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:
Farewell weekend 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 you last goodbye this weekend during their weekend long Send Off and Celebration! Celebrate the Book and Bar’s last weekend with free performances by your favorite musicians, delicious food and inspired cocktails, and big book discounts!
Beach Cleanup
Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by the Seacoast Paddleboard Club
Pirates Cove Beach, Rye
1215 Ocean Blvd., Rye
In an effort to protect the places we love, the Seacoast Paddleboard Club (SPC) adopted Pirates Cove Beach in Rye, New Hampshire through Blue Ocean Society’s Adopt-a-beach program in the Spring of 2017. Through this partnership, SPC members host a year-round community beach cleanup on the last Sunday of every month. Unless otherwise posted on our Facebook page, our cleanup crews meet up at the entrance to Pirates Cove Beach for a short introduction about marine debris and why it’s important that we gather this beach debris data. Our beach cleanups typically last anywhere between an hour to 1.5 hours. This cleanup is open to the general public, but we encourage everyone to register.
Merrimack Valley:
Hooksett Winter Carnival
Jan. 27, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Hooksett Memorial School
5 Memorial Dr., Hooksett
It’s finally time for the Hooksett Winter Carnival! Head on over to the Hooksett Memorial School for a full day of indoor and outdoor activities, food, games and exciting raffles! It’s a day of fun that you won’t want to miss!
The Med: Live in HD: Carmen
Jan. 27, 12:55 p.m.
The Capitol Center for the Arts
16 S. Main St., Concord
This event is a broadcast of a performance happening LIVE and is shown on BNH Stage’s video wall in high definition! Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, reinvigorating the classic story of deadly passion with a staging that moves the action to the present day, amid a band of human traffickers. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina leads a powerhouse quartet of stars in the touchstone role of the irresistible femme fatale, alongside tenor Piotr Beczała as Carmen’s lover Don José, soprano Angel Blue as the devoted Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Daniele Rustioni conducts Bizet’s heart-pounding score.
Monadnock:
Robin Hood Winter Wander
Jan 27, 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by The Harris Center for Conservation Education
Robin Hood Park, Keene
How do animals survive New Hampshire’s cold winters? Who remains active and who hunkers down? Join Harris Center teacher-naturalists Jenna Spear and Karen Rent for a winter wander in Robin Hood Park. As we hike along the trail, we’ll become track and sign detectives, searching for clues about which mammals are out and about in winter. Dress for the weather, and come prepared for winter conditions with spikes or snowshoes. Registration is required and space is limited!
Layerz: The Crossiant
Jan. 28, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Fire Dog Breads
79 Emerald St., Keene
We’ll take a deep dive into how to make the most iconic pastry around, the classic croissant, and explore its versatility in both sweet and savory applications. Comfortable attire and non-slip shoes highly recommended. Masks are not required but are suggested.
Lakes:
Small Bite Food and Wine Tasting in the Wine Cellar
Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m..
Hermit Woods WInery
72 Main St., Meredith
Indulge in an exclusive evening of wine and culinary delights crafted by Sweet Mercy as Co-Founder and Winemaker Ken Hardcastle and Bob Manley graciously invite a select group of ten guests to the intimate ambiance of Hermit Woods Wine Cellar’s Barrel Room. This unique experience promises a curated tasting journey featuring an array of wines, including selections from our library, expertly paired with delectable bites specially crafted from our eatery. Ken and Bob will generously share not just their exceptional wines but also their extensive knowledge and delightful camaraderie. It’s an evening designed to revel in the pleasures of fine wine and gourmet food while enjoying the company of like-minded enthusiasts.
Beginner Soap Making
Jan.27, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center
928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia
Learn how to safely make your very own soap. We will cover the basics of the soapmaking process and the equipment required to make more at home. Each participant will take home about 10 bars of seasonally scented soap to enjoy. Physical Demand [0] = Entire activity is indoors and seated.
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Frederic Chiu: Classical Smackdown; Time Travelers Bach Vs. Glass
Jan. 26, 8 p.m.
Rollins Chapel
29 College St., Hanover
One piano. Two composers. Three rounds. In this participatory musical experience, you are invited to listen, debate and vote in a showdown between two iconic musicians. Pianist Frederic Chiu brings his beloved Classical Smackdown series to Dartmouth, where he pits two legendary composers against each other in a musical context. Audiences are invited to listen, debate and vote for their preferred artist over several short rounds of contrasting examples. Insightful commentary from Chiu brings to life favorites along with lesser-known pieces, making the audience’s choices engaging, difficult and often surprising! Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach and 20th Century composer Philip Glass were masters at altering a listener’s sense of time, with time slowing stopping or passing more quickly than imagined. With 250 years separating the two composers, both have created music that speaks to diverse people around the globe and across time. Chiu’s program highlights the similarities and the contrasts of these two musical icons. With a vibrant concert schedule, a legacy of 30 CDs and a stream of accolades from around the globe, pianist Frederic Chiu occupies a special place in the world of classical music. His non-traditional approach including interdisciplinary collaborations, integration of new technologies and emphasis on audience engagement distinguish Chiu as an innovator and boundary-breaking 21st-century artist.
Cuban Dance Social
Jan. 26, 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Our Savior Lutheran Church
5 Summer St., Hanover
This class will be an introduction to rueda de casino, a fun and dynamic group dance from Cuba. No experience or partner are needed, as you will switch partners and execute simple moves in unison according to the instructor’s calls. Please bring clean shoes. *Fundamentals students must be comfortable dancing simple moves in open and closed position in a rueda. For questions and more details, contact [email protected]
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Friday Night Jazz Series
Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
The Majestic Café
34 Main St., North Conway
Every Friday, enjoy jazz in an intimate setting – the only weekly jazz venue in the valley. On Thursdays and Saturdays come listen and dance to the music of some of the best local musicians in the valley. This Friday, get your jazz on with Michael Beling, Carl Dimow and Eric Laperna!
Book to Film: A Man Called Otto
Jan. 26, 6 p.m..
The Tillotson Center: The Kaufmann Theater
14 Carriage Lane, Colebrook
Check out this awesome movie called “A Man Called Otto” starring Tom Hanks. It’s all about this guy named Otto who’s a total grump after losing his wife and thinks life has no point. He’s even ready to end it all, but then this super lively family moves in next door, and he meets his match with Marisol, who’s quick-witted and totally awesome. She challenges him to see life in a new way and they become unlikely friends. It’s such a heartwarming and hilarious story about love, loss, and life. This movie shows that sometimes you can find family in the most unexpected places.
Coffee with New Hampshire Fish and Game
Jan. 27, 10 a.m.
Northwood on Main Gifts
95 Main St., Lancaster
Stop by on Saturday to have a cup of coffee with New Hampshire Fish & Game Sargent Glen Lucas. He will be her to meet and greet and discus any questions or concerns you have. Coffee and refreshments will be served!
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]