Sunday, October 9th Events

1. Covered Bridge Fall Tour

Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Place: 30 Ash Brook Rd., Keene, NH

Price: $10

Come join us on the second annual North Atlantic Audi Club’s Covered Bridge Tour and Fall Rally for an afternoon of driving, exploring, and camaraderie with fellow participants on a fun drive through Southern NH region, as we take in some of the fall foliage, covered bridges and local fall “Attractions”.
There are two Rally classes where Drivers and their navigators will follow simple rally instructions that guide them along scenic roads of the Monadnock Region:

1. TDS (Time-Speed-Distance) class where cars are scored on time over distance between checkpoints with penalties for being either too fast (or too slow)
2. Touring Class where drivers go on the scenic tour at their own pace.

Bring the children as they can be actively involved in the event. Rally route may include some dirt roads. And be sure to bring a camera (as well as some method for sharing photos (USB cable?)).
The Rally starts at 11 am (registration at 10 am) outside Borders Bookstore in Keene, NH and ends at a casual restaurant in New Boston, NH where you can have a late lunch or early dinner if you choose.  And no, you do not need a special rally car; your everyday vehicle is just fine, as we use public roads and obey all traffic rules.  The rally / tour is approximately 3 hours in length.

To register for the event go to 2011 Covered Bridge Rally / Tour at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1461785368 and signup for a “free” Ticket. A $10 fee will be collected at the event.
For more information e-mail Buddy Gregory or call
617-834-3873.

2. Heirloom Apple Day

Time:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Place: The Scott Farm, 707 Kipling Rd., Dummerston, VT (21 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

On Sunday October 9th, The Scott Farm will host its annual Heirloom Apple Day, a celebration of apples fresh, baked and squeezed. The farm will feature many of its 90 varieties of heirloom apples with free tastings and some enlightening apple history at 10am 12 noon and 2pm. Freshly pressed heirloom apple cider and an amazing selction of baked goods will also be available. Pick your own apples or put together a selection of unusual and hard to find varities. Questions? Call 802-254-6868

3. Firefighter's Parade

Time: 1:00 PM

Place: Main St., Keene, NH
Price: Free

The officers and members of the Keene Fire Department cordially invite you to partcipate in our ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION PARADE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2011 AT 1 PM. All bands and marching units, excluding fire department marching units, will line up at 12:00 NOON at 350 Marlboro Street. The parade will proceed up Marlborough Street, turn right on Main Street, proceed up Main Street, through Central Square to Washington Street, then left on Mechanic Street, then left into the parking lot where it will disband.

Saturday, October 8th Events

1. Observe the Moon Night

Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM

Place: Ashuelot River Park, West St., Keene, NH

Price: Free

Join members of the Keene Amateur Astronomers Club to observe the Moon on Saturday Evening, October 8, 2011. Dress warmly and arrive about 7 p.m.

2. Fall For Quilts

Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Place: Keene Recreation Center, 312 Washington St., Keene, NH
Price: $5

Join us for the biennial quilt show of the Cheshire Quilters' Guild coming this Fall!
Event includes:

Demonstrations

Vendors
Boutique
Silent Auction of Mini Quilts
Raffle Quilt
Raffle Baskets
Door Prizes
Refreshments

3. Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour

Time: 10:00 AM
Place: Pipe Dream Studio, 30 Hale Hill Rd., Swanzey, NH (8.06 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

All ages come see the best show in the country-autumn in New England While you enjoy nature’s artistry, visit our own local talent during our 4rd annual Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour. 25 artists of the Monadnock Region open their studios for one glorious weekend in 19 studios located in Keene, Swanzey, Rindge, Nelson, Stoddard, Spofford, Antrim, and New Ipswich, NH. Painting, jewelry, fiber works and pottery, fabulous work of all kinds, on a self-guided tour. Preview and map available on website. For more information call (603) 357-4382.

4. 1st Annual Hike for the Homeless

Time: 10:00 AM (rain date October 9th 10:00 AM)

Place: The base of Mt. Wantastiquet at the Mountain Road trailhead, Hinsdale, NH (immediate left after second bridge when coming from downtown Brattleboro).

Price: varies

Enjoy spectacular fall foliage along with outstanding views of Brattleboro, while at the same time support a radically important cause.  Come join us for the first annual Hike for the Homeless event on Mt. Wantastiquet. Participants have the option of either hiking to the summit or walking along the river trail.

You can raise funds individually or as a team.  Individual participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $50. The suggested minimum for teams is $250. All proceeds will benefit Morningside Shelter and help house the homeless in Brattleboro and its surrounding communities.

Register here. 

To download a PDF pledge form to collect cash/check pledges click here.
Find out more information for this event here.

