Free events in Durham, NH

A community blood drive hosted by the Kittery Lions Club in partnership with the American Red Cross focuses on strengthening the local blood supply for patients in need. The drive takes place at the Kittery Lions Clubhouse. To prepare, eat a healthy meal in advance, drink plenty of water, and bring a valid photo ID. Each donation helps support nearby hospitals and the people they serve.

Cancer Healing Circle is a no-cost community art workshop led by Danielle Festa for people affected by cancer. It welcomes those in treatment, after treatment, living with recurrence, or experiencing ongoing physical, emotional, or identity changes related to a diagnosis. The gathering offers a supportive creative space to connect, reflect, and express yourself alongside others with similar journeys. Participants can choose gentle guidance or create independently, and all experience levels are welcome. It takes place every third Thursday of the month. Please register each month to reserve a spot.

Set along the shaded path of Swasey Parkway beside the Squamscott River, the Exeter Farmers’ Market features fresh, locally grown produce, locally raised meats, dairy, prepared foods, baked goods, and unique handmade items. Each week includes visiting community guests and live music from local Seacoast musicians. SNAP is accepted at the Market Info booth where shoppers can receive SNAP tokens, and purchases are matched through Granite State Market Match. Portable restrooms are available. Per town rules, animals are not permitted along the parkway, while service animals are welcome. Shaded picnic spots and benches offer places to enjoy market finds. Parking is available in the Phillips Exeter Academy Water Street Lot with signage at the entrance, accessible parking is offered there, and additional parking can be found on Main Street.

Held every third Thursday of the month, this free group art workshop led by Aliah Marden welcomes veterans, nurses, and first responders, whether currently serving or no longer in their roles. It offers a grounding creative space among others with shared service related experiences, and is open to those living with PTSD or ongoing stress responses. Using Nerographic drawing, participants roll a marble to create flowing lines and then color the resulting shapes to complete a piece. No art experience is required. Please register each month so a spot can be prepared.

Portsmouth Farmers' Market brings together local growers, food producers, and artisans in a welcoming community marketplace. Visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, dairy, prepared foods, baked treats, and handmade crafts. Weekly programming includes special community guests and live music from local Seacoast musicians. SNAP benefits are accepted. The Market Info booth provides SNAP tokens with a one-to-one match through Granite State Market Match. Portable restrooms are located across the street at South Mill Pond Playground, which also offers a shaded picnic area for enjoying market purchases. Pets are not permitted, and service animals are welcome. Parking is available in the City Hall Lower Lot, with additional spaces across the street at South Mill Pond Playground. Accessible parking is located directly in front of the City Hall building.

To start the season, the Dover Farmers' Market will be set in Lower Henry Law Park, then later will relocate to Nebi Park about a 5 minute walk away. Held each Wednesday, the market features a rotating mix of fresh local produce, baked goods, lobster, canned goods, and one of a kind crafts, accompanied by live music from musicians across the Seacoast. SNAP is accepted at the Market Info booth, where shoppers can receive tokens with matching funds through Granite State Market Match. A portable restroom is available nearby. Leashed pets are welcome. Bring a blanket or a folding chair to relax in the park. Metered parking is available in nearby lots and along surrounding streets.

Riftbound, the League of Legends trading card game, is the focus of a weekly Nexus Night built around free, open casual play. Players bring their own constructed decks and face off in friendly matchups with others. Every attendee receives a Nexus Night promo pack. Questions about other events are welcome.

Auspicious Brew hosts a welcoming open mic where musicians can share their songs and listeners can discover local talent. Sign-ups take place before the performances, and admission is free. The series returns twice each month, with one edition guided by Jon-Erik and another hosted by The Jerritones.

Queer Resilience Circle is a free group art workshop led by Jade Ruscio, offered every fourth Wednesday of the month. Drawing on the long history of zines in queer spaces as tools for visibility, mutual support, and amplifying voices, participants will create paper zines that share stories, express identity, and build community through self-published art. No prior art experience is required. Please register each month so a spot can be prepared for you.