adult language and violence and is not recommended for children, according to the press release. The production runs through Sunday, Sept. 24, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.
  • September at Gibson’s: Events on the schedule at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St. in Concord; gibsonsbookstore.com) include an evening with horror writers Clay McLeod Chapman (whose books include What Kind of Mother and Ghost Eaters) and Chuck Wendig (Black River Orchard, Wanderers, The Book of Accidents) on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. Gibson’s kicks the September schedule off on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. with “Thursday Thrillers” — Jilly Gagnon discusses her new thriller Scenes of the Crime with Hank Phillippi Ryan, whose book The House Guest is newly in paperback, according to the website. Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson will also head to Gibson’s in September — Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss their new book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell.
  • Author on stage: Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club among other books, will discuss his latest book, Not Forever, But For Now, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth; themusichall.org, 436-2400) with Rick Ganley, host of NHPR’s Morning Edition. See the website for ticket packages, which include purchase of a book voucher for each one to two tickets, according to a press release.
  • Season begins with Deathtrap: The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St. in Portsmouth; 436-8123, playersring.org) begins its 32rd season with the thriller-comedy Deathtrap, running Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 24. Catch the shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with general admission tickets costing $28 ($25 for 65+ and students).
  • Bat Boy at the Rep: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St. in Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) will present the musical comedy horror Bat Boy Thursday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 29, with shows most Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The show is described as “not suitable for all audiences” (with violence, blood and gore, sexual assault and other graphic content), according to the website. Tickets start at $35.
  • More theater news from the coast: The New Hampshire Theatre Project (959 Islington St., No. 3, Portsmouth; nhtheatreproject.org, 431-6644) will start its season, themed “What’s Your Story?,” with Thirst For Freedom, a production about the story of Ona Judge, a woman enslaved by George and Martha Washington who escaped to Portsmouth, which will be on stage Friday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 8, with shows on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. The Project recently announced a new leadership team of Amy Desrosiers (art liaison), Monique Peasle Foote (board chair) and Sean Robinson (director of theater operations), according to a press release. See the website for a complete listing of the upcoming season’s shows.

Art extravaganza

The Palace Theatre hosts the second Manchester Citywide Arts Festival

Art in all its forms will be celebrated during the second Manchester Citywide Arts Festival Presented by Cambridge Trust Charitable Foundation from Monday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Sept. 17. During the week, multiple businesses around the city will participate by offering free events, classes and workshops in music, literature, sculpting and dancing among other artistic endeavors. The festival will close with a street fair on Saturday and Sunday featuring around 50 vendors, food trucks, aerialists and other art activities.

“The goal is just to celebrate the arts in Manchester and really in New Hampshire, to bring families here and children and to support all the local businesses,” said Katie Lovell, who is planning the event.
Festivities begin on Monday at Studio 555 Art Center. At 3 p.m. they will have a free pottery demonstration where anyone can come in and observe a teacher making pots, whom they will be able to engage with and ask questions. At 4:15 p.m. families will have an opportunity to participate in a family clay sculpting workshop.

“The workshop is something that happens year-round but we’re adding other days that are not the typical time for that workshop just to make it more available to more people,” said Monica Leap, who works at the studio.
The night wraps up with a meet and greet with illustrators at the Bookery from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For those interested in dance, Dimensions in Dance will offer free dance classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, as will Forever Emma Studios on Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, the Majestic Theatre will provide an improv workshop at 6 p.m., followed by a bucket drumming workshop at Ted Herbert Music School.

Also participating is Mosaic Art Collective, which opened last year during the first arts festival. They will be hosting an opening night party on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. with live entertainment and refreshments to celebrate their anniversary.

“Mosaic Art Collective is a cooperative art studio and gallery space,” said the manager, Elizabeth Pieroni. “Usually [our] shows are based around different themes month to month.”

Such themes have included art inspired by video games and trash to treasure featuring art made from recycled materials. The first show they opened with was called Full Circle, which they will return to this month with Full Circle: The First Revolution.

“Artists were asked to reflect on their journey throughout the year … or just something that went really well this past year, so people decided what worked well for them and then celebrated those types of things,” Pieroni said.
This exhibition will be on display during the festival and through Sept. 27. The street fair kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m.

“We have live music, story time with the Bookery, Queen City Improv is coming [and] we have some different dance groups performing,” Lovell said. “On Sunday we have live art happening with a model on stage [and] a live painting, so it’ll be really fun.”

Vendors will be selling everything from jewelry and clothing to ceramics and pastel illustrations.

During the fair, the community is invited to contribute to sculptor and furniture maker Mark Ragonese’s community art project, the Wishing House, which he worked on during the Currier Museum of Art’s block party in July.

“People write their wishes on flags and they are woven into the wishing house,” said Suzanne Canali, the director of education at the Currier. “The story behind [it] is that over time the wishes will fade and essentially the story is that wind horses come and take their wishes and bring them to life so that they can come true. We are hoping to have enough wishes so that all of the house is covered.”

Once completed, the 8 foot by 8 foot structure will move to Stark Park along the walking path for people to sit in and contemplate.

“We really just want to bring in a nice crowd to downtown Manchester and show off all these great local businesses and artists,” Lovell said. “Everyone’s really excited about this and I think it’s going to be such a great event to celebrate art and bring everyone together.”

Manchester Citywide Arts Festival

Monday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 17
palacetheatre.org/manchester-citywide-arts-festival Pottery demonstration

Pottery demonstration
When: Monday, Sept. 11, 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Studio 550 Art Center, 550 Elm St.
Cost: Free

Family clay sculpting workshop
When: Monday, Sept. 11, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Where: Studio 550 Art Center, 550 Elm St.
Cost: $20 Meet and greet with illustrators

Meet and greet with illustrators
When: Monday, Sept. 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Bookery, 844 Elm St.
Cost: Free

Dance class and storytime (Ages 2 to 5)
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Where: Dimensions in Dance, 84 Myrtle St.
Cost: Free

Trial tap/jazz combo class (Grades 1 to 2)
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Forever Emma Studios, 516 Pine St.
Cost: Free

MCMS open house
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Manchester Community Music School, 2291 Elm St.
Cost: Free

Chess boxing
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Where: Bare Knuckle Murphy’s Boxing Kickboxing/MMA and Go Ninja Aerial Fitness & Circus Arts, 163 Lake St.
Cost: Free

Ballet class for adults
When: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Dimensions in Dance, 84 Myrtle St.
Cost: Free

Improv workshop (all ages)
When: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Majestic Theatre, 880 Page St.
Cost: Free, registration is required.

Bucket drumming workshop
When: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Where: Ted Herbert Music School, 880 Page St.
Cost: Free, registration is required

Trial tap/jazz combo class (grades 3 to 5)
When: Thursday, Sept. 14, 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Forever Emma Studios, 516 Pine St.
Cost: Free

Art after work
When: Thursday, Sept. 14, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St.
Cost: Free

MAC cocktail party
When: Friday, Sept. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Spotlight Room at the Palace Theatre, 90 Hanover St.
Cost: Free

Pop up gallery
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Spotlight Room at the Palace Theatre, 90 Hanover St.
Cost: Free

Opening night party/anniversary celebration and reception
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Mosaic Art Collective, 66 Hanover St., suite 201
Cost: Free

Street fair
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Opera Block of Hanover St.
Cost: Free

Saturday, Sept. 16, performance schedule
10 a.m.: featured music streaming from The River
11:30 a.m.: Storytime with the Bookery
Noon: Bookery kids activity
12:30: Nsquared Dance
1 p.m.: Paul Nelson
2 p.m.: Harrison Goodell
2:30 p.m.: Palace Youth Theatre performance
3 p.m.: Dare to Dance
4 p.m.: Queen City Improv Sunday, Sept. 17, performance schedule
10: featured music streaming from The River
10:30 to noon: Coffees & Covers with Last Kid Picked
1 p.m.: Justin Cohn
2 p.m.: David Corson
3 p.m.: live painting Phoebe Agnes Art

Fall Guide 2023

A season of arts, theater, music, festivals, and more

It’s time to trade in the flip-flops of summer for the fancier footwear of fall — maybe some ruby slippers or shiny boots? The Palace Theatre in Manchester kicks off its fall season of theatrical productions with The Wizard of Oz (starting this week) and Kinky Boots (hitting the stage in October). Or maybe your idea of fall sparkle is the lights of the midway at the fairs that fill your fall with rides, games and fried dough. Or maybe you’re all about the musical acts headed to the spotlight on area stages this season. Whatever adds razzle dazzle to your fall, our annual fall guide has the happenings to make this season shine.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

•The Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair takes place Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at 17 Hilldale Lane in New Boston. The fair is open Friday noon to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See hcafair.org and check out our story about the fair in this week’s issue.

The 11th annual New Hampshire Monarch Festival continues this weekend at Petals in the Pines (126 Baptist Road in Canterbury; petalsinthepines.com, 783-0220) Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10. Online reservations for two-hour time slots are required; the cost is $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids and infants (non-walkers) get in free. Time slots for this weekend are 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday; 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Learn about ways to help migrating monarchs and other pollinators at the festival, which will feature kids’ activities and games, monarch tagging, book readings, labyrinths, ask a master gardener, free milkweed seeds and 2 miles of woodland trails and garden paths, according to a press release. Butterfly wings and costumes are encouraged, the release said.

Hollis Old Home Days take place Friday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 9, at Nichols Field and Lawrence Barn on Depot Road in Hollis. Events take place Friday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find rides, exhibits including heritage demonstrators (such as spinning, fly tying, rug hooking, small handiwork and more), an artisan market, entertainment, a pet pageant (Saturday, Sept. 9, 2 p.m.), a town parade (Saturday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.), food trucks both days and fireworks Saturday night, according to the event’s Facebook page. See hollisoldhomedays.org.

$20 will get you five tickets — a “quack pack” as the website explains — for the 30th Annual Duck Race on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m. as part of 2023 Auburn Day, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Auburn Village on Hooksett Road. Winning ducks get their ticket holders prizes — from $1,000 for first prize through $25 for 6th through 10th place. The day will also feature an apple pie contest, a cookie baking contest for kids, a small petting zoo, music by Ray Zerkle, a climbing wall, food trucks, children’s games and more. See auburnhistorical.org.

Friends of Benson Park’s third annual Family Fun Day will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Benson Park (19 Kimball Hill Road in Hudson; friendsofbensonpark.org). The day will include music, games, raffles, free Balloons by Michelle, a coloring booth, a wild animals exhibition, magic and more, according to the website. Ice cream, snacks and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

DeMeritt Hill Farm (20 Orchard Way in Lee; demeritthillfarm.com, 868-2111) will hold a September Craft Fair Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other special events on the schedule include Family Weekend at the Farm on Saturday, Sept. 16, and Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring face painting, children’s games and photo opportunities with the tractors, according to the website. On Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. its Harvest Weekend with pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples, guessing games and food samples. The farm’s Pumpkinfest is Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pick your own pumpkins, pumpkin rock painting and face painting, the website said. Saturday, Sept. 30, from noon to 4 p.m. will also be Brewfest in the Orchard, with brews from more than 30 area breweries and cideries, as well as seasonal eats and live music from Matty and The Penders; tickets cost $65 for noon VIP admission, $45 for 1 p.m. regular admission and $20 for designated drivers and can be purchased via the website.

The Nashua Multicultural Festival will take place Sunday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library plaza (2 Court St.). The event will feature music, dance, food and more from the cultures of Nashua. See nashuanh.gov/1237/Nashua-Multicultural-Festival.

Concorso Italian, the free Italian car show at the Tuscan Village (9 Via Toscano in Salem; tuscanvillagesalem.com), will run Sunday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature live music, street food, entertainment and more than 150 exotic cars.

The Manchester City-Wide Art Festival returns for its second year and runs Monday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 17. See the Arts section for a rundown of the events, culminating in an Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, Sept. 16, and Sunday, Sept. 17, on the Opera Block of Hanover Street. See also palacetheatre.org/manchester-citywide-arts-festival.

