Events in Peterborough today

Now in its 31st year, this community-wide day of service brings together employees from local companies and residents to support agencies across North Central Massachusetts. Last year, more than 600 volunteers completed 62 projects at 48 local agencies. The day features a kickoff breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge, hands-on projects across the region, and a thank you barbecue at Gardner PACC. Agencies can register projects now. Volunteer registration will open. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Beth at beth@www.uwncm.org.

A casual teen drop-in at The HUB features free bowling, ice cream, and space to relax with friends. The atmosphere is laid back with games to enjoy and no admission cost, creating an easy place to unwind. Sponsored by The United Way of North Central MA.

Riftbound, the official trading card game for League of Legends, takes the spotlight at Comic Boom! Bring a Riftbound deck and play for prizes that include booster packs, store credit, and exclusive Nexus Night promotional cards. Entry is $10, and the event welcomes League fans as well as anyone who enjoys card games.

The BrickHouse Restaurant & Brewery hosts an event featuring Down By Ten.

Celebrate a community tradition at the Townsend Historical Society’s 45th annual arts and crafts fair. This juried event features roughly 75 artisan vendors, along with food and a bake sale. Browse the booths and explore handmade creations throughout the fair.

At the farmers market in Keene, enjoy live music while exploring a variety of booths. One vendor will feature freshly baked goods, jam preserves, applesauce, pickled relishes and vegetables, goat milk soap, and handcrafted crochet items.

Advance your mountain biking with a half day clinic devoted to cornering. PMBIA certified instructor Michael Owens, an experienced coach who works with riders at Thunder Mountain Bike Park and other resorts throughout New England, leads a session geared to intermediate and advanced participants. Training focuses on technique in the turns, picking smart lines, dialing body position, and building confidence on the trail. Expect individualized coaching and on-trail feedback to help you hold more speed through corners while staying smooth and in control. The cost is $150 and includes a full day lift ticket. Space is limited.

Gain practical training in every phase of tiny home construction in a hands-on, six month series led by Aaron. Each session builds the skills needed to move from concept to completion, covering how to select a suitable trailer, plan the layout and structure, install plumbing and electrical, determine power capacity and placement, choose appliances, finish interiors, evaluate exterior solutions such as roofing and siding, fit windows and doors, design space-saving storage, and understand land considerations and related costs. The course meets one weekend each month across the six month span. Because participants will be building and using tools, prior carpentry experience is required. Completion of Intro to Carpentry or Carpentry II, or equivalent real-world experience, is recommended.

Hosted by The Hub, the fourth annual Monadnock Clean Energy Fair takes place at the Keene Rec Center. Explore ways to electrify your home and connect with groups working toward a cleaner energy future for the region. Enjoy a meal from the Yalla food truck while you participate. More information will be shared as details are finalized.

Build strong finishing skills in a fast-paced carpentry intensive centered on the interior details that bring a tiny house to life. Participants work on trim and cabinetry while considering smart layouts and storage that support compact living, balancing function with character. This training suits learners interested in finish carpentry, woodworking, and built-ins, and in the fine details that make spaces practical and well crafted. Prerequisite: Intro to Carpentry, Carpentry II, Woodworking for Women, or equivalent carpentry experience. Students should be confident using power tools and prepared for a rigorous pace.

New Boston Farmers Market brings together farm-fresh produce, colorful flowers, prepared food, and other local goods with a focus on supporting the community. Vendor bookings are managed only through direct contact with New Boston Farmers Market or New Boston Recreation, and requests sent via Facebook, Instagram, or messenger are not accepted. Updates are shared on Facebook at NewBostonFarmersMarket and on Instagram at newbostonfarmersmarket603.

A New England gluten free expo brings together more than 100 exhibitors with complimentary samples and products available for purchase, and each attendee receives a tote bag. Families will find a dedicated area for kids, food trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available. Presentations are part of the program. Free parking is available, strollers and wagons are welcome, and there is ample room and seating for a comfortable experience.

Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon presents its first Indie Author Book Fair, a free community celebration of self-published and independent voices across many genres, including mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, poetry and more. The fair spotlights Sisters in Crime New England with authors Nicole Asselin, Judith Carlough, and Mike Ciaraldi. Participating writers include Donald Ballou Smyth, Catherine Zebrowski, Barbara Friedman, Deborah Fukuda, Jorge Sanchez, Kris Bowser, Mary Anne Kalonas Slack, Michelle Elliott, Robin Roberts, Ann Goltz, Jack McClintock, Jacqueline Gamache, Michael Glenzel, Melanie Meadors, Ruth Madison, Douglas Dumont, Kimberly Hallinan, Sally Cragin, Jean Varda, Victoria R. Delmar, Shawn McClintock, John Daly, Via Luino, and Marie LeClaire. Publishing professionals will be on hand as well, including Raymond Rugg of Tree-Lion Press and Jaqueline Gamache of Lore & Rime, along with editor Tracy Cutter of Language Lover Editing Services. Attendees can enjoy author talks, roundtables on how to get started with publishing, how to avoid scams, and how to work with third party contractors such as artists and editors. Workshops explore e-pubs and the journey from book to audiobook. Families will find children’s activities, and food will be available from Lickity Splitz Food Truck and Pepe’s Eatery. The fair is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Beals Library, By Light Unseen Media, and the Winchendon Cultural Council.

HHF’s annual Apple Festival features pick-your-own apples, local vendors, live music, and seasonal food and drinks. Food is provided by The Finicky Fork, and the music lineup includes Ethan & Ashley, Blue Collar Ramblers, and The Blue Hour Society. Vendor applications are open, and questions can be sent to Michelle at mdicastro15@gmail.com. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

This annual festival brings a wide variety of food trucks serving cuisines from multiple countries, paired with shopping from artists and crafters. Admission is free and parking is available nearby. Alcoholic beverages will be offered by Stein & Vine. For vendor information, registration fees, and sign-up details, email wootrucks@gmail.com.

Cowboys & Hippies at Winchendon Community Park is a community event featuring live music from Bearly Dead, along with Whiskey-6, Waylon & Co., and The Whole Loaf. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, serving, cafe support, and other event needs. Most shifts are 2 to 3 hours, and every hour helps sustain the many programs The HUB provides throughout the year. Proceeds from The HUB and Kiwanis food tent will support the work both organizations do locally. For The HUB, that includes Community Food, Emergency Assistance, Community Threads, Youth Leadership Training, Senior Bowling, Teen Drop-In, cooking classes, after-school programs, and more. Funds also help the Kiwanis Club of Winchendon continue its service to children, families, and community initiatives throughout Winchendon.

At New Boston Fairgrounds, a barn-style dance offers admission for $15 cash at the door. Attendees may bring their own beverages and snacks, and the Taco Kraze food truck will be available. A 50/50 raffle will also take place.

This childbirth education class centers on the physiology of birth and equips expectant parents with clear, practical guidance for labor, delivery, and the early days after birth. It is designed for anyone preparing for a first birth or looking to refresh their knowledge. Participants learn comfort techniques and pain relief options, practice breathing, and explore ways to advocate for their preferences. By clarifying each stage of labor and the role of the birth team, the class helps reduce anxiety and build a stronger sense of control, combining expert instruction with hands-on practice to support mental, emotional, and physical readiness. The curriculum spans preparation of mind and body, the phases of labor, breathing skills, informed decision-making, confidence building, planning for birth and the postpartum period, what to expect after delivery, infant feeding, and essential newborn care. A comprehensive digital handbook is provided, along with additional handouts and resources to continue learning after the class.