5.Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show

Time: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Place: Riverside Middle School, 13 Fairground Rd., Springfield, VT (37.22 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

The 29th Annual Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show will be coming up Columbus Day Weekend, October 8 2011 FROM 9 AM - 5PM at Riverside Middle School in Springfield, Vermont. It's a fall tradition and was honored as a 2007 Top Ten Fall Event in the state by the Vermont Chamber! There's the annual Apple Pie contest! There will be two categories for Best Pies, Traditional & Non-Traditional. Pies need to be in by 10:30 am on Saturday and the Contest will take place at Noon!

The Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show is a celebration of the fall harvest, with over 50 crafters, live entertainment, agriculture and activities for the whole family, and, of course, Apples! There are always activities for the whole family, with our animal exhibit area, hand-pressed apple cider, kiddie games, and great food too.
For more details go here.

6. Fall Foliage Warner Festival

Time: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM (see schedule)

Place: Warner, NH (49.84 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Since 1947, the people of Warner have come together at the height of autumn color to host the Warner Fall Foliage Festival and to welcome old and new friends to our community. The Festival is Warner's invitation to share the natural splendor of New Hampshire's vibrant autumn colors while enjoying food, entertainment, carnival rides and fine crafts along the main streets of Warner.

We welcome you to our small central New Hampshire town to experience autumn's splendor and share in our community spirit.
For more information see here.

7. Family Saturday at the Museum of Art

Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Place: Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH (64.85 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

The second Saturday of the month, 10 am – 1 pm . Spend some quality family time at the Currier the second Saturday of every month. Participate in hands-on art activities, go on a guided family gallery walk (11:30 am), visit the new Discovery Gallery, or use a family gallery guide. Each Family Saturday will focus on a different theme. Museum admission is free from 10 am to noon every Saturday.

8. Volunteers needed for Pisgah Park

Time: 10:00 AM
Place: Pisgah, Kilburn Trailhead, Rt.63, Hinsdale, NH (about 18 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

The friends of the Psgah need volunteers for trail maintenance on Saturday, October 8th at 10 AM at  Kilburn Trailhead on Route 63 in Hinsdale. Participants should bring lunch, water and tools (there will be some tools on hand). The return to trailhead will be around 2 PM.

For more details, call 603-256-6301

Friday, October 7th Events

1. Opportunity for 12-18 year olds

Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter st., Keene, NH
Price: Free

Do you like coming to the library? Do you want to have a voice about the programs that we offer? Then join the Teen Advisory Group. 

The Keene Public Library is looking for teens interested in joining its Teen Advisory Group’s (TAG) programming and publicity team.  These TAG meetings are for anyone ages 12 – 18 to help organize programs, activities, and services at the Keene Public Library.  These programs could include, but are not limited to, a Halloween Party, Talent Shows, Trivia Contests and other fun activities.  Members might write reviews of books, music or films; help plan library programs; suggest some weblinks; identify local teen artists or writers to feature in the library’s Teen Zine; and promote the library in the community. Teens will also help plan library programs and new teen spaces and initiate podcast and video productions. These meetings allow the youth of the library to voice their opinion and really have their hands in the programs that the library puts offers the community.

2.Family Dance at the Library

Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winters St., Keene, NH

Price: Free

Join us for a fun family dance with Andy Davis of Dancing Masters.

The Keene Public Library hosts a monthly free family dance for children and audults of all ages and abilities. Family Dances started at the Keene Public Library in the summer of 2003. Over the years, the series has become an important library program that helps to develop early literacy skills and is fun too. Folk dancing helps to encourage the basic concepts of rhythm, repetition, sequencing, patterning, predictability, anticipation, musical cues, auditory discrimination, and counting. These are all important early learning skills.  Traditional dance also is a great way to introduce children to the world’s rich diversity, to teach the enjoyment of dance, music, and rhythm and to begin a livelong habit of the social enjoyment and physical activity of dancing.

3. Candelight Open House at Horatio Museum & Wyman Tavern

Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Place: Wyman Tavern 339 Main st., Keene, NH/Horatio Colony 199 Main St., Keene, NH

Price:

A Candlelight Open House of the Wyman Tavern Museum and the Horatio Colony Museum will be held October 7th. Come and feel the warmth and charm of these two historic structures as they might have been 200 years ago. This collaborative open house is free and open to the public. Two blocks apart, the museums are walking distance from each other. For more details, contact HSCC at hscc@hsccnh.org or 603-352-1895.

4. Lissa Schneckenburger in Concert

Time: 8:00 PM

Place: Nelson Town Hall, Nelson, NH (about 11 miles from Keene)

Price: $12/$9 (senior, youth and advance internet)

World class fiddler and local hero Lissa Schneckenburger with Boston based guitarist Bethany Waickman come to the Nelson Town Hall on Friday, October 7 for an 8 PM concert. 

