two people proudly pose with wooden cutting boards that they designed

Arts Spotlight: MAXT Makerspace

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

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

5 Fun Activities this Halloween Weekend 🎃

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

Four students with backpacks head to a university building

Colleges in the Monadnock Region

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

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Viva Bach Peterborough Announces 2023 Festival Program

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

summer campers pose outdoors on and around a small building

Arts Spotlight: Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music

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

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

Arts Spotlight: Historical Society of Cheshire County

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

fall foliage trees along a mountain road

FFAST over Columbus Day weekend showcases new artists

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

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5 Fall Festivals in the Monadnock Region

As the summer draws to a close, the days remain warm but nights grow colder. Fresh green summer produce makes way for squash, apples, and of course…pumpkins! New England is well-known for its full experience of the four seasons. As locals know especially well, autumn draws in scores of leaf-peepers, Halloween enthusiasts, and festival-goers. The

cabaret cast poses on stage in dark blue light

Arts Spotlight: Peterborough Players

NICOLE S. COLSON The pandemic gave many arts organizations the time and opportunity to think deeply about their mission and the future. In the case of Peterborough Players, it was a chance to determine the best ways to reach the largest number of theater patrons. Above all, increased access ensures its longevity far past the

a circle of kids play a game in a blackbox theater

Arts Spotlight: Andy’s Summer Playhouse

NICOLE S. COLSON Andy’s Summer Playhouse board and staff provide full access to programming—but it’s the kids who are running the show. “They are running tech boards during the performance, they are building the set and gathering costumes,” said artistic director Jared Mezzocchi.  As its website explains, Andy’s is a youth theater in Wilton that