Discover the fundamentals of woodcarving by shaping a spoon from start to finish. The class focuses on hand tools such as a sloyd knife, gouge, and hook knife, and also shares practical ways to speed the work with hand saws and select power tools. Participants learn to prepare their own carving blanks using techniques that involve a froe, a splitting maul, and a band saw. Instruction includes a tool sharpening tutorial to keep edges cutting cleanly and safely. The fee is $75 and includes all tools and materials.

HHF’s annual Apple Festival offers pick your own apples, local vendors, live music, and seasonal drinks, with food from The Finicky Fork. The music lineup includes Barking Dogs followed by Dan Cormier. Vendor applications are open, and questions can be directed to Michelle at mdicastro15@gmail.com. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

The Hidden Gem hosts an intimate performance featuring singer songwriter Brian Dolzani with an opening set by Frank Critelli. Dolzani’s work draws on themes of wonder, reflection, loss, transcendence, a strong sense of place, and love. He recently released his tenth independent album, The Endless Sky, which includes songs such as Moonlit Love, Samsara, and It Must Be Love. Listeners often find his melodies and lyrics stay with them long after the first play. Critelli brings decades of experience performing in a wide range of settings and will open the show. The Hidden Gem is a studio devoted to original music and grassroots performances, offering a direct connection between artists and audience. Seating is limited, and securing tickets online in advance is strongly encouraged. A $15 donation supports the event. Artist merchandise may be available, and The Music and Rock Shop will be open. Coffee, tea, and water are provided for self service, and BYOB is welcome in moderation to help maintain a respectful, music centered atmosphere. Complimentary parking is available. For accessible parking or other accommodations, contact the host in advance to discuss needs. Only service animals that meet ADA standards are permitted with prior notice. Ticket sales are nonrefundable unless the event is canceled due to severe weather, illness, or an emergency at the discretion of the host and performers.

A weekly recovery support group meets at Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2. It is free and open to the public, welcoming adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. CHC recovery coaches facilitate the conversation, with a focus on self-exploration and peer support to encourage personal growth. Weekly groups are also available at Leominster CHC, Greater Gardner CHC, and ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For questions or to learn more, call 978-878-8484.

Enjoy a friendly game gathering at the Winchendon Senior Center with tables set for cribbage, Scrabble, checkers, chess, and card games. Newcomers, returning players, and seasoned gamers are all welcome, and a few cribbage enthusiasts are hoping to find additional partners. Boards and cards are provided, and drop-ins can choose whichever game they prefer. Transportation assistance is available for anyone who needs a ride. For help arranging one, contact 978-297-3155 or communityconnector@winchendon-cac.org. For general questions, reach the Senior Center at 978-297-3155 or winchendoncoa@gmail.com.

This evening session offers a beginner friendly introduction to carpentry, focusing on the essential tools, techniques, and concepts used in home renovation and remodeling. As Carpentry Level I, it provides a solid starting point for handling household repairs, taking on larger home projects, or exploring a path toward a career in the trade. No prior experience is required. The course is intended for adults, and participants under 18 may attend only with a guardian present unless advance approval has been granted. The program spans four weeks with multiple class meetings.

A free, family-friendly series of nature walks invites the community to explore local conservation trails throughout spring, summer, and fall. Led by Mrs. Elliott and open to the public, the outings welcome participants of every age. The group gathers at Roots and Wings School, then travels to nearby trailheads in towns such as New Boston, Weare, and Goffstown for an easygoing walk with plenty of opportunities to look for wildlife and bugs. Participants are encouraged to bring water and a snack.

Enjoy a creative session painting pumpkin themed charcuterie boards at Marcello’s Restaurant. This popular project welcomes all skill levels, and no prior painting experience is needed. Participants can attend on their own or with friends, and a positive attitude is encouraged for a relaxed, enjoyable time.

Part of the Faculty & Guest Series, Keene State College Music Department faculty member Dr. Alexander Kollias showcases the clarinet in a solo performance with pianist Vladimir Odinokikh. The concert takes place in the Alumni Recital Hall at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College. Admission is $15 for the general public, $10 for senior citizens, and free for students.