March 24
Raptor Migration in New Hampshire
The spectacle of large numbers of migrating hawks, eagles, falcons and other ‘raptors’ has always captivated people, and historical accounts of this phenomenon in N.H. date back to the 1700’s. Conservation of raptors is now a major theme across the globe, and species’ population changes can provide evidence for conservation needs – or successes. N.H. Audubon maintains two active monitoring sites: Carter Hill Orchard in Concord and Pack Monadnock in Peterborough, both of which have become premier New England hawk watches. Phil Brown, Raptor Observatory Coordinator for N.H. Audubon, will review the history of hawk watching in N.H., detail the ongoing monitoring efforts in N.H. and beyond, and provide some analysis of migration trend data. The program will be filled with raptor photography that will motivate you to welcome back migrating spring raptors. 7 p.m. Event Fee: $5-7. Where: NH Audubon’s McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord. Info: nhaudubon.org, 224-9909.
March 25
Spirits of the Past Trolley Tour
Join the author of the bestselling book Haunted Portsmouth, Roxie Zwicker for an evening trolley ride to some of the most historic and haunted locations in Portsmouth and New Castle. Travel to the Maplewood Mansion, the Wentworth by the Sea, learn about haunted lighthouses, ghost stories from the Isles of Shoals and the fascinating South Cemetery. Stories of strange tunnels and the ghostly secrets of place names will also be told. Listen to spooky music, get cozy on the trolley and be ready for a few surprises. There will be photo opportunities at two stops on the tour as well. 6 p.m. Event Fee: $20 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under. Where: 47 Atkinson St., Portsmouth. Info: zerve.com/Curiosities/Trolley, 343-7977.
New Hampshire Coin & Currency Expo
Rare Coin and Currency Show, over 13 years in New Hampshire. Coins, currency, gold and silver bullion, both U.S. and foreign. Over 100 tables and 75 dealers from New England, N.Y., N.J., Pa. Special exhibits and guest speakers on Friday and Saturday. Free “Children’s Introduction to Coin Collecting” program 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Free appraisals, live auction by Mint Products Auctions (Friday Night). Come in and buy some coins for your collection, invest in gold or silver bullion, or just come look at the coins that are an important part of our nation’s history. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event Fee: $3 per day, $5 weekend. Where: Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester. Info: 978-658-0160.
“Trans Pose” exhibit opening
McGowan Fine Art announces the opening of “Trans Pose” featuring the paintings of Catherine Graffam. The show will run from March 22 to April 22, with a reception on March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. This is free and open to the public. Graffam is a recent graduate from the New Hampshire Institute of Arts painting program. Her graduate thesis focused on imagery depicting her transition as a male to female transgender person. A theme which she carries through to her most recent work. Classical composition and brushwork link her paintings to a more traditional school while she explores contemporary themes. “Trans Pose” is portraits of male to female transgenders exploring their unique experiences. 5 p.m. Event Fee: Free: Where: McGowan Fine Art, 10 Hills Ave., Concord. Info: mcgowanfineart.com, 225-2515.
March 26
Easter on the Green
Decorate an egg and enjoy other Easter crafts during our annual Easter on the Green. Select stores will have Easter candy and treats available. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 2 Common Court, North Conway. Info: settlersgreen.com, 356-7031.
Southern N.H. Skating Club presents “Novel Tales”
The skaters of the Southern N.H. Skating Club will bring you through the stacks at the bookstore. In this 51st annual ice revue, the audience will enjoy skaters of all ages and abilities bringing the beloved tales you grew up with to life, including Matilda, West Side Story, Oliver, Treasure Island, Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss. The show will feature more than 75 skaters from throughout Southern New Hampshire. Manchester’s JFK Coliseum will be transformed as lights, costumes and sets complete the journey into these novels. Join us as we bring the sights and sounds of the bookstore to the ice! 1 and 7 p.m. Event Fee: $8/adult, $5/children and seniors. Where: JFK Coliseum, 303 Beech St. Manchester. Info: snhsc.com, 485-6144.
