Events in Keene today

The NEECA Fall Trail Ride takes place at the New England Equestrian Center in Athol, MA, featuring an approximately 8 mile route. Parking is on site at NEECA. Overnight camping is available the night before the ride for those traveling from a distance. For questions or to reserve a panel stall, contact Margo at westwindfm@aol.com.

At the Keene Farmer's Market, find freshly baked items, jams, preserves, applesauce, pickled vegetables and relishes, goat milk soap, and handmade crochet pieces. Explore multiple vendor booths accompanied by live musical performances.

This lively farmers market brings together beloved vendors and fresh, locally made foods that celebrate area agriculture. Visitors can talk with the people who grow and prepare the offerings, with most items produced less than 20 miles away. Families will find activities for kids, shoppers can look for customer incentives, and live music sets a fun mood that makes a grocery run feel like a show.

Take part in a zombie themed 5K walk and run with a beer twist. Entry is $30 and includes a swag bag and access to pre-party activities. Pre-registration at the club is available, with registration taking place before the start. Light refreshments will be served and the bar will be open. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Support Fund of Central MA. Costumes are welcome but not required, and prizes will be awarded for the best costume and for the first to finish.

Celebrate Vermont's state vegetable with craft sellers, a cafe named for the Gilfeather turnip, the well known soup made from Gilfeather turnips, a gift shop focused on turnip themed items, and plenty of Gilfeather turnips available for purchase.

Learn the fundamentals of traditional pinstriping in a beginner-friendly workshop that also welcomes those with some experience looking to grow their technique. Participants receive hands-on guidance on how to properly store, clean, and handle a pinstriping brush, then practice the key strokes used to create intricate designs. By the end, everyone will complete a practice board that highlights the strokes covered, with extra space to develop a design and continue refining skills with the class brush.

An immersive advanced training series for women homeowners focused on home repair and renovation. The curriculum is designed to build the skills and confidence needed to tackle major projects independently or with minimal help. Because the pace is fast and the content is in-depth, participants must have previously completed Intro to Carpentry or Woodworking for Women. Enrollment is limited to 10 students to support focused instruction. The course fee includes 12 classes as well as all materials and consumables.

Delve into the lore and legends of historic graveyards in Deerfield with a full day of activities. Watch a gravestone carving demonstration with Karin Sprague at Hall Tavern. Continue with a talk by John Hanson on gravestones and epitaphs at the Visitor Center at Hall Tavern, followed by a visit to the Old Burying Ground. Join a guided tour of the Old Burying Ground for a 45 minute look at this colonial era cemetery, and meet the guide at the cemetery. All events are included with general admission.

An annual trick-or-treating vendor fair returns with a day of Halloween fun for all ages. Children are invited to wear costumes and collect treats from one vendor to the next while families browse unique finds from local vendors and crafters. Costumes are encouraged, there is plenty of shopping to explore, and the focus is on festive, family-friendly activities. The first 25 children registered receive a free goodie bag.

The broke. East Meet at Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield, MA caps the 2026 season with a full day of automotive community activities. Highlights include the annual broke. wheel raffle presented by Karbon Kings Performance, a limbo contest, music from DJ KG, a selection of New England food trucks, media coverage by Jakes Lens and Miller Media, additional raffle prizes, and ample parking. The flow of the day features gates opening for spectators, the limbo contest, and the wheel raffle winner announcement near the DJ KG booth, followed by a reminder to drive home safely. Event parking requires tickets, and kids 12 and under are free.

Children's Survival 101 introduces essential wilderness know-how in a hands-on format with Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival. Guided by Tim Swanson, the organization’s founder and lead instructor, kids practice safe use and sharpening of carving tools, start fires with modern methods, build debris shelters, choose appropriate outdoor clothing, assemble a personal survival kit, and learn ways to signal for rescue. Every participant leaves with the project they worked on, often completed by the end of class. This class welcomes beginners as well as those with prior experience. There is no set age limit, but attendees need to be able to handle a carving tool, which commonly suits ages seven and older. This is not a drop-off program. A parent must remain for the full duration. Adult participation is optional, and there is no fee for parents to attend. Suggested items to bring include an OEWS Basic or Complete Kit, water, snacks, and clothing suitable for the weather and bugs.

