This weekend has a lot to offer – bacon, beer, cheese, mutts, books, movies, art, coffee… what more could you possibly ask for?! Get out and make it count!

Prefer to take in more of the local music and arts scene? Check out our Weekly Entertainment report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.

Multi-day event:

June 5-7

Salem Arts Festival, Old Town Hall, Salem, MA – Join us Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7, as we celebrate both our 18th annual festival and Salem’s remarkable 400+ years of creativity. Together, we’ll honor our artistic past while creating new memories and connections that will inspire the next chapter of Salem’s creative story. The Salem Arts Festival is where creativity and community come together to celebrate what makes our historic city truly special. For 18 years, this beloved annual celebration has brought together thousands of neighbors, visitors, and artists to transform downtown Salem into a vibrant showcase of local talent and artistic spirit. This FREE, family-friendly weekend transforms downtown Salem into a creative wonderland you won’t want to miss. More info here.

June 4

National Cheese Day, Industry East, Manchester, NH – We love ‘cheesy’ holidays like this! Join us for National Cheese Day this Thursday, June 4, open 11 am – midnight.

Teen Thursdays, Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH – Every Thursday, come hang out in the Winchell Room after school. We’ll have snacks, arts and craft supplies, Nintendo Switch, and other games. Once or twice a month we’ll have a special structured craft or activity. For teens in grades 6 – 12. This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 3 pm – 4:30 pm. More info here.

Learn & Build Your Own Comet! With the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Parkside Middle School, Manchester, NH – The Manchester City Library and 21^st Century invites families to an out of this world experience! On Thursday, June 4 from 5 pm – 6 pm join us at Parkside Middle School for an interactive presentation on Comets with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. For questions, call Caitlin at 603-624-6550 x7620 or email cdionne@manchesternh.gov. More info here.

Books & Brew, Lithermans Limited Brewing Company, Concord, NH – Join us for our no-pressure book club at Lithermans Ltd. Brewing Co. for our summer meetings: June 4th, July 2nd, August 6th and September 3rd only at 5:30 pm. Chat about what you’ve been reading and get some great recommendations! This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. More info here.

Writer’s Room, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Find focus and inspiration through our immersive Writer’s Room! Each month, we’ll create a calm writing space through scenic videos, gentle music, and a refreshing mid-session break to help you bring that story that’s been building up inside of you to life. Feel free to bring your own writing tools (notebook, laptop, or tablet) or use our provided pen and paper. This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Summer Lookbook Fashion Show, The Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery, Concord, NH – 11 Books/11 Looks. Refresh your summer closet with book-inspired fashions that pop on and off the page, styled by LDR. Enjoy an evening of book-inspired fashions to heat up your summer closet, as models strike poses and prose. Styled by LDR, these modern twists pay homage to the works and fashion senses of Edith Wharton, Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Joan Didion, Zadie Smith, and more! Receive your very own Summer Lookbook, featuring fun info on the 11 books and 11 looks. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks. And stay to mingle as all outfits are available for sale! This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Get tickets here.

Sip & Snack: Movie Concessions & Wine with Red River Theatres, Wine on Main, Concord, NH – Movie concessions paired with wine! Join us for a special pairing event with our neighbors at Red River Theatres. Includes a movie voucher. 21+ and limited to 20 people. You must have a ticket to attend. This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Get tickets here.

Lowell Writers Open Mic, Lala Books, Lowell, MA – Lowell Writers Open Mic is a chance for writers of all levels to share work and to meet with other writers and readers. We will be focusing on Spoken word — poetry, storytelling, and the like, and all sorts of writers are encouraged to participate. A different writer is featured each month. If you’re interested in taking part in the open mic, a signup sheet will be available when you arrive. This event will take place on Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. More info here.

June 5

First Friday – Pride Edition, Downtown Concord, NH – First Friday is taking place on Friday, June 5 from 4 pm – 8 pm, and this time we’re celebrating Concord Pride! Join the celebration downtown with an evening of community fun, including live music, food trucks, free kids’ activities (sponsored by Concord Pediatrics), and more! Plus, there will be local LGBTQIA+ focused nonprofits tabling on City Plaza that you can meet and learn more about! More info here.

Coffee with a Communist, Honey Cup Cafe & Tearoom, Manchester, NH – We’re celebrating Pride Month with the Honey Cup Cafe & Tearoom on Friday, June 5 at 5 pm! Come get involved in local community organizing with CPUSA and the YCL. Open to ALL ages! We can’t wait to see you there!