Waterfowl Field Trip with Bob Quinn
Join Bob Quinn on this now traditional afternoon waterfowl tour in the Concord area. We will go where the ducks are during the afternoon but end up where he thinks the ducks will be toward sunset to watch the birds come in to roost. Sightings in prior years have included Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Snow Goose and Gadwall. Meet at the McLane Audubon Center. 2 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: NH Audubon’s
(cont. on page 28) McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord. Info: nhaudubon.org, 224-9909.
March 27
King Pine Pond Skimming
Skiers and riders attempt to cross the man-made shark-pond at the base of King Pine on the final day of the season. Noon. Event Fee: Free. Where: King Pine, 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison. Info: kingpine.com, 1-800-373-3754.
Easter Sunrise Service
Rev. Robert Marrone from the Union Congregational Church in Peterborough will be leading the service. Light refreshments and coffee will be served following the service. Please dress for the weather. Gates will open at 5:30 a.m. All are welcome. 6 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge. Info: 899-3300.
April 2
Snowmobile Hill Climb Challenge
Snowmobile Hill Climb Challenge at Pats Peak. Come and enjoy four events in one day. Hill Climb – Race to the Top, Hill Climb Drag Racing, Vintage Oval Racing and Vintage Snowmobile Show. Spectator gates open at 7 a.m. Enjoy a day of racing, food and live entertainment. 7 a.m. Event Fee: Starting at $15/person; 5 and under is free. Where: Pats Peak Ski Area, 686 Flanders Road, Henniker. Info: nhhillclimbchallenge.com.
CHaD Battle of the Badges
Watch the N.H. and Vermont firefighters challenge the N.H. and Vermont police for the 9th annual hockey Battle of the Badges Championship. 5 p.m. Event Fee: Tickets are $10 and kids 5 and under are free. Where: Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. Info: chadhockey.org, 644-5000.
April 9
Lakes Region Spring Arts & Crafts Fair
Don’t miss this fabulous spring craft fair with over 70 fabulous exhibitors! Food, music and fun. Huge Raffle for the N.H. Humane Society in Laconia. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Opechee Conference Center, 62 Doris Ray Court, Laconia. Info: 528-4014.
Spring N.H. Open Doors
N.H. Open Doors is a fun way to experience the best New Hampshire has to offer. During this weekend, visitors can purchase items made here in New Hampshire (tax free), meet and talk with artists and craftspeople in their studios, sample fresh products from farmstands and orchards, and savor fine cuisine and wine at local restaurants. The tour is self-guided, so visitors create their own driving routes and visit the participants and locations that interest them. To help visitors plan their self-guided tour, the N.H. Open Doors website has an interactive map that lists participants by region. Participants are holding special activities, including craft demonstrations and workshops, horse-and-buggy rides, food samplings, and more. All day. Event Fee: Free. Where: Statewide. Info: nhopendoors.com.
April 15
Spring Fling
Celebrate the start of the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s 2016 season with this fundraiser at the Barn at The Inn on Main in Wolfeboro. Cocktails, dinner and a live and silent auction. Items include a ride on Lake Winnipesaukee in a Donzi race boat, a helicopter ride over the Lakes Region and much more. 6 p.m. Event Fee: $45 for museum members; $48 for not-yet-museum members. Where: The Inn on Main, 200 N. Main St., Wolfeboro. Info: nhbm.org, 569-4554.
April 16
Discover WILD New Hampshire Day
Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is a fun way for the whole family to explore New Hampshire’s wildlife resources and legacy of outdoor traditions. Browse educational exhibits presented by environmental and conservation organizations from throughout the state. See live animals, big fish and trained falcons. Try your hand at archery, casting and fly-tying. Watch retriever dogs in action. Get creative with hands-on craft activities for the kids. Plus, check out the latest hunting and fishing gear and gadgets. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: N.H. Fish & Game, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord. Info: wildlife.state.nh.us, 271-6355.
United Church Spring Fling
The United Church of Penacook will hold an indoor/outdoor craft, product and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spaces can be rented inside for $15 and outside for $10. You must provide your own table. Deadline to reserve a space is April 4. Set up inside on Friday will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for those that want to get an early start or Saturday starting at 7 a.m.. Proceeds support the Food Pantry and the Open Door Community Kitchen. 9 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: United Church of Penacook, corner of Community Drive and Canal Street, Penacook. Info: ucpnh.org, 753-9246.