Experience Irish entertainment from across the Northeast on three stages. For 2026, the event grows with a larger band lineup, more vendors, expanded food choices, and additional activities for children.

Discover the craft and history of Connecticut River Valley brooms through a live demonstration. A guide will use an 1840s era broom machine to make a broom while explaining how methods changed over time and how the region became the nation’s broom making center in the early nineteenth century. This program is made possible by Americana Corner and the Early American Industries Association.

Zara Bode's Little Big Band brings classic American swing to the Brattleboro Music Center in Brattleboro, VT, taking cues from icons such as Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, and Ella Fitzgerald. With vocalist Zara Bode of The Sweetback Sisters at the mic and a horn section shaped by clarinetist and arranger Anna Patton, the group delivers spirited, affectionate reinterpretations of vintage radio favorites. The instrumentation spans vocals, clarinet, tenor sax, trumpet, bass, guitar, and drums, with past contributors including Ty Gibbons, Alton Lathrop, Stefan Amidon, Ron Kelley, and Rob Freeberg. A beloved presence around southern Vermont, this appearance is General Admission, with tickets priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Celebrate Halloween at Winchendon Community Park with an evening of costumes, music, and community spirit. This family-friendly outdoor gathering features live performances, costume contests for both kids and adults, and seasonal activities for all ages. General admission is $5, and children 12 and under are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including local beer and wine, farm-fresh options, handmade boba tea, and pumpkin spice favorites. Presented by Winchendon Parks & Recreation, it offers a lively setting for friends and families to dress up and enjoy festive fun together under the lights.

GM Max returns with the same scenario featured at an earlier session, giving two chances to take part. Register by email. Advance support for Max and the NQGG is available.

A Halloween party with live music as Mike Martin opens the show, then MLC takes the stage. This event is for ages 21 and over and a valid ID is required. Admission is $20. Costume prizes will be awarded. A cash-only bar will be available and there is an ATM on site. Andy’s on the Run will serve from the food truck all night.

Back in Black brings a high-energy AC/DC tribute to Bellows Falls. Originating in Massachusetts and performing along the East Coast for more than 33 years, the group is billed as a true AC/DC experience with a repertoire of over 80 fan favorites. Tony Sitler leads vocals in the styles of Brian Johnson and Bon Scott, joined by Miguel Goncalves on bass as Cliff Williams, Bobby Sitler on guitar as Malcolm Young, Mike Luciuk on drums as Phil Rudd, and Dan Molkenthin on guitar as Angus Young. The show emphasizes the sound, feel, and stage presence associated with the originals, creating an electric atmosphere throughout.

Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers deliver high-energy, piano-driven roots rock from Austin, Texas, blending New Orleans late-night spirit with Southern soul and a Texas Gulf Coast groove. The performance highlights Nik Parr’s rare knack for playing saxophone and piano at the same time, channeling raw passion reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and the showmanship of Jerry Lee Lewis. Known for dynamic live shows and a nationwide touring schedule of more than 150 performances each year, the band has shared the stage with Marc Broussard, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Black Joe Lewis, The Soul Rebels, Dumpstaphunk, The Heavy Heavy, Shinyribs, The Damn Quails, Eddie 9 Volt, and Two Tons of Steel. A new EP titled American Lover Boy, produced by Low Cut Connie, is forthcoming.

Shea Theater Arts Center hosts Harvest & Rust, a career-spanning Neil Young tribute that shifts from Crazy Horse energy to stripped-down acoustic moments. The set draws from chart favorites like Old Man and Heart of Gold, the electric edge of Hey Hey, My My, and classics from his time with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Buffalo Springfield. The band features Matt Cahill, Andy Gordon, John Kiernan, Garrett Lechowski, and Jim Reynolds, and they often expand the lineup with well-known local players to capture every era. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $22 in advance plus fees or $30 at the door. The theater and first-floor gender-neutral restroom are wheelchair accessible, and alcohol will be available on site.