The Granite State Fair held at 72 Lafayette Road in Rochester will run Thursday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 24. The fair and midway open at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and noon Saturdays and Sundays. Find a ride list with height requirements at granitestatefair.com along with a schedule of events such as the circus (general seating is included in fair admission but a box costs $15; two or three shows daily), the demolition derby (Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.; general seating tickets cost $12), the bus derby (Saturdays at 7 p.m.; general seating tickets cost $12), ATV Drag Race (Sept. 17 at 3 p.m.; general seating costs $8) and more. The fair also features a cornhole tournament on Fridays, livestock exhibits, fair food and more. One-day tickets cost $10 per person through Sept. 13; $12 per person Sept. 14 and beyond (children 8 and under get in free).

Granite State Comicon takes place Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, at DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown (700 Elm St. in Manchester). Events run Friday evening (the arts & crafts with Kids Con NE and tabletop gaming, for example, run from 4 to 7:30 p.m.; the Queen City Improv performs from 7 to 8 p.m. and a kickoff party runs from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m — GraniteMania, with a wrestling costume contest and wrestling themed cocktails and games) and then all day Saturday and Sunday (with a Stranger Things-themed Upside Down afterparty on Saturday), according to granitecon.com, where you can get a rundown off all the events, participating artists and vendors, and rules for the costume contests. You can also purchase tickets for a specific day or all three days as well as for the afterparties.

The NH Highland Games & Festival celebrates Scottish music, sports and culture and runs from Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln. An adult pass to all three days costs $99 (children ages 6 to 14 cost $10; ages 5 and under get in free); single-day adult tickets cost $35 to $59 depending on the day. The event features several food and drink events — a beer tasting, a whiskey master class, a Cape Breton dinner, Scottish spirits and stories, a beer pairing dinner and more — each of which has its own tickets. Musical performances also have their own tickets including a concert with Albannach and Chili Pipers (Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m.), a tartan dinner and dance (Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.), Cape Breton music (Sept. 16 at 8:30 p.m.) and a harp concert (Sept. 16 at 8 p.m.). The festival proper will also feature music, a clan village, Scottish living history, classes in aspects of Scottish culture, kids’ programs, Scottish-themed vendors, Scottish and fair food and more. See nhscot.org to purchase tickets and for details.

Pelham Old Home Day is Saturday, Sept. 16, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3 Main St. in Pelham. The day will include music, fitness demonstrations, dance and martial arts demonstrations, food trucks (meat pies, poutine, hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers, ice cream, beverages and desserts), a pancake and sausage breakfast at the Church Fellowship Hall (7 to 9 a.m.), crafts and goods vendors, a white elephant yard sale, a 5K road race (10 a.m.), kids’ games, touch a truck, a cornhole tournament (check in at 11 a.m.; noon start), a grand parade (2:30 p.m.), Windham Community Band (3:15 p.m.), a penny sale raffle (4 p.m.) and more, according to pelhamoldhomeday.org.

Hooksett Old Home Day is Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fireworks scheduled after dusk. The day starts with a parade at 10 a.m. from Lamberts Park to Donati Park (behind Town Hall, 35 Main St. in Hooksett). The day will feature live music, demonstrations, vendors, eating contests and kids’ activities. See hooksettoldhomeday.org.

Derryfest will run Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day features a vendor fair, performances and more. The festival is preceded by the Greater Derry’s Got Talent show on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. in MacGregor Park; admission is free but audience votes and concessions will be available for purchase (cash). See derryfest.org.

Aerospacefest is Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827). The day will feature performances (including Mr. Aaron at 11:30 a.m.), keynote speaker astronaut Jay Clark Buckey Jr. (at 1:30 p.m.), screenings of the planetarium show 3-2-1 Liftoff, rocket launches, exhibits, science-based activities, admission to the Discovery Center exhibit halls and Science Playground and more, according to the website. The event is free; food, beverages and ice cream will be for sale.

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua will hold its Wags to Whiskers Festival Saturday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack. See the story in this week’s paper or go to hsfn.org/wags-whiskers-festival.

The Hampton Falls Craft Festival will run Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Town Common (Route 1 in Hampton Falls). Admission to this outdoor event is free; the event will feature live music, arts and crafts. See castleberryfairs.com.

The East Kingston Craft Fair will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Kingston Public Library (47 Maplevale Road in East Kingston) and feature crafts, baked goods, artisan vendors and seasonal produce, according to the event’s EventBrite page.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) will hold Toddlerfest, its annual celebration of the littlest museum-goers featuring special activities and events, Tuesday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 30, including a reading of Eric Carle’s A Very Hungry Caterpillar with a visit from the Caterpillar (Sept. 29 and Sept. 30), a celebration of the museum’s 40th birthday on Sept. 23 and a Frozen dance party on Sept. 22.

See airplanes, fire trucks, helicopters, police vehicles and electric vehicles close up at Wings and Wheels on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nashua Airport (93 Perimeter Road in Nashua; nashuaairport.com). The event is free.

The Presentation of Mary Academy (182 Lowell Road in Hudson) will hold its Fall Fun Fest on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fundraiser will feature inflatables, face painting, pumpkin painting, ax throwing, food trucks, a petting zoo, touch a truck, a bake sale, vendors and more. Find them on Facebook.

Portsmouth Fairy House Tours take place Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Portsmouth at the Strawbery Banke Museum, John Langdon House and Prescott Park. See more than 250 fairy houses and enjoy storytelling, face painting, crafts and games — wearing wings is encouraged, according to strawberybanke.org, where you can purchase tickets: $12 for adults in advance ($15 at the door); $8 in advance for seniors ($10 at the door); $5 in advance for ages 3 to 12 ($7 at the door) and a family pack admission for four of $30 in advance ($25 at the door).

The Harvest Moon Festival at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road in Warner; indianmuseum.org, 456-2600) is Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will feature nature presentations, hands-on crafts, food for sale and more, according to the website.

The Concord Multicultural Festival will take place Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Keach Park in Concord and feature a parade of flags (at 10:30 a.m., featuring the country flags of Concord residents and their ancestors), music, dance and food vendors with cuisine from a variety of culinary traditions. The food can be purchased with vouchers, which will be available for purchase for $1 and $5 in cash, according to concordnhmulticulturalfestival.org. The event comes after “Welcoming Week,” which runs from Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 17.

The Deerfield Fair runs Thursday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Deerfield Fair grounds (34 Stage Road in Deerfield). The fair is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $12 for adults (13 and older). Kids 12 and younger get in free. Discounted entry for seniors is available at the gate on Thursday and Friday; military is free with identification. Ride special wristband days are Friday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $30) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $35). Tickets for rides cost $1.50 each, $30 for a sheet of 25 and $40 for a sheet of 40. In addition to the rides, the fair features live music in multiple locations throughout each day; agricultural and animal shows, demonstrations and competitions; strolling entertainers; the Miss Deerfield Fair scholarship pageant, and concessions. See deerfieldfair.com.

The Joppa Hill Educational Farm (174 Joppa Hill Road in Bedford; theeducationalfarm.org, 472-4724) will hold a Fall Fair on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for a family admission. The day will feature artisan booths, food trucks, vendors, tractor rides, apples, pumpkin decorating, live music, kids’ activities, farm fun and more, according to the website.

Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com, 483-5623) holds its Pumpkin Festival Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1, as well as Saturday, Oct. 7, through Monday, Oct. 9. Admission costs $29 per person (23 months and younger get in free). Pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, take a tractor or horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy live music and more. The festival also features a cow milking contest (not involving a real cow), pumpkin art, costumed characters and a visit with the farm’s animals. Charmingfare’s Halloween events include Children’s Trick-or-Treat (the last three weekends in October) for families and younger kids and Harvest of Haunts (Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 in the early evening) for families and ages 12 and under (but who are old enough for some spookiness).

The Autumn Festival on the Lake at Mills Falls Marketplace (Route 3 in Meredith) will take place Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See castleberryfairs.com.

The Milford Pumpkin Festival will take place Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, in and around the Milford Oval with live music at two stages; the Haunted Trail Friday and Saturday; a beer, wine and spirits tasting on Friday and Saturday; a historical walking tour Saturday and Sunday; face and pumpkin painting; scarecrow making; pumpkin carving; a pumpkin flash mob on Sunday, eats and more. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

The Warner Fall Foliage Festival will take place Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, at locations along Main Street in Warner. Events include a parade on Sunday, a Kids Fun Run on Sunday morning and an ice cream eating contest on Sunday at noon. See wfff.org.

The New Hampshire Wool Arts Tour takes place Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with happenings on five farms (Spinner Farm in Deering; Glory Be Farm in Bennington; Brimstone Hollow in Hancock; Ten Talents at La Bergerie Dumas in Greenfield, and Maple Lane Farm in Lyndeborough) including demonstrations of creating yarn, hay rides, music, live animals, food, an opportunity to meet fiber artists and fiber from a variety of animals for sale, according to woolartstournh.com.

BeadStock, an event celebrating the artistry of beading from around the world, will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road in Warner; indianmuseum.org, 456-2600).

Hillsborough Community Center will hold a Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grimes Field (23 Preston Road in Hillsborough). The event will feature food, vendors, games and other family fun; admission is free, according to hccnh.org/harvest-festival.

Windham Recreation Department will hold its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Griffin Park. See windhamnh.gov for more on this family fun event.

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta in downtown Goffstown takes place Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15, with a variety of events each day as well as vendor booths throughout the weekend. See goffstownmainstreet.org/pumpkin-regatta-2023.

The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival will take place Friday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Laconia and will include the Great New England Craft & Artisan Show, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, a climbing wall and inflatables, street performers, jack-o’-lantern lighting both nights at 5:45 p.m., a zombie walk on Friday evening, a 5K and 10K on Saturday morning, a cornhole tournament on Saturday, a children’s costume parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday and more. See nhpumpkinfestival.com.

The New England Craft and Specialty Food Fair will take place Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fox Run Expo Center (the former Sears at Fox Run Mall). Admission costs $10 at the gate and can get you in for all three days; kids under 14 get in free. See castleberryfairs.com.