April 30
Monster Jam
The 12-feet tall, 10,000-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. Monster Jam provides a massive night’s entertainment tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old. Shows April 30 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and May 1 at 2 p.m. Event Fee: $17-47. Where: Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. Info: verizonwirelessarena.com, 644-5000.
Pogo Pillo Polo Tournament
Were you a fan of Wild & Crazy Kids? 80s babies and children of the 90s, rejoice! We’ll be taking a page out of that classic Nickelodeon game show with a 3-vs-3 Pogo Polo Tournament “on the green.” Area nonprofits and schools compete in the double elimination tournament to win a $500 donation. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 2 Common Court Unit C13, North Conway. Info: settlersgreen.com, 356-7031.
Greater Rochester Author’s Fair
A day to celebrate the written word, experiences and work of local authors in the fields of juvenile, adult fiction and non-fiction. Scheduled authors speak on their experience and read from their works. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Rochester Public Library, South Main Street, Rochester. Info: 330-3208.
Seacoast Cat Club Annual Cat Show
Pedigreed and household pet cat competition (Bengal Cats will be at the show), cat agility, pet me cats, breed presentation, face painting, kids activities, pet supplies, food concession, raffle, used book sale, spectator’s choice award voting and stuffed animal contest. Also held Sunday, May 1. Both days
(cont. on page 30) show will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Event Fee: $6 adults, $4 children 4-12 and seniors. Where: Everett Arena, 15 Loudon Road, Concord. Info: seacoastcatclub.org.
May 1
Paws for Compassion Brunch
Join the Pope Memorial SPCA for an elegant brunch, silent auction and exciting guest speaker. This event offers guests the chance to mingle with shelter pets, staff and board members as well as hearing what the Pope Memorial SPCA is doing to help homeless pets in our local community. The brunch is buffet style, and offers a delectable selection of breakfast items. The silent auction boasts 100-plus tempting items from the Concord Merrimack-County area and beyond. All proceeds directly benefit the pets in our shelter. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $55. Where: Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Drive, Concord. Info: popememorialspca.org.
May 5
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Circus Xtreme
“The Greatest Show On Earth” returns to the Verizon Wireless Arena . . . they will bring the XTREME! Shows May 5-8. Event Fee: $27-52. Where: Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St. Manchester. Info: verizonwirelessarena.com, 644-5000.
May 7
25th annual Music Hall Kitchen Tour
Celebrating 25 years, the Music Hall is proud to present Kitchen Tour 2016, back home in downtown Portsmouth. Refurbished retro to high-style urban – dream kitchens in a dream location. This walking tour of hand selected homes in the heart of Portsmouth will showcase charmingly revived historic homes while also welcoming the new generation of dwellings – newly renovated luxury townhouses and co-ops with stunning views and amenities. The perfect get-together for Mother’s Day weekend. 10 a.m. Event Fee: $25-$30. Where: 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. Info: themusichall.org, 436-2400.
May 8
Mothers Day Brunch Cruise on M/S Mount Washington
Treat mom to a cruise and brunch on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee on her special day. Choose between the 10 a.m. or the 2 p.m. cruise from Weirs Beach. Price includes brunch. Event Fee: Adults $44, children $22, age 4 and under free. Where: 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach. Info: cruisenh.com, 366-5531.
Annual Blessing of the Bikes
Living Stone Ministry will perform its annual blessing of the motorcycles service. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge. Info: 899-3300.
May 14
Swing Into Spring Craft Show
Come and enjoy this fabulous arts and crafts fair with beautiful handmade American crafts including fine jewelry, glass art, photography, quilts and quilted table decor, metal art, floral arrangements, wearable art, scarves, wooden crafts, gourmet food items including dips/salsas/jellies/vinegars/oils, and lots more. Rain or Shine. Held Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Road, Tilton. Info: joycescraftshows.com, 528-4014.
