The Weekender, April 16-19: Made in NH Expo 2026, New England Spring Craft & Artisan Show, Earth Day Park Clean Up + more

Get out and show Mother Earth some love by celebrating Earth Day early this weekend. You can take part in Hope for NH Recovery’s Earth Day Park Clean Up, attend the Earth Day Celebration with UNH at the Manchester City Library, check out the Earth Day Benefit Concert, hear from Duncan Watson, the author of Everyone’s Trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds, build a terrarium while sipping on some eco-friendly wine at the Terrarium Workshop & Wine Tasting with Penumbra, or even just simply Make a Gnome Home. Whatever you choose, try your best to pay homage to our one and only home planet somehow.

Rather unwind and get in the groove with some lively entertainment this weekend? Check out our Weekly Entertainment report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.


Multi-day events:

April 17-19

Made In NH Expo 2026, DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown, Manchester, NH – The Made In NH “Try It & Buy It” Expo is the only Expo that showcases the wide variety of quality products made right here in the Granite State. Now in its 29th year, the Expo offers exhibitors a great opportunity to meet thousands of buyers, and shoppers the chance to discover all of the unique products available right here in NH! This event will take place: Friday, April 17, 1 pm – 7 pm | Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday, April 19, 10 am – 4 pm. More info here.

April 18-19

New England Spring Craft & Artisan Show, The Hampshire Dome, Milford, NH – Join us and meet our Craftsmen, Artisans, and Specialty Food Makers, and support local small businesses. Saturday, April 18 | 10 am – 4 pm & Sunday, April 19 | 10 am – 4 pm at the Hampshire Dome. Many new exhibitors that we know you will love as much as we do! More info here.


April 16

Out of the Box Midday Networking April 2026, First Church Nashua, Nashua, NH – Join us for our monthly Out of the Box lunch with pizza, salad, and dessert provided by the Chamber! This is a great opportunity to step away from your desk for an hour and network with fellow chamber members in a more intimate setting. This month our presenting member is Phil Mahoney from Sit Means Sit Dog Training. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 12 pm – 1 pm. Register here.

Young Professionals Social, CodeX Bar, Nashua, NH – Don’t miss next week’s social at CodeX Bar! Dive into specialty cocktails and mocktails in one of Nashua’s hot spots with a unique mix of books, antiques, and rarities. Our events are open to the public, and we invite you to join this growing group that brings a wide variety of industries and ages. Whether you are new to the area, new in your industry, or new in your role, we encourage you to come check us out. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Register here.

Bookery Book Club: Martyr!, The Bookery, Manchester, NH – Join us for a spirited, fun discussion each month. In April we will be reading Kaveh Akbar’s “Martyr!” Each month there is a different book to push you out of your comfort zone and give you an opportunity to meet local book lovers over coffee. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 6 pm – 7 pm. Reserve a spot here.

Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH: 5 Year Anniversary Celebration, The Palace Theatre, Manchester, NH – ReproFund invites you to the kick-off of our 2026 Fund-a-Thon, a spring full of amazing events, programming, and fundraisers. This year, the theme is Reprolympics, and this is our Opening Ceremony! Come enjoy a night of cocktails, heavy appetizers, community appreciation, and live music from Manchester band Five Feet! This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Get tickets here.

Terrarium Workshop & Wine Tasting with Penumbra, Wine on Main, Concord, NH – Just in time for Earth Day, build your own terrarium while enjoying a wine tasting with sustainable, eco-friendly, and organic wines! Alison from Penumbra, a local plant and gift shop, is here to show you how to assemble your own terrarium. Enjoy a wine tasting and light snacks while you work. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Get tickets here.

In Concert: Merrimack Valley and Purple Finch Flute Choirs, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Enjoy a collective of professional flutists performing original pieces and arrangements inspired by the theme “Effervescence.” Through music, we’ll explore sounds and ideas that make us overflow with energy and joy. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 starting at 7 pm.