Bacon Beer Fest ( Pre-Party ), Stark Brewing Company, Manchester, NH – Grab your shirt, enjoy great beer and food, & support high hopes foundation. MERCH GIVEAWAYS. TICKET GIVEAWAYS. 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE BILL. (Valid during event only). This event will take place on Friday, June 5 from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Book Launch & Trivia Night with Bill Seney, The Bookery, Manchester, NH – Join us and NHPR at Bookery Manchester on Friday, June 5 from 6 pm – 7:15 pm as we celebrate Celia Botto’s new book”The Ostrich Needs A Lift”!We’re excited to have @trivianightwithbillseney kick off the launch with some rounds of bookish-trivial fun! Thanks to the support of my favorite local businesses, I’ll be giving away some incredible prizes to you brilliant book lovers. Reserve a spot here.

Flannel Fridays Monthly Social, Manchester True Collaborative (YWCA), Manchester, NH – Join us on the first Friday of every month for Flannel Fridays! This ones for the girls! Lesbians, bisexuals, trans femme, masc, everyone is welcome! Just wear a flannel! This is an adults only event (18+). This is a chill social event once a month with tea, coffee, music, crafts, and snacks. Come hang out for a chill Friday night! This event will take place on Friday, June 5 from 6 pm – 8 pm. More info here.

Eleganza Meets Melaza, Melaza Dance Studio, Manchester, NH – Join us for an unforgettable Latin Night Social featuring: DJ Nefi playing the best hits from Latino Vibe 94.9. TWO special performances: Salsa, bachata, great music, amazing vibes & dancing all night long — this is a night you DON’T want to miss! This event will take place on Friday, June 5. Dance Class: 7 pm. Social Dancing: 8 pm – 1 am. $20 Admission. Bring your friends and your dancing shoes! More info here.

June 6

Derry Garden Club Plant Sale, Derry Boys & Girls Club, Derry, NH – Hundreds of perennials, annuals, herbs, houseplants for sale to benefit the civic mission of the Derry Garden Club. Garden themed raffles, and yard sale. This event will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 9 am – 2 pm. For more information email info@derrygardenclub.org.

National Learn to Row Day, Amoskeag Rowing Club, Hooksett, NH – Join us for National Learn to Row Day – all ages welcome! Interested in trying out rowing and seeing what our club is about? Amoskeag Rowing Club welcomes you for National Learn to Row Day! Tour our boathouse, get instruction on rowing technique, and even get in a boat for a lesson. This event will take place on Saturday June 6 from 9 am – 11 am. Participant Fee: FREE. More info here.

2026 Mutt Strutt, Livingston Park, Manchester, NH – *Online registration is currently closed. There will be tickets available for purchase day of, we hope to see you there!* The Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter is proud to host the 2026 Mutt Strutt on Saturday, June 6, from 10 am – 2 pm! The event will be held at Livingston Park & will showcase vendors, pet-related activities and fun for the entire family, including the four-legged ones. There will also be a one-mile walk around Dorrs Pond starting at 12 pm (noon). All four-legged friends are invited to attend. More info here.

KJ Ceramics Studio Family & Friends Event, Kimball Jenkins School of Art, Concord, NH – Mark your calendars, KJ Ceramic students and members!! We are having a Family and Friends day on Saturday, June 6 from 10 am – 2 pm! Start your morning off going to the farmers market and get some coffee, and then head over to us! Come show your friends and family around the studio, show them the work you’ve made or are currently working on, watch demos from your instructors, and!! Current studio students and members can have your family or friends (up to 2 people at a time per member) throw on the wheel with you! You are responsible for clay preparation (we will have reclaim to use), set up, and clean up of the people you bring, but this is a unique opportunity to get people in the studio to throw without signing up for a class or Pottery Night! No work will be kept, as this is just for funsies! There will be a suggested $10 donation for each guest, but all proceeds go to supporting the studio! For more information email studio director, Wren at wren@kimballjenkins.com.

Strugglebus Improv Jam, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Nashua, NH’s own improvisational comedy group! Our twice-monthly Improv Jams are open to all adults – inclusive fun for all! We host FREE open sessions every
1st and 3rd Saturday at the Nashua Public Library. This event will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. More info here.

10th Annual NH Bacon & Beer Festival, Arms Park, Manchester, NH – The NH Bacon & Beer Festival is a fundraiser organized by High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire. Our guiding principle is to “make hope happen” for NH’s chronically ill children. Just like the High Hopes Foundation Families we serve, at NH Bacon and Beer, we’ve got you covered! Unlimited Tastings. Unlimited Bacon Creations.Live Music & Good Times. One Ticket = All Included. Date: Saturday, June 6 – 1:30 pm to 5 pm (last pours at 4:30 pm) (VIP Festival Admission at 12:30 pm | General Admission at 1:30 pm). Location: Arms Park. More info here.

Simul Chess Exhibition with International Master Jim Rizzitano, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH – Think you’re good enough to play chess against an International Master (IM)? Now’s your chance to give it a try! Join us for an exciting afternoon as IM Jim Rizzitano plays against up to 30 other chess players, moving from board to board in a continuous circuit until all games are completed. To participate: Registration is required. Open to ages 16+. Check-in begins at 12:15 pm. Arrive by 12:45 pm, or your seat may be forfeited. Co-sponsored by the Nashua Chess Club. This event will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 1 pm – 4 pm in the Chandler Performance Area at Nashua Public Library. More info here.

