Events

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Arts & Crafts Shows | Children & Families | Comedy | Farms | Food, Wine, Beer | Gardens | Historic | Home & Studio Tours | Music | Performing Arts, Theater, Dance | Shows & Exhibits | Visual Arts |

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS top of events
Memorial Weekend Craft Festival -- Meredith, NH
May 26, 2012 to May 28, 2012
Mills Falls Marketplace, Route 3
Meredith, NH
Morre than 100 juried craftsmen and women from all over new england will display and sell their work including fine jewelry, scarves, tapestry, photography, country woodcrafts, pottery, hand crafted soaps, wall hangings, puzzles, primitive and folk art, carved wildlife, slate, fleece, calligraphy, doll clothes, cut eggs, embroidery, toys, baskets, blown glass, lamps, aroma-therapy, soy candles, floral design, paper cutting and more. Come and sample the culinary delights of herbal dips, maple, sauces, jams, jellies & more. Live musical entertainment each day. Held rain or shine. Handicapped accessible. Information: www.castleberryfairs.com
Time : Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission : Admission is free
Phone : 603-332-2616


Memorial Weekend Craft Show -- North Conway, NH
May 26, 2012 to May 27, 2012
North Conway Community Center, 2628 White Mountain Hwy. (Route 16)
North Conway, NH
More than 75 exhibitors offer hand-painted items, fused glass, quilts, florals, photography, furniture, fabulous jewelry designs, fine art, folk art and more. Held rain or shine under canopy; music and food. Information: www.joycescraftshows.com
Time : 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission : Free admission
Phone : 603-528-4014


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CHILDREN & FAMILIES top of events
Family Day at Story Land --Glen, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
850 NH Route 16
Glen, NH
“Go, go, go, go…on an adventure” to Story Land and meet the Cat in the Hat, Curious George and Woofster from Super WHY! at New Hampshire Public Television Family Day. Enjoy a fun day at the theme park and support New Hampshire Public Television at the same time. Information: nhptv.org/events
Time : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Regular admission rates apply, Children age 2 and younger are admitted for free
Phone : 603-868-1100


Prescott Park Arts Festival Presents: Willy Wonka -- Portsmouth, NH
June 29, 2012 to August 26, 2012
Prescott Park, 105 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Presented in partnership with the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, this high energy musical will take you on the most amazing, fabulous, and sensational journey. Information: www.prescottparks.org/
Time : Sundays and Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Admission : Free with a suggested donation of $5-10
Phone : 603-436-2848


Day Out With Thomas -- North Conway, NH
July 6, 2012 to July 15, 2012
Conway Scenic Railroad
North Conway, NH
Ride a train led by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt. Enjoy storytelling, live music, continuous motorcar rides, a fabulous Imagination Station organized and staffed by the Mount Washington Valley Children’s Museum, and much more. Information: www.conwayscenic.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.thomas2012
Time : Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission : $18 for ages 2 and older
Phone : 800-232-5251


Top of Events

COMEDY top of events
Whose Live Anyway? -- Keene, NH
May 25, 2012 to May 25, 2012
The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main Street
Keene , NH
Get ready for a night of hilarious improvised comedy and song based strictly on audience suggestions. Featuring comedians Ryan Stiles, Gregg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis, the show features the improv games made famous on the Emmy nominated television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, plus some new ones. Audience participation is key, so bring suggestions - you might even be asked to join the cast onstage. Information: www.thecolonial.org/
Time : 7:30 p.m.
Admission : $59, $49, $45, $35
Phone : 603-357-1233


Irish Comedy Tour – Portsmouth, NH
June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2012
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Portsmouth, NH
The Irish Comedy Tour takes the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub and combines it with a boisterous, belly-laugh trio. The group includes Detroit native Derek Richards; Boston-born Mike McCarthy; and Keith Aherne, from Dublin. They have performed around the country and released a DVD titled Dublin’ Over. Information: www.themusichall.org/
Time : 7:30 and 9 p.m.
Admission : $36
Phone : 603-436-2400


