Arts, music & crafts clubs in southern NH

Derry

Derry Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Derry-area writers meet, mingle and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

5:30-8