The traditional music of New England can be as warm and comforting as a winter fire or as potent and exhilarating as a summer thunderstorm. Fiddler and singer Lissa Schneckenburger is a master of both moods, a winsome, sweet-voiced singer who brings new life to old ballads and a skillful, dynamic fiddler who captures the driving rhythm and carefree joy of dance tunes old and new.

5. Nobody Left Inside: Hikes with babies

Time: 10:00 AM-Noon

Place: Harris Center, 83 King's Highway, Hancock, NH (20.93 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Join veteran Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol Faber and her baby on a hike from the Harris Center for all those still small enough to see the world from frontpacks or backpacks. Enjoy the morning as a great way to get out into nature with your youngest naturalist, along with other parents with very young children. 10 a.m. at the Harris Center. 

6. Galileo: The Man and his Discoveries 

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH (55.46 miles from Keene)
Price: Free with admission (get free admission)

Join amateur astronomer and Discovery Center Educator Matt Amar as he unveils the persona of Galileo Galilee and reveals little known facts about the man and his ambitions. Using the Discovery Center’s state-of-the-art digital theater, Matt will take you on a virtual tour of the Sun, Moon, Venus and Jupiter. Discover how telescopic observation of these four objects changed how we look at the universe forever. Then visit the observatory for a live telescopic view of Jupiter, the Galilean Moons, and other night sky jewels!

7. Film "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo"

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Marisposa Museum, 26 Main st., Peterborough, NH (20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

On First Friday, October 7th the Mariposa Museum will show the Emmy nominated film In the Footsteps of Marco Polo. The film which premiered on PBS in 2008 was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Art & Cultural Programming for that year. It was made available to the Mariposa by co-creator, photographer Denis Belliveau. Many people have big dreams, but only a few bold adventurers live them. Denis Belliveau and Francis O'Donnell took a wild idea retrace Marco Polo's entire 25,000-mile, land-and-sea route from Venice to China and back and spent two incredible years of their lives making their dream a reality.

Thursday, October 6th Events

1. Llama Llama Story & Activity Time

Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Place: 60 Winter st., Keene,NH
Price: Free

Help us break the world record by participating in our Llama Llama storytime. Join us for a read-aloud, games, and activities.

You can also help make this world record by reading Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Ezra Jack Keats at home on October 6. You can pledge to read by visiting the Read for the Record website.  On October 6, 2011, more than 2 million voices will call for an end to America's early education achievement gap by reading this book - setting a world record in the process. Sit down and read in your community. You'll be standing up for children everywhere. 

2. Artist Talk: Karen Kamenetzky

Time: 7:30 PM

Place: Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 10 Vernon St., Brattleboro, VT (18.86 miles from Keene)

Price: $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, free for BMAC members and children under 6.

Fiber artist Karen Kamenetzky, whose work is on view in the Museum’s South Gallery, will discuss her process of creating densely stitched wall hangings and the ways in which the lines, patterns, and dynamics of the microscopic cellular world inspire her.

3. Author at Jaffrey Public Library

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Jaffrey Public Library, 38 Main St., Jaffrey, NH (17.46 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Author Michael Tougias will appear at the Jaffrey Public Library on October 6^th at 7:00 pm to give a slide presentation on his new book Overboard! A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival.  The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Jaffrey Public Library, is free and open to the public.

4. 2011 Ten Minute Play Festival

Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Actors Theater Playhouse, corner of Brook and Main St., West Chesterfield, NH (14.6 miles from Keene)
Price: $8

6 Performances!

What happens when...
a tailgater turns a milquetoast into a Rambo ?
a lawyer, a shrink, and another shrink decide to take on the national health care system ?
a college literature professor and an outrageously provocative student fail to communicate ?
two friendships, one marriage, two affairs happen and who knew what when ?
an old poet is visited by a young admirer ?
two cell mates finally begin to get on each others nerves ?
a quartet of characters attempt to arrive at the same concert at the same time ?
two old friends sit down to have a cocktail and discuss their 'business plan' ? Usually....not much.
But ...
if variety is the spice of life
then it is also the spice of the

For more information call 877-666-1855 or actorstheatre2@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 5th Events

1.Family Movie at the Library

Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Place: 60 Winter s., Keene,NH

Price: Free

"Against all odds, Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), a simple Iowa farmer finds the courage to believe in his dreams. When Ray hears voices telling him to build a baseball diamond, his magical journey begins as he meets baseball greats who need his help to fulfill their dreams of days gone by in this magical fantasy."

Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Amy Madigan,
Burt Lancaster, Ray Liotta
Universal Pictures;
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Rated PG; 106 minutes; 1989

2.Celtic Fiddle Sessions/Open Jam

Time: 6:30 PM

Place: DelRossi's Trattoria, Rt. 137, Dublin, NH (14 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

DelRossi’s Trattoria is a 100+seat full service Italian restaurant located in a 1789 Georgian Colonial 18-room farmhouse on 12 acres in the scenic Monadnock Region of southern NH. 1/4 mile North on Rte 137 from jcts. 137 & 101, Dublin NH.

Every Wednesday, 6:30pm, Beginner jam; 7:30-9:00, Open jam, nocharge.
Our weekly Wednesday Irish music jam session open to all acoustic musicians and the listening public as well. Featuring traditional Celtic (and New England) instrumentals on fiddles, guitars, mandolins , and more... ALL WELCOME!

Tuesday, October 4th Events

1. Fall Speaker Series: Global Transition Movement

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Antioch Univeristy, 40 Avon St., Keene, NH (community room)

Price: Free

Steve Chase, Founding Director of AUNE’s Advocacy For Social Justice and Sustainability track in the Department of Environmental Studies, and a co-founder of the Transition Keene Task Force

The international Transition Movement is a vibrant, grassroots movement that seeks to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change, and the economic crisis. It represents one of the most promising ways of engaging local communities in a fun, visionary, and participatory process of community redevelopment. The vision is that all communities in the world will engage its collective creativity to unleash an extraordinary and historic transition to a future beyond fossil fuels; a more vibrant, abundant and resilient local economy; and a cultural way of life that is ultimately preferable to the present mass consumer society.

Come hear what's happening around the world and right here in Keene, New Hampshire.
For more information, call Steve Chase at 603-283-2336

2. Living a Life of Integrity in an Unjust World

Time: 6:00 PM

Place: Keene State College, Mabel Brown Room

Price: Free

Dr. Jennifer Lisa Vest, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Humanities at University of Central Florida In a world marked by injustices manifesting in various ways from sexism to racism to classism to ableism to homophobia and combinations of all of the above, how do we make responsible choices that minimize our complicity in structures of inequality and oppression? Given our individual social locations how do we either fight or at least fail to encourage injustice?

Dr. Vest is a mixedblood (Black/ Indian) poet and philosopher originally from Chicago, Illinois (USA). She teaches Philosophy and Women's Studies at the University of Central Florida (Orlando). She has published articles on African, Indigenous, Caribbean, and feminist philosophy and is currently writing a book on Academic Native American philosophy. She obtained her Ph.D. from the Ethnic Studies Department at U.C. Berkeley where she wrote a dissertation on Indigenous Native American and African philosophies.

Moday, October 3rd Events

1. Reading the Forest Landscape Presentation

Time: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Place: Harris Center, 83 King's Highway, Hancock, NH (20.93 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Join the Peterborough Garden Club at the Harris Center for a free presentation on “Reading the Forest Landscape” by Cheshire County Extension forester Steve Roberge. Steve grew up in Berlin enjoying the outdoors of northern New Hampshire and received his degrees in Forest Science from the University of NH and Yale University's School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. He will provide information on improving wildlife habitat and forestland stewardship with an emphasis on responsibility, management and conservation. Refreshments will be served prior to the program. For more information contact Grisel Levene at 562-5780.

Weekly or Ongoing Events in October

Guided Tours at Wyman Tavern Museum

(Even though they say 'school groups' most places are well accomodating to homeschool children)

"Guided school group tours of the Wyman Tavern Museum are scheduled during the months of May, June, September, October, and November. Group leaders may also wish to consider combining their Wyman Tavern tour with a visit to the Historical Society and the Horatio Colony House Museum. HSCC offers several interactive activities for students along with our permanent and feature exhibits. The Horatio Colony House Museum also offers guided tours and student oriented activities. All three facilities are located on Main Street and within a short walking distance from each other. If you need transportation help to visit our museums, HSCC and the Horatio Colony House Museum have a Transportation Fund that covers the cost of a school bus for a day long experience at our three museums."

Puppet Storytime at the Library

Every Tuesday  in October

at 10:00 AM-10:30 AM at the Keene Public Library

This special puppet, story, and craft time is designed for older toddlers who are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years of age.

Library Painting Group

Every Thursday in October

10:00 AM-12:00  at the Keene Public Library
For many decades, artists living in New England have come together in small social groups to paint and enjoy the art world. The level of ability is wide ranging and includes virtually all media, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels and more. The painting groups generally paint together in church basements, Town Halls, and lodge halls throughout the rural communities. The groups vary in size and an average group size might be about twenty artists with seven to twelve artists painting together on a given day. Some group members are just starting out but others have been painting for decades. Some are self-taught and some have a formal art education. There is no formal instruction at group meetings. Artists simply learn from one another by observing and asking questions when they see something that interests them.

