The Weekender, June 18-21: Banana Ball World Tour, FREE SLICE DAY at Alley Cat, Wicked Joyful’s Grand Opening + more

Celebrate Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day this weekend with a host of events taking place throughout the region! Take part in Nashua’s 2026 Pride Festival, get a tattoo at MTC’s Pride Tattoo Fundraiser event, check out the Juneteenth Celebration 2026: Reclaiming History, Declaring Dignity in Portsmouth, head to the Juneteenth Drag Show at Breezeway Pub in Manchester, and celebrate Dad at Charmingfare Farm’s Father’s Day Celebration in Candia. Even if you’re not partaking in the celebrations this weekend, there are TONS of other opportunities to get out and have some fun!

Seeking out something more musical and artistic? Check out our Weekly Entertainment Report for live music and lively arts in and around Southern NH.


Multi-Day Events:

June 18-20

Banana Ball World Tour, Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester, NH โ€“ For the first time ever, Banana Ball comes to Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester in 2026! For three nights only (June 18, 19, 20), the Banana Ball World Tour features three games between The Firefighters and the all-new Loco Beach Coconuts in the Granite State! Led by the Savannah Bananas, the Banana Ball World Tour is a high-energy spectacle that blends fast gameplay, music, dancing, and fan interaction to create an electrifying atmosphere with unique rules to keep the action nonstop! More info here.

June 18-21

Harpoon’s 40th Birthday 4-Day Weekend Celebration, Harpoon at Queen City Center, Manchester, NH โ€“ From June 18-21, Harpoon is inviting fans, locals, and visitors alike to help it raise a glass to four decades of craft brewing. The four-day birthday bash will run across Harpoonโ€™s three brewery locations: the Seaport District in Boston, MA; Manchester, NH; and Windsor, VT, and feature a packed lineup of 40th anniversary and Fatherโ€™s Day festivities, exclusive giveaways, limited-edition releases, and unforgettable experiences. With $4.40 Harpoon IPA pints, the limited-edition 16oz can debut of our 40th Anniversary Ale, and limited edition 40 Years of Firsts Merch and Harpoon Memorabilia all weekend long, this will be a 4-day long celebration to remember. More info here.

June 19-20

Tales & Ales: The Brewery Book Nook Takeover, Litherman’s Limited Brewery, Concord, NH โ€“ Books & Brews. Ales & Tales. Good Reads & Great Bevs. Whatever you want to call it, a grown up book fair is coming to town! Your Besties Book Book will be onsite Friday night with a selection of their favorite current reads to prep you for summer — and Saturday they’ll be joined by six local authors who will be hanging out, talking all things writing and reading, and excited to meet you! Swing in to grab your next great read as well as the delicious beverages to go with it. Summer is just about here and we are all for it! This event will take place on Friday, June 19 from 6 pm – 8 pm & Saturday, June 20 from 12 pm – 5 pm. More info here.

June 20-21

Strawberry Festival, Applecrest Farm Orchards, Hampton Falls, NH โ€“ Festival season is coming up quick, and we cannot wait! Applecrestโ€™s Annual Strawberry Festival will be held for the next two weekends June 20 – 21 from 11 am – 3 pm. Pick-Your-Own Strawberries 8am-6pm. Live Music 11 am – 3 pm. Free scratch-made strawberry bakery samples 11 am – 3 pm. Ice cream from the Applecrest Creamery 12 pm – 9 pm. Animal Barnyard 8 am – 6 pm. Come join us at Applecrest to celebrate the start of strawberry season! We hope to see you there. Open 8 am – 6 pm daily! More info here.


June 18

Family Hike: Manchester true Collective and Thrive Outdoors, Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH โ€“ Join Thrive Outdoors and Manchester True Collaborative for a fun and welcoming family hike to Battery Point on Massabesic Lake. This guided hike is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with community, and learn how time in nature can help us develop a healthy mindset. Along the way, we’ll discuss simple ways that outdoor experiences can build resilience, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. This event is open to individuals and families of all experience levels. The pace will be relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and connect with others. This free event will take place on Thursday, June 18 from 9 am – 12 pm at the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn. Please come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and any personal items you may need for a morning outdoors. Register here.