FOOD – FESTIVALS & EVENTS

  • The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival offers three days of eats from the sea as well as a variety of additional food and drink options Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10. See seafoodfestivalnh.com and check out the story in this week’s Food section for more information.
  • Vintage & Vine fine wine and food festival, a fundraiser for the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (VIP admission at 4 p.m.) on the museum’s grounds. Enjoy wines along with appetizers created by Seacoast area chefs, according to strawberybanke.org, where you can purchase general admission tickets for $95, $35 for designated drivers.
  • Glendi, the 44th annual celebration of Greek food and culture at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester; stgeorgenh.org/activities/glendi, 622-9113), will take place Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17. Admission is free but bring money for the dinner or gyros and coffee, pastries and other Greek eats. The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
  • The Egyptian Food Festival at St. Mary & Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (29 Chandler St. in Nashua; stmarycoptsnh.org) will take place Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, offering Egyptian entrees, sides and desserts (past offerings have included shish kebab platters, kebba, beef shawarma, falafel, baklava and zalabya). The festival will be open Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
  • 603 Brewery (42 Main St. in Londonderry; 603brewery.com) will hold a Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 8 p.m. The day will feature food trucks, live music, a stein-holding contest, a cornhole tournament, ax throwing, 603 kitchen specials and more, according to a social media post by the Brewery.
  • The Great New Hampshire Pie Festival will take place at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy. in Milton; nhfarmmuseum.org) on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $15 ($6 for kids 12 and under). Local bakeries will have pies for sampling while local pie makers will compete in a pie contest (kids 12 and under can enter a pie in their own category). The day will also feature a pie crust rolling demonstration, a raffle, a silent auction, tractor rides, visits with the animals, tours of historic buildings and live music from Lance Maclean and the Moose Mountain String band.
  • Northwoods Brewing Co. (1334 First NH Turnpike in Northwoods; northwoodsbrewingcompany.com, 942-6400) will hold its Fall Fest on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event,which will benefit the Blue Ocean Society, is “pup friendly” and features vendors at a crafts market, musicians, special releases and more.
  • Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 N. State St. in Concord; 225-2961, holytrinitynh.org/taste-of-greece-festival) will hold its Taste of Greece Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will feature homemade Greek dishes and pastries such as dolmades, moussaka, spanakopita and baklava.
  • The NH Wine & Cheese Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 30, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack). Taste wines from a selection of more than 40 varietals, as well as artisan cheeses and regional chocolates, according to the event’s page on EventBrite. The day will also feature food trucks. Tickets to this 21+ event cost $60 general admission for a 1:30 p.m. admission time, $25 for designated drivers and $100 for VIP admission with a 12:30 p.m. start time and other perks.
  • The Red, White & Brew Craft Beer and Wine Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 30, at FunSpot (579 Endicott St. N. in Laconia) with a general admission time of 1 to 4 p.m. and a VIP admission from noon to 1 p.m. The event benefits Veterans Count NH and will feature craft beer, wine, food, a car show, an auction, raffles, live music with The Bob Pratte Band and more. Tickets cost $40 for VIP, $25 for general admission, with discounts for veterans and designated drives.
  • To Share Brewing Co. (720 Union St. in Manchester; tosharebrewing.com) will hold Oktoberfest 2023 on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 9 p.m. The day will feature live music, brats topped with kraut, sales of a To Share Drinking Boot, stein-holding competition and more.
  • Harvestfest Weekend at Black Bear Vineyard (289 New Road in Salisbury; blackbearvineyard.com, 648-2811) happens Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1. Learn about the process of wine making, buy eats from 603 BBQ food truck (noon to 5 p.m. daily), buy wine by the glass, check out New Hampshire-made products and listen to music. Tickets cost $18 for 21+.
  • Mile Away Restaurant (52 Federal Hill Road in Milford; mileawayrestaurantnh.com/oktoberfest, 673-3904) will hold its Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event is cash only. In past years the celebration has included German foods, Oktoberfest beers, live music and more.
  • The 18th annual Taste of New Hampshire will take place Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Dr. in Concord). Tickets cost $40. The event features sweet and savory eats from area restaurants as well as live music and a silent auction — all to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Central New Hampshire. See tasteofnh.com.
  • The 39th Annual Apple Harvest Day will take place in downtown Dover on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature more than 300 vendors including a variety of food vendors as well as live music and a 5K road that begins at 8:30 a.m.
  • The Smuttynose Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at Smuttynose Brewing (105 Towle Road in Hampton; smuttynose.com). Tickets cost $5 in advance, $10 on the day ($20 VIP with an 11 a.m. entry). Bring money for food and drinks; the day will also include live music, lawn games and more.
  • The 11th annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter. The day features samples of chili from local restaurants and artisans for all ticket holders (ages 6 to 20 and designated driver tickets cost $10 in advance; $15 on the day) and craft beer and hard seltzer samples for 21+ (general admission at 1 p.m. tickets cost $45 in advance, $55 on the day; VIP tickets, which get you in at noon, cost $60 in advance, $70 on the day). The event will also feature food vendors, live music and a duck race. See powderkegbeerfest.com.
  • The New Hampshire Brewfest Craft Festival will take place at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 4 p.m., with a noon entrance for VIP ticket holders ($80) and a 1 p.m. entrance for general admission ($60). This 21+ event features beer samples, food vendors, live music and more. See nhbrewfest.com.
  • Mount Uncanoonuc Brew Fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 553 Mast Road in Goffstown. Tickets cost $30 in advance, $35 at the door. See workerbeefund.org/events for details.
  • The Chocolate Expo will be held Sunday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown (700 Elm St. in Manchester) and feature tastings of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, craft beverages and ready-to-eat foods as well as chef demos, magic, music and kids’ activities, according to thechocolateexpo.com. Tickets cost $40 for a VIP entry at 9:30 a.m. and other perks, $20 for adults (with the choice of a two-hour window) and $10 for kids (ages 5 to 12); entry after 4 p.m. is $10 for all ages.
  • The 10th annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, part of New Hampshire Distiller’s Week, will be Thursday, Nov. 2, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown with general admission from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and early access and VIP openings at 5 p.m. Until Oct. 2, tickets cost $65 for general admission (after that $75), $80 for an earlier admission ($90) and $120 for VIP access. In addition to spirit tastings, the evening features 25 food and beverage vendors. See distillersshowcase.com.

Meals, tastings and classes

  • Tuscan Village (9 Via Toscano in Salem; tuscanvillagesalem.com) offers cooking classes on subjects such as different varieties of pasta, Italian cocktails, Italian desserts and more. Prices vary according to class.
  • The Londonderry Fish and Game Club (5 Lund St. in Litchfield) will hold its annual Pig Roast on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 1:45 to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for one person, $35 for a couple or family of four (kids under 12 eat free). The spread will include barbecue sauce choices, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad and hamburgers and hotdogs. Find the event on EventBrite.
  • LaBelle Winery in Derry (14 Route 111; 672-9898) will pair doughnuts and wine at a tasting on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per person. On Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. at the LaBelle Winery in Amherst (345 Route 101; 672-9898) watch a demonstration of the cooking process for several Greek dishes, which you can sample paired with LaBelle wines. The cost is $20 per person. Enjoy a walk in the vineyard at Amherst and sample four LaBelle wines on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to noon; the cost is $30 per person. Both the Derry (Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m.) and Amherst (Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m.) locations will hold a wine pairing class pairing LaBelle wines and Halloween candy; the cost is $40. Celebrate Oktoberfest with a class demonstrating Oktoberfest dishes paired with LaBelle wines on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Derry location. On Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. the Derry location will also hold a “Wine in the Dark” blindfolded wine tasting; the cost is $40. Call or go to labellewinery.com to register.
  • The Cozy Tea Cart (104 Route 13 in Brookline, thecozyteacart.com, 249-9111) will hold a Harvest Afternoon Tea on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring seasonal foods such as apple cake with hot butter sauce, apple cinnamon scones and zucchini and maple bread as well as other tea-time treats, according to the website. The cost is $39.95 per person.
  • WineNot Boutique (25 Main St. in Nashua; winenotboutique.com, 204-5569) will hold a four-week course about the wines of South America starting Thursday, Oct. 5, and running Thursdays through Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. each week. The focus will be wines of Argentina (Oct. 5), Chile (Oct. 12), Brazil (Oct. 19) and Uruguay (Oct. 26). Register online in advance.
  • The Milford Pumpkin Festival will feature a Beer, Wine and Spirits Tasting: “Raise One for Charity” on Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. both days. Tickets include a complimentary tasting glass. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org/bws-tent.
  • The Grazing Room at Colby Hill Inn (33 The Oaks in Henniker; colbyhillinn.com, 428-3281) will hold an “Into the Woods Wild Game & Foraging Dinner” on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. featuring a six-course dinner, a bourbon tasting and a tented dessert station. The cost is $190 per person.
  • The New England Regional Homebrew Competition will take place Saturday, Nov. 11, at the NH Food Bank (700 E. Industrial Park Drive in Manchester) with entry open to any amateur homebrewer age 21 or older. The entry fee for a beer to compete is $10, with a maximum of six entries per person. Registration is open through Oct. 2. See nerhbc.brewcomp.com.

ART – Events

  • The Andres Institute of Art (106 Route 13 in Brookline, andresinstitute.org) will kick off its annual International Sculpture Symposium, when artists create new sculptures to add to Andres’ trails, on Saturday, Sept. 16, with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m.; the public is invited to this free event. On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be a ticketed, catered barbecue with the symposium artists. The public can learn more about the artists at a Symposium Artist Showcase on Saturday, Sept. 23. A lobster boil dinner with the artists (also a ticketed event) will take place on Friday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. A panel discussion with Symposium Alumni Artists is slated for Saturday, Oct. 7. The closing ceremony for the symposium is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. View the artists’ pieces as they work on them at the Studio, Monday through Friday between Sept. 24 and Oct. 4.
  • The Concord Arts Market, an outdoor artisan and fine art market, will be held on Saturdays, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.
  • The Canterbury Shaker Village Artisan Market will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Village grounds (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury). The fair will feature handcrafted arts, music, family activities, food trucks and a mobile cocktail bar. Available items will include textiles, ceramics, wood, glass, jewelry and more. Admission costs $15 for adults and is free for children. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.
  • The Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org) hosts its annual Fall Festival and Art Show on Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24. The event features photography, prints, paintings and mixed media inspired by New England’s natural settings and wildlife.

See these shows now

  • Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com, 225-3932) presents “Chef’s Kiss,” a multi-artist summer show, through Tuesday, Sept. 12, with gallery hours Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Concord-based painter Pamela R. Tarbell has her works exhibited in the show “Reflections,” which also features the works of sculptors Andy Moerlein and John Weidman, at the Jaffrey Civic Center (40 Main St. in Jaffrey; jaffreyciviccenter.com) through Saturday, Sept. 23. Visit pamtarbell.com.
  • “The Living Forest: Uyra” is on display at Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) now through Sunday, Sept. 24. The exhibition features a comprehensive selection of photographs and videos encompassing Uýra’s entire artistic trajectory, with work from many of their past performances and recent appearances. The Currier is open Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with Art After Work, when admission is free, from 5 to 8 p.m.). Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13.
  • See the pastels of Peggy Van Valkenburgh in the exhibit “Go, See, Paint the World” at the Peterborough Town Library Community Art Gallery (2 Concord St. in Peterborough; peterboroughtownlibrary.org, 924-8040) now through Friday, Sept. 29. The library is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Gallery 6 at The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) presents “Ocean Awareness with Bow Seat’’ until Sept. 30, featuring art from students 13 to 18 years old, from all around the world. Visit childrens-museum.org/exhibits/exhibits/gallery-6.
  • The New Hampshire Art Association has a number of exhibitions on display in its NHAA’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) now through Sept. 24. “The Swimmers,” by artist Bonnie Lake, explores women’s inner lives and empowerment through water-inspired portrayals inspired by Shakespeare’s Ophelia. “Threads and Where They Lead,” by Michelle Peterson, explores universal connections using children’s string games, referencing Carl Jung’s archetypes, and symbolizes our shared stories and interconnectedness. “Tales of a Fisherman,” a collaborative exhibit by sculptor John Catizone and painter Sheryl Bentley, celebrates the duo’s shared love for the sea, fishing and art, providing a glimpse into the mythological essence of a fisherman. Other exhibits, open now through Oct. 1, include “Enchanting Fairy Houses: A Whimsical Journey,” which showcases the world’s largest fairy house festival at Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth through the photography of Mary Liz Lancaster; “Biennial One,” which invites artists to showcase their best work that takes creative risks and explores abstract expression, contemporary environmental and social justice issues and new media, with no specific theme. The gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.
  • Maundy Mitchell Photography presents an exhibition at the Galletly Gallery (34 Dr. Childs Road, New Hampton) called “Alternative Process Photography” now through Oct. 14. Everyone is welcome to an artist reception on Friday, Sept. 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This exhibit represents members of the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists. Visit newhampton.org/arts/galletly-gallery.
  • “Distant Conversations: Ella Walker and Betty Woodman” is on display through Oct. 22 at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) and is the first in a series of “Distant Conversations” exhibits, which explore intergenerational dialogues and artistic conversations between practitioners whose work similarly resonates despite their differences. The Currier is open Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with Art After Work, when admission is free, from 5 to 8 p.m.). Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13.
  • Nancy Josephson has an exhibit featuring mixed media sculptures on display at the Mariposa Museum (26 Main St. in Peterborough; mariposamuseum.org) through October.
  • The Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St., Exeter) presents a monthly themed group show. The show for September is “Mystery Kits,” which consists of works by artists who are challenged to create art using only the contents of a mystery kit put together by the gallery. October’s show is “Keeping it Local” and throughout November and December they will be presenting “Big Gifts Come in Small Packages,” in which artists are challenged to create beautiful and affordable work that customers can purchase for no more than $100. The Seacoast Art Association is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org.

