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:
Romeo and Juliet
May 5, 4 p.m.
The Music Hall
28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth
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. Safe Haven Ballet is a nonprofit professional ballet company, and school that creates uplifting ballet performances as well as offers free trauma-sensitive ballet, movement, and arts classes for survivors of sexual violence and trauma. (Check out their NH Magazine Nonprofit Profile here)
Beginner Bird Walk
May 4, 7 a.m.- 9 a.m.
Mast Road Natural Area
Just east of 74 Mast Rd., Epping
The Southeast Land Trust’s Mast Road Natural area in Epping is 531 acres of wetlands, an active beaver pond, and early succession forest. It is home to the uncommon Black Gum including the largest three of that species in New Hampshire. Join trip leader Roger Stephenson to look for resident birds and early migrants. Meet at 7 a.m. at the kiosk at Gate 3 (just east of 74 Mast Road). The trip is limited to 20 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter website to sign-up. Although these walks are geared with the beginner birder in mind, birders of all levels of expertise are encouraged to participate and share their experiences. Children are gladly welcome with an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Merrimack Valley:
New Hampshire Farm, Forest and Garden Expo
May 3 and May 4
Deerfield Fairgrounds
34 Stage Rd., Deerfield
This family-friendly event features a variety of engaging exhibitors, agriculture experts, workshops, and demonstrations of interest to families, gardeners, homeowners, hobby farmers, and industry members alike. There is something for everyone, including working sawmills, heavy equipment, expanded children’s activities, wagon rides, a lumberjack competition, livestock and horticultural competitions, fiber arts, beekeepers, industry organizations from wildlife to trees to gardens to conservation, and so much more.
Free Comic Book Day
May 4, 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Manchester City Library
405 Pine St., Manchester
The Manchester City Library is proud to announce that we are partnering with Double Midnight Comics for this year’s Free Comic Book Day! Come to the main branch on Saturday to pick up free comics, make your own with templates and character prompts at our creation station, and check out our graphic novels. It’s the nerdiest day of the year so celebrate it with us! May the Fourth be with you.
Monadnock:
Kentucky Derby Party
May 4, 5- 7:30 p.m.
Elm Farm
149 Hurricane Rd., Keene
Experience the thrill of the 2024 Kentucky Derby on May 4 as we broadcast the race and pre-race festivities live. The race kicks off at 6:24 p.m. Your ticket not only grants access to the event, but also includes an array of delectable hors d’oeuvres and two complimentary drink tickets for guests aged 21 and above. Indulge in our signature Mint Julep, alongside an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages. Join in the excitement with our raffle, prizes, a spirited hat contest, and a whimsical photo booth adorned with playful props! All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Cooper’s Crossroad.
Monadnock Comic Con
May 3 and May 4
The Park Theatre
19 Main St., Jaffery
Coinciding with Free Comic Book Day on May 4, it’s time to suit up for Monadnock Comic Con this weekend! Featuring two days of comic books, movies, vendors, costumed characters and (yes) free comic books thanks to Escape Hatch Books, this is one Con you won’t want to miss!
Lakes:
Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair
May 5, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Gilford Youth Center
19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford
Admission to this annual indoor craft fair is free, and will feature over 50 vendors of all talents, cash giveaways, a raffle table and Mix 94.1! Concessions will be available for purchase. Be sure not to miss this great event!
Camp Clean Up Day
May 4, 9 a.m.
Wanakee
74 Upper New Hampton Rd., Meredith
Wanakee is hosting a special clean-up day due to various urgent tasks that need attention. The recent harsh weather has left its mark, with fallen trees obstructing the lower ropes course and crushing the wash stand in sites 1-3, necessitating cleanup and rebuilding efforts and a significant upgrade to the main electrical system is causing delays in opening essential facilities. There likely will not be power in the dining hall, rec hall, cook’s cabin, lower shower house, and barn on the fourth. Additionally, the Farmhouse will be needed by mid-May, requiring early preparations. The focus will be on tasks such as clearing the crushed washstand area, opening cabins on the hill, cleaning the Farmhouse and Rec Hall, addressing storm damage, mowing overgrown grass if necessary, and repairing lawn damage. Since the water system will be offline, participants are advised to bring their lunch and drinking water.
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra
May 5, 2 p.m.
Rollins Chapel
29 College St., Hanover
A stunning performance featuring Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7 and Hummel’s Fantasy for viola and orchestra.
Hanover Bike Rodeo
May 5, noon- 1:30 p.m.
Ray Elementary School
26 Reservoir Rd., Hanover
Hanover Bike Walk co-sponsors this Kid Bicycle Rodeo, so that kids can check their helmet and bike safety, practice skills and have fun navigating a variety of courses. Targeted for beginner riders.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Bird Language
May 4, 6:20 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.
Chocorua Lake Conservancy
Remick Park, Tamworth
Chocorua Lake Conservancy presents Bird Language, an outdoor workshop in Tamworth Village with naturalists and outdoor educators Hillary Behr and Kyle Ball of New England Wildlife Tracking. During this program, Hillary and Kyle will share information from the book What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural Worldby Jon Young, lead the group through two “bird sits” in during which participants will observe and interpret bird language, and then spend time as a group mapping what was observed to draw larger conclusions about what’s happening in the landscape. Knowledge of bird song and bird identification is useful but not required—humans can learn to interpret the different “voices” of birds without necessarily knowing the species. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If you like, bring a blanket, pillow, or folding chair to sit on as the ground is often damp in the early morning, sun and/or bug protection, a water bottle, and snacks.
Across the Americas with Acoustic Nomads: A Musical Journey from the Appalachians to the Andes
May 5, 7 p.m.
The Kaufmann Theater at The Tilly
14 Carriage Lane, Colebrook
Born in the heart of New England, Acoustic Nomads is a band of rising stars that embark on a musical odyssey that transcends genres, weaving together jazz, newgrass, and folkloric traditions from the rich tapestry of the Americas. Their music expresses all the colors and flavors of the Pan-American experience, and their unique sound is a result of the players harnessing their varied musical interests and joyously exploring uncharted musical territory together. Their performances maintain the truest spirit of folkloric music whilst delving into modern jazz improvisation and sophisticated chamber music arrangements. Acoustic Nomads are artistic ambassadors on a mission to exhibit the beauty and unity within the vast array of American musical traditions, creating curious, compassionate, and open-minded music fans the world over.
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]