FREE SLICE DAY!, Alley Cat Pizzeria, Manchester, NH โ€“ FREE SLICE DAY!! HEY EVERYONE!! Everyoneโ€™s invited Alley Cat Pizza on June 18 for a FREE SLICE. To celebrate 30 years of Alley Cat Pizzeria – Come join us on Thursday, June 18 from 11 am – 9 pm for a free slice and a free soda! We are so grateful for the support our community has given us for the last 30 years and are excited to give back to the great Queen City and beyond! This event will be supporting the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL)-an organization In the city that supports our youth and inspires so many kids everyday with incredible programs that help foster their bright futures ahead. (Disclaimer: The weather forecast is calling for rain – be sure to bring your umbrella!) More info here.

Out of the Box Midday Networking June 2026, First Church Nashua, Nashua, NH โ€“ 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 limited seating** social will not only allow an easy transition to networking but also allow you to make lasting connections. Each month we offer a Chamber member the opportunity to present on their business and a relevant topic for the group, helping you make connections – both personal and professional. This event will take place on Thursday, June 18 from 12 pm – 1 pmRegister here.

K-5: Magic Brush Workshop, Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH โ€“ Grades K-5. Let your imagination shine and join us for a fun three-day art workshop led by artist Payal Tripathi! Children will explore their creativity, learn new art techniques, and enjoy hands-on art activities, which include abstract painting, animal portraits, and collages. Registration is required for each session you attend. Feel free to register for one, two, or all three days! This event will take place on Thursday, June 18 from 5 pm – 6 pm. More info here.

Young Professionals Social, Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH โ€“ There is still time to register for this week’s social at Holman Stadium, where great connections are made while also catching a FREE game to cheer on the Nashua Silver Knights. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, meet new friends, or simply enjoy a summer night at the game, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders in a relaxed and exciting setting. This event will take place on Thursday, June 18 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Register here.

Bookery Book Club: Gender Queer, The Bookery, Manchester, NH โ€“ Join us for a spirited, fun discussion each month. In June we will be reading Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer.” Happy Pride! 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. June’s pick is “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. To buy the book click here! Prefer to listen to the book? Get the audiobook at Libro.fm and you can still benefit Bookery Manchester! Just create a free account and select us as your bookstore. This free event will take place on Thursday, June 18 from 6 pm – 7 pm. Reserve a spot here.

Justice and Journalism: The Rise of the Civic Documenter, BNH Stage, Concord, NH โ€“ What happens when ordinary people become witnesses to history in real time? On Thurs., June 18, New Hampshire Public Radio and the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership & Public Service at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law will host a live conversation at BNH Stage exploring how journalism is evolving in the digital age. As smartphones and social media make it possible for anyone to document events as they happen, everyday people are becoming an increasingly important part of the public information ecosystem. This event will take place on Thursday, June 18 starting at 7 pm. Doors at 6 pm. Get tickets here.


June 19

Juneteenth Celebration 2026: Reclaiming History, Declaring Dignity, Portsmouth, NH โ€“ This year, the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire celebrates Juneteenth alongside the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an event widely framed as the birth of American freedom. This milestone invites us to reflect on the gaps, contradictions, and unfinished work embedded in the American experiment. Telling the full American story requires moving beyond a narrow focus on famous โ€œfoundersโ€ and battlefield triumphs. It asks that we center the lived experiences of those whose lands were taken and of those who fought for liberty while being denied it. Friday, June 19 activities include the Juneteenth Freedom Walk starting at 9 am and the THE HEALING RHYTHM OF THE DRUMS starting at 10 am. Schedule of events with more info here.

