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:
Exeter Arts and Music Fest
May 18, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Swasey Parkway, Exeter
Kick off festival season with this beloved music fest, in the heart of Exeter! With over 30 art vendors, a full-day lineup of local music, kids activities, delicious food and more, you won’t want to miss this!
New Hampshire Renaissance Fair
May 18-19
Brookvale Pines Farm
154 Martin Rd., Fremont
HEAR YE HEAR YE! ‘Tis the final weekend of the Renaissance Fair! Noble knights and fair maidens alike will find something to enjoy in this longstanding Granite State fête. Spread across two weekends and a massive fairground venue, this Best of NH award-winning event includes everything from an archery range and knight, pirate and gypsy encampments to a zoo animal area said to contain real dragons.
Merrimack Valley:
Clue: A Walking Mystery
May 17, various times
Hosted by the Capitol Center for the Arts
Downtown Concord
Can you crack the code of who killed Mr. Boddy in Concord? Help solve the case and get your tickets now! The case of who murdered Mr. Boddy has gone cold, with the murderer still at large. The furniture from Tudor Mansion has been auctioned off & scattered throughout downtown Concord. Now, you’re on the case to find the pieces that might hold the key to the identity of Mr. Boddy’s murderer. Groups will be greeted by the Butler and set on their way gathering clues from popular locations throughout downtown Concord to investigate the antiques auctioned off from Tudor Mansion to look for clues. Though not required, guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite CLUE character, as you’ll be acting as their descendants trying to solve the case! CLUE: A Walking Mystery has an approximate 1-mile walking distance, and an approximate 90 minute duration to complete.
Spring into Warner 2024
May 18, 9 a.m.
Café One East
405 Pine St., Manchester
We are on the lawn in front of Cafe One East to talk about the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail. Lots of projects in the works. Come by for an update.
Romeo and Juliet
May 19, 4:30 p.m.
Chubb Theatre at CCA
44 S. Main St., Concord
Safe Haven Ballet is excited to present Romeo and Juliet in the spring of 2024. This iconic love story has not been performed by a New Hampshire ballet company for over 40 years. Choreographers Lissa Curtis and Matt Tucker, along with stage combat choreographer Derek Nelson will bring this famed story to life using the legendary score from Sergei Prokofiev. With its exquisite ballet and unique storytelling, Safe Haven Ballet will draw you into one of the greatest romances of all time.
Monadnock:
The Thing in the Spring
May 16-19
NOVA ARTS
48 Emerald St., Keene
The Thing in The Spring is a legendary annual New Hampshire music and arts festival that works to bring the outside world in and connect myriad undergrounds in accessible ways. Originally in Peterborough, The Thing now calls Keene’s Nova Arts home. This year’s headlining acts include Earth, The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis, Buck Meek, Marc Ribot’s Ceremic Dog and more.
29th Annual Children and the Arts Festival
May 18
Downtown Peterborough
This year’s theme, “Birds of a Feather” provides endless possibilities for fun ways to flock together and we’re all so excited to share this day with you! Local artists, performers, students and other members of the community will be celebrating all sorts of birds among our usual attractions of the giant puppet parade, crafts, demonstrations, live music and many activities inspired by our friendly fowls.
Lakes:
Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair
May 18-19, all day
Tanger Outlets
120 Laconia Rd., Tilton
Don’t miss this fabulous arts & crafts fair with over 80 amazing artisans! Some of the exhibits will include handsome soy candles, home & garden products, amazing chainsaw wood carvings & demos with Elise, amazing wrought iron creations, beautiful leather jewelry, sublimated items, pet designer wooden planters, N.H. maple syrup products, folk art, pottery, hand poured soaps/personal care products, charcuterie boards, cribbage boards, pet products, clothing, handsome wooden American flags, & lots more! Friendly leashed dogs are welcome. This event will be held rain or shine.
Wake the Lake at Weirs Beach
May 17- 19
Laconia
Say hello to summer at the 3rd Annual Wake the Lake Outdoor Block Party at Weirs Beach! There will be live bands on three stages, and a free cover all weekend! Get your party on!
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
GMCC’s Touch a Truck and Spring Family Festival
May 18, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Monarch Farms
519 Jarvis Hill Rd., Claremont
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for an incredible day at GMCC’s Touch a Truck and Spring Family Festival! This is a cash only fundraising event. Admission is by donation and will be held rain or shine. Parking and the entrance will both be marked. Enjoy touching and getting up close to featured vehicles like a fire truck, police truck, tow truck, fuel truck, construction vehicles, and ambulance and more! There will also be a scavenger hunt (with prizes), a K-9 demonstration, lawn games, a bake sale, basket raffles, face painting, bubbles, a temporary tattoo station, zookeeper demonstrations, and so much more!
Why Have I Never Heard of You?
May 18 and May 19, 7 p.m.
Sawtooth Kitchen
Allen St., Hanover
This one-man cabaret show, coming directly from the renowned 54 Below in New York City, promises an unforgettable evening.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Meet the Artist: Matt Wheeler
May 18, 1-4 p.m.
MWV Arts Association
Main St. Art Gallery
2686 Main St., North Conway
Matt Wheeler is a local photographer and new member of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association. Wheeler takes us into the mountains with his hiker’s perspective and perfectly captures the authentic beauty of our area. Join us to celebrate his work, browse the amazing photographs, and have a conversation with the artist himself!
Scottish Fish
May 17, 7 p.m.
St. Kieran Community Center
155 Emery St., Berlin
Come join us at the St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts for a fun-filled evening of youthful and enthusiastic music by a Celtic Quartet, playing unique and original arrangements. Dive in and be ready traditional music, and a good time, this event is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the Celtic culture right here in Berlin.
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at EGonzalesVerdi@nhmagazine.com