Games At Keene Library

Every Thursday in October

at 3:00 PM-6:30 PM

It is all gaming!  And, gaming of any kind; whether it is board games, card games, video games, big games, role-playing games, or any other kind of game you can imagine, we'll play it.  Each week, we'll provide a different variety of games for you to play; we welcome you to bring in your own games to share with the group.  Throughout the series, we will have a number of gaming tournaments, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, because you might be our next grand champion gamer!

Homeschool PE

Every Wednesday in October

at 10:00 AM-11:00 AM 6-12/11:00 AM-12:00 PM 13+

A structured physical education class at the YMCA just for homeschooled children. This class is free with a YMCA membership.

Harris Center Programs in Hancock, NH

"We invite groups such as homeschoolers and scouts to help us design a program that will complement their projects and studies."To find out more, or to register for any of our programs call (525-3394) or email spikol@harriscenter.org Susie Spikol, Youth and Family Program Coordinator.

Register for cheap Art Class at Keene Rec!

Starting October 15th! This program is designed to introduce and/or expand the use of art as a tool to expression, and have fun doing it. The emphasis will be on the language of color, texture and energy. A variety of materials and media will be presented at each class. All materials used will be Non-toxic and/or recyclable. Students will create one piece each week to bring home should they wish to and then throughout the length of the program each par/cipant will be crea/ng 1 piece that will represent something that is important to them and they want to share with others. The last class will be an “art show” that is open for others to see, hear and feel.

Art Zone is a 6 week program that cost $10.00 per person. Each class is limited to 10 people. 
Children from 6 years old to 10 years old: Saturdays from 9am -10am running 10/15-11/19
Children from 11 years old to 17 years old: Saturdays from 10:30am-11:30am running 10/15-11/19.
Call or stop by the Recrea/on Center to register. If you have any ques/ons about this program please call Pamela Croteau at (603)209-2288.

Horatio Colony Fall Quest

Every Day in October
at 9:00 AM-6:30 PM 
Treat the family to a day on the trail and explore the fall colors and wildlife on this exciting and thought-provoking Fall Quest! Enjoy this self-guided hike at your leisure and take the time to absorb the sights and sounds of Autumn in New England as you search for the coveted price at the end of the Quest. Hurry before winter sets in! The Fall Quest closes on December 21st.

Park your vehicle at the Horatio Colony Preserve parking area off of Daniels Hill Rd., in Keene (off Route 9). Information and Fall Quest guides can be found at the trailhead past the gate near the Horatio Colony cabin. Remember to bring sturdy walking footwear, water/snack, bugsrpray, hat and binoculars. For more information, call Horatio Project assistant Youn Han (770) 846-1157.

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

Harrisville Designs will sponsor the Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Program that will run from Saturday, October 1st through Saturday, December 17th.
All are encouraged to participate by creating handmade hats, mittens, scarves, and socks for the homeless shelters in Keene. There will be patterns, yarns and assistance available at the Knitting and Weaving Center in Harrisville, which is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The finished items can be dropped off at the center in Peterborough at Joseph's Coat and Mariposa Museum. In Keene, items can be dropped off at Hannah Grimes on Main st.
For more details, call 603-827-3996 or 603-924-4227. 

Writers' Workshop at Keene Library


Every Thursday in October
7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Aspiring authors are invited to join this writers' group led by local author Jack Coey.  Join other writers to share ideas, critiques and writing resources. Each week participants will share partial manuscripts with other members of the group so they may take them home for a week and at the next session have a 'feedback' session.

The workshops are for teen and author writers of writers of realistic fiction and all experience levels. Jack is the author of Lights of Mondanock and Two Legged Foxes both of which deal with the Dean Murders.

Sunday, October 2nd Events

1. Sparrow Watch with the Harris Center

Time: 8:30 AM-11:00 AM

Place: Otter Brook Farm, 132 Gulf Rd., Peterborough, NH (24.65 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

This farm in Happy Valley, newly protected by the Harris Center’s largest conservation easement in Peterborough, is ideal for seeing sparrows and other species dependent on early successional habitat and on migration in early October. Meet the birding team (Eric Masterson, Francie Von Mertens, Meade Cadot, and resident birding enthusiast Seth Dugan) at 8:30 a.m. at Happy Valley School,132 Gulf Road in Peterborough. Back ~ 11 a.m.