Adult LEGO User Group, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH Build, share, and connect at this monthly gathering of AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO). This month, the experts from the LEGO Store at the Pheasant Lane Mall will lead us in challenges, introduce us to the LEGO Builder app, and provide tips on making your build as awesome as you envision! Meets every third Thursday of the month. Open to ages 18+. This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 starting at 7 pm.

Axe Throwing Speed Dating (20s & 30s), The Rugged Axe, Manchester, NH Does adding axe throwing to dating sound like a bad idea? Maybe, but it also could be awesome! This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 7 pm – 9 pm. Get tickets here.

Slam Free or Die Presents: Poetry Open Mic, Stark Brewing Company, Manchester, NH Every Thursday night, come in for a cold drink and a good listen or bring a poem of your own! This event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 7 pm – 10:30 pm.


April 17

Healthy KidsFest 2026, YMCA of Greater Nashua, Nashua, NH This FREE, family-friendly event features engaging activities, hands-on demonstrations, and live performances that celebrate community, connection, and wellness! This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 10 am – 1 pm. More info here.

Make a Gnome Home, Centennial Senior Center, Concord, NH Bring your imagination to life and create a magical little home for your gnome friend! In this hands-on, kid-friendly workshop, participants will design and build their very own miniature gnome home using natural and creative materials. From mossy rooftops to tiny doors and woodland details, each creation will be uniquely yours—perfect to take home and display in your garden, room, or fairy corner. This event will take place on Friday, April 17 from 3:30 pm – 5 pm. Get tickets here.

NHTI/Delta Dental 5k, NHTI, Concord, NH Get Ready, Concord! Race #2 of the Capital Area Race Series is coming to NHTI! We’re thrilled to host the NHTI/Delta Dental 5K Road Race on Friday, April 17, 2026—a community favorite and one of the most energetic nights on campus! Registration opens at 4:30pm, our always-adorable Kids Fun Run takes off at 5:45pm, and the main event kicks off at 6:00pm sharp. Online Registration Deadline: Thursday, Apr 16, 2026 at 12:00 NOON ET. More info here.

Self-Defense for Beginners, Manchester True Collaborative Community Center, Manchester, NH We are excited to be offering a FREE self defense workshop in the YWCA community room on Friday, April 17 from 6 pm – 6:45 pm!


Comedy Night with Jenny Zigrino, Queen City Center, Manchester, NH – Jenny Zigrino kicks off Comedy at Queen City Center with sharp wit, brutal honesty, and big laughs. This is a night you won’t want to miss! Doors / Seating: 6:30PM


April 18

Hope for NH Recovery Earth Day Park Clean Up, Sheehan-Basquil Park, Manchester, NH Join us for our Earth Day Park Clean-Up at the park we steward! We’ll be teaming up to clean the park and nearby streets. Supplies provided, good vibes encouraged. This event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 9 am – 1 pm. More info here.

Khmer New Year Celebration & Parade, Lowell Senior Center, Lowell, MA Join CMAA and community partners for our annual Cambodian New Year celebration at the Lowell Senior Center on Saturday, April 18 from 9 am – 12 pm! Enjoy live traditional Cambodian dance performances, delicious Khmer food, and more. After the morning event, everyone is invited to join the Khmer New Year parade. The parade will begin at 12:30 pm from Lowell Senior Center and end at Clemente Park. Enjoy live traditional dances, cultural performances, music, food, Cambodian games and more at the 16th Annual Lowell Khmer New Year Celebration at Roberto Clemente Park from 12 pm – 5 pm. More info here.

Prom with a (Re)Purpose, Live Freely Market, Hampton, NH Join us on Saturday, April 18 from 10 am – 5 pm, for Prom with a (Re)Purpose! We will be passing out prom/bridesmaid/groomsmen attire for students in need. If you are a student not necessarily in need, but you’re looking for a different dress for the big night, bring us your old one & swap it for a “new” one!