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is an indoor event offered to the public twice a year. The overall event focuses on health and fitness, safety and literacy for children and their families. There is a large section of the event dedicated to health and fitness including free samples of nutritious foods and beverages, and easy and fun ways to stay active and play. Family Fun Day offers all day live entertainment, costume characters and team mascots, bounce houses, obstacle course, pitching station, coloring contest, face painting, balloon art, princess characters, and so much more. All participants in the coloring contest receive a book as their prize. There are two grand prize coloring contest winners who receive new bikes with helmets. The first 1,000 attendees of Family Fun Day receive a giveaway bag when they enter the event, filled with samples, coupons and giveaways from local businesses and Family Fun Day exhibitors. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event Fee: $1 per person. Where: Nashua High School South, 36 Riverside St., Nashua. Info: liliguanausa.org/ffd-may.
May 15
Taste Of Monadnock & Beyond Food and Wine Festival
The 2nd Annual Taste of Monadnock Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Woodbound Inn in Rindge to benefit Shelter From The Storm, a local transitional shelter for the homeless. 5 p.m. Event Fee: $40 in advance; $45 at door. Where: Woodbound Inn, Woodbound Road Rindge. Info: 532-8222.
May 21
The King Pine Triathlon
A sprint distance triathlon is the perfect season opener for veterans of the sport looking to dust off the cobwebs as well as a beginners looking to experience their first race. Designed with beginners in mind, the race begins with a 1/3 mile swim in the crystal waters of Purity Lake. This time of the year water temperatures will be in the low 60s. A wetsuit is not mandatory, but recommended. Scenic roadways of Madison and Freedom make up the 12½-mile bike course. Enjoy the beautiful rolling landscape on the newly paved road system. Run along Rt. 153 into Eaton, and back. The event is open to all ability groups age 13 and up. A Triathlon relay team division is also available. Put together a team with family, friends or co-workers. Interested in joining a team? Looking for a teammate? We can help. The duathlon is available for the land lovers. We will bus you to the race start two miles from the transition area. Upon entering the transition area you will join the other athletes to complete the bike and run course. The Duathlon Division is open to all ability groups age 13 and up. A duathlon relay team division is also available. An aquabike division is available for the swimmers and cyclists. No run course! Compete with the other swimmers and cyclists, but finish your race with a short walk/jog to the finish line. This event is for everyone that doesn’t enjoy the run of a triathlon. 8 a.m. Event Fee: $75 to $115. Where: King Pine Ski Area, 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison. Info: kingpinetri.com.
Hampton Beach Tow Rodeo
Enjoy the family fun and events at the 2016 NHTA Tow and Trade Show. Returning to Hampton Beach State Park, this popular event features a huge parade of trucks, vendors, a rodeo competition, food raffles and family oriented activities. Also held Sunday. 9 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: Hampton Beach, Route 1A, Hampton. Info: nhtowingassociation.org, 863-4206.
May 28
New Hampshire Boat Museum Opening Day
The museum opens for the 2016 season. Come visit the season exhibits including “We’ve Got You Covered: The Art of Motor Boating Magazine Covers 1914-1935,” “McDuff Engines: A Local Enterprise,” and a new display of glorious vintage boats. Wentworth through to modern day past times. 10 a.m. Event Fee: Adults $7; seniors $5; children $3. Where: 399 Center Street, Wolfeboro Falls. Info: 569-4554.
May 29
Wildquack Duck River Festival
2016 is the 27th running of the Ducks and it promises to be even more exciting this year. This event offers great local and visiting food vendors, kids games and challenges, the Jackson Fire Department obstacle course, 5 Minutes of Fame Wildquack Duck Stage, Jackson’s Cake Boss competition and more surprises. “Wildquack” the Duck will be there to welcome you to Jackson Village. With no admissions fee anyone can cheer, laugh and feel the excitement as over 3,100 ducks bob and splash their way to the finish line. Your duck race ticket could win you more than $1,000 in cash or one of more than 60 other valuable prizes. Every year more than $10,000 in cash and prizes are won. 8 a.m. Event Fee: Admission to event is free duck tickets, food, games and other specials are sold separately. Where: Jackson Village Park, Rt. 16A, Jackson. Info: jacksonnh.com, 383-9356.