Pride Tattoo Fundraiser, Black Candle Tattoo, Manchester, NH โ€“ We will be doing a tattoo fundraiser for the Manchester True Collaborative !!!! On Juneteenth (June 19th) from 11 am to close at our shop. The Collaborative are absolutely incredible people doing wonderful things for the Rainbow community and its time we make sure we give back to them what they have given to all of us! If you havenโ€™t have a chance to check them out and their amazing programs please do so. Flash pricing from $60 to $100, all core proceeds go to the Collaborative with gratuity/tips going to us. Flash sheets to be shared soon! Come out and support worthy people and a worthy cause!!!! More info here.

History Woven Through Time, Kimball Jenkins Mansion, Concord, NH โ€“ In honor of Concordโ€™s tricentennial and our Nationโ€™s Semiquicentennial, Kimball Jenkins honors its donor, Carolyn Jenkins, her extraordinary life, and the legacy she left to the people of Concord, by presenting three exhibitions exploring various aspects of womenโ€™s lives through history. There will be a public reception for our upcoming exhibition, โ€œHistory Woven Through Timeโ€ on Friday, June 19th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. โ€œHistory Woven Through Timeโ€ will feature three exhibitions examining history through art, textile traditions, and theater. This event will take place on Friday, June 19 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. More info here.

Pride Extravaganza, Auspicious Brew, Dover, NH โ€“ Every 3rd Friday of the month is drag night with Raya Sunshine! June’s show is a PRIDE EXTRAVAGANZA, featuring performances by Pancake, Patty Bourrรฉe, and Asia Deluxxe! Tickets are $12 advance or $15 day of show. Grab yours now! This event will take place on Friday, June 19 starting at 8 pm. Get tickets here.

Juneteenth Show, Breezeway Pub, Manchester, NH โ€“ We are stacked with shows this week to continue our never ending pride celebrations! First up our Friday night take over at Breezeway Pub with Bear Basics on the ones and twos! This event will take place on Friday, June 19 starting at 10:30 pm.


June 20

Tea at the Market, Candia Farmers Market, Candia, NH โ€“ Join us on Saturday, June 20 at the Candia Farmers Market for a special three-course tea experience featuring unlimited tea, sweet and savory treats, and fresh local ingredients, all served on beautiful three-tier trays. Two seatings available: 9 am & 10:30 am. Reserve a spot here.

Red, White, and Bloom Garden Tour, Demers Garden Center, Manchester, NH โ€“ 7th Annual Palace Theatres Garden Tour in Manchester, New Hampshire will take place Saturday, June 20. Spend a delightful day on a self-guided, self-paced tour of both private and public gardens throughout Manchester. Registration is from 9:30 am โ€“ 12 pm at Demers Garden Center in Manchester. The event is sponsored by Demers Garden Center, Eastern Bank, Jacques Flower Shop, New Hampshire Home, and the Manchester New Hampshire Garden Club. Buy tickets here.

KidsFest 2026, Joppa Hill Farm, Bedford, NH โ€“ The annual KidsFest at Joppa Hill Farm is back! Entertainment, animals, crafts, food & family fun for all ages! Join us for our annual KidsFest 2026 Saturday, June 20 from 10 am – 3 pm at Joppa Hill Educational Farm in Bedford, NH! Come play, dance, eat, sing, laugh, and explore with us for this beloved annual event! Get tickets here.

Wicked Joyful Grand Opening, Queen City Center, Manchester, NH โ€“ Wicked Joyful Grand Opening is this Saturday, June 20 from 11 am – 7 pm! The online brand, and now physical shop located at 215 Canal St, is the creation of Manchester native Nick Lavallee, who in 2022 led the effort to have the city proclaimed the โ€œChicken Tender Capital of the World,โ€ earning coverage from The New York Times, Americaโ€™s Test Kitchen, and New Hampshire Magazine, and inspiring a featured story line on Season 8 of Jersey Shore Family Vacation. Part retail shop, part nostalgia museum, Wicked Joyful offers original apparel, artwork, vintage toys, pop culture ephemera, physical media, and classic arcade games set to free play. The apparel collection serves as a love letter to New England, celebrating everything from local legends and cryptids to beloved landmarks and quirky hometown traditions. Order a shirt at the counter and itโ€™s served in a chicken tender basket. More info here.