Luna Moth Zine Fest 2026, Queerlective Co-Lab, Manchester, NH Luna Moth Zine Fest is happening THIS SATURDAY, April 18 from 11 am – 4 pm at 72 Concord Street in Manchester, and we’re buzzin’! We’re packing the space with 71 vendors and 4 workshops. Grab your tote, your friends, your trades and your zine loving hearts! Let’s hang!

Earth Day Celebration with UNH, Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH Families are invited to join Education students from UNH-Manchester, the New Hampshire Toy Library along with Ms. Karyn on Saturday April 18, from 11 am – 1 pm in the Winchell Room. There will be fun crafts to make from recycled materials as well as fun games to play This is a drop in program; registration is not required. For more information, please call 603-624-6550 ext. 7628.

Make & Mend: Secondhand Art Supply, Union Square, Somerville, MA – Join us in our basement for our secondhand art supply Fill-a-Bag event Saturday, April 18 from 11 am – 4 pm! ⁠(10 am if you’re a Patreon member!) ⁠$11 for your first bag + $5 for each additional bag, all taxes included. ⁠We’ll have bins to rummage through of seconds, scraps, and overstock. Dare we say… open your mind and lower your expectations. You never know what you’ll find, these items are not available in our retail shop.⁠

Riverwalk Spring Picnic, RiverWalk Brewing Co., Newburyport, MA – Join us for the first annual Riverwalk Spring Picnic, a full-day celebration of sunshine, fresh air, and the return of Beer Garden season. We’re setting the tables long, firing up the grill, and bringing everyone together for a laid-back day built around good food, cold drinks, and easy company. This free event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 12 pm – 7 pm. More info here.

Everyone’s Trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds, McLane Center, Concord, NH – Local author and recycling expert, Duncan Watson has been running the City of Keene’s solid waste program for over 30 years. Each day, every single person in the United States, all 324 million, discards about five pounds of waste. Be it a bottle that gets placed in a recycling bin or a piece of paper crumpled and tossed into the waste bin, every bit of the daily 1.6 billion pounds cast-off has a story. This book is full of those stories. It will wake you up and give you hope. Join Duncan and plan to learn more about how we can all fight against 1.6 billion pounds for this Earth Day. This event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 1 pm – 2:30 pm. More info here.

Spring Sensory PlayDay, Arlington Street Community Center, Nashua, NH – Join the ABA Centers of America and the ASCC for a sensory play-day on Saturday, April 18 from 2 pm – 4 pm. We will have sensory friendly earth activities and light snacks. Register to attend here.

LGN Minute to Win it Night, Bishop Guertin High School, Nashua, NH – LGN Class of 2026 Presents: Minute to Win It Night at Bishop Guertin – Supporting Nashua Children’s Home The LGN class is hosting an action-packed Minute to Win It fundraiser at Bishop Guertin High School, and you are invited. Bring your friends, family, and competitive spirit for a night filled with fast-paced games, community fun, and meaningful impact – all to support the Nashua Children’s Home. This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 2 pm – 6 pm. More info here.

Spring Fever Fest, Auspicious Brew, Dover, NH – Part birthday party for Jay, part fundraiser for the brewery’s new expansion! Join us all afternoon and into the evening for live music. All ages! All are welcome who welcome all! This event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 2 pm – 10 pm. Get tickets here.

What The Dance, BNH Stage, Concord, NH – What the Dance presents: BANGERS BEFORE BED: A MATINEE DANCE PARTY. We’ll make sure you’re back home and in bed early, but for now, we’ve gotta hit the dance floor! IT’S THE EARLY BIRDS’ TURN TO PARTY: The BNH Stage – Concord. This 21+ event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 5 pm – 9 pm. Get tickets here.

Earth Day Benefit Concert, Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, NH – The Mighty Colors and Jamdemic return for our 3rd Annual Earth Day show. They will be back on Saturday evening, April 18th from 7-10pm and will be performing in Big Bear Lodge on the Dream Trax stage. These two great local NH bands helped us formulate the idea for this amazing Earth Day Benefit show which helps both Andres Institute of Art and Beaver Brook Association raise funds. This event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 7 pm – 10 pm. Get tickets here.