Exhibitions opening soon

  • Opened at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) just Sept. 6 is “School of Paris Prints from a New Hampshire Collection.” “A New Hampshire collector’s passion for 20th century European modernism resulted in a life-long pursuit of acquiring great works on paper by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Rouault, Braque, and many others,” according to the Currier.
    Then on Thursday, Oct. 19, an exhibit currently titled “Heart of the Museum” will open (with a member preview day of Wednesday, Oct. 18). In this exhibit, “artist Saya Woolfalk’s commission for the Currier Museum of Art investigates the history of the institution and revisits its iconography and original design. The mosaics adorning the former façade of the Currier (designed by Salavatore Lascari in 1929-1930) constitute the starting point for this new installation by Woolfalk that reimagines the Western art canons singular cultural perspective,” the email said.
    Opening Wednesday, Nov. 15, is “Abstraction in the Currier Collection,” which will “feature abstract works together in the Currier’s collection, some of which have not been on view for quite some time, including sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more,” according to the email. The Currier is open Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with Art After Work, when admission is free, from 5 to 8 p.m.). Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children under age 13.
  • The Art Center (1 Washington St., Dover) will feature “Seen and Heard,” an exhibition presented by Women’s Caucus for Art that includes work from Maundy Mitchell’s “Knitted Together” project, and Nancy Bariluk-Smith’s “Hand Picked: New Floral Works,” which showcases paintings intertwining a love for gardening with abstract art and highlighting the importance of pollinators, from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31. An artist reception will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit theartcenterdover.com.
  • Two Villages Art Society presents Colin Callahan’s “New Hampshire Up Close” at the Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook) from Sept. 9 through Oct. 7. The exhibit showcases the hidden magic in everyday New Hampshire nature scenes. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9. Then, “Images of Life Re-Envisioned” by Barbara Morse will run Oct. 14 through Nov. 11. The exhibit will feature timeless subject matter and detailed art designed for multiple viewings and interpretations. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14. Visit twovillagesart.org.
  • Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) presents “Cut It Out” from Sept. 9 through Oct. 28. The exhibit delves into the artistic potential of cutting, revealing how it creates space, new narratives and compositions. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Then, the annual “Sleighbell Studio” holiday showcase will run from Nov. 4 through Dec. 16 and will feature a diverse range of local fine art and crafts priced for gifting. An open house event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com.
  • The New Hampshire Art Association presents William Turner’s “Magical Realism” at The Concord Chamber of Commerce (49 S. Main St., Concord) Sept. 11 through Nov. 10. The exhibit displays toy-inspired art, blending pop culture with classic references. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

THEATER

  • The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) presents two mainstage productions this fall. The season opens with The Wizard of Oz Sept. 8 through Sept. 24. Then, Kinky Boots comes to the stage Oct. 13 through Nov. 5. Showtimes are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with one Thursday-at-7:30 p.m. show for each production (Sept. 21 for The Wizard of Oz and Nov. 1 for Kinky Boots). Tickets cost $28 to $49. The Palace Theatre’s youth company presents Disney’s Moana Jr. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.; Big Bad on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.; and Anastasia the Musical on Wednesday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15.
  • The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St. in Portsmouth; 433-4472, seacoastrep.org) will present Bat Boy Thursday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 29, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays (not all weeks, see calendar online for specific days). Passing Strange will be on stage Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 & 7:30 p.m.; and then Thursdays through Saturdays Oct. 5 through Oct. 7 and Oct. 19 through Oct. 21 with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Catch the musical Matilda Thursday, Nov. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 23, with showtimes most Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. plus Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. A concert and celebration of lives of people lost to AIDS will be held Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.: Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens. Close out the calendar year with a live production of Rocky Horror Picture Show — costumes encouraged (see website for rules) on Monday, Dec. 25, at 11:59 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 31, at 11:59 p.m.
  • Theatre KAPOW will present The Thanksgiving Play on Friday, Dec. 1, through Sunday, Dec. 3, (7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday) at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). The company will also present “Expanding the Canon: A Play Reading Circle” on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Zoom. See tkapow.com for tickets or to register for Sunday’s program.
    •​ The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org) presents Sweeney Todd now through Sept. 9, Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie from Sept. 14 through Sept. 24, Corduroy from Oct. 20 through Oct. 29 and The Fiddler on the Roof from Nov. 8 through Nov. 12. Showtimes are on various dates and times, Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets range from $11 to $45.
  • Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) will kick off its 9th season with Phylloxera Production’s Stage Struck. The comedic thriller follows Robert, a former stage manager in London’s West End who is now a house-husband for famous actress wife Anne, whose therapist threatens to upset the balance of his life of dalliances. It runs Sept. 8 through Sept. 24. Then, Hand to God runs Sept. 29 through Oct. 15. In the darkly comedic play set in Cypress, Texas, a young man named Jason grapples with his father’s death and the upheaval of his relationships when his puppet, Tyrone, takes on a rebellious and irreverent persona, challenging themes of faith, morality and familial ties. Lizzie, a rock musical, runs Oct. 20 through Nov. 5, diving into the tumultuous events surrounding the infamous 1892 Borden family murders and the subsequent trial and acquittal of Lizzie Borden. Lungs, running Nov. 10 through Nov. 19, is a drama about a couple debating parenthood in a climate-crisis era. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.
  • The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, playersring.org) presents Deathtrap Sept. 8 through Sept. 24.; Outside Mullingar Sept. 29 through Oct. 15; Gay Bride of Frankenstein Oct. 20 through Nov. 5; Granite State Proud Nov. 10 through Nov. 19, and What the Dickens Nov. 25. Shows are from Friday to Sunday and tickets are $28.
  • Pontine Theatre (1 Plains Ave. inPortsmouth; 436-6660 , pontine.org) will present PuppetKabob’s Dirty Gerts on Friday, SEpt. 15, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. and Great Small Works’ We Love Trees on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m.
  • The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7649) presents Great Gatsby, its 18th annual auction and performance fundraiser, on Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. The event features performances from Majestic’s ensemble, musicians and special guests. Attendees can participate in themed raffles and silent auctions that include art passes, electronics, restaurant vouchers and unique artwork. Refreshments will be served. Tickets cost $20 per person.
    Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22, catch Zombie Night!, a “doo-wopping musical [that] pays great tribute to classic horror flicks,” according to the Majestic. Shows are Friday at 7, Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; tickets cost $15 for adults, $13 for 65+ and $10 for 17 and under.
    Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play will run Friday, Oct. 27, through Sunday Oct. 29, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.
    In-Laws, Outlaws and Other People (That Should Be Shot), a Christmas Eve-set comedy, will run Friday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.
  • The Milford Area Players present The House on Haunted Hill at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) Sept. 22 through Oct. 1, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Visit milfordareaplayers.org.
  • The New Hampshire Theatre Project (959 Islington St. in Portsmouth; nhtheatreproject.org) will present Thirst for Freedom Friday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 8; Dreaming Again on Friday, Oct. 27, through Sunday, Oct. 29; The Flick Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 19, and It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play on Saturday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 10. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
  • American Girl Live stops at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. The show brings American Girl characters from various decades to life with music and dance, emphasizing friendship and empowerment. Tickets range from $43.75 to $75.75. Visit ccanh.com.
    The Education Series will feature fall shows including Mr. C: World of Motion on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m and The Lightning Thief on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. — tickets for either show cost $8.
    The Cap Center will also host The Foolers, magicians Alex Ramon, Jessica Jane, Matt Donnelly and Vinny Grosso working in the style of Penn & Tell, on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44.50 to $98.50.
    The Wild Kratts Live 2.0 — Activate Creature Power will come to the Cap Center on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.75.
  • The Community Players of Concord present two shows at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. is Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $15. The Sound of Music is Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m., with ticket sales TBA. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.
  • The Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerston St. in Derry; pinkertonacademy.org/stockbridge-theatre, 437-5210) will present Versa-Style Dance Company on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7p.m.; tickets cost $10 to $25. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, catch The Lightning Thief at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for children.
    On Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m., the Pinkerton Players present Antigone in Munich; tickets cost $10 through $15. The Pinkerton Players also present Twelfth Night on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m; tickets cost $10 to $15.
  • The Manchester Community Theatre Players present Brigadoon at the Manchester Community Theatre Players Theatre, at the North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester). Showtimes are Fridays, Oct. 13 and Oct. 20, and Saturdays, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at manchestercommunitytheatre.com.
  • The Nashua Theatre Guild will present The Laramie Project on Friday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. at the 14 Court Street theater in Nashua. Tickets cost $20, $18 for seniors and students. See nashuatheatreguild.org.
  • Epping Community Theater (38 Ladds Lane in Epping; 608-9487, eppingtheater.org) will present The SpongeBob Musical Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 22, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children 12 and under.
  • The Big White House on Main Street will be at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford, amatocenter.org/riverbend-youth-company) Thursday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2:30 p.m. The original stage play by Ellen Cunis and Toby Tarnow (who also directs) is set in Woburn, Mass., and is about an Italian family in the early 20th century. Tickets cost $15, $12 for seniors, students and Woburn residents.
  • The Peacock Players (14 Court St., Nashua, peacockplayers.org) youth theater company presents James and the Giant Peach Jr. Oct. 20 through Oct. 29, followed by Beauty and the Beast Nov. 10 through Nov. 29. Showtimes are on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket sales are TBA.
  • Catch the Murder Mystery Dinner: Best Laid Plans at the Bank of NH Stage (S. 16 Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Or check out Murder Mystery Dinner: Midnight Masquerade on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to either 16+ show cost $70.75 and include a dinner (with chicken or vegetarian options).
  • The Actorsingers present Something Rotten Oct. 27 through Oct. 29 at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua). Ticket sales are TBA. Visit actorsingers.org.
  • The Riverbend Youth Company will present High School Musical Friday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2:30 p.m. at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford, amatocenter.org/riverbend-youth-company). Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids.
  • Bedford Off Broadway will present The Curious Savage Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Bedford Old Town Hall (3 Meetinghouse Road in Bedford) with shows at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $15 general admission, $12 for children, students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door or at brownpapertickets.com. The play tells the story of an elderly widow who plans to give away her multimillion dollar inheritance to people pursuing “foolish dreams” over the objections of her stepchildren, according to bedfordoffbroadway.com.
  • Lend Me a Theater (lendmeatheater.org) will present You Have the Right to Remain Dead, an audience participating mystery-comedy, on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua, nashuacenterforthearts.com; tickets cost $52) and on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry, Tupelomusichall.com; tickets cost $50 for dinner and a show).
    •​ The Kids Coop Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical Nov. 17 through Nov. 19 at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry). More information and ticket sales are TBA. Visit kids-coop-theatre.org.

Classical

  • Cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $107.50. Visit themusichall.org.
  • Symphony NH’s 100th Anniversary continues with “East Meets West Vol. II – Beethoven and Wijeratne,” spotlighting Grammy-winning tabla player Sandeep Das from Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua). The event will feature the New Hampshire premiere of Dinuk Wijeratne’s Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra, culminating with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Visit symphonynh.org.
  • The Next Generation Leahy will take the stage at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. The siblings are multi-instrumentalists who explore various genres, from their Celtic music heritage to other global influences. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.
  • Symphony NH hosts a Halloween Magic Family Concert on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua). The program will feature Halloween tunes such as “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Danse Macabre and Night on Bald Mountain. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets cost $8 to $20. A longer Halloween Pops show will take place later in the evening, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets for that cost $10 to $63. Visit symphonynh.org.
  • 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St, Portsmouth) presents pianist Miki Sawada on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. She is on her Gather Here Tour across all 50 states and explores how classical music relates to America. Tickets are $18 for members and $20 for general admission. Visit 3sarts.org.
  • The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “Bohemian Rhapsodies” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem) on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. The program explores Czech and English music, featuring works by Smetana, Kaprálová, Suk, and Elgar, and culminating in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. Tickets cost $5 to $30. Visit nhphil.org.
  • Symphony NH presents Symphony Masala, featuring new arrangements of Bollywood favorites with singer Anuradha “Juju” Palakurthi, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774). Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for youth, plus fees.
  • Duo Baldo will perform at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble features violinist Brad Repp, playing on a 1736 Testore violin, and pianist Aldo Gentileschi, performing in a style reminiscent of Victor Borge. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.
  • Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra presents “At This Point,” marking Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary, on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth). Tickets cost $15 to $35. Visit portsmouthsymphony.org.
  • Symphony NH will present Wynton Marsalis’s “A Fiddler’s Tale” on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St. in Derry; stockbridgetheatre.com); on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at The Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester), and on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m., at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord). The modern interpretation of Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” integrates blues, jazz, tangos, rags, waltzes and classical music to narrate a contemporary story about love, greed and Faustian deals. Guest artist Danny Rivera will accompany Symphony NH, serving as the narrator for the performance. Tickets cost $5 to $35. Visit symphonynh.org.
  • The Nashua Chamber Orchestra presents its fall concert, “Beethoven and Schubert,” with performances on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Nashua Community College (505 Amherst St., Nashua) and Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. at Milford Town Hall (1 Union Square, Milford). The program includes Schubert’s “Overture in the Italian Style,” Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2,” and Schubert’s “Mass in G,” plus a special collaboration with The Nashua Choral Society. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up, military and college students. Admission is free for youth under age 18. Visit nco-music.org.

