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The Monadnock Region is full of things to do!

Looking for different ways to Discover Monadnock? Here you can read about things to do in the small towns and villages of the Monadnock Region, check out venues for art, annual festivals, best places for food or shopping or seeing live music. There are things to do here throughout the seasons! Take a look – we know you’ll find something you like.

For a quick look at what’s going on visit our calendar or check out our Arts News page to catch the latest cultural happenings. And to make more than a day trip of it, check out our great campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, and hotels!

Free Events on the Arts & Culture Calendar

August 17, 2023

The Discover Monadnock arts and cultural calendar has several broad arts categories. These make your favorite types of events easier to find! Search for dance, music, comedy, theatre, spoken & written word, nature, film, and more. For those who enjoy all the arts but prefer to stay close to home, filtering by town is also

Read the complete Free Events on the Arts & Culture Calendar blog post.

mountain trail with a scenic view of the landscape

6 Trails and Nature Spots in Richmond, New Hampshire

February 2, 2024

In the heart of New Hampshire’s Monadnock region and right next door to Mt. Monadnock itself, the town of Richmond is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by a plethora of trails and scenic spots that beckon outdoor adventurers. From the rugged terrains of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail to the serene beauty

Read the complete 6 Trails and Nature Spots in Richmond, New Hampshire blog post.

5 Holiday Activities in the Monadnock Region

December 8, 2023

The dead of winter is when New England comes alive, especially during the holidays! New Hampshire’s Monadnock region, especially, loves to use the arts to celebrate this special time of year. Home to many diverse artists including dancers, actors, musicians, and crafters, what better way to ring in the holidays than through the arts? With

Read the complete 5 Holiday Activities in the Monadnock Region blog post.

fully attended music concert in museum hall with wooden and white walls

Arts Spotlight: The Monadnock Center for History and Culture

November 22, 2023

NICOLE S. COLSON The first on the list of core values at downtown Peterborough’s museum is that it welcomes everyone. “People should leave feeling they were taken care of,” said Michelle Stahl, executive director of The Monadnock Center for History and Culture (formerly the Peterborough Historical Society). A community museum and cultural center, the Center—open

Read the complete Arts Spotlight: The Monadnock Center for History and Culture blog post.

Arts Spotlight: Monadnock Chorus

November 15, 2023

NICOLE S. COLSON When Monadnock Chorus artistic director Morgan Bothwell did his first concert season with the group recently, there was already a very welcoming environment in place. “I got lucky,” he said. “It’s already instilled. The chorus has been around 60-plus years and some of the members have been with us the entire time.”

Read the complete Arts Spotlight: Monadnock Chorus blog post.

6 Activities for a Day in Gilsum, NH

November 8, 2023

Visit the quiet, healing town of Gilsum, New Hampshire. With tranquil and hidden nature getaways, interesting history, and fun annual events, Gilsum will make a pleasant day trip if you know where to go! Fun fact: Gilsum is home to organic skin and body care company Badger Balm. Enjoy Peaceful Nature Spots The Sustainability Project,

Read the complete 6 Activities for a Day in Gilsum, NH blog post.

two people proudly pose with wooden cutting boards that they designed

Arts Spotlight: MAXT Makerspace

October 31, 2023

NICOLE S. COLSON If there is an organization in the Monadnock Region that is purely of the community and for the community, it’s MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough. When Peterborough native Roy Schlieben moved back to his hometown nearly a decade ago, he joined a committee exploring the idea of opening a makerspace there. A makerspace

Read the complete Arts Spotlight: MAXT Makerspace blog post.

20-somethings in costume and face paint cheers to a toast

5 Fun Activities this Halloween Weekend 🎃

October 24, 2023

Looking for fun ideas to celebrate Halloween and show off your awesome costume? Here is a roundup of fun, artsy, scary activities and events to keep you on your toes this Halloween weekend. Be sure to check out the Discover Monadnock events calendar for the latest on arts and cultural events in the Monadnock region

Read the complete 5 Fun Activities this Halloween Weekend 🎃 blog post.

Four students with backpacks head to a university building

Colleges in the Monadnock Region

October 17, 2023

Boston, Massachusetts is one of the more well-known college towns in the country. However, the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, a couple hours away, has its own education hub to boast about. Three out of four of these institutions are located in one town that’s lovely to visit: Keene! The well-known Keene State College Keene State

Read the complete Colleges in the Monadnock Region blog post.

Viva Bach Peterborough Announces 2023 Festival Program

October 10, 2023

Viva Bach Peterborough is pleased to announce its 2023 festival, which will take place at the Peterborough Town House from October 20th – 22nd under the artistic direction of Veronika Schreiber. Building on its highly successful 2022 inaugural season, Viva Bach Peterborough will once again bring renowned musicians from across the country to play a

Read the complete Viva Bach Peterborough Announces 2023 Festival Program blog post.

summer campers pose outdoors on and around a small building

Arts Spotlight: Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music

October 3, 2023

NICOLE S. COLSON Cellist Javier Caballero first came to the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music as a student 25 years ago. The inclusive environment he found there led him on his life path. The non-profit arts organization, founded 52 years ago, is situated on 100 acres of fields and woodlands in Nelson. Apple Hill

Read the complete Arts Spotlight: Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music blog post.

a group of middle schoolers smile in front of a mural of a train

Arts Spotlight: Historical Society of Cheshire County

September 26, 2023

NICOLE S. COLSON Dusty objects on museum shelves are relics of the past. In order to become a community resource for tourism statewide, the county historical society’s goal is to bring its collection to life in the 21st century. Jennifer Carroll is director of education at the Historical Society of Cheshire County, a private educational

Read the complete Arts Spotlight: Historical Society of Cheshire County blog post.

fall foliage trees along a mountain road

FFAST over Columbus Day weekend showcases new artists

September 19, 2023

Bright and bold colors, dashing images, winding back roads…. these are some of the pleasures of the annual art tours over Columbus Day weekend. Whether you’re on the road or in a new studio talking to artists, it’s an adventure! Because the Monadnock area is so rich with creative talent – there are actually two

Read the complete FFAST over Columbus Day weekend showcases new artists blog post.

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