March 20
Kiddie Rocker Concert, Lebanon Opera House – Join Princess Katie and Racer Steve in “Kids Rock!” Princess Katie and Racer Steve offer a cool take on popular music just for kids. The show will be held from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $16. For more information, call 448-0400 or visit lebanonoperahouse.org.
Beautiful Backyard Habitats: Landscaping for Wildlife, NHTI, Concord – Backyard landscapes provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife. You can enhance this home for birds, butterflies and other creatures using native vegetation and water features while enjoying the benefits of color, cooling and sound. Marilyn Wyzga will lead participants through the process using presentation and hands-on exercises. Participants will learn wildlife habitat concepts, inventory techniques and plant selections. Bring a sketch map of your site to begin a plan for your yard. The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $49. For more information or to register, call 271-6663.
March 20-21
Harlem Globetrotters, Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester – See a captivating assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks and ball-handling wizardry March 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. or March 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. The cost is $25, $39, $51 or $121. For more information, call 868-7300 or visit verizonwireless.com.
USDAA Tournament Trial, The All Dogs Gym, Manchester – The All Dogs Gym will run four U.S. Dog Agility Association agility trials March 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission for spectators is free. For more information, call 669-4644 or visit alldogsgym.com.
New Hampshire Old House and Barn Expo, Radisson Hotel, Manchester – Meet with knowledgeable suppliers of repair and restoration products and services. The expo will also feature hourly live talks and demonstrations. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $10, $5 for seniors and children. For more information, call 224-2281 or visit nhpreservation.org.
March 20-21,
27-28
New Hampshire Maple Experience, The Rocks Estate, Bethlehem – Hear the legend of how maple sugaring began. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon, help tap a tree and learn the process of how sap changes to syrup. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10, $7 children. Admission to the New Hampshire Maple Museum is included in the cost of entry. For more information, call 444-6228 or visit therocks.org.
March 26-28
Seacoast Home and Garden Show, Whittemore Center Arena, Durham – More than 200 booths filled with hundreds of ideas for improving your home and garden will be on display March 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $8, $6 for seniors, $4 for children and free for children 5 and younger. For more information, call 800-745-3000.
March 27-28
New Hampshire Maple Weekend – More than 65 sugar houses across the state will open their doors to the public for tours, maple syrup tastings, sap collecting, petting zoos, musical entertainment and more. For a list of participating sugar houses and activities, visit nhmapleproducers.com or call 225-3757.
Spring Craft Festival, Rockingham Park Racetrack, Salem – More than 100 of the region’s finest craftsmen and women will display and sell their crafts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $5 and free for youth 13 and younger. Admission is good for both days. For more information, call 332-2616 or visit castleberryfairs.com.
March 27
Vintage Snowmobiles and Hill Climb, The Balsams, Dixville Notch – Vintage snowmobiles will rev up with events, demonstrations, hill climbs, watercross and more. The event will last all day. The cost is $5, free for children 11 and younger. For more information, call 800-255-0600 or visit thebalsams.com.
Comedy Night with Las Vegas Headliners, Bow Community Center – A night full of laughs will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Bring your own food and beverages. Alcoholic drinks are allowed if you are 21 or older. Proceeds will benefit the Bow schools. Tickets cost $23 or $45 for two. For more information, call 715-5147.
March 28
Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Manchester – The parade, featuring clowns, bagpipers, unicyclists, dancers, high school bands and marching bands, will march along the 1-mile course along Elm Street from Salmon to Auburn Street. The parade will begin at noon. For more information, call 623-1977 or visit saintpatsnh.com.
April 9-11
Made in NH “Try It and Buy It” Expo, Radisson Hotel, Manchester – The show will highlight more than 1,200 New Hampshire-made products and will be held April 9 from 1 to 8 p.m., April 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $9, $8 for seniors and $3 for children. For more information, call 626-6354 or visit businessnhmagazine.com.
April 10
Bowl For Kids Sake Goes Hollywood, Bowl O Rama, Portsmouth – Bowlers of all ages and experiences are invited to come dressed as their favorite celebrity. Registration is $10 per person and includes entertainment, a T-shirt, food and drinks. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast. Register your team at seacoastbfks.kintera.org. Each team should have a minimum fundraising goal of $1,000 or $200 per person for a team of five. For more information, call 430-1140, ext. 308.
19th Annual Penny Sale Fundraiser, Hillsboro-Deering Elementary School, Hillsboro – The annual penny sale will be held from 3:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 464-5582.