This motorcoach outing travels to Encore Boston Harbor Casino. The cost is $60 per person, which covers bus transportation and the driver's tip, and payment is due at sign-up. Seating is limited to 56 passengers. On the bus, there will be bingo games with prizes as well as Jell-O and pudding shots. The coach offers Wi-Fi and bathrooms. A small personal cooler is allowed, and attendees should bring dollar bills. Sign-ups are held at the Lodge. Refunds are not available.

This small, hands-on clinic centers on reconnecting with yourself, the earth, and one another, then mindfully engaging with horses. The day begins with meditation, grounding practices, and simple nervous system down regulation tools, followed by observing equine behavior to recognize signs of ease. Any direct interaction happens by invitation from the horses, honoring their choice and comfort. Activities can evolve based on what feels right in the moment. Possibilities include quietly being together, attuning to a horse’s inner feel, leading through the field, modulating energetic presence, dance inspired movement with horses, at liberty interaction, eyes closed or blindfolded exercises, leadership practice, gentling work with a mustang, introducing new concepts at the horse’s pace, obstacle exploration, mounting block practice, or simply enjoying their company. No prior horse experience is required, and this offering is open to everyone. The flow is intentionally loose and guided by intuition, and participants are encouraged to bring creativity and questions. Please bring water and lunch, a chair or mat for sitting, any horse equipment you prefer to use, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, and any personal tools that help you turn inward. The fee is $75 per participant.

This club trail ride explores dirt roads, woods roads and trails through Hawley State Forest. Participants will meet and park at Brandon Root's field in Hawley, then head out together for an approximately three hour led group ride. There will be a mid ride stop for a trail lunch or snack, and shared snacks after the ride. Horse shoes or boots are highly recommended. There is no charge for HCRC members, and due to insurance requirements guests may become members. For information and reservations, contact ride leader Diane Merritt at 413 348 6276 or dianemerritt67@gmail.com. Inclement weather cancels, with notice by email and on Facebook. This is the final ride of the season.

At Comic Boom, casual MTG Commander games create a relaxed, friendly setting for enjoyable matches. Entry is free.

Bringing a festive weekend to its finale, this choral program presents Bach’s St. John Passion, a work of dramatic intensity and spiritual depth. The Festival Chorus performs, blending the voices of professional singers with talented members of the community chorus, with accompaniment from a skilled ensemble of musicians. The performance is led by conductor Colin Mann.

Enjoy a relaxed, recurring pickup soccer session on Sundays. Bring water, a ball, and shin guards if you prefer. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is required.

Exercise Hour at the Gardner Family Resource Center offers a relaxed, supportive setting to move at your own pace. Adults follow video-guided routines with options that can include yoga, low impact aerobics, chair-based exercises, gentle stretching, and more. The atmosphere welcomes every fitness level, whether you are getting started or easing back into activity. Childcare can be arranged upon request. Registration is optional and encouraged. The session takes place at the Gardner Family Resource Center.

This weekly Make & Take at Frank’s Fabrics & Crafts offers free, hands-on projects you can complete on site and take home. Each Monday brings a new activity, with several options to choose from. It is suitable for kids and does not require registration. Materials are limited and participation is available on a first come basis.

Bring a Riftbound deck for a weekly gathering focused on playing. Participants can bring the deck they like best and get in some games with other players.

The KSC Orchestra, led by Seelan Manickam, partners with the Concert Choir directed by Dr. Sandra Howard for a performance of René Clausen's Memorial, a half-hour work honoring the 25th anniversary of the 911 tragedy. The concert takes place in the Main Theatre at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College. Support for this program is provided in part by the Vincent Russell Visiting Scholar Fund. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and free for K-12 students as well as KSC students, faculty, and staff.

A free, public support group at Fitchburg CHC provides a space for adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. CHC recovery coaches facilitate the conversation and focus on self-exploration and peer support to encourage personal growth. The meeting is held on the second floor in Conference Room 2. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484. Weekly groups are also offered at Leominster CHC and Greater Gardner CHC.

Enjoy a relaxed game day at the Winchendon Senior Center, where tabletop favorites and friendly conversation take center stage. Cribbage, Scrabble, checkers, chess, and card games are available, and all materials are provided. Newcomers and seasoned players are welcome, and regular cribbage fans are looking for a few more partners. Transportation to the Senior Center is available, with step-by-step ride booking guidance on the How to Book a Ride page. For transportation assistance, call (978) 297-3155 or email communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org. For general questions, contact the Winchendon Senior Center at (978) 297-3155 or winchendoncoa@gmail.com.