CONCERTS

Angel City Music Hall (179 Elm St. in Manchester; 931-3654, angelcitymusichall.com) has upcoming September concerts (doors open at 6 p.m.) including Yacht Lobsters on Sept. 8; Saliva and Drowning Pool on Sept. 15; Last in Line on Sept. 16; Enuff Z’Nuff on Sept. 22; Crowbar on Sept. 23; A Killer’s Confession on 24, and Corey Feldman on Sept. 30. See website for future months and opening/featured acts.

The season continues at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com) through the end of September. Shows not listed as sold out include these:
Pantera with Lamb of God and King Parrot on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. (Carnivora on the Hazy Little Stage at 5:30 p.m.)
Ne-Yo with Mario and special guest Pleasure P on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. (Copilot on the Hazy Little Stage at 6 p.m.)
Shinedown with Papa Roach and Spiritbox on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6:40 p.m. (Ghastly Sound on the Hazy Little Stage at 5:30 p.m.)
Cody Johnson with Chris Janson and Drew Parker on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. (Houston Bernard on the Hazy Little Stage at 5 p.m.)
Dropkick Murphys with The Interrupters and Jesse Ahern on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. (The Rebel Collective on the Hazy Little Stage at 5:30 p.m.)
Goo Goo Dolls with Fitz and the Tantrums on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. (Donaher on the Hazy Little Stage at 6:30 p.m.)

Capitol Center for the Arts has a packed schedule for both the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) and the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, banknhstage.com).

At the Chubb Theatre:

  • Grace Potter on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Lords of 52nd Street (the Billy Joel backing band) on Friday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.
  • Matthew Whitaker on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.
  • Craig Morgan with the Reeves Brothers on Friday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m.
  • American Girl Live! In Concert (a pop concert featuring American Girl doll characters) on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m.
  • Buddy Guy with Bobby Rush on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
  • One Night in Memphis (a tribute to Sun Records artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley) on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Grace Kelly with Strings: At the Movies on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Loreena McKennitt on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Don McLean with Chris Trapper on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
  • Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt on Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.
  • Laurie Berkner Halloween Concert (kids’ music) on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • The Beat Goes On (Lisa McClowry as Cher) on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Gregorian: Pure Chants on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
  • Evil Woman (The American ELO) on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m..
  • One Night of Queen (Gary Mullen and The Works) Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
  • Air Supply on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.
  • Joanne Shaw Taylor on Friday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.
  • At the Bank of NH Stage:
  • Jaime Lee Thurston with Shana Stack Band on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.
  • Journeyman (a tribute to Eric Clapton) on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Jeremy Jordan on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • Spin Doctors with Beechwood on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.
  • The Free Range Revue (on Sept. 21 it’s Drag-chella) on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m.
  • Janiva Magness on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Freese Brothers Swing Dance on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2:30 p.m.
  • The Black Legacy Project (a musical celebration of Black history) on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.
  • Texas Flood (tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan) on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Dalton Dover and Lexi James on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.
  • Dean Ford & The Beautiful Ones (Prince tribute) on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
  • Adam Ezra Group on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of the Beatles for Kids on Sunday, Oct. 8, at noon
  • Muddy Ruckus on Friday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.
  • The Free Range Revue (monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ community) on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 9 p.m.
  • Cozy Throne and Long Autumn (BNHS Locally Sourced presents) on Friday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.
  • Matt Andersen with Adam Baldwin opening on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m.
  • Rubblebucket on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m.
  • Dead Letter Office (a tribute to R.E.M.) on Friday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.
  • Scissor Fight with Proelium and the Worst opening, on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.
  • The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of the Grateful Dead for Kids on Sunday, Nov. 5, at noon
  • Artimus Pyle on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • An evening with Tom Rush accompanied by Matt Nakoa on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Symphony NH: Wynton Marsalis’s A Fiddler’s Tale on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m.
  • Spencer at the Walrus Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.
  • The Free Range Revue (monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ community) on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m.
  • Once an Outlaw on Friday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of Dave Matthews for Kids on Sunday, Dec. 10, at noon
  • Scotty Austin (formerly of Saving Abel) on Friday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m.
  • The Free Range Revue (monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ community) on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 9 p.m.

Cisco Brewers (35 Corporate Dr., Portsmouth, ciscobrewersportsmouth.com) continues its music with Start Making Sense (Talking Heads tribute) on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. and Country Fest on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with lumberjack competitions and live music.

In addition to theater, comedy and holiday offerings, the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, coloniallaconia.com) fall schedule includes Tusk on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m.; Lori McKenna and Brandy Clark on Friday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.; The Sixties Show on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m., and Amy Grant on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.

Crows’ Feat Farm (178 Drinkwater Road, Kensington, crowsfeatfarm.org) wraps up its summer concerts with Krewe De Groove on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m.

The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, tickets.anselm.edu) will present the Larry Goldings Trio on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; Le Vent Du Nord (“hopping Francophone folk”) on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m., and Mac McAnally on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.

The Flying Monkey (39 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com) will present these acts:

  • Phil Vassar on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Direct from Sweden (the music of ABBA) on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Pink Talking Fish (tribute to Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish) on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Toad the Wet Sprocket on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Larry McCray on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Justin Hayward on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Stephen Marley on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • David Cook on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi tribute band) on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Al Di Meola Electric Band on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Jim Messina on Friday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.
  • Jimmy Kenny Band (covers of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band) on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Dead Set (Grateful Dead tribute) on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Eileen Ivers on Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin, 934-1901, franklinoperahouse.org) is undergoing renovations but still has shows on the schedule at alternate locations: Dueling Pianos will perform Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, and Liza and Dan Faiella will perform at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. See the Opera House’s website for tickets.

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 929-4100, casinoballroom.com) still has months of shows on the schedule, including these: George Thorogood and the Destroyers with Harnish Anderson on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m.; All Time Low with Gym Class Heroes, Grayscale and Lauran Hibberd on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m.; Niko Moon with David J on Friday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.; Black Veil Brides & VV with Dark Divine on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.; Blue October on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.; Beth Hart on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m.; Engelbert Humperdinck on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.; Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals with special guest Mendeleyev on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m.; Twiddle with Yam Yam on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.; Voyage (Journey tribute) with Desolution Angels on Saturday, Oct 21, at 8 p.m.; Jethro Tull on Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.; Brit Floyd (“The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show”) on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.; Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute) on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m.; Lita Ford with Gary Hoey on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.

Keep an eye on the socials for Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) for upcoming shows; some announced so far include these: Carnival of Death Tour with Cryptopsy, Abysmal Dawn, Hate, Reaping Asmodeia and Warforged, on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.; Murphy’s Law with Grade 2 and Sotah on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.; Cathedral (Van Halen tribute) on Saturday, Sept 23, at 8 p.m.; Jonny Craig with Sunsleep, KeepMySecrets and A Foreign Affair on Monday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m.; WAKAAN Presents Sully “Digital Underground” on Friday, Dec. 8, 9 p.m.

Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-JAZZ, jimmysoncongress.com) has a full schedule including:

  • Ruthie Foster on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Soul Rebels on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • Larry Carlton: Greatest Hits & Steely Dan on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • Southern Avenue on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Samples on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Mindi Abair on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • Dave McMurray (Grateful Dead tribute) on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Bonerama on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Vanessa Collier on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Pam Tillis on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Stanley Jordan on Sunday, Swpt. 24, at 7:30 p.m.
  • John Primer on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ana Popovic on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Walter Trout Band on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Oz Noy / Dennis Chambers / Jimmy Haslip on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Harper and Midwest Kind on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Yacht Rock Schooner on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Michael Lington on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Joey Alexander on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Acoustic Alchemy on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
  • North Mississippi Allstars on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Weight Band on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Greg Koch Trio on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Nicole Zuraitis on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Brubeck Brothers Quartet on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • “Monster” Mike Welch Band on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Benny Benack III Quartet on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Jeremiah Johnson Band on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Lissie on Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.
  • Fred Hersch Trio on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • Sue Foley on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
  • John Medeski, Dave Fiuczynski and Calvin Weston as Fire Jelly Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Vijay Iyer Trio on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ranky Tanky on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Eldorado Slim (featuring Scott Sharrard) on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters on Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Quinn Sullivan on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Cookers on Friday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Popa Chubby on Sunday, Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.
  • The Bad Plus on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Bywater Call on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.
  • John Scofield Trio on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Donna the Buffalo on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • New Orleans Jazz Orchestra featuring Nnenna Freelon on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
  • Matt Schofield on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
  • John Pizzarelli on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
  • James Montgomery Band on Thursday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.

LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111, Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com) has shows at both its Amherst and Derry locations. At LaBelle in Amherst:
Vyntyge Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute) on Thursday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m.
At LaBelle in Derry:
Moondance (Van Morrison tribute) on Thursday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m.
Living on a Bad Name (Bon Jovi tribute) on Thursday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.
Green River (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute) on Thursday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m.
Kids Halloween bash with Mr. Aaron Band on Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.
Absolute Queen (Queen tribute), on Thursday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m.
LoVeSeXy (Prince tribute) on Thursday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m.

Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506, lakeportopera.com) will present Aquanett for its ’80s rock night on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m.

The Music Hall (historic theater at 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, and Lounge at 131 Congress St., Portsmouth; 436-2400, themusichall.org) has shows at both its venues.

At the Music Hall Historic Theater:

  • Let’s Sing Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute) on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Godspeed You! Black Emperor on Monday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m.
  • Los Lobos on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.
  • Killer Queen (Queen tribute with Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury) on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.
  • Yo-Yo Ma plays Elgar on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Angelina Jordan on Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.
  • Mike Campbell & THe Dirty Knobs, on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
  • An Evening with Oteil & Friends on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m.
  • Hot Tuna Electric on Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.
  • Ben Folds on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.
  • Mandy Patinkin on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Andy Grammar on Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.
  • Joep Beving on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Natalie McMaster & Donnell Leahy on Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
  • “At this Point” with Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m.
  • Tenors: Now & Forever Tour on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.
  • The Righteous Brothers on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.
  • At the Music Hall Lounge:
  • Lucy Wainwright Roche & Suzzy Roche on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
  • Guy Davis on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Lucy Kaplansky on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • Nolan Taylor on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.
  • Jill Sobule on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
  • Amy Speace on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.
  • May Erlewine on Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.
  • Bassem Youssef on Friday, Sept. 29, at 6 & 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 30, at 6 & 9 p.m.
  • Jonatha Brooke on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
  • Amythyst Kiah on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 p.m.
  • Mark Erelli on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Caitlin Canty on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
  • Lady Luck Burlesque on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8:30 p.m.
  • Lilli Lewis on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m.
  • Shamarr Allen on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.
  • Antje Duvekot on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ward Hayden & the Outliers on Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.
  • Willy Porter on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Lily and Madeleine + Sarah Walk on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m.
  • Trace Bundy on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Will Dailey on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8p.m.
  • Rebecca Loebe & Kemp Harris on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Connor Garvey on Friday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m.
  • Ammonium Maze on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Fantastic Cat on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Peter Mulvey & BettySoo on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m.
  • Ellis Paul on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
  • Sharon Jones on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
  • Taylor O’Donnell Trio on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • Ultimate Johnny Cash with Scott Moreau on Friday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m.

Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) enters its first fall season with a slate of performances:

  • Phil Vassar on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Hector “El Torito” Acosta & Orquesta on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Clannad on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • Judy Collins on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.
  • Walter Trout Band on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Tusk on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
  • Justin Hayward on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.
  • The Sixties Show on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
  • Peace Frog on Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.
  • Symphony Masala on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Captain Jack and the Strangers (Billy Joel tribute) on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m.
  • Tower of Power on Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.
  • Cowboy Junkies on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.
  • Al Di Meola on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.
  • Zach Nugent’s Dead Set on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m.

Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) has shows at its original venue as well as the Rex (23 Amherst St., Manchester) and The Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St., Manchester).

At the Palace:

  • The Uptown Boys Live: Present New York State of Mind (Billy Joel songs) on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
  • The McCartney Experience: A Tribute to Paul McCartney on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Kelli O’Hara on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • At the Rex:
  • Jon Pousette-Dart Trio on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • American Elton on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Michael Glabiciki of Rusted Root and Dirk Miller on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
  • A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band with Idlewild Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Marshall Crenshaw Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Mallett Brothers Band Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Ryan Montbleau Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Don Campbell Band Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Queens with Jordan Quinn (tribute to Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner and Lady Gaga) on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Edwin McCain Acoustic Trio on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m.
  • NH Jazz Orchestra on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.
  • Damn the Torpedoes (A Live Tom Petty Concert Experience) on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Yesterday Once More: A Tribute to the Carpenters on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m.
  • Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
  • Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.
  • Symphony NH: Wynton Marsalis’s A Fiddler’s Tale on Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.
  • Mack the Knife: The Definitive Bobby Darin Celebration Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.
  • Moondance: The Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Whammer Jammer: Live J. Geils Band Tribute Experience Friday, Dec. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey, 532-9300, theparktheatre.org) will present Alice Howe Band featuring Freebo on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.

Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186, pressroomnh.com) has ticketed shows scheduled into December (see the website for all shows):

  • Damien Jurado on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Grateful Dub (reggae tribute to the Grateful Dead; at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth) on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
  • Harsh on Friday, Sept. 8, at 9 p.m.
  • Joe Samba (at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth, rock and roll reggae) on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m.
  • Disney Drag Bunch with the Curbside (Drag) Queens on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 11:30 a.m.
  • High Pulp on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m.
  • Jake Manzi Record Release with Kimaya Diggs on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m.
  • Honey Bee and the Stingers on Thursday, Sept .14, at 8 p.m.
  • Feverslip with Iron Dynamite on Friday, Sept. 15, at 9 p.m.
  • Start Making Sense (Talking Heads Tribute at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth) on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • The Yellowhouse Blues Band on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • Diaspora Radio playing Tame Impala’s Innerspeaker on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m.
  • Nick Goumas Quartet on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m.
  • Connor Kelly & The Time Warp on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Nathan Graham with Sug Daniels on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
  • Bonnie Prince Billy with very special guest Bitchin Bajas (at 3S Artspace) on Monday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m.
  • Sheer Mag with Hotline TNT and Dog Lips on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.
  • The Lost Melody on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.
  • Demob Happy on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m.
  • The Mallett Brothers Band with Dave Gutter Thursday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 20, at 9 p.m.
  • Jazz Brunch: Cassandre McKinley Quartet on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
  • A. Savage with Annie Hart on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m.
  • Jazz Brunch: Rich Greenblatt & Mark Shilansky Group featuring Jason Anick on Sunday, Oct. 29, at noon
  • Bill Pierce Quintet on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m.
  • Lamp on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m.
  • Marble Eyes on Friday, Nov. 3, at 9 p.m.
  • Chris Pierce on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • Leslie Mendelson on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.
  • The Anick/Klaxton Quartet on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m.
  • The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow & Jamie McLean Band on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
  • Sugar: The Nu-Metal Party (DJ playing the Nu Metal of the 1990s and 2000s) on Friday, Dec. 8, at 10 p.m.
  • Sapphic Factory: Queer Joy Party ( a modern queer joy dance party, according to the website) on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 p.m.

The Range (96 Old Turnpike Road, Mason, 878-1324, therangemason.com) continues its concerts through the end of September with The Wailers on Friday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.; Watkins Glen Revisited on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m.; Once an Outlaw with Jon Butcher on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m.; Town Meeting with Modern Fools on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m., and Dopapod with Yam Yam, Hayley Jane and Leon Trout on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.

Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 335-1992, rochesteroperahouse.com) has several concerts on the fall schedule:

  • Full Moon Fever (tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Son of a Gun (Guns N’ Roses tribute) with Boyz Gone Wild on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • Skerryvore on Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.
  • WailOn (a tribute to Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, The Highwaymen & Outlaw Country) on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
  • Stay Alive (a night of the Bee Gees) on Friday, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m.
  • Dirty Deeds (the AC/DC Experience) on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.
  • Dancing Dream (an ABBA tribute band) on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Yesterday (tribute to the Beatles) on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Bearly Dead: Grateful Dead tribute on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.
  • Blizzard of Ozz (a tribute to Ozzy) with Stormbringer (a tribute to Deep Purple) on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m.
  • Lez Zeppelin (all-girl quartet tribute band to Led Zeppelin) on Friday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m.

SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) will host performances by Godsmack (Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m.) and Tool (Monday, Nov. 13, at 7:15 p.m.) before holiday events later in the year.

Shows with tickets available for advanced purchase at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700, stonechurchrocks.com) include:

  • Echoes of Floyd (tribute to Pink Floyd) on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Zach Nugent’s Dead Seal on Friday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.
  • Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • The Split Squad with Shang Hi Los and speedfossil on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m.
  • The Edd and Leon Trout on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
  • The Man on the Hill on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.

Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St. in Derry; stockbridgetheatre.com) has tickets on sale now for musical events including Jukebox Saturday Night, with music celebrating the swing era, on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.; Yesterday and Today: Interactive Beatles Experience on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.; The Hitmen of Country on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.,; a screening of a documentary about local student and musician Jason Flood and the concert series PizzaStock with live music and more on Friday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.; Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.; Symphony NH on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and JazzReeach Presents: “Sittin in and Groovin Out” on Friday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.

The Strand (20 Third St., Dover, 343-1899, thestranddover.com) has upcoming concerts including Queens featuring Jordan Quinn (a tribute to female artists) on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. and a Rod Stewart tribute band on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.

3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 766-3330, 3sarts.org) has tickets on sale for concerts including Blue Skies on Mars End of Summer Party featuring Lovesick on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.; The Lemonheads with Willy Mason on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.; Barely Dead (a Grateful Dead tribute) on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. and Jonathan Coulton on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) has a big calendar for the end of 2023:

  • The Bacon Brothers on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m.
  • Sara Evans on Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
  • Unforgettable Fire (U2 tribute) on Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 p.m.
  • Geoff Tate’s Big Rock Show Hits with Mark Daly opening on Sunday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
  • Progject — The Ultimate Prog Rock Musical Experience on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.
  • Croce Plays Croce on Friday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.
  • The Breakers (tribute to Tom Petty) on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m.
  • Jerry Shirley Presents; Humble Pie Legacy on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.
  • Dueling Pianos Friday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.
  • Eric Johnson’s Treasure Tour on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.
  • Macy Gray on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.
  • Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute) on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.
  • Coco Montoya on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.
  • Bob Mould with Jason Narducy opening on Friday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.
  • The Machine performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m.
  • John Waite with Jeff Gaines opening on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.
  • Foreigners Journey (tribute to Foreigner and Journey) on Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m.
  • Eric Hutchison on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m.
  • The British Invasion Years on Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.
  • King’s X with Trope opening the show on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Hollywood Nights (Bob Seger tribute) on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.
  • Mat Kearney Trio on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Sister Hazel on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m.
  • Panorama and Bikini Whale (two bands playing tributes to The Cars and The B-52’s) on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.
  • Souled Out Show Band on Friday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.
  • The Fools on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m.
  • The Fixx on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.
  • Keller Williams on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.
  • Carbon Leaf on Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.
  • Gary Hoey — Ho! Ho! Hoey on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m.
  • Glenn Miller Orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 3, at noon and 4:30 p.m.
  • Tab Benoit with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band on Friday, Dec. 8 p.m. at 8 p.m.
  • The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m.
  • The Wizards of Winter on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m.
  • Thunderstruck (America’s AC/DC) on Friday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m.
  • The Little Mermen (the ultimate Disney cover band) Saturday, Dec. 16, at noon
  • Adrenalize (the Ultimate Def Leppard experience) on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m.
  • Adam Ezra Group on Sunday, Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 244-0202, thewordbarn.com) has several concerts on the schedule:

  • Damien Jurado with Lilly Miller on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
  • Chatham Rabbits on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
  • David Wilcox on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.
  • The Wolff Sisters on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.
  • Mick Flannery with Jeffrey Martin on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m.
  • The Last Revel on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.
  • Little Wishbone with Micah John & Lillian Chase on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.
  • Vance Gilbert on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
  • Lonesome Ace Stringband on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m.
  • The Midnight Wrens on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.
  • The Tannahill Weavers on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.
  • Jordan Tice on Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.
  • Todd Hearon and Friends with special guest Green Heron on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Halley Neal and Sam Robbins on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m.