Miss Richfield Presents 2012 – We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas! – Portsmouth, NH
June 9, 2012 to June 9, 2012
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Portsmouth, NH
This hysterical storyteller is winning over theater and cabaret audiences around the country with an interactive one-woman drag show featuring edgy one-on-one improv, a professionally trained singing voice, and an athletic approach to physical comedy. Information: www.themusichall.org/
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $35
Phone : 603-436-2400


Tupelo Night of Comedy with Paul Keenan, Chris Pennie, and Sean Sullivan -- Londonderry, NH
June 22, 2012 to June 22, 2012
Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH
Chris Penie is a comedian performing out of Mottley's Comedy Club in Boston. Paul Keenan is best described as a 12-year-old boy trapped within an adult frame. He has emerged as one of the brightest up and coming comics from a talent rich Boston comedy scene. Sean Sullivan is a comedian, actor, and writer from Boston, MA. A semi-finalist in the 2008 and 2009 Boston Comedy Festival, Sean has emerged as one of the top young comics in the country. Information: www.tupelohalllondonderry.com
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $18
Phone : 603-437-5100


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FARMS top of events
Waterville Valley Chowderfest - Waterville Valley, NH
May 27, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Waterville Valley, NH
Vote for your favorite chowder to win the Golden Clam Award! Area restaurants bring their chowders to booths at Town Square in hopes of winning the coveted prize of the Golden Clam Award, noon to 2 pm. Accompanied by a free concert from a great area band. Admission fee gets guests ample-sized tastes of each chowder and a ballot to vote for their favorite concoction. 800-GO-VALLEY
Time : Noon-4 p.m.


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FOOD, WINE, BEER top of events
New Hampshire Restaurant Week -- Statewide, NH
May 18, 2012 to May 25, 2012
At participating restaurants throughout New Hampshire
All towns, NH
New Hampshire Restaurant Week is an eight-day statewide dining event. More than 150 restaurants are offering three-course prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner, and at three price points. Information: http://www.restaurantweeknh.com
Time : Lunch and dinner
Phone : 603-228-9585


Lincoln Woodstock Progressive Dinner – Lincoln, NH
May 22, 2012 to May 24, 2012
Departs from Chamber of Commerce office at Lincoln Village Shops
Franconia, NH
A progressive dinner means traveling from one restaurant to the next for successive courses in a single dinner. Starting with hors d'oeuvres and appetizers, guests move through main course and dessert at four restaurants. Between courses, a coach trip includes beverages, giveaways, and on-board entertainment. The first night, May 22, is an upscale experience. The second night, May 24, will be at more-casual places. Only 40 seats availabe per night. Reservations required. Dates: Tuesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 24. Information: www.lincolnwoodstock.com/events/progressive-dinner.php
Time : 5-9 p.m.
Admission : $30 per person each night or $50 per couple


Chowder Fest – Portsmouth, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Prescott Park 105 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH
The annual Chowder Festival offers some of the best chowder the Seacoast has to offer. Each year, more than 4,000 people help kick off the Prescott Park Arts Festival summer season by enjoying more than 500 gallons of piping hot chowder served up for tasting. Be your own judge and vote for your favorite chowder from more than a dozen restaurants as they compete for the Best Chowder title. Information: www.prescottpark.org/chowder.cfm
Time : 11:30 a.m.
Admission : Adults, $10; youth age 12 and younger, $5
Phone : 603-436-2848


Chowder Festival -- Portsmouth, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Prescott Park, Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH
Piping hot chowder made by more than a dozen restaurants across the Seacoast will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the pouring won't stop until it's all gone. Information: www.prescottpark.org/chowder.cfm
Time : 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $10; children age12 or younger, $5
Phone : 603-436-2848


Taste of the Nation 2012 -- Portsmouth
June 27, 2012 to June 27, 2012
The Strawbery Banke Museum, Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH
Food tastings by local chefs, organized by Share Our Strength. All proceeds go to relieve hunger in children. Held under Camelot tents at Strawbery Banke Museum. Information: www.strength.org/portsmouth
Time : 6:30-10 p.m.; opens at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders
Admission : VIP admission, $150; general admission, $85.


