Oh, Concord. We love you. We really, truly do. You somehow manage to be a city, yet maintain a "small town" vibe. You provide your residents with a safe place to raise families and a downtown that allows us to shop 'til we drop and fill our bellies.

We wouldn't change a thing about you. Really.

That being said, Concord isn't exactly known as being a hot spot for nighttime entertainment. However, if you're willing to get creative or try something different, you may find that sweet ol' Concord does have a little somethin' somethin' for you after 5 p.m.

We compiled a list of 10 things to do after hours ranging from activities designed to get you moving to ones that help you unwind. Whether you like your fun cocktail-free or enjoy an ice-cold beer at the end of the day, we've got you covered.

We hope you enjoy this list, readers, and we hope you enjoy the activities even more. All we ask in return is that you stop telling people there's nothing to do in Concord. You don't want to go around cramping her style, now do you?

1. Tired of ordering Miller Lite and want to impress your friends with your vast beer knowledge? Barb’s Beer Emporium, 208 N. Main St., has Free beer tastings on Thursday nights from 5 to 7. Each week there’s a different company to try with someone on hand to pour the samples and answer your questions. If the beer you sample doesn’t do it for you, Barb's has almost 300 varieties of beer. Trout River Hoppin Mad, anyone? Or how about a Dogfish Head IPA? Whatever your taste, there's probably a beer with a crazy name at Barb's to satisfy it. Check the schedule online at barbsbeeremporium.com to see what brand is on deck for this week, or call 369-4501.

2. If you’re more of a wine girl or guy, Vintner’s Cellar Winery, 133 Loudon Road, gives out three to four free samples of wine on Wednesdays, from 4 to 7 p.m. If you find yourself wanting more, for $15 per person folks can make an appointment for a 30-minute wine education session, which includes a sampling of eight wines and information on how to taste wines and what to look for while tasting. If you still haven’t had enough, set up a time to make your very own batch (24 to 28 bottles) of wine. Prices vary from $175 to $295. For more information, call 224-9463.

3. Are you full of useless knowledge? Well, you’re not alone. The Barley House, 132 N. Main Street, has pub trivia every Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. Grab dinner while you’re there (may we suggest “mac ’n cheese ’n chicken” made with Guinness cheese sauce?) and have a pint or two. There’s no cost to look like a smarty pants and answer trivia questions, but you’ll have to pay for the food and drinks. But look at it this way – it’s not every day that you can drink beer and still manage to look intelligent. For more information, call 228-6363 or visit thebarleyhouse.com.

4. The Vrinda Center, 57 S. Main St., offers several free programs (donations appreciated) throughout the week that share the teachings, practices and culture of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. On Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 7, stop in for Inbound Yoga. Since it won't cost you, it’s a good opportunity to try yoga and/or learn more about a different culture. Even if you decide it’s not for you, yoga provides an opportunity to have some quiet time after a busy workday, and who couldn’t use a little relaxation now and then? For more information about the Vrinda Center and for a full list of programs, call 224-0176 or visit vrinda-nh.org.

5. Get crafty, ladies, and have a girls night out at You’re Fired Studio, 133 Loudon Road. Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 5 to 8, You're Fired leaves its doors open for Ladies’ Night which allows women to make and paint their own pottery at half-off the studio fee. Bring your own refreshments and leave the kids at home because it’s adults only. For more information, call 226-3473 or visit yourefirednh.com.

6. Sorry, men, but the ladies get plenty of love here in Concord. Not only does The Draft, 67 S. Main St., offer drink specials every Thursday night for the lovely ladies, but once a month the downtown bar hosts “Sexy Shoe” parties where the gal with the greatest shoes wins a Coach purse. Don’t worry, guys and casual shoe wearers – your night can be Wednesdays, which is 35-cent wing night. The Draft is open Monday through Thursday at 4 p.m., Friday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and is the only bar in Concord open until 1 a.m. seven days a week. For more information or to find out when the next sexy shoe party is, call 227-1175.

7. Dance the night away at Let’s Dance Studio, 5 N. Main St. The studio offers free ballroom dancing every Thursday night from 8 to 10. This is a great way to show off all those fancy dance lessons you have been taking, or to just have a good time. Everyone is welcome – partner or not – so if you happen to go stag you never know who you may meet! For more information, call 228-2800 or visit letsdancenh.com.

8. Feeling lucky? Play Bingo at the Bektash Shrine Center, 189 Pembroke Road, for some good, clean fun on a Thursday night. The first game starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs vary depending on what package you buy. For more information, call 225-5372 or visit bektashshriners.org.

9. Now you have an excuse to act crazy during a full moon. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1 Bicentennial Square, has giveaways, contests and specials during Full Moon Margarita Madness. Five percent of the evening’s lounge sales go to a local charity, so that means you can tell yourself that you’re actually doing good by ordering that second margarita. Upcoming full moons are: June 7, July 7, Aug. 5, Sept. 4, Oct. 3, Nov. 3 and Dec. 31. Call 224-2821, for more information.

10. Catch a flick at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St. Since they serve more than just popcorn and Milk Duds (care for a pastry or sandwich, anyone?) and beer and wine, Red River makes a great night out. Call 224-4600 or visit redrivertheatres.org.