The Best Events Happening in April
This April you can enjoy a variety of events throughout New Hampshire, from Earth Day celebrations to literary festivals to live theatre and more
Exeter Lit Fest, Exeter, April 4
Calling all bibliophiles- this is the event of the year! The Exeter Lit Fest is back for another year to celebrate all things literature. This year, the Lit Fest is excited to host authors Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and Catherine Newman their featured authors! The Exeter LitFest aims to shine a spotlight on the wealth of local talent in the Exeter area as well as bringing in featured authors and poets from the region. Events at the literary festival, held in the historic Exeter Town Hall, are always free and open to all. Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front St., Exeter. exeterlitfest.org
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, April 9, Portsmouth
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. Ticket prices and times vary, Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org
Sh!t-faced Shakespeare presents: Hamlet, April 11, Claremont
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Is it the murder of a king? A hasty incestuous marriage? A prince bent on revenge? Or maybe just a gassy Polonius full of beer! Shakespeare’s greatest work gets the full boozy treatment as the Claremont Opera House proudly presents Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: Hamlet. This timeless examination of the nature of humanity is performed in under 2 hours, so “To be or not to be” gets answered and you shan’t need a nap! Grab a cocktail and enjoy as we prove that though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t- helped with a bit of wine! Be Advised, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Parental discretion is advised. $40, 7:30 p.m., Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Square, Claremont; cohnh.org
Don Quixote, April 11, 12 & 18, Concord, Portsmouth and Nashua
Experience the classic tale of Don Quixote, presented by Safe Haven Ballet! Expect an unforgettable journey filled with passion, humor, and breathtaking choreography. From dazzling leaps to vibrant Spanish flair, this timeless story will sweep you off your feet! Ticket prices, time and locations vary; safehavenballet.org/events
18th Annual Yoga Mala, April 12, Dover
Since 2009, the yoga community has gathered each year for this joyful and deeply meaningful event. The Yoga Mala is a fundraiser to support Yoga in Action’s mission to provide free, specialized, trauma-informed yoga programs for communities facing barriers to access. These include individuals affected by cancer, people living with disabilities, those on recovery journeys, veterans, seniors and others navigating challenging life circumstances. The heart of the event is a three-hour yoga practice led by a variety of passionate teachers. Together, participants move through 108 Sun Salutations, woven with periods of meditation and restoration. Ticket prices vary, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Rivermill at Dover Landing, 2 Washington St., Dover; Visit yogainaction.org to donate or register!
New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.
Made in NH Expo, April 17-19, Manchester
The Made in NH “Try It & Buy It” expo is the only expo that showcases the wide variety of quality products made right here in the Granite State. Now in its 29th year, the expo offers exhibitors a great opportunity to meet thousands of buyers, and shoppers the chance to discover all of the unique products available right here in NH! $8, Friday, 1 p.m.- 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St., Manchester; businessnhmagazine.com
Sourdough Bread Making, April 17-19, Laconia
Learn to bake your own from scratch using a sourdough starter! You’ll learn how to start and keep a sourdough culture alive and use it to make breads and many other baked goodies, including a loaf of bread to finish at home and biscuits that use the sourdough discard to enjoy at the end of the class. You will also go home with some sourdough starter to continue your sourdough baking journey. Participants should bring a bag lunch for this 4-hour class, a container to transport their unbaked sourdough, and a small jar for their starter. Registration required. $25-$40, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Educational Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia; prescottfarm.org
Discover WILD NH Day, April 18, Concord
Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is a fun way for the whole family to explore New Hampshire’s wildlife resources and outdoor traditions. With over 100 education and experiential exhibits, this day is fun for the entire family. See live animals, big fish, and trained falcons. Try your hand at archery, casting, and fly tying. Test your marksmanship at the air-rifle range, watch retriever dogs in action, and get creative with hands-on wild craft activities. Meet a Fish and Game biologist, talk with a conservation office or explore the Discovery Room. This event will connect you to life outdoors in the Granite State. If you’re already hungry for more, the food truck alley is available all day with something for every taste! Free, 10 a.m., NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord; wildnh.com