Symphony NH Tianhui Ng – New Hampshire Passions, Nashua, NH – Conductor Tianhui Ng will capture the grandeur and depth of human emotion. as he takes the podium to lead a thrilling selection of orchestral masterpieces that celebrate passion, mystery, and resilience. Keefe Auditorium, 117 Elm Street, Nashua, NH. More info here.


April 19

Dragtrap 1st Annual Breakfast Over Cars, Top Donut, Lowell, MA – OUR FIRST ANNUAL BREAKFAST OVER CARS MEET IN LOWELL @everyone IS INVITED PLEASE COME OUT AND HANG OUT WITH US!!!!! LIMITED T SHIRTS WILL BE AVALANCHE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE ON WHATS LEFT!!!! 700 Aiken st Lowell mass. TOP DONUT!!!!! This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 8 am – 1 pm. More info here.

Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle Decoration Making, Queerlective Co-Lab, Manchester, NH – Help us turn “waste” into art! We’re prepping for Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle by making decorations out of cardboard, scrap materials, and old plastics. Lauren will be leading a suncatcher activity using old water bottles. Come create, reuse, and help bring the event to life. This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 11 am – whenever in the Co-Lab @ YWCA. More info here.

Drag Brunch, The Hop Knot, Manchester, NH – Big Gay Events and The Hop Knot present to you, A Big Gay Brunch! We are excited to be back for our second season of Big Gay Drag Brunch, with an all new cast! Catch us partnered with out good friends over at Hop Knot for our next run of show stopping, sold out brunches! This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 11 am – 2 pm. Get tickets here.

Buds ‘n Bloom Spring Market, Cambridge Community Center, Boston, MA – Filled with live music, artists, cafe goodness and 85+ small businesses!! This Sunday, April 19 from 12:30 pm – 5 pm. Find all sorts of goodies from your local art friends! Get that special gift for a friend or loved one or yourself DONE LOCAL!!!!

Spray Day: A Creative Retreat at the Currier, Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH – Need a day immersed in creativity and artistic conversation? Join us at the Currier for an afternoon of experiences inspired by two great exhibitions, “Spray: Jules Olitski in the 1960s” and “Painting in Color.” It’s called Spray Day. Participate in an interactive Art Talk with Heather Hutchison and Jane Swavely, two contemporary artists featured in “Painting in Color.” Enjoy a music performance of John Luther Adam’s “Red Arc/Blue Veil” by musicians from the Saint Anselm College Fine Art Department. Tour the two exhibitions with Bruce McColl, Director of Curatorial Affairs. This event will take place on Sunday, April 19 from 2 pm – 5 pm. More info here.

The Banned Book Club, The Moka Pot, Manchester, NH – The CWO Independent Collective Caucus is hosting their Banned Book Club again on Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 pm at The Moka Pot! All are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!

Super Smash Sunday, BAD BRGR, Manchester, NH – Smash ultimate tournament!!! Join us on Sunday, April 19 from 7 pm – 9 pm at Bad BRGR! Single elimination. $10 entry | Trophy, Cash & gift card to the winner. Signups start at 6 pm. Limited spots available. Hosted by DJ Soup.


Planning Ahead?

April 20: Park2Park Community Clean-up, Manchester, NH

April 25: Nashua Sustainability Fair, Nashua, NH

April 25: 13th Annual Independent Bookstore Day, USA

May 9: 50th Annual Crafts in the Park, Andover, MA

May 15-16: St. Philip Greek Food Festival, Nashua, NH

May 15-16: 2026 Northeast Coffee Festival, Concord, NH

May 22: Renaissance on the Riverwalk, Nashua, NH

June 27: Manchester Pride Parade & Festival, Manchester, NH

Aug. 1: Paranormal Truth Seekers Expo, Nashua, NH

Aug. 22: Gate City Casino Brewfest 2026, Nashua, NH



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