Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend.
Seacoast:
Live Music at the Portsmouth Book and Bar
All Weekend
The Portsmouth Book and Bar
40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth
After 10 years in business, the Portsmouth Book and Bar has announced that they’re closing their doors on Jan. 28. Stop on by to say goodbye this weekend, and enjoy their lineup of live music. On Friday, spend an evening with three of the Seacoast’s most prolific performers—Nick Phaneuf (upright bass), Jim Dozet (acoustic guitar), and Jon Ross (electric mandolin)—as they join forces in the folk trio, Tourist Attraction. On Saturday, meet up with the Taylor Marie Band, with country-pop music that reflects the everyday world of a young adult playing many different roles. Finally, stop in on Sunday
Grown-up Playdate: Sip & Sketch with Live Animals
Jan. 19, 7- p.m.
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington St., Dover
Grown-ups, you’re invited to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for a special night to Sip & Sketch, with live animals! Not only will you get to explore the Children’s Museum of NH’s exhibits like a kid, but you’ll be inspired by live animal models from Pope Memorial Humane Society. An educator from the shelter will give a short presentation about the animals and guests can meet some of the furry friends. Then join local author and illustrator Sean Bixby as he instructs you to draw caricatures of some of the animals. When you are finished, add a little watercolor to make your artwork pop! No artistic experience necessary. Try more animal crafts and games as you explore the museum’s many hands-on exhibits, open for a special 21+ grown-up night for kids-at-heart! A cash bar from DeeLuxe Bartending will also be available, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Advance online tickets are $18, or $20 at the door, while tickets are available. Grown-ups only please (21+) and ID is required.
Merrimack Valley:
Winter Festival
Jan. 19, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Shephard Park
418 Nashua St., Milford
The Milford Recreation Department is hosting their annual Winter Festival this Friday. There will be lots of free family fun, including ice skating, a bonfire, games, and music! Hot cocoa, and s’mores kits will be available for purchase.
Manchester Mashup, NH Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 20, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
A&E Coffee & Tea
1000 Elm St., Manchester
Your creative, nontraditional scavenger hunt begins at a scenic spot that’s a local favorite. You’ll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. Then you’ll take off on your own to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town. You’ll walk or drive to the various checkpoints as you interpret creative tasks, accept wacky challenges, and get outside your comfort zone!
Monadnock:
The Colonial Songcatchers
Jan 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Colonial Preforming Arts Center
20 Commercial St., Keene
The Colonial Songcatchers are returning for a second year to sing a collection of eclectic songs with beautiful harmonies from the American South and Appalachia, Ireland and India. Returning performers include Stacie Pirozzi, Katie Hart, Vicky Pittman, Neha Varma, and Margaret Dodson Buhl on piano. The performance will also feature select Keene High School students and more. This concert is family-friendly and one hour long. It is certain to uplifted and inspire you! Attendees are welcome to enjoy light refreshments after the concert in the front lobby.
The Boy and the Heron
Jan. 20, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Park Theatre
19 Main Street, Jaffery
Presented on the Eppes Auditorium’s giant screen! From the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) comes a new critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure.
Lakes:
Ladies 8 Ball Tournament
Jan. 20, 10 a.m.
Winni Bar and Billiards
131 Lake St., Unit 24, Laconia
Hey ladies, come out and play! Doors open at 10 a.m., and fist break is at 11 a.m. Register the day of; $20 entry to pot, $5 greens. This is a Fargo rated tournament, and results will be reported to Fargo. This is a great opportunity to meet new players, learn a few new tricks, build your robustness or establish a handicap!
Snowshoe Yoga
Jan. 20, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center
928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia
Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature as you practice yoga on snowshoes! Snowshoes help keep you on top of the snow and provide a more stable base. Experience inner calm and a sense of wellness in nature with yoga poses, a guided walking mediation, and this introduction to shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” All experience levels welcome and accommodated. Physical Demand [4] = Activity includes around 1 mile of walking on trails with uneven terrain and hills.
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Dice Goblin Festival
Jan. 21, 3 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The Fourth Place
3 Lebanon St., Hanover
It’s official— The Fourth Place’s dice goblins now have their own monthly event! all dice games are free to play and all dice sets 10% off. If you donate a 7-dice set, you’ll receive a day pass for free. Dice goblins from far and wide are invited to bring your favorite dice to show-and-tell, and your less-favorite dice to Swap-and-Smell.
Maker Drop-In
Jan. 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hood Museum of Art
6 E Wheelock St., Hanover
Give yourself a break with a self-guided artmaking activity in the Russo Atrium. Materials provided. For all ages and no experience necessary. Drop by anytime during the program.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Alpine Ski Tuning Clinic
Jan. 20, 6 p.m.
Stan and Dan Sports
2936 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway
Come and learn how to take care of your skis at home from our ski techs. We will be teaching you how to take care of your skis between visits to the shop with some hands-on learning. Edge finishing, waxing, structure talk, and more! As a perk of attending the class, we will offer a 15% discount that night.
Patterns in the Snow: Wildlife Tracking for All Ages
Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Woodhouse Reserve, Chocorua Lake
join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Debra Marnich for Patterns in the Snow: Wildlife Tracking for All Ages, a winter wander at the Woodhouse Reserve on Chocorua Lake to observe and learn about wildlife in winter, adaptations for survival, and the tracks they leave behind. A diversity of animals are active during the winter months, busy finding food and staying warm. They leave behind patterns in the snow that tell stories about their movements and what they need to survive. What do they eat, where do they find shelter, who eats them? You’ll be amazed by what you can read in the snow and learn about our wild neighbors. Who walks in a straight line and who waddles? Who has four toes and who has five? Do the tracks lead to a tree or a hole in the ground? What clues might tell you what animal left the signs? We’ll meet at the Tamworth Residents’ Beach parking area on Chocorua Lake and wander along the north end of the lake below the Chocorua River. Maybe we’ll find signs of otter or fishers, some deer tracks mingled with fox or coyote, hares, mice and squirrels, and perhaps a bobcat? We won’t be on a trail so be prepared for some wandering over rolling land. Snowshoes may be recommended depending on snow cover. Please wear good sturdy winter footwear, dress in layers for the cold temperatures, bring water and a snack if you’d like. Families are welcome with supervised kids ages 6 and up. This program is free/by donation.
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at [email protected]