April 10 & 17
Spring Into Action, NHTI, Concord – This two-part series will present the basics of landscape maintenance and methods that will help the homeowner and landscape professional get a jump-start on the upcoming growing season. Dave Seavey will cover topics that will improve your understanding of horticulture and enhance your knowledge of landscape skills. Topics covered will include: planting and pruning techniques, soil preparation, plant growth, health and selection, turf care and more. The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $49 per session, $89 for both. For more information or to register, call 271-6663.
April 14
Smucker’s Stars on Ice, Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester – See all your favorite figure skaters glide, spin and jump on the ice. The tour will feature Sasha Cohen, Todd Eldredge and Michael Weiss, among many other professional skaters. The event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets range from $26 to $136. For tickets, call 868-7300 or visit ticketmaster.com.
April 17
Discover WILD NH Day, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Concord – Bring the entire family for a day of wild fun. See live animals, big fish, retriever dogs, trained falcons and “The Battling Bull Moose of Fowlertown.” Environmental, conservational and outdoor organizations will have exhibits. There will also be hands-on activities for all ages including wildlife crafts, archery and casting. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 271-3211 or visit wildnh.com.
Spring Into Healthy Living Fair, Concord Cooperative Market, Concord – Celebrate spring with samples of local, natural foods and products, wine and other great treats. Listen to live music, pet barnyard animals and bring the kids for fun activities. Tree saplings and numerous giveaways will be available throughout the day. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 225-6840 or visit concordfoodcoop.coop.
April 17-18
Lakes Region Flower and Craft Fair, Opechee Conference Center, Laconia – More than 75 exhibitors featuring metal creations, folk art, quilts, pottery, watercolors, New England photography, acrylic paintings, hand-painted clothing and more will be on display April 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 528-4014 or visit joycescraftshows.com.
April 22
International Fantasy Hair Competition, Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester – See one of the grandest, most outlandish fashion shows of hair art. The hair-raising event will begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 and all ticket sales will benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. For more information, call 644-5000 or visit verizonwirelessarena.com.
April 23
Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre, Dana Center, Manchester – Witness a performance honoring the deepest roots of our nation. The Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre is a Native American dance troupe committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history of their culture. The show will start at 8 p.m. The cost is $29.50, $25.50 for seniors and $12.50 for youth ages 18 and younger. For more information, call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana.
April 24
R-Rated Comedy Hypnotist Frank Santos Jr., Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord – Get ready to laugh and maybe even become part of the show! The show will start at 8 p.m. and costs $24.50. For tickets, call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
April 25
CATS, Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord – Experience the Broadway musical without having to go to New York City. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. The show will begin at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
April 26
Spring Family Farm Day, Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy – Participate in a day of fun activities that include cow milking, butter making, egg collecting, pony rides, hay jumping and arts and crafts. Bring your bathing suit and towels for swimming in the indoor pool. Rowboats, paddleboats, swings and a sandbox, tennis, shuffleboard and volleyball courts will be available for use all day. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost, including lunch, is $25, $15 for children ages 2 to 15. For reservations, call 800-242-6495 or visit east-hill-farm.com.
April 27
Trailwalk: Introduction to Geocaching, The Fells, Newbury – Join Tom Stark and learn about the high-tech global treasure hunting game of geocaching. Participants will learn how to download web-based geocache hunts onto their own GPS units and practice using navigational techniques to discover a number of geocache sites. Participants must have their own GPS unit and beginner level GPS navigational skills. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is free for members, $6 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 763-4789, ext. 3. For more information, visit thefells.org.
May 1
Alpaca Shearing and Open Barn, Someday Farm, Canterbury – Shearing will be done by Malcolm Cooper and volunteers or onlookers are welcome. A quick training session will be held in the morning. In addition to shearing, demonstrations of knitting, spinning, needle felting and weaving will be featured. The barn store will feature items made on the farm, New Hampshire-made items, jellies, jams, dipping oils, vinegar, soap, dried herbs, yarn, fleece, roving and alpaca products. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 783-9436 or visit somedayfarm.com.
May 14
Girls Night Out!, Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord – Spa treatments, cash for gold, jewelry, silent auction items and more will be waiting for you. Tickets are $20 and will include appetizers, desserts and a cash bar. Spa treatments will be an additional cost and timed appointments can be made before or at the event. The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. For tickets, e-mail Jean Rich at jjbow2000@aol.com.