BOOKS- Author appearances

  • Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) has several author events on the schedule this fall. Jilly Gagnon brings her new thriller, Scenes of the Crime, to Gibson’s on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m., to discuss with Hank Phillippi Ryan (author of The House Guest). Carol Soule of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon will discuss her new book Yes, I Name Them: A Memoir on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. David Lawrence Morse will discuss his new book of short fiction, The Book of Disbelieving, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
    Melanie Brooks will discuss her new memoir A Hard Silence on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m. Daniel Mason, a Pulitzer prize finalist, will discuss his new novel North Woods on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Anderson Cooper will discuss his new book Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune, in conversation with his co-author, Katherine Howe, in a virtual event presented by Gibson’s on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m. This is a ticketed event; your ticket includes a copy of Astor (preorders and purchases of Astor from Gibson’s will include a ticket to the virtual event) — buy tickets via gibsonsbookstore.com. Ryan T. Higgins will read and sign his new Mother Bruce picture book Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow at Gibson’s on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson will talk about their new illustrated book Of Time and Turtles on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Jacquelyn Lenox Tuxill will discuss her new memoir Whispers from the Valley of the Yak on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Nathan Hill will discuss his new novel Wellness on Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Paula Munier will discuss her novel Home at Night: A Mercy Carr Mystery on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Balin Books (375 Amherst St. in Nashua, 417-7981, balinbooks.com) has author events on the schedule for September. New Hampshire author Paul August will discuss his novel The Canaries on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Melanie Brooks will read from her memoir A Hard Silence and discuss it with author Suzanne Strempek Shea, according to a social media post from the bookstore. See melaniebrooks.com for more on the author and her book. On Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. catch the return of naturalist author Sy Montgomery and wildlife artist Matt Patterson, this time with their book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell, which is slated for release Sept. 19. See symontgomery.com for more on all of Montgomery’s works.
  • Barnes & Noble in Manchester (1741 S. Willow St., 668-6667) presents a book signing and talk with local author Cynthia Neale for her new book Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters, on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • The Bookery (844 Elm St. in Manchester; bookerymht.com) has several author events on the schedule this fall. Local author William R. Graser presents The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. Melanie Brooks will discuss her new memoir, A Hard Silence, on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. Nate Graziano and Todd Hearon will on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m. read from their respective poetry collections, Born on Good Friday and Crows in Eden. Cartoonist Marek Bennett presents his graphic novel The Civil War Diary of Freeman Colby, Vol. 3, on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. Rebecca Butt presents her book Lipstick on a Pig on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 10:30 a.m. Jen Eillis will talk about her book Bernie’s Mitten Maker on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m. Linda Magoon will discuss her book Live Free and Hike on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. Rachelle McKeown presents her new novel, Broken Hearts, Open Minds, on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m. Tracy Emerick will talk about his book Consummate Coaches: Bill Belichick and Jesus Christ on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Manchester author Jon Wesick will read from his thriller The Prague Deception and from his poetry collection The Shaman in the Library on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. Michael Clark presents his horror novel Hell on High on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. Jared Grace presents his debut horror novel Isolation on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m. Z.J. Hampl joins a discussion of his novel The Mortician’s Curse on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.; this is an 18+-only event. Christopher Frost presents his debut horror novel 396 on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m.
  • Water Street Bookstore (125 Water St., Exeter, 778-9731, waterstreetbooks.com) has several author events on the schedule this fall. Nick Fuller Googins will discuss his novel The Great Transition on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m. Tori Anne Martin launches her new romcom This Spells Disaster on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Clif Travers will discuss his short story collection The Stones of Riverton: Stories from a Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. Jen Ellis will discuss her book Bernie’s Mitten Maker on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Kim Coleman Foote will discuss her new book Coleman Hill on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. Author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson will discuss and sign copies of their illustrated book Of Time and Turtles on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m. Romance author Rebekah Weatherspoon will participate in a Q&A and book signing of her latest novel, Her Good Side, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Emily Habeck will talk about her novel Shark Heart on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m.
  • The Writers on a New England Stage series brings Chuck Palahniuk to talk about his book Not Forever, But For Now, moderated by NHPR host Rick Ganley, at The Music Hall in Portsmouth (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org) on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $18; for each one or two tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher ($30 hardcover) is required. Vouchers can be redeemed at the event for signed copies. The series continues with Heather Cox Richardson on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., presenting her book Democracy Awakening; tickets cost $46 and include a copy of the book.
  • Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550) has a few author talks coming up; register at manchesterlibrary.org. Chris Boucher will talk about his book The Original Bucky Lew: Basketball’s First Black Professional on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester City Library. Local authors Gail Walsh Chop and Margaret Corbett Wiley will discuss their book Flashbulb Memories, set in 1960s Manchester, on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. John Doelman will talk about his book Quetico Connection: Finding Spirit in a Million Acres of Canadian Wilderness on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m.
  • The Big Read: The Bear (see nhhumanities.org/bigread) begins with with a public event on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Great North Aleworks (1050 Holt Ave.) in Manchester featuring a dramatic reading from the novel; doors open at 6 p.m. and pre-registration is required at nhhumanities.org/bigread. On Friday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. on Zoom, Dr. Brent Bellamy leads a virtual discussion, “Beginning at the End: Andrew Krivak’s The Bear and Postapocalyptic Fiction in the American Century.” Register for that event at nhhumanities.com. On Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m., Dennis Haug, retired Navy Master Sergeant, will give wilderness survival demonstrations at the Northwood athletic fields, hosted by Friends of the Northwood Libraries; email chesleydirector@gmail.com for information. On Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. the NH Audubon presents a wilderness talk in conjunction with the Big Read at Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550). On Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m. the New Hampshire Astronomical Society will give a talk on what you can see in the night sky at the Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry, derrypl.org), and on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. there will be a skywatch at the Taylor Library in Derry; reserve a spot at www.derrypl.org.
    On Saturday, Sept. 23, there will be a planetarium show called “A Year Under the Stars,” with a special presentation by Ben Kilham of the Kilham Bear Center, at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Dr., Concord, starhop.com); it’s free and open to the public but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Author Andrew Krivak will discuss and sign copies of The Bear on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St.) in Concord, with a 1 p.m. public reception and an author talk at 2 p.m., followed by a book signing. This event is free but pre-registration is strongly encouraged; register to attend or for the livestream via nhhumanities.org. NH Humanities scholar Damian Costello will lead a book discussion of The Bear by Andrew Krivak on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester City Library; register at manchesterlibrary.org. Check your local library for book discussions and other events about The Bear.
  • Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, nashualibrary.org) presents author Jason Mott discussing this year’s community-wide read for Nashua, Hell of a Book, on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the library’s main desk or website. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
  • The New Hampshire Humanities 2023 Annual Celebration of the Humanities on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. will feature author Jodi Picoult in conversation with Alexandria Peary, the New Hampshire Poet Laureate, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester). The public reception begins at 5 p.m. with appetizers and a cash bar and the program starts at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $35 through $50. See nhhumanities.org/celebrate or call 224-4071.

Literary events and lectures

  • The Secrets of Cellar Holes presented by Adair Mulligan at Londonderry Historical Society (Parmenter Barn, 140 Pillsbury Road, Londonderry) on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. See nhhumanities.org or call 425-1929.
  • The Gods Next Door: A Glimpse Into India New Hampshire author Rebecca Kaiser Gibson presents a travelogue about her time teaching poetry in India on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140). Register at derrypl.org.
  • Wit and Wisdom: The Forgotten Literary Life of New England Villages presented by Jo Radner at The Pierce Manse (14 Horseshoe Pond Lane, Concord) on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. See nhhumanities.org or call 224-2939.
  • Becoming Wolf: Eastern Coyote in New England presented by Chris Schadler, M.S., Conservation Biology, at Hooksett Public Library (31 Mt. St. Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092) on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required; register via hooksettlibrary.org.
  • The Capital Crime of Witchcraft: What the Primary Sources Tell Us presented by Margo Burns at the Salem Historical Society (310 Main St., Salem, 890-2280) on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.
  • The Founding Fathers: What Were They Thinking? presented by Richard Hesse at The Pierce Manse (14 Horseshoe Pond Lane, Concord) on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. See nhhumanities.org or call 224-2939.
  • State of the Loon presented by biologist Harry Vogel, about loons in New Hampshire, at Hooksett Public Library (31 Mt. St. Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org) on Friday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. No registration required.
  • New Hampshire on Skis presented by E. John Allen at Canterbury Town Hall (9 Center Road, Canterbury) on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. See nhhumanities.org or call 783-4386.

Book sales

  • Merrimack Public Library Book Sale Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (470 Daniel Webster Hwy., 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org).
  • Derry Public Library Book Sale Saturdays, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org).
  • Hooksett Public Library Book Sale Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (31 Mt. St. Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org).

FILM

  • Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord, 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) currently has Barbie (PG-13, 2023) on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 4:15 and 7 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at 1:30, 4:15 & 7 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Sept. 14, at 4:15 p.m. (plus Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.) and Golda (PG-13, 2023) on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13, 2023) will run Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at 12:30, 2:45 5 & 7 :15 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Sept. 14, at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Upcoming films include A Haunting in Venice (PG-13, 2023), starting Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., and Dumb Money (2023), the movie about the GameStop stock, on Oct. 6. In October the theater will screen The Way We Were (1973) on Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. and offer four screenings of Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975) with theater-provided props — Fridays, Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, and Saturdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. The theater will also present Remember Me: A Conversation 15 Years in the Making on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., in which “writer Chelsea Conaboy leads a discussion between photojournalist Preston Gannaway and members of the St. Pierre family, whom Gannaway chronicled as part of the Concord Monitor’s Remember Me series starting in 2006,” according to the website.
  • O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) has some special screenings on their schedule in addition to the lineup of new movies. Perfect Blue (1998), an animated film from director Satoshi Kon, will screen Thursday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. A 40th anniversary presentation of Christine (R, 1983) will screen on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. A 35th anniversary screening of Rain Man (R, 1988) will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7 a.m. Shaky Shivers (2022), a horror movie send-up, will screen Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. Howl’s Moving Castle (PG, 2004) will screen Monday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2023. A 50th anniversary presentation of The Exorcist (R, 1973) will screen on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. A 20th anniversary screening of Rob Zombie’s House of 1,000 Corpses (R, 2003) will screen Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Back to the Future (1985) will screen on Saturday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. A live broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s Dead Man Walking will screen Saturday, Oct. 21, at 12:55 p.m. with an encore on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (1963) will get a 60th anniversary screening on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. A Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 presentation of Spirited Away (PG, 2001) will screen on Monday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. The animated Ghost in the Shell (1995) will screen on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. A 40th anniversary presentation of Scarface (R, 1983) will screen Sunday, Nov. 12, and Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. The Met: Live in HD’s presentation of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X will screen on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 12:55 p.m. with an encore on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m.
  • Many of the above-listed movies are also screening at other area theaters as part of a Fathom Events (fathomevents.com) presentation. For example, Christine is also screening Sunday at AMC Classic Londonderry, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem and Regal Fox Run in Newington. See the website for a rundown of events.
  • Telluride by the Sea presents movies that got their debut at Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival (which was held last week) at the Music Hall (historic theater at 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, and Lounge at 131 Congress St., Portsmouth; 436-2400, themusichall.org) Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17. Tickets range from $22 for an individual ticket to a screening to the $230 Patron Pass, which includes seating to all films as well as VIP access to parties and other events.This year’s films are Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, Ilker Çatak’s The Teacher’s Lounge, Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves , Aki Kaurismäki’s Anatomy of a Fall and the documentary American Symphony.
  • In addition to the multi-day film festivals, The Music Hall (historic theater at 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, and Lounge at 131 Congress St., Portsmouth; 436-2400, themusichall.org) historic theater will screen Have You Got It Yet? (NR), a documentary about the relationship between Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett, on Thursday Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.; and Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition ®, a documentary featuring the works of Vermeer currently displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 4 and 7 p.m. An encore presentation of The Met’s 2007 performance of Eugene Onegin featuring Renee Fleming and Dmitri Hvorostovsky will screen on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. The French film called En Corps but billed as Rise (NR, 2022) in English will screen Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4:30 p.m. Teton Gravity’s ski and snowboard film Legend Has It will screen Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey, theparktheatre.org) has a full calendar of movies including Oppenheimer (R, 2023) on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m.; Jules (PG-13, 2023) on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.; Barbie (PG-13, 2023) Friday, Sept. 8, through Thursday, Sept. 14; Lakota Nation Vs. United States (PG-13, 2022) Friday, Sept. 8, through Tuesday, Sept. 12; Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo (2020) Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 1:30 p.m.; Cat Video Fest 2023 on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m.; Carlos: The Santana Journey (2023) on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 2 and 7 p.m.; The Anonymous People on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 4:30 p.m.; Monadnock International Film Festival: Join or Die on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 7:15 p.m.; Monadnock: The Mountain that Stands Alone (2023) on Friday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 and 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Ruth Stone’s Vast Library of the Female Mind on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m.; Exhibition on Screen: David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 1:30 p.m.; Dracula (1931) with Bela Lugosi (though a sound version, this will be presented with additional music by Jeff Rapsis) on Monday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.; Exhibition on Screen: Leonardo: The Works on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 1:30 p.m., and Exhibition on Screen: Hopper: An American Love Story on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m.
  • Milford Drive-In (531 Elm St., Milford, milforddrivein.com) plans to continue its season through the end of October, weather permitting, according to an email. The drive-in is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with the first movie of the double features (the drive-in has two screens) starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per car of up to six people.
  • The Flying Monkey (39 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com) has silent films with live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis on its schedule including Scaramouche (1923) on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m.; a Lon Chaney double feature of The Unknown (1927) and West of Zanzibar (1928), and The Three Musketeers (1921) starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m. The Flying Monkey is also screening Anxious Nation (NR), a documentary about anxiety and kids, on Thursday, Oct. 5; screening starts at 6:20 p.m. and a panel discussion follows.
  • In addition to its daily offerings of first-run films, Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) has special screenings on the schedule. A sensory-friendly presentation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG-13, 2023) will screen at all three theaters on Friday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m. On Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m. all three locations will also present a “Little Lunch Date” screening of Horton Hears a Who (G, 2008); admission is free but reserve a seat with a $5 food voucher. On Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 p.m. in Nashua there will be a 21+ screening called Spoons, Toons & Booze featuring classic Saturday morning-style cartoons, a cereal bar of classic sugary cereals and cereal-inspired cocktails; tickets cost $15. On Friday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. all three locations will offer a sensory-friendly presentation of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG, 2023) and, at 3:30 p.m., a “Little Lunch Date” screening of Hotel Transylvania (PG, 2012). On Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. all three locations will screen The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R, 1975), props allowed and dressing up encouraged; tickets cost $10. On Friday, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m. all three theaters will hold a “Little Lunch Date” screening of Free Birds (PG, 2013).
  • The documentary Our American Family (2021) on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 766-3330, 3sarts.org). Tickets cost $15. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
  • Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) will screen of Seven Chances (1925), a silent film starring Buster Keaton and presented with live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Jeff returns to the Rex to provide musical accompaniment on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. for a screening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), a silent film starring Lon Chaney.
  • You can also catch Jeff Rapsis providing live musical accompaniment for silent films at Wilton Town Hall Theatre (40 Main St., Wilton, wiltontownhalltheatre.com, 654-3456) with screenings including Eagle of the Night (1928) on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.; Show People (1928), part of an evening “Salute to Marion Davies” that includes a Q&A with author Lara Gabrielle (Captain of her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies), on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m.; The Red Kimona (1925) on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m., and Nosferatu (1922), the classic vampire tale from director F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck, on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m.
  • Jeff will also provide live musical accompaniment for a screening of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), a silent film starring Lon Chaney, at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Derry) sponsored by Derry Public Library on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.
  • You get to be the festival jury at the Manhattan Short Film Festival, which will be screened at NHTI (in Sweeney Hall) in Concord on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 30, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. Admission costs $10. Screen 10 short-film finalists and vote for your favorite, with winners announced on Monday, Oct. 9. This year’s films come from the U.S., Australia, Afghanistan, Finland, Iran, Switzerland, the U.K. and Canada, according to manhattanshort.com.
  • The New Hampshire Film Festival takes place Thursday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 15, at screening spaces throughout Portsmouth including The Music Hall Historic Theater, the Music Hall Lounge, 3S ArtSpace, Seacoast Repertory Theatre and The Press Room as well as other locations for parties and other events, according to nhfilmfestival.com, where you can purchase four-day passes ($143.50, $283.50 for a VIP pass) or day passes ($38.50 for Thursday or $58.50 for any of the other three days). The lineup will feature more than 100 feature films, documentaries and shorts, according to a press release. The festival also serves as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards short film awards. Check the website for a listing of films.
  • See Moonstruck (PG, 1987) on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) to celebrate 90 years of what was once the Concord Theatre and is now the Bank of NH Stage. The event is free and will be hosted by Laura Knoy; reserve a spot by getting tickets online.
  • Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) will also screen The Met: Live in HD broadcasts including Dead Man Walking on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 12:55 p.m.; X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 12:55 p.m.; Florencia en el Amazonas on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 12:55 p.m., and Nabucco on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 12:55 p.m. The Teton Gravity Research film Legend Has It will screen Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 6 and 8:30 p.m.