2. Hike the Lower Slopes of Mt.Monadnock

Time: 2:00 PM

Place: Mt. Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH (about 17.47 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Join the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests on a guided exploration of Mount Monadnock’s lower slopes. Forest Society staff will interpret the forest and wildlife ecology of the land. Discover Monadnock’s rich cultural history, including the remains of two 1700s Shaker farms.

Moderate uphill hiking involved; total distance approx. two miles round trip. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. For details or to register, call Tina at (603)224-9945 ext. 313.

3. Harvest Moon Festival

Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Place: Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Rd., Warner, NH (51.28 miles from Keene)

Price: Adults $8.50/Children 6-12 $6.50 (get free passes)

Please come for a day of fun and adventure!

Native food
Craft Demos
Drum demonstrations
Kids' Craft - make and take basket
Help Weave a Community Basket
Native Themed Food From Grace's Kitchen
Vendors
Explore the Medicine Woods Trail
Tour the Museum's Galleries

4. Geography Challenge

Time: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM

Place: Peterborough Townhouse, Peterborough NH (about 20.30 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

The Mariposa Museum will host their First Annual Geography Challenge at the Peterborough Townhouse. This new community event is free and open to the public. 15 teams of 3 players each will compete in rounds of increasing difficulty; questions will cover all areas of geography including US, world, cultural and physical. Judges will also award a prize for the best team costume.

Prior to the competition and throughout the afternoon an exciting bazaar of international foods and carefully edited goods from around the world will be available for purchase. The Silent Auction of artworks, mostly by well known local artists, which began at the museum on September 3, will accept final bids and announce the winners at the Geography Challenge. The art objects as well as the bazaar will fill the perimeter of the Townhouse, adding a festive air to the event. The actual contest begins at 1:00pm. The audience can not only cheer for their chosen teams, comprised of students, community leaders, friends and neighbors but also participate at the discretion of the Emcee Paul Hertnecky when an answer is wrong. They can also enter a 50/50 raffle betting on the winning team, bid in the art auction, have lunch or snacks and shop. This fundraiser will benefit all of the educational programs at the Mariposa Museum.

5. Flying Trapeze Show

Time: 4:00 PM

Place: Sunrise Farm, Guilford, VT (about 22.16 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

A high flying event where the students from the Flying Trapeze class get to strut their stuff! Bring a picnic, sit on the lawn and watch these flying folks show off what they have learned. Directions online! (Rain Date October 9th) Contact: New England Center for Circus Arts — 802-254-9780

UPDATE: Canceled due to to rain. Now will be October 9th instead. 

6. Marlow Harvest Festival

Time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Place: 12 Church st., Marlow, NH (15.70 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Apple Pie Sale, 50/50 Raffle, Crafts, Art Exhibition, Used Book Sales, Food Concessions, Live Music.

Marlow is one of the most photographed villages in NH located on Rt 123, 25 minutes from Bellows Falls and Keene.

For more details contact the Marlow Women's Society at 603-446-7044 or the Marlow Historical Society marlowhs@earthink.net (603) 446-6201

Saturday, October 1st Events

1. Kidder Mountain Climb with Harris Center

Time: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Place: Windblown Ski Area, Rt 123, New Ipswich (32.05 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

A 4 mile hike on the Wapack Trail. Moderately easy climb (no Kidding!) up to nice views, with early foliage reds in the lowlands, and maybe Red-tailed and/or Red-shouldered (and other) hawks in the air. A proposed site for ridge top wind power development. Leaders are Jan Miller and Ollie Mutch with Denny Wheeler.

2. Tour at Walpole Valley Farms

Time: 10:00 AM

Place: Walpole Valley Farm, 663 Wentworth Rd., Walpole, NH (13.93 miles from Keene)

Price: $5 per adult/children under 12 free.

Come see how a sustainable, pasture-based farm works. Get a 1 1/2 hour personally guided tour, with ample time for questions.

 

We will visit, among other things:

• chickens raised for meat
• baby chicks (depending on the time of season)
• egg-layer chickens
• pastured turkeys
• rare-breed heritage pigs
• grass-fed cattle and calves
• sheep
• cashmere goats and more.

Walking in fields is part of the tour, so proper footwear is required.
 
Farm tours are a great way to get to know your local farmers and learn about where your food comes from.

3. Garlic & Arts Festival

Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Place: 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange, MA (34.08 miles from Keene)

Price: $5 Adults/ 12 and under free.

The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is a celebration of the artistic, agricultural and cultural bounty of the region. The purpose of the festival is to unite North Quabbin people whose livelihoods are connected to the land and the arts, and to invite both local residents and those who do not live in the region to experience the richness of an area that is often overlooked. The festival emphasizes what is homegrown and high quality, as well as what helps preserve and support the environment. The festival is an engaging, fun and educational celebration for all ages.
Visit the Website

4.  Candlelight Open House

Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

Place: Horatio Colony Museum, 199 Main st., Keene, NH

Price: Free

Candlelight open house.