Franklin Animal Shelter 5K
Join us for a beautiful run along scenic Chance Pond and Webster Lake on a U.S. Track & Field certified 5K course. This race is a Franklin Animal Shelter signature event. All funds raised allow us to continue our mission is to shelter, care for and advocate for the abused, neglected and abandoned cats and dogs of the communities we serve by taking steps to control overpopulation and providing healthy animals that will be adopted into loving “forever” homes. 7:30 a.m. Event Fee: $30. Where: 71 Punch Brook Road, Franklin. Info: franklinanimalshelter.com, 671-3909.
Fireworks Special Shoot
Bring a blanket and the whole family to experience the magic of the
(cont. on page 32) night sky lit by a display of beautiful fireworks. This is a special shoot to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, and the kickoff to the summer season! 9:30 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 169 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton. Info: hamptonbeach.org.
June 1
Wine In The Gardens/Beer In The Woods & Silent Auction
Rochester Main Street volunteers will host a wine tasting featuring wines from a N.H. Vineyard and Beara Irish Brewery, from 5:30 to 8 p.m in the gardens at Studley’s Flower Gardens, sponsored by Federal Savings Bank. Guests will enjoy a sampling of six local wines, and six craft brews paired with hors d’oeuvre offerings from local restaurants. While there those attending may enjoy the flowers and plantings at Studleys, and entertainment will be provided, or they may bid on great silent auction items such as golf packages, Red Sox tickets or a Rochester gift basket. Tickets are limited, so we suggest that you reserve early and not be left out. All proceeds will benefit downtown Rochester Main Street Projects. Wines include fruited varietals and whites with a special wine paired with a chocolate fondue to end the evening. Tickets are available at the Main Street Office or at Studley’s Flower Gardens. 5:30 p.m. Event Fee: $25. Where: 82 Wakefield St., Rochester. Info: rochestermainstreet.org, 330-3208.
June 3
7th annual Taste of Milford
Coordinated annually by the Milford Improvement Team, join us and stroll around the historic Milford Oval shops, restaurants and Town Hall (rain or shine) and taste some of the best entrees, desserts, appetizers and much more from over 30 culinary enthusiasts – Milford area restaurants, shops, caterers, Milford High’s Culinary Program and our fantastic area Home Food and cottage businesses. Come enjoy what makes Milford unique as a food and shopping destination in the Souhegan Valley – and all in one night. At the 7th annual Taste of Milford, 30-plus culinary enthusiasts will prepare and showcase their specialty foods: from Mediterranean to New England, to burgers, desserts, gourmet teas and coffees, to everything else in between, you will not walk away hungry. Each food enthusiast participating in the Taste is paired with a shop or business in and around the Milford Oval and Town Hall. There is also live music throughout the evening. Come enjoy great food, great shops and a great night out with friends or your family. In its 7th year, this much anticipated event continues to grow! Coming back as champions from 2015 to defend their titles: The Happy Butchers in Best Entrée; Carole’s Cake Creations in the Best Dessert Category; and MHS Windows on West Street as the winner in the Best Presentation category. This event tends to sellout early, so buy your discounted tickets in advance. 6 p.m. Event Fee: In advance: adults $25, kids ages 5-12 $12; at the door: adults $30 and kids $15. Where: 1 Union Square, Milford. Info: milfordimprovementteam.org, 249-0676.
June 4
Eastman’s Corner Summer Block Party
The annual Farm at Eastman’s Corner Anniversary Block Party will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live music throughout the day, tractor rides, more than 30 farms, vendors and other community partners, children’s activities, facepainting and more. Event Fee: Free. Where: 267 South Road, Kensington. Info: eastmanscorner.com, 347-1909.
4th Annual Presby Transportation Museum Tractor Show
Located near the picturesque Cherry Pond Reserve. Free admission and ice cream for all who attend. Over 100 antique tractors and military airplanes on display, food vendors, antique cars, tractor rides, and much more. Summer family fun for all! 8 a.m. Event Fee: Free. Where: 154 Airport Road, Whitefield. Info: 991-8531.