Enjoy a sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat where children can celebrate Halloween in a way that feels comfortable, with calming activities, festive goodies, and plenty of candy. The event takes place in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment at the Fitchburg Learning Center. It is free and open to the public, and costumes are optional.

Navigate holiday gatherings with confidence in an engaging, hands-on healthy living workshop focused on mindful eating for the season. Learn ways to enjoy celebratory foods while making nourishing choices, practice portion awareness, and keep your energy steady. Led by Laurie Whippie, an NASM personal trainer and nutrition coach, the session offers practical strategies you can put into action right away and fosters a positive approach to food and festivities that supports overall well-being. The workshop is free for YMCA members, and guests may attend for $10 per person.

Sound Bites brings a showcase to Sawa Asian Cuisine & Lounge, gathering performers from across New England for a collaborative evening of music. The lineup highlights fresh local talent and unique moments on stage, complemented by food and cocktails from Sawa. The event is set at the restaurant’s new location in Gardner, Massachusetts, creating an upbeat atmosphere throughout the night.

Explore expressive mixed media painting with Lisa Salerno at Creative Ventures Gallery LLC in Milford. Working mainly with acrylics, participants experiment with collage, paper, fabric, ephemera, found objects, stencils, and unconventional tools to build layered artworks with depth and movement. Through demonstrations and personal exploration, artists at any level grow confidence in bold mark making and intuitive composition, learn practical ways to combine collage elements, develop textures using gels and pastes with found materials, and play with color, layering, and storytelling to complete pieces that reflect a personal style. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own supplies and any visual references or inspiration images to the first class. The studio atmosphere supports curiosity, play, and thoughtful risk taking for beginners as well as experienced artists expanding their creative toolkit.

This guided paint night at The Oyster Bar at Peter Havens in Brattleboro, VT focuses on creating a glowing night sky painting. No experience is required, with step-by-step instruction to help every participant complete a personal canvas. All materials are provided. One complimentary drink is included, with additional food and beverages available for purchase. Participants can attend solo or with a friend. Space is limited.

This astrology study group focuses on shared learning and practical exploration of charts. Each session covers core parts of the natal chart and what they signify, plus a review of the day's planetary aspects. Attendees collaborate to analyze one participant's chart as a hands-on example. There is also time to exchange study resources, including books, websites, YouTube channels, and other helpful materials. The fee is $10 to $25.

Children ages 6 to 11 can relax and explore their imaginations with the library’s LEGO collection in a welcoming, drop-in setting. The Carnegie Library in Turners Falls is reachable by FRTA bus routes 22, 24, and 32 to the Food City stop, or by route 23 to the Ave A and 3rd Street stop. Accessibility features include a wheelchair ramp with an automatic door and one accessible parking space on the 7th Street side of the building. A restroom is available, though the entrance is not ADA compliant. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact library director Caitlin Kelley at librarydirector@montague-ma.gov or 413-863-3214 ext. 6 in advance of a visit.

Share thoughtful discussion with fellow readers while enjoying a complimentary lunch. All books are provided by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so participants do not need to bring their own copies. Child care is available upon request. Registration is required by calling 978-730-1275 or emailing Kathy.MartinPalumbo@csoinc.org.

Connect with practitioners, teachers, and creatives at a relaxed networking evening in a boutique studio setting. Expect conversation over snacks and drinks, with opportunities to meet like-minded people, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Take a tour of Seahorse Studio to see the intimate space and consider it for future workshops, classes, or one-to-one sessions. The atmosphere is welcoming whether you attend solo or with a friend. To reserve a place, message the organizers.

At the Gardner Family Resource Center, Art Hour creates a casual, welcoming space where children and families can explore creative projects together. This biweekly session provides all necessary supplies and offers light snacks and drinks, making it easy for participants of all ages to take part. No registration is needed, and drop-ins are welcome.

Bring a One Piece TCG deck for casual weekly play at Triple Play Games in Claremont. Enjoy relaxed games of the One Piece trading card game using your own deck.