5. 38th Annual Cheshire Craftsmen Fair

Time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Place: Keene Recreation Center, 312 Washington St., Keene, NH

Price: Free

Crafts for sale include: home decor, quilted items, jewelry, soaps, knitted items, woven items, quilted crafts, pottery, fleece items, framed photos, honey and jam products, herbal mixtures, wooden toys, wooden crafts, American doll clothing and accessories, candles, hand-painted glassware, and much, much more!   

4. Badger's Open House and Tent Sale!

Time: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Place: 768 Route 10, Gilsum, NH
Price: Free

This year Badger is moving into a new Badger facility, a custom designed building on route 10 in Gilsum. We invite you to come to a tent sale, tour our building, and to celebrate Badger's 16 years of business! 

Entertainment & Fun Activities for All 9-2
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 12:00
Free Community Lunch 12:30-2
Building Tours 9-2
Tent Sale 9-2

5. Farm Day at Old Ciderpress Farm

Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Place: 119 Thompson Rd., off of Rt. 12, Westmoreland, NH (8.23 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Old Ciderpress Farm will host it's 4th annual Farm Day on Saturday, October 1st. Enjoy free ice cream and apple crisp, and watch cider being pressed using the oldest rack and cloth beam cider press in the US. It's still operated in its original condition. The demo will take place at noon. Built in 1870 in Worcester, MA, the press stands 11 feet tall. Visitors will have the chance to taste cider right off the press.

The orchard contains 70 varities of heirloom and rare apples. People can enjoy picking their own apples, and take home a bag of unique flavors. Come and enjoy a relaxing day on the farm, and sit and take in the hills of Westmoreland while the leaves are changing colors. For more details, call 603-399-7210

6.Orienting Workshop at Horatio Colony Nature Perserve

Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Place: Nature Perserve, Daniels Hill Rd., Keene, NH (on Red Diamond Trail)

Price: Free

The new course will be introduced at an Orienteering Workshop for beginners at the nature preserve. Orienteering is a sport involving navigational skills using a map and a compass. Using these tools participants learn to find their way from point to point over unfamiliar terrain.
Workshop participants will be given a specially designed topographical/orienteering map and a compass to find control points located in the woods on the trail.
The program will develop skills in map and compass reading, way finding, and team work. This is a free, local family fun program. It will be offered rain or shine. Wear clothes and shoes comfortable to hike in plus bring bug spray, and meet at Horatio colony Nature preserve parking lot. For more details, call 603-352-0460.

7. Earth-Inspired Art Fundraiser

Time: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

Place: UU Church, 69 Washington St., Keene, NH

Price: Sliding scale, $10-$18, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Crescent Moon: A Community Celebration of Earth-Inspired Art takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Keene. Visual art viewing and sales begins at 6PM. Performances start at 7PM. This annual event in a benefit for The Sustainability Project; it brings artists together to display their creative connections to nature through music, dance, the spoken word, and visual art.
Masters of Ceremonies , Roger Weinreich and Pablo Fleischmann, will introduce fiddler, Emily Horne; The Solar Sisters; poet, Kathy Schillemat; guitar and percussion duo, Bob McKelvey and Michael Staples; Earth Colony; and solo guitarists, Andrew Johnson, Jordan Reynolds, and Kevin Dremel.
During intermission, a culinary spread for hors d'oeuvres and desserts, provided by local restaurants, caterers, farms and friends, will be served along with locally grown organic, and wild crafted teas.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, at Green Energy Options, 79 Emerald st in Keene, or by calling 603-357-0860.

Friday, September 30th Events

1. Saw-Whet Owl Science Presentation

Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM

Place: Science Center Room 101, Keene State College

Price: Free

Chris Volonte, AUNE graduate student, presents her findings from the first three years of banding more than 400 Northern saw-whet owls as part of southwest New Hampshire's first saw-whet owl banding project. How does her Monadnock region research contribute to the national effort to better understand owl migration?

This event is free and open to the public.It is co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire, and the Keene State College School of Sciences.

2. Space Shuttle Program

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: McAuilffe-Shephard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH (55.56 miles from Keene)

Price: (get free passes)

Join author, historian and pilot Ted Spitzmiller as we review three exciting decades of shuttle flights! What was the Shuttle designed to do? Did it achieve its goals? What lies ahead for human spaceflight? His two-book series, “Astronautics,” a definitive history of humanist’s exploration of space, will be offered for purchase and signing after the program!