This Week 23/09/07

Big Events September 7, 2023 and beyond

Friday, Sept. 8

The 11th annual New Hampshire Monarch Festival continues this weekend at Petals in the Pines (126 Baptist Road in Canterbury; petalsinthepines.com, 783-0220) today through Sunday, Sept. 10. Online reservations for two-hour time slots are required; the cost is $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids, and infants (non-walkers) get in free. Time slots for this weekend are 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday; 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Learn about ways to help migrating monarchs and other pollinators at the festival, which will feature kids’ activities and games, monarch tagging, book readings, labyrinths, ask a master gardener, free milkweed seeds and 2 miles of woodland trails and garden paths, according to a press release. Butterfly wings and costumes are encouraged, the release said.

The curtain rises on the merry old land of Oz tonight: The Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) runs today through Sunday, Sept. 24, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays as well as Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $49 for adults, $28 for 12 and under and $33 for seniors, according to the website. The show, which boasts the familiar songs performed by the cast and a live orchestra and “masterful special effects,” opens the 2023-2024 St. Mary’s Bank Performing Arts Series, according to a video posted on the Palace’s social media.

Saturday, Sept. 9

It’s a day of rubber ducks, food trucks and live music! The 2023 Auburn Day will run today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Auburn Village on Hooksett Road, with the 30th Annual Duck Race taking place at 2 p.m. $20 will get you five tickets — a “quack pack,” according to the website. Winning ducks get their ticket-holders prizes — from $1,000 for first prize through $25 for 6th through 10th place. The day will also feature an apple pie contest, a cookie baking contest for kids, a small petting zoo, music by Ray Zerkle, a climbing wall, food trucks, children’s games, local authors and more. See auburnhistorical.org.

Sunday, Sept. 10

The Nashua Multicultural Festival will be held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library plaza and parking lot (2 Court St. in Nashua). The day will feature food from area restaurants, art, dance and a celebration of the cultures of Nashua’s residents, according to
nashuanh.gov/1237/Nashua-Multicultural-Festival.

Concorso Italian, the free Italian car show at the Tuscan Village (9 Via Toscano in Salem; tuscanvillagesalem.com), will run today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature live music, street food, entertainment and more than 150 exotic cars.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Adam Berry, of the Travel Channel and Discovery+’s Kindred Spirits, will bring “Real Ghost Stories” to the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35.75 and $48.75.

Save the Date! – Friday, Oct. 13

Pizzastock: It Takes a Village, a documentary about student and musician Jason Flood and the Pizzastock event created to spread awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, will screen Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 44 N. Main St. in Derry; stockbridgetheatre.showare.com). Doors for the event open at 6:30 p.m. and the evening will feature live music, speeches and stories from community leaders, according to pizzastock.org. Tickets cost $15, $10 for youth.

Featured photo: Pizzastock banner.

Quality of Life 23/09/07

Harvest season

Gov. Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire Executive Council were slated to host a food drive in support of the New Hampshire Food Bank during their Sept. 6 Governor and Executive Council meeting, held at the Food Bank’s Manchester headquarters, according to a press release. Coinciding with the meeting, Gov. Sununu declared September as Hunger Action Month in New Hampshire. Those who attended were encouraged to bring food donations. It is estimated that 7 percent of New Hampshire residents, including 8.5 percent of children, face food insecurity.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The New Hampshire Food Bank, a branch of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, distributed more than 16 million pounds of food in 2022 through various agencies.

PFAS all over

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a Paris-based company operating in Merrimack, has announced the closure of its plant following contamination issues involving a chemical group named PFAS, according to the AP. The company identified that it was exceeding state air limits for these “forever chemicals.” The state discovered a significant contamination of water properties from the Merrimack plant, causing Saint-Gobain to supply bottled water and alternative water sources to affected areas. The closure affects 164 workers, with the company pledging support for employee transitions.

QOL score: -3

Comment: PFAS chemicals, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are notoriously challenging to remove from water and have links to various health concerns, including kidney cancer and low birthweight, according to the article.

Bigger bill

Liberty Utilities is in the process of proposing a gas rate hike for its heating customers, which, if approved, would result in an annual increase of approximately $220 to the average customer’s bill, according to NHPR. This move is part of the company’s periodic “rate case” review, which assesses delivery charges distinct from the actual gas supply cost. While this review continues, Liberty also suggests a temporary $100 yearly increase for the average consumer. The company justifies these hikes by noting its $179 million investment in its distribution system since the last major rate adjustments. The New Hampshire Department of Energy is currently examining the proposal, with initial meetings and hearings scheduled for late September.

QOL score: -2

Comment: The state’s consumer advocate, Don Kreis, has expressed skepticism regarding the investment figures provided by Liberty Utilities, emphasizing that the 10.35 percent return on equity requested by the company might be excessive considering the low-risk nature of the utility industry, according to the article.

QOL score: 89
Net change: -4
QOL this week: 85

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

Featured photo: “Young Eagles” program gives kids airplane rides. Courtesy photo.

NFL blasts off

The Big Story: Football is back, and just in time, with the Red Sox season on life support after the Sox were swept at home by the Astros last week.
It starts Thursday, Sept. 7, when the Chiefs and upstart Lions square off in Kansas City before the Pats face (gulp) the great O and D-lines of Philly in Foxboro on Sunday.

Football 101: Who has run for the most 100-yard games in NFL history?

Thumbs Up – Gil Brandt: The legendary player evaluation Dallas Cowboys guru passed away last week at 91. RIP.

News Item – Sox’ Demise: In winning 16 of 21 the Sox were rolling as July was coming to a close. And with 10 games ahead vs. bad teams and all but three of the rest of them head-to-head match-ups with direct wild card race contenders the August schedule offered a great chance to solidify a grip on a playoff spot. But that slipped away as they went 6-4 vs. bottom-dwelling Washington, KC and Detroit and 2-8 vs. Toronto and Houston to enter September six and a half games back for the final wild card spot.

News Item – Patriots Get Underway: It’s not like the olden days when there were 12 automatic wins when the schedule came out and said “see you come playoff time.” Instead, with Aaron Rodgers now a J-E-T-S, Jet, Jet, Jet and them having the most dismal pre-season in memory, most are picking the Pats to finish last in the AFC East for the first time since Year 1 of the Belichick administration in 2000. 2023 starts with people wondering the following: (1) how the Mac Jones redemption tour will go; (2) can he survive behind a (so far) porous O-line? (3) is the D as good as most think it will be? and (4) can Bill coach them up to be better than the sum of their parts appears to be?

News Item – Predictions For Top 5 Super Bowl Favorites:
(1) Chiefs – With the game’s best player and KC now the place veterans want to go to win, they’re what the Patriots used to be.
(2) Bills – Josh Allen wins games on his own, he and Stefon Diggs are a dynamic combination and the coach is really good.
(3) Eagles – I love their offensive and defensive lines and the outside receiving speed is dangerous.
(4) Bengals – Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins keeps them in every game.
(5) 49ers – the QB situation may seem goofy, but the D gave up the fewest points in the NFL last year and may do it again.

Random Thoughts:

I know — how could anyone say this about a show on a Rupert Murdoch-owned channel (FS1) and run by honest Skip Bayless. But who wants to bet the walk-off-the-set move by replacement Undisputed co-hosts Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin during an argument with other new co-host Richard Sherman that playing cornerback was harder than wide receiver was staged to build phony drama?
Even with the United Auto Workers threatening to strike if they don’t get a 46 percent pay increase and 32-hour work week, that isn’t the week’s craziest labor story. It’s disgruntled KC DE Chris Jones holding out to have his mammoth $19.5 million salary raised to a ridiculous $30 million.

A Little History – Gil Brandt’s Impact: Along with Tom Landry and GM Tex Schramm, Brandt helped build the Cowboys from an expansion franchise in 1960 into a perennial Super Bowl contender for 25 years until doofus owner Jerry Jones fired them after buying the team in 1988. During that time Brant developed two now standard player evaluation practices. He began evaluating players based on speed, strength and jumping skills over simply the position they played in college, because he (correctly) believed they could find a position for stronger, faster athletes — which is what the newfangled scouting combine is about. He also pioneered using computers to locate, track and compare players no matter what level they played on, which led to drafting athletic marvels like Bullet Bob Hayes, Too Tall Jones and Hollywood Henderson from obscure Black colleges few considered then. It led to two SB titles, three more times in the big game and making the playoffs 18 times in 20 years between 1966 and 1985.

Football 101 Answer: With 78 Emmitt Smith is the record-holder for most 100-yard rushing games, followed by Walter Payton and Barry Sanders with 77 and 76.

Final Thought: So much for the vaunted 2020 QB draft class. It was supposed to rival the John Elway, Dan Marino-led five-QB 1983 group. But with the Jets and 49ers already dumping second and third overall picks Zach Wilson and Trey Lance (after giving up three first-round picks to get him), Justin Fields (11th) nearing that fate and 15th pick Mac Jones seriously under the microscope, only top pick Trevor Lawrence looks like a certainty. Think about that next time draft “experts” proclaim this guy is a lock.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

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