New Hampshire Food Truck Festival -- Salem, NH
June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2012
Rockingham Park
Salem, NH
Come and nosh at the New England Food Truck Festival. More than 50 trucks from all over New England will be participating on a rotating basis; some will be at all, others in select communities. Participating trucks include Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Bon Me, Staff Meal, Woodman’s of Essex, and Kickass Cupcakes. A list of participating trucks is at www.foodtruckfestivalsofne.com/the-trucks. Information: www.foodtruckfestivalsofne.com
Time : Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $25-$40; children age 6-12, $10


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GARDENS top of events
Wentworth-Coolidge Lilac Festival -- Portsmouth, NH
May 26, 2012 to May 26, 2012
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, 375 Little Harbor Road
Portsmouth, NH
This beloved Seacoast event features a wide array of activities for children & families, lilac enthusiasts, and history buffs. Activities include lilac lectures & sales, art projects treasure hunts, and an alpaca petting zoo. Artists participating in a plein air event will be onsite during the Festival and their work will be feature in an onsite gallery. Information: www.wentworthcoolidge.org
Time : 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission : Free!
Event Website
Phone : 603-436-9889


Top of Events

HISTORIC top of events
“Thread: Stories of Fashion at Strawbery Banke. 1740-2012” -- Portsmouth, NH
May 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street
Portsmouth, NH
"Thread: Stories of Fashion at Strawbery Banke, 1740-2012" presents the clothes people wore and the fashion sense of Portsmouth from the 1740 embroidered London Lady’s Shoe to the fanciful 2012 Emma Hope shoe it inspired. Rarely seen items from the museum’s costume collection are displayed alongside the creations of 15 contemporary designers in six of the museum’s historic houses, including the Goodwin Mansion, Chase House, the Thomas Bailey Aldrich House, Shapley-Drisco, Rider-Wood and the Abbott Store. Exhibit is open through October 31, 2012. Information: www.strawberybanke.org
Time : Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Included in admission of $15 for adults, $10 for children age 5-17


Our Old House Festival at the Moffatt-Ladd House – Portsmouth, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden, 154 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH
The festival will feature workshops and demonstrations throughout the house and garden about timber framing; colors and textiles; historic furnishings and decorative arts; herbs and flowers for the 18th century garden; bees and beekeeping in the 18th and 19th centuries; lighting the harbor in the 18th century; flower arranging; historic archaeology, and caring for the museum's trees. Family and children's activities like pirate crafts, treasure hunts, and making marbled paper and writing with a quill pen will be ongoing throughout the festival. On sale will be heirloom plants from the garden. The celebration culminates with a concert in the 18th-century warehouse at 4:45 p.m. Information: www.moffattladd.org/calendar.html
Time : 1 to 4:30 p.m.; concert at 4:45 p.m.
Phone : 603-436-8221


Living History Event New Hampshire -- Hillsborough, NH
August 18, 2012 to August 19, 2012
Jones Road, President Franklin Pierce Historic Site, downtown Hillsborough, Hillsborough Center
Hillsborough, NH
Join hundreds of reenactors from the French and Indian War and Civil War; Benjamin Franklin portrayed by Dean Bennett; the 2nd South Carolina String Band; and many more talented musicians, storytellers, and performers as they bring four action packed sites. Take a horse and buggy ride, visit the President Franklin Pierce Homestead, try your hand on an antique tabletop printing press, pan for gold, watch a pottery or blacksmith demo, and eat some fine home cooking. Information: www.LivingHistoryEventNH.com
Time : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $10; seniors over age 64, $8; youth age 6-17, $5
Phone : 603-464-5858