ArtHub turns ONE! Celebrate with us!, ArtHub, Nashua, NH – Come and join us on Saturday, June 6 from 2 pm – 6 pm in celebrating the ArtHub’s first year at 98 Main Street here in Nashua. There will be light refreshments, viewers’ choice award, scavenger hunt and raffle. ONE YEAR AND STILL GROWING. More info here.

Celebrating Black American Culture: The Cookout, Crossway Christian Church Downtown, Nashua, NH – Week three is The Cookout. This meetup will focus on newer line dances, practicing for Juneteenth, and spending time together in community. Whether you know all the dances or need a lil practice before Juneteenth, this one for you. Family friendly. Bring the kids. Expect: Food; Games; Music & dancing; Community. These gatherings are part of our effort to celebrate and experience Black American culture together leading up to Juneteenth New England. This gathering is intended for members of the Black community and their children. This event will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 6 pm. RSVP here.

June 7

3rd Annual Concord Pride 5K Run/Walk, NH State House, Concord, NH – Join us for our 3rd Annual Concord Pride 5K Run/Walk! A joyful, high-energy, family-friendly event celebrating Pride and community! Join us for a fun, welcoming race-day atmosphere filled with music, Pride energy, and community celebration from start to finish. Some will run for time, some will walk with friends, some will dance across the finish line — all ages, all abilities, and all paces are welcome. Not running or walking? Join us as a volunteer! This event will take place on Sunday, June 7 from 9 am – 12 pm. Register here.

Antique & Book Show, Douglas Everett Arena, Concord, NH – Join us for a special one-day event—the NHADA Members Antiques Show—on Sunday, June 7 from 10 am – 4 pm at the Douglas Everett Arena in Concord, NH. Explore a curated selection of antiques presented by up to 60 NHADA dealer members. The NHADA Members Antiques Show show runs concurrently with the New England Book Fair, also taking place at the Everett Arena—offering a rare opportunity to explore both fine antiques and objects as well as rare books and ephemera in one convenient location. Admission: $5 (no early buying). More info here.

Pride 5K Official Afterparty, Feathered Friend Brewing, Concord, NH – If you’re running for Pride on June 7 in Concord in Equality Health Center’s 5K, be sure to celebrate and rehydrate at Feathered Friend Brewing for the official afterparty! And be sure to grab your shirts to show that in New Hampshire, we Love Free or Die! This event will take place on Sunday, June 7 from 11:30 am – 4 pm.

Latino Family Festival, Fenway Park, Boston, MA – ¡El día familiar más grande de Nueva Inglaterra se llevará a cabo en el histórico Fenway Park! Más de 65 expositores, juegos interactivos para niños, exámenes de salud gratuitos, premios y mucho más. ¡No te lo pierdas! LA ENTRADA ES EN LA GATE B EN FENWAY PARK. New England’s largest family day will take place in historic Fenway Park! More than 65 exhibitors, interactive games for children, free health exams, awards and much more. Don’t miss it! THE ENTRANCE IS AT GATE B IN FENWAY PARK. This event will take place on Sunday, June 7 at 12 pm. Reserve a spot here.

The Kinetic Cabaret – Drag Bingo Brunch, Warp and Weft, Lowell, MA – The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race presents The Kinetic Cabaret – Drag Bingo Brunch Warp and Weft hosted by Lady Carmen Brûlée! Kick off your Sunday with a delicious brunch and world-class sass. This high-energy fundraiser is the perfect way to support Lowell’s favorite “human-powered, all-terrain” art race. Help us keep LKSR Free-For-All while having fun doing it! Support the Race. Eat the Brunch. Win the Bingo. For the Glory! This event will take place on Sunday, June 7 starting from 1 pm – 3 pm. Doors at 12:30 pm. Register here.

Planning Ahead?

June 9: 2026 Levitt AMP Manchester Music Series Lineup Announcement Party, Manchester, NH

June 9: Publisher’s Crawl Hosted by Granite State News Collaborative & Concord Monitor, Concord, NH

June 11: Positive Street Art Presents United Through Color: Manifest Dreams, Nashua, NH

June 12: Summer Reading Kick-off Party!, Nashua, NH

June 12: PokeRave, Manchester, NH

June 13: Celebrating Black American Culture: Black PRIDE, Nashua, NH

June 13: Market Square Day, Portsmouth, NH

June 13: MakeIt Fest 2026, Nashua, NH

June 18: Queer Speed Dating, Dover, NH

June 19-21: Manch Anime, Manchester, NH

June 20: Nashua Pride Festival & Parade, Nashua, NH