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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!

All Blog Posts

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.
Two people hold the hands of a young child as they explore a colorful artist studio. tools and works in progress lay on the table next to them.

TAKE THE CHANCE TO MEET ARTISTS IN THEIR STUDIOS SECLUDED IN NATURE

March 14, 2025

Removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the Monadnock Region is an escape for artists to focus on their craft and be one with the beauty of nature. Many prolific and award-winning artists keep their studios here, and many arrange visits by appointment! What kinds of studios could you visit in the Monadnock

Read the complete TAKE THE CHANCE TO MEET ARTISTS IN THEIR STUDIOS SECLUDED IN NATURE blog post.
A group of artists works on easels in a classroom setting.

LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW FREELY IN WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AND OPEN MICS

March 7, 2025

During a visit to the Monadnock region, take the opportunity to make beautiful things in beautiful surroundings. There are countless studios, makerspaces, and art centers dedicated to all kinds of crafts for this very purpose. Look out for beginner-friendly craft and beers, paint and sips, hands-on classes for all levels, or boldly take the stage

Read the complete LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW FREELY IN WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AND OPEN MICS blog post.
Thornton Wilder's Our Town performed outdoors and presented by the PEterborough Players. Three actors perch wistfully on two ladders on the set of the play.

DIVE INTO A PERFORMING ARTS SCENE OF CIRCUS, DANCE, AND THEATER

February 28, 2025

The love of performing arts runs rampant in the Monadnock region. From plays, musicals, and operas to circus performances and, of course, the holiday ballet staple The Nutcracker, there’s a show here for all ages and occasions. The Peterborough Players have a deep love for high caliber theater. Share in that enthusiasm with a visit

Read the complete DIVE INTO A PERFORMING ARTS SCENE OF CIRCUS, DANCE, AND THEATER blog post.
a string quartet performs, looking engagingly at one another

WITNESS EXCELLENT CLASSICAL MUSICIANSHIP IN BEAUTIFUL RURAL SETTINGS

February 21, 2025

The Monadnock region has a deep love for music of all kinds, and classical music is no exception! Excellent musicians with love for community outreach and teaching have set up their practices here. During a visit, take an evening or a matinee to be swept away by enchanting compositions in local churches, town halls, and

Read the complete WITNESS EXCELLENT CLASSICAL MUSICIANSHIP IN BEAUTIFUL RURAL SETTINGS blog post.
three musicians perform at the coffee house stage of Nova Arts, surrounded by art installation of glowing whales suspended from the ceiling

EXPERIENCE HOW THE ARTS BREATHE LIFE INTO NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC BUILDINGS

February 14, 2025

For those of you who are captivated by New England history, find remnants of the Monadnock region’s industrial past preserved in buildings overtaken by the arts. You’ll find some wonderful surprises! From lunchtime concerts to film screenings and site-specific installations, Epsilon Spires makes the most of a renovated 19th-century Victorian Gothic and Gothic Revival church

Read the complete EXPERIENCE HOW THE ARTS BREATHE LIFE INTO NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC BUILDINGS 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.
wrapping paper background with title

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.
closeup of conductor leading orchestra

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.
historic gilsum town

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.