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:
Portsmouth High School Fine Arts Night
May 10, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.
3S Artspace
319 Vaughn St., Portsmouth PHS’ 2nd annual Fine Arts Night at 3S Artspace is an opportunity for student artists, grades 9 – 12, to showcase their artistic accomplishments in a student-exclusive art exhibit held in a professional space. There will also be live performances by student musicians and writers, and will be catered by Portsmouth High School’s culinary students. Select work from students will be available for purchase.
Owls of New England
May 11, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
The Word Barn
66 Newfields Rd., Exeter
With the arrival of spring, come join us to meet some amazing owl and raptor species up close while learning all about them thanks to the wonderful Tailwinds educators. Come and meet our Tailwinds educators and team of education raptors for this wonderful event! You’ll enjoy a talk about their ecology and adaptations, importance to our ecosystem, and how you can help them. And, you’ll learn how to spot signs of wild owls and raptors in the area, what to look for, and how easy and accessible these experiences can be. This is not a youth program, but super family friendly and children are most welcome (and will surely be fascinated, inspired, and learn lots). Children under 10 are free, but are required to register given capacity limitations. Each ticket includes a complimentary beer or cider from our sponsors.
Merrimack Valley:
Kids Comic Con New England
May 11, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Everett Arena, Concord
15 Loudon Rd., Concord
New England’s favorite comic con for kids and children’s book event! Inspiring creativity and learning through family-friendly comics, children’s books, art, workshops, gaming, and fun activities!
The Met: Live in HD: Madama Butterfly
May 12, 12:55 p.m.
BNH Stage, Capitol Center for the Arts
16 S. Main St., Concord
In her Met debut, Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the trusting geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous American naval officer Pinkerton whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong is the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Lucas Meachem is the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang makes her Met debut conducting Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.
Monadnock:
Spring Craft Fair
May 11, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Outdoors at St. Joseph Regional School
92 Wilson St., Keene
Welcome the Spring season with us on Mother’s Day weekend to shop outdoors from a vast array of fabulous local New England craft vendors. Dozens of vendors will be joining us! We will be grilling up lunch and have a delicious selection of homemade baked goods. It will be a fun way to spend a little bit of time with Mom on her special weekend, while you shop for Mom too!
2nd Annual Floating Lantern Festival
May 11, 5:30- 8:30 p.m.
Alyson’s Orchard
57 Alyson’s Lane, Walpole
The Floating Lantern Festival is a beautiful and awe-inspiring event where participants gather to release hundreds of floating lanterns into the water at dusk. These lanterns represent the light that we can all bring into the world and into the lives of those around us. As they float on the water, they serve as a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and that there is always hope for a brighter future. In the Asian tradition, we will honor friends and family who struggle with mental health and work towards breaking the stigma. Please join us as we decorate, light and float lanterns at dusk! This is a family friendly event, and will feature live music, food for sale, dancing and fun!
Lakes:
NH Lakes Slow Ride
May 11, 10 a.m.
39 Stonedam Circle, Meredith
You are invited to this day event. Featuring Moto Giro style small bikes on a 108-mile ride around the Lakes Region. This ride is open to any make bike up to 350 cc pre-1975-ish. This is not a judged or timed event. Got questions? Got a bike a little newer or bigger? Just ask. Vintage bsa, Triumph, Ducatii singles are welcome also. Proper motorcycle clothing and helmets required, and tell your friends! Plus, participation stickers are given to participants.
Chocorua Mountain Club Annual Trail Clearing Day and Dinner
May 11, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.
The Grove, Chocorua Lake Conservancy
Chocorua Lake Rd., Just off Rte. 16
join Chocorua Lake Conservancy for the Annual CMC Trail Clearing Day. Meet at 9 a.m. sharp at the Chocorua Lake Conservancy public access area, the Grove at Chocorua Lake, on Chocorua Lake Road just off of Route 16, for tools and trail assignments. Wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots and long pants, bring plenty of water to drink, snacks (and lunch, if you plan to hike the mountain), sun and bug protection as needed, and a first-aid kit for small cuts and bruises—i.e., standard hiking gear. Tools are provided as needed, but it’s helpful if you can bring your own sturdy steel rake and/or big clippers, and gloves—no power tools, please. No special skills needed. Participants will have two options: Hike the Mountain, a full-day hike on CMC trails on Chocorua and Paugus, clearing water bars and blowdowns, and maybe hiking the summit for fun. Or, help protect Chocorua Lake Conservancy trails, a half-day hike on conservation land, clearing CLC trails on land around the lake, followed by a nap or a swim!
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
52nd Annual Dartmouth College Powwow
May 11, Grand Entry 12 p.m.
The Green
Dartmouth College, Hanover
Over the years, Powwow has cultivated a celebration of Indigenous cultures and traditions for the ever-growing Indigenous population at the College. The inaugural Dartmouth College Powwow took place in 1972, shortly after Dartmouth President John Kemeny recommitted the institution to its foundational promise of educating Native peoples. Since then, over 1,200 Indigenous students have graduated from Dartmouth. The Dartmouth Powwow brings together all facets of our community. The Powwow is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and administration from all the Dartmouth Communities, and the Upper Valley to see and participate in Native American culture from many different tribes and traditions.
Upper Valley Ringers Spring Concert: Ringing Around the World
May 10, 7- 8:30 p.m.
Chosen Vale Performance Center
410 NH Rte 4A (Behind the Enfield Town Library), Enfield
In this lively and varied program, the Upper Valley Ringers handbell ensemble takes us on an adventure through music from many of the world’s cultures. You may be surprised to recognize some familiar songs – and intrigued to hear others that are familiar in other places. Come enjoy this festive concert! Experience the magic of handbells played by accomplished and enthusiastic local musicians!
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Mystery in the Mountains: Claw and Order
May 11, 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Jean’s Playhouse
34 Papermill Drive, Lincoln
Welcome to the 15th Annual Mystery in the Mountains! This family friendly event, draws people from far and wide to solve the mystery, enjoy the mountains and spend time with one another. Mystery in the Mountains regularly attracts a large audience, including “teams” that have formed over the years and come back every year, multi-generational families who use it to host a get together, and friends who meet up in Lincoln-Woodstock each year to reconnect. Played once, the game becomes a tradition to many of the players. Each year for the past handful of years, a murder has been committed in the area. This year, we invite back our dogged and loyal detectives (and new sleuths willing to take up the challenge) to help us get to the bottom of the happenings in our community. Suspects will be in locations in the area, where they can be interviewed (interrogated), and players can scour the town for clues, which can be collected by taking a photo of the clue. The mystery event runs for one full day this year, Saturday, culminating in a reveal on Saturday evening when the mystery is solved, and prizes are awarded to those who have entered. Prizes range from overnight stays to gift certificates to local stores and restaurants.
Family Film: Migration
May 10, 12:30 p.m.
The Kaufmann Theater at The Tilly
14 Carriage Lane, Colebrook
Join us on another early release day from school with a Friday Film. Meet Mack, a duck who prefers the comfort of his New England pond over any adventurous excursions. That is until his spunky wife, Pam, convinces him to head south for the winter with their two kids, Dax and Gwen, and Mack’s Uncle Dan. Despite some bumps along the way, the family manages to make the most of their unexpected journey and create unforgettable memories together.
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]