Lowell African Festival 2026, Sampas Pavilion, Lowell, MA โ€“ This festival is a fun and family friendly event that features many facets of the African continental culture and its community in the USA. Lots of fun: Performers, food, attire, information booth and much more. All are welcome! This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 starting at 11 am. More info here.

Vintage Block Party, Harvard Square, Boston, MA โ€“ WEโ€™RE SHUTTING DOWN HARVARD SQUARE for a free, one-day Vintage Block Party on Saturday, June 20 from 12 pm – 6 pm. Join us on Brattle Street for 60+ vendors, Live Jazz, Photo Booths, Airbrushing, Caricature art, Games, and more! Last year this was our biggest event to date with over 8,000 attendees- we canโ€™t wait to see how the community shows up this time around. More info here.

Nashua PRIDE Festival, Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH โ€“ Join neighbors, friends, and local businesses Downtown as we honor LGBTQ+ pride with music, art, food, and community. Your registration helps us plan a safe, welcoming festival for everyone. We hope you’ll join us before and after the Festival for additional activities Downtown. 12 pm – 2 pm: Find the Queens (Where’s Waldo-style game with Downtown Businesses). 1:30 pm: City of Nashua PRIDE Parade (Soldiers & Sailors Monument). 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Summer Music @ the Riverwalk with Portland’s Vices Inc. Register to attend here.

Liberty and Legacy: Civic Saturday Social, Kimball Jenkins School of Art, Concord, NH โ€“ Join the Concord Historical Society for an afternoon of civic engagement, conversation, and celebration of New Hampshire’s enduring democratic traditions. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 1 pm – 6 pm. More info here.

TYC’s All-Star Tournament, YWCA, Manchester, NH โ€“ THE ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT IS BACK! Pull up June 20th for our ALL-STAR 3v3 TOURNAMENT at the YWCA! Grab your squad and come compete for TOP PRIZES this summer. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 2 pm – 5 pm at the YWCA. $15 Per Team Online / $20 at the Door. Register here.

Kingston NH 6th Annual Beerfest, 148 Main St, Kingston, NH โ€“ Kingston Volunteer Firefighter Association will host our 6th annual Brew Fest this Saturday, June 20 from 2 pm – 6 pm. There will be various breweries, food trucks, live music, and games. Get tickets here.

The 5th Annual Nashoba Rock N Brewfest, The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Lancaster, MA โ€“ The 5th Annual Nashoba Rock N Brewfest sponsored by The Joseph and Leslie Carr Foundation will feature over 25 different brewers, food trucks, live music and outdoor games. All proceeds go to help families in need across Massachusetts. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 2 pm – 6 pm. Get tickets here.

Melaza Dance Studio Presents Genesis: The Beginning, The Olive Grove Event Center, Manchester, NH โ€“ Join us as our talented young dancers, ages 3โ€“16, take the stage to celebrate a season filled with learning, growth, confidence, and joy. Genesis: The Beginning marks the first chapter in Melaza Dance Studioโ€™s journey, and we are honored to share this special milestone with our families, friends, and community. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 at 2 pm. Doors at 1:30 pm. Tickets: $20. Children 3 and under enter free. Come cheer on our dancers and be part of Melaza Dance Studio history as we celebrate our very first recital! Get tickets here.

Leave By 9, Arts Alley Courtyard, Concord, NH โ€“ Leave By 9 is the feel-good, scream-sing, home-by-bedtime dance party taking New Hampshire moms by storm. Leave by 9 is bringing the party early and ending it right โ€” just for moms who want to dance, scream-sing, and be home by bedtime! Join us for an evening full of 80s-2000s bangers, unapologetic singalongs, and a dance floor packed with moms who know how to have fun without sacrificing the next day. Itโ€™s the ultimate early-night dance party you didnโ€™t know you needed โ€” music, laughs, and good vibes, all wrapped up by 9 pm. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Get tickets here.