Geared toward dedicated teen artists who want to elevate their work, this class centers on the fundamentals of academic drawing and painting through direct observation. Students practice with still life setups, landscapes, and live portrait studies, building a sharper understanding of proportion, light, form, and color. A mix of techniques, guided prompts, and exposure to diverse art styles, as well as modern and contemporary movements and artists, offers structure and inspiration. Participants refine skills in many areas and learn from one another during art school style critiques. In addition to in-class prompts and assignments, students may choose to pursue an independent project and receive guidance and feedback.

Four complimentary rounds of music bingo take place at The Paddock Lounge/ La Chacra in Fitchburg, MA, offering a lively atmosphere and chances to win a prize.

The Barr Brothers share a wide-open sound shaped by Montreal roots, guided by Andrew Barr’s lively, polyrhythmic drumming and the songs and guitar work of his brother Brad. Bass, pedal steel, keyboards, and horns drift in and out to color the arrangements. The band moves fluidly from quiet Arcadian-tinged ballads to North African flavored improvisations to full-on rock and roll release. Their carefully crafted yet playful approach has a way of drawing listeners in. SOAK brings a story that began in Derry as a teenager with the breakout song Sea Creatures, followed by steady growth while finishing school. Bridie later signed with Rough Trade and released the debut album Before We Got How To Dream in 2015. Recognition arrived quickly, including a Mercury Prize nomination among the youngest ever, wins at the Choice Music Prize for Album of the Year and the Northern Irish Music Prize, a Q Award shortlist for Best New Act, and a European Border Breakers Award. With support from the BBC Sound Poll and Jools Holland, along with airplay on Radio 1 and 6Music, the project has traveled widely while staying connected to its Northern Irish roots.

At ACTION Community Health & Urgent Care Center in Fitchburg, this free, public support group welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or maintaining recovery from alcohol or other substance use disorders. Sessions emphasize self discovery and mutual support to promote personal growth, and they are guided by CHC recovery coaches. This group is part of weekly recovery support offerings in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. For questions or to learn more, call 978-878-8484.

An informational presentation shares details on the proposed Northfield EMS Building, led by the architect and design team together with the project manager. It includes an overview of the building design and an outline of the financial aspects of the project.

Author Duncan Watson presents the stories and lessons behind his book Everyone’s Trash in a talk informed by more than three decades guiding Keene, New Hampshire’s solid waste program. He shares eye opening insights, introduces memorable people he has met through this work, and offers a clear message that everyday recycling choices can make a real difference. Booklist highlights the book as an engaging look at the community life that can form around a local landfill and the complex workings of waste and recycling, noting Watson’s enthusiastic and humane storytelling. The program is free and open to all, and copies of the book can be borrowed at the Library’s Help Desk.

The Wyld Nightz Band, a classic rock outfit that began in Brattleboro more than fifteen years ago, brings a dance-ready show to the North Barn at Retreat Farm on Route 30. Founders Michael McKinney on guitar and trumpet and Jeff Brewer on guitar and banjo perform with a skilled lineup where everyone sings, featuring Pete Nichols on drums, Matt Martyn on bass and trombone, Anthony Speranza on keyboards with music direction, and Anthony Speranza Jr. on saxophone, acoustic guitar and penny whistle. The set draws from a range of styles suited for the dance floor, built on years of performances at weddings, parties and community celebrations. Beverages will be available from the Thirsty Goat Bar.

The Keene State College Concert Band, led by Dr. John T. Hart, Jr., presents a performance in the Main Theatre at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College. Now marking almost five decades as a campus and community ensemble, the group brings together musicians from many backgrounds and generations, ranging in age from 18 to 88. With a commitment to both artistry and education, the band highlights new compositions, with particular attention to works by creators and performers from underrepresented communities. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and free for K–12 students as well as Keene State students, faculty, and staff.

Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Jordan Bashaw showcases original New England country rooted in Western Massachusetts, moving from deep heartbreak to lively cowboy tunes. With two years devoted to writing songs and three years on guitar, he shares a perspective shaped by being a father, husband, and owner of Bashaw Painting. A suggested donation of $5 is welcomed, and all proceeds go directly to the performers.