Top of Events

HOME & STUDIO TOURS top of events
White Mountains Inn to Inn Herb Tour 2012 -- North Conway, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 3, 2012
White Mountains, Mt. Washington Valley
North Conway, NH
Savor the glories of spring in the White Mountains with the annual Spring Herb Tour. Visit 10 premier inns in the White Mountains and learn all about fresh herbs -- their uses, history, and versatility. Enjoy delicious treats made up of select herbs and take home recipes and samples. Information: www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/spring-herb-tour.htm
Time : 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission : $20 per person
Phone : 603-356-6707


Top of Events

MUSIC top of events
Full House: Tribute to J. Geils Band -- Plymouth, NH
May 25, 2012 to May 25, 2012
Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 South Main Street
Plymouth , NH
Danny Klein played bass for one of the biggest bands in the world for nearly two decades, played stadiums, had huge hits, closed the fabled Fillmore East and went on an unforgettable world tour opening for the Rolling Stones. A founding member of the Boston-based J. Geils Band, Klein anchored the R&B-drenched sound that sold millions of albums and became one of the first acts to savor the sweet success of radio rockers who found a home on MTV. Information: http://flyingmonkeynh.com
Time : 7:30 p.m.
Admission : Tickets start at $18
Phone : 603-536-2551


ZZ Top & 3 Doors Down with Gretchen Wilson – Manchester, NH
May 25, 2012 to May 25, 2012
Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm Street
Manchester , NH
The Gang of Outlaws Tour brings three leaders of their respective genres together for performances that wll be fabulous. Information: www.verizonwirelessarena.com
Time : 7 p.m.
Admission : $69.50, $59.50, and $39.50
Phone : 603-644-5000


Entrain -- Intervale, NH
May 26, 2012 to May 26, 2012
Theater in the Wood, 41 Observatory Way
Intervale, NH
Epic in sound and kaleidoscopic in vision, the eclectic Martha's Vineyard-based six piece Entrain has been thrilling critics and fans alike since its inception. "We wanna create music that makes people feel good. When we look out from the stage, all we see is smiling faces and bodies moving. You can't beat that feeling," says drummer Tom Major. Information: www.theaterinthewood.org
Time : Doors open at 7 p.m.; concert at 7:30 p,m.
Admission : $20 in advance, $25 day of show
Phone : 603-356-9980


The Ron Noyes Band-- Londonderry, NH
May 26, 2012 to May 26, 2012
Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH
Ron Noyes has been called "One of the best American Songwriters...'' (Radio Italy). With world-wide radio play, the Ron Noyes Band is described as emotive, unique, and timely. Their blend of roots rock, funk, singer-songwriter, and soul creates a sound that is touted in 12 countries. Information: www.tupelohalllondonderry.com 8 p.m. $25 603-437-5100


Leo Kottke – Plymouth, NH
June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2012
Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 South Main Street
Plymouth , NH
Leo Kottke draws on not just folk, but also blues and jazz music in his original, finger-picking acoustic style on both six and twelve-string guitars. He entertains his audiences with his musical virtuoso and incredible humor.When he picks up a steel-stringed guitar, his fingers race across the strings with uncommon speed, developing a deep, churning groove that can at times sound like several people playing at once. Information: http://flyingmonkeynh.com
Time : 7:30 p.m.
Admission : Tickets start at $35
Phone : 603-536-2551


The James Cotton Band -- Londonderry, NH
June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2012
Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH
Superharp James Cotton has always been known for having one of the best bands in the business. You will have a memorable evening with an international treasure and a true Living Legend of the Blues. Information: www.tupelohalllondonderry.com
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $35
Phone : 603-437-5100


Leon Redbone -- Londonderry, NH
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH
While his gravelly baritone and omnipresent fedora, dark glasses and Groucho Marx moustache made him one of the more distinct and recognizable characters in popular music, little is known about the neo-vaudeville crooner Leon Redbone. Throughout his career, he steadfastly refused to divulge any information about his background or personal life. Information: www.tupelohalllondonderry.com
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $35
Phone : 603-437-5100


Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Portsmouth, NH
June 15, 2012 to June 15, 2012
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Portsmouth, NH
Named for the venerable music venue in the heart of the French Quarter, this “quintessential New Orleans institution” (NYTimes) has traveled the world since the early 60s perpetuating the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center or for British or Thai royalty, their music embodies a joyful timeless spirit. Information: www.themusichall.org.
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $39, $33
Phone : 603-436-2400


Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Portsmouth, NH
June 15, 2012 to June 15, 2012
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Portsmouth, NH
Named for the venerable music venue in the heart of the French Quarter, this “quintessential New Orleans institution” (NYTimes) has traveled the world since the early 60s perpetuating the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Whether performing at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center or for British or Thai royalty, their music embodies a joyful timeless spirit.
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $39; $33
Phone : 603-436-2400


Tom Schena Band w/ Martin England & The Reconstructed -- Strafford, NH
June 23, 2012 to June 23, 2012
569 Province Road
Strafford, NH
Tom Schena's latest project with a full band will take the stage for 90 minutes! Martin England is our guest artist who plays frequently with many different musicians. Listen on ReverbNation.com and Facebook. Information: www.wickedcoolmusic.com
Time : 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Admission : Tickets: $20 (or more suggested donation)
Phone : 603-566-0755


Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli open for John Gorka -- Londonderry, NH
June 29, 2012 to June 29, 2012
Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH
She started out singing in Chicago bars. Then, barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City. There she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers - Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, Cliff Eberhardt, and others. Information: www.tupelohalllondonderry.com
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $18
Phone : 603-437-5100


An Evening with Billy Bragg – Portsmouth, NH
June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2012
The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street
Portsmouth, NH
Billy Bragg, described by The Times as a British “national treasure,”celebrates Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday by exploring and expanding the Guthrie song book. Expect an indelible evening of consciousness raising. Information: www.themusichall.org/
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $32, $26
Phone : 603-436-2400


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PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE top of events
Cirque du Soleil Presents Dralion -- Manchester, NH
May 30, 2012 to June 3, 2012
Verizon Arena, 555 Elm Street
Manchester, NH
Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West. In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Information: www.verizonwirelessarena.com/default.asp or www.ticketmaster.com
Time : 7:30 p.m.
Admission : $147, $97, $77, $57, $37
Phone : 800-745-3000 or 603-644-5000


Cirque du Soleil – Manchester, NH
May 30, 2012 to June 3, 2012
Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm Street Manchester
Manchester, NH
Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. Information: www.verizonwirelessarena.com
Time : Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30; Saturday, 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 5 p.m.
Admission : $147, $97, $77, $57 or $37
Phone : 603-644-3000


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SHOWS & EXHIBITS top of events
Corvette Spring Fling Car Show – Merrimack, NH
May 27, 2012 to May 27, 2012
The Anheuser-Busch brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy
Merrimack, NH
Corvette fans of all ages can view more than 150 classic and new Corvettes at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Merrimack. Various ages and models of Corvettes will be displayed and judged in 49 separate classes and will be eligible for more than 150 trophies at the spring show. While visiting the show, car enthusiasts also may take a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery and learn how the brewer makes its beers. The brewery tour also includes an opportunity to visit the Merrimack Hamlet, the Northeastern home of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. In case of rain the show will be held June 3. Information: www.gatecitycorvetteclub.com.
Time : Judging begins at noon and an awards ceremony takes place at 4 p.m.
Phone : 603-595-1202


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VISUAL ARTS top of events
Art Under the Birches -- Keene, NH
June 16, 2012 to June 17, 2012
87 Ashuelot Street
Keene, NH
Featuring the paintings of artists Kristina Wentzell & Caryn King while giving visitors an inside peek into the wonderful, private garden of Keene artist Kristina Wentzell, a little oasis in the city. Information: www.kristinawentzell.com/birches.asp
Time : Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.
Admission : free
Phone : 802-380-7006


Top of Events