Thursday, September 29th Events

1. Nutting Party with Samantha & Nellie: Two Victorian American Girls

Time: 3:00 PM-4:30 PM

Place: Horatio Colony House Museum, 199 Main st., Keene, NH

Price: Free

Girls age seven to eleven can come dressed in their finest to the Horatio Colony House Museum and learn all about what it meant to be an American girl growing up in 1904 at our annual Victorian Tea Party.

Learn about tea parties and nutting parties, take a tour of the historic Horatio House, and have fun making a Victorian craft. Don't forget to bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal too!

The museum  is not fully handicapped accessible.  If you have special dietary or programming needs, please call the library at 603-352-0157 to discuss possible accommodations. 

Space is limited. Please register for this special event. Guests that have not attended an American Girl party in the last year will be given preference. Interested adults can watch from the side but there will not be room for adults to participate.

2. Exhibition at Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery

Time: 12:00 PM-7:00 PM

Place: Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery, 229 Main St., Keene, NH
Price: Free.

Infinite Mirror: Images of American Identity. America's self image is explored through paintings, prints, photographs, and video by 42 artists whose insightful works reveal the triumphs, tragedies, relationships, and traditions that inform our notions of nationhood.

Wednesday, September 28th Events

1. Homeschool Harvest Day & Scarecrow Making Workshop

Time: 10:00 PM-4:00 PM

Place: Historic Deerfield, 80 Old Main St., Deerfield, MA (45.01 miles from Keene)

Price: Adults $12/Youth (6-17) $5

Hall Tavern Visitor Center. Visit the Cooks Garden to find out what is being harvested.  Spend time with open hearth cooks and learn how they processed and used fruits of the harvest. Make a recipe book and spice mixture to take home. Visit the Wapping Schoolhouse and learn some lessons from the School Master. Try carding wool, weaving on a loom and playing old-fashioned games. Explore the meadow walk and bring a picnic to eat at one of our many village picnic spots. Historic Houses will be open for tours. *For an additional $5 fee, participate in a Scarecrow-Making Workshop. Learn about the interesting history of scarecrows as Museum Educators help you make your own unique harvest figure to take home. (We will provide an armature, stuffing and supplies for decorating your figure; you bring the old clothes to dress it.)  Pre-registration required by September 21.  Registration is $12 for adults, $5 for youth age (6-17). Children under 6 are free. Please call 413-775-7217 or e-mail ccarlson@historic-deerfield.org for more information.

2. "That Reminds Me of a Story" with Rebecca Rule

Time: 4:00 PM

Place: Frost Free Library, 28 Jaffrey Rd., Marlborough, NH (5.29 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Rebecca Rule tells and gathers stories in New England, especially New Hampshire. This program is possible through a grant from the NH Humanities Council.

Tuesday, September 27th Events

1. Program on Local Birds

Time: 7:30 PM

Place: Stoddard Town Hall, 1450 Route 123 N, Stoddard, NH (19.00 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Eric Masterson will present an audiovisual program featuring some of the more than 200 species of birds that occur in southwest New Hampshire.Masterson is the author of an upcoming  book on birds in New Hampshire. He is a member of New Hampshire's rare bird committee and birding columnist for The Monadnock Shopper News. Masterson is a land protection specialist at the Harris Center in Hancock, and a wildlife photographer and artist.

Monday, September 26th Events

1. Block Party: Lego Fun at the Library

Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM

Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter st., Keene, NH

Price: Free

The library's LEGO club is open to all Lego enthusiasts. For more information, call: Gail Zachariah at 603-352-0157.

2. Storytime at the Currier

Time: 11:30 AM-NOON

Place: Currier Art Museum, 150 Ash St., Manchester, NH (65.29 miles from Keene)

Price: Free with museum admission

Looking for a way to introduce your preschooler to art? Come to the Currier Art Museum for an art-related story read by children's librarian Karyn Isleb and look at the "Artwork of the Day." Then go down to the studio and create a work of art of your own. Recommended for ages 3 to 5, but all are welcome. September 26 – Listen to The Little Lump of Clay by Diane Engel and look at the ceramic art of Karen Karnes.

3. Revolutionary New Hampshire Program

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site, 301 2nd NH Turnpike, Hillsborough, NH (25.96 miles from Keene)

Price: Free

Jere R. Daniell Professor of History Emeritus, Dartmouth College, presents this interesting program at the Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site. 
In 1760, New Hampshire had a stable government. That government collapsed by 1776 and it took until the early 1790's to restore the stability of the pre-Revolutionary era. The story of these changes is both fascinating and complex.
 Pre-Revolutionary Hillsborough will be included in this program.
 This is a NH Humanities Council To Go program. Handicap accessible, Free Program, Refreshments to follow.  For more information contact:  478-0809.