May 15-16, 22-23
New Hampshire Renaissance Faire and Spring Celebration, Shire of Three Maples, Kingston – Fairies, Rennies and bards will be coming to the sixth annual faire. The event will feature medieval sword fighting, pirates with canons, marshmallow-shooting crossbows, musical and theatrical performances, handcrafted good and belly dancers. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The cost is $10, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. For more information, visit nhrenfaire.com.
May 15
Spring Into Warner, Historic Warner Village – This event will feature exhibits from New Hampshire artists, classes, hands-on demonstration and shopping at specialized retailers. Children’s events include making pinwheels, fairy wands and head pieces, face painting, fireman’s relay race and more. Free horse and carriage rides will bring visitors throughout the village. Live performances, studio tours, store giveaways, a book sale, live music and more will also be featured. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 456-6275.
May 18-23
20th Annual Vintage Celebration, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon – History will come alive as legendary racing machines gather to compete. A vintage car show and swap meet will be held May 22 and 23. Tickets cost $10 per day. For more information, call 783-4931 or visit nhms.com.
May 21
Berlin’s Third Brewtopia, Riverside Drive, Berlin – Come taste great ales, learn about brewing, including home brewing, bid on the items in the sports memorabilia silent auction and dance the night away. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 752-6246.
May 22
Children and the Arts Festival, Downtown Peterborough – The streets of downtown will be closed to traffic and filled with song, laughter, puppets, food, dancing, chalk art, the Ark Walk and more. The event begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call 924-7234 or visit childrenandthearts.org.
May 29-30
Memorial Weekend Craft Fair, North Conway Community Center – The craft fair will be held outside under a canopy-rain or shine. More than 75 exhibitors will be featured. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, call 528-4014 or visit joycescrafshows.com.
May 30
21st Annual Chowderfest, Town Square, Waterville Valley – Area restaurants will bring their chowders in hopes of winning the prize of Best Tasting Chowder. Guests will sample each chowder and vote for their favorite. A free outdoor concert in the gazebo will accompany the event. Other activities include Curious George story time, boating, bike rentals and gym and craft programs. The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call 236-8175 or visit waterville.com.
June 1
Trail Walk: Wildflowers, The Fells, Newbury – Explore The Fells with trail guides Lynn Johnson and Emma Crane in search of wildflowers, both common and uncommon. Learn to identify shrubs, trees and ferns and meander along the new woodland Wildflower Loop. Bring cameras, field guides and notebooks. Sturdy shoes and insect repellent are recommended. Rain or shine. The walk will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The cost is free for members, $6 for nonmembers. For more information, call 763-4789, ext. 3, or visit thefells.org.
June 5
Wildflower Festival, The Rocks Estate, Bethlehem – The annual festival gives visitors a chance to see parts of the property that are off limits the rest of the year. Join plant and history enthusiasts for a natural history and culture tour of the Mile Path. Learn about the native and introduced plants along the path. At lunchtime enjoy wild and domestic plant edibles. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10. For more information, call 444-6228 or visit therocks.org.
June 6
Clydesdale Camera Day, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Merrimack – Bring your camera and pose for a picture with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. Enjoy a free tour and visit the gift shop. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 595-1202 or visit budweisertours.com.
June 12
Sixth Annual Timeless Tea House Tour, Hillsboro – The homes to be viewed are unique in design and décor. The tour will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. and will begin at the Hillsboro Heritage Museum on Central Street. The museum will be open at 12:30 p.m. to pick up your ticket and/or map. Tickets cost $25 the day of the event and $20 presale. For more information, call 464-4781.
June 12-20
Laconia Motorcycle Week, Weirs Beach – In the past 86 years, Bike Week has grown to be one of the largest motorcycle events in the nation and averages about 400,000 motorcyclists over the week-long biker party. For more information, call 366-2000 or visit laconiamcweek.com.
June 24
Best of New Hampshire, Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester – New Hampshire Magazine’s Best of New Hampshire party will feature food and drink from 60 of the state’s best restaurants and businesses. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45. For more information, call 644-5000 or visit verizonwirelessarena.com.
June 26
“Ducky Day,” Freedom Village – More than 1,000 numbered rubber ducks will go over the falls in Freedom Village at noon. This is a fundraising event for Old Home Week. Free children’s games and other events will precede the race, beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, call 539-7758 or visit freedomoldhomeweek.com.
June 26
New England Brewfest, Lincoln Village Shops – Breweries from across New England gather to tap into their brews under the big tent at the Lincoln Village Shops. Live entertainment, food and other exhibits featuring brew paraphernalia and souvenirs will be featured. The event will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 745-6621, ext. 201.