June 21

Southern New Hampshire Cars and Coffee, Comcast Northeast Division, Manchester, NH โ€“ Welcome to Southern New Hampshire Cars and Coffee! We are thrilled to be back at our original location, the Comcast parking lot in Manchester, NH. We host events every other month on the third or fourth Sunday throughout the summer. All cars are welcome! Roll in with your crew, or come solo โ€“ make new friends and hang with old ones. **Please bring a canned good or monetary donation for the NH Food Bank to enter the event.** Weโ€™re offering individual one-on-one mini photo sessions on site. Please message us for details! This event will take place on Sunday, June 21 from 8 am – 11 am. More info here.

Father’s Day Celebration, Charmingfare Farm, Candia, NH โ€“ Celebrate Fatherโ€™s Day at Charmingfare Farm with an exciting family adventure! Dads accompanied by their children (12 years and under) receive free admission and a complimentary meal at our BBQ Party. Explore the farm and meet our proud animal dads and their adorable new babies. Enjoy a variety of games such as cornhole, horseshoes, and volleyball, plus thrilling rides and activities. Spend quality time outdoors, make cherished memories, and experience the fun and festivity of Fatherโ€™s Day at Charmingfare Farm! This event will take place on Sunday, June 21 from 11 am – 3 pm. Get tickets here.

Father’s Day Olympiad, Riverwalk Brewing Co., Newburyport, MA โ€“ The 5th Annual Fatherโ€™s Day Olympiad is almost here, and only one competitor will leave with the title of Worldโ€™s Greatest Dad. Five events. Eternal glory. Questionable athleticism. Featuring the debut of the Tighty Whitey Water Balloon Catch, plus fan favorites designed to test the skills every dad claims to have mastered. Think youโ€™ve got what it takes? Join us this Fatherโ€™s Day for competition, burgers, hot dogs, dad rock, and the crowning of our newest champion. This event will take place on Sunday, June 21 from 12 pm – 4 pm at Riverwalk Brewing. Lawn chairs optional. Dad confidence required. More info here.

Kite Flying Fundraiser 2026, Lowell Heritage State Park Esplanade & Sampas Pavilion, Lowell, MA โ€“ Join us for a day of fun and philanthropy at our annual kite flying event! Vibha presents its 8th Annual Kite Flying Fundraiser, a celebration of hope and brighter futures for children. Purchase kites and support children’s education while celebrating Father’s Day. Activities include: Cultural Performances; Music and DJ; Food Vendors; Vendor Booths; Kite Festival. All proceeds from this event will go towards Vibha’s mission to provide education and support to children. Join us for a day of joy, entertainment, and making a difference in the lives of children. This event will take place on Sunday, June 21 from 12 pm – 6 pm. See you there!


Planning Ahead?

June 22: New Free Bus Route Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Ruais, Manchester, NH

June 23: MTC Annual Youth Pride Hop, Manchester, NH

June 26: Final Friday, Manchester, NH

June 25-27: 52nd Annual Market Days Festival, Concord, NH

June 27: Nashua River Brewers Festival, Fitchburg, MA

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

June 27: The Official Manchester Pride After Party, Manchester, NH

June 28: A Grown-Up Book Fair & Swap, Boston, NH

July 4: Nashua 4th of July Rock Show!, Nashua, NH

July 11-12: MonstahXpo the 13th โ€œHalloween in Julyโ€, Nashua, NH

July 11-12: Tattoo-a-Palooza 2026, Northwood, NH

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

Aug. 6: Delta Dental/Elliot Corporate 5K, Manchester, NH

Aug. 7: An Evening With Seth Meyers, Manchester, NH

Aug. 13: WWE Summer Tour, Manchester, NH

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

Aug. 22: Wildflower Festival 2026, Milford, NH

Aug. 31: Parks & Rec Community Bus Trip โ€“ Red Sox Game, Manchester, NH

Sept. 5: Cruising Downtown Manchester โ€“ 25th Anniversary Celebration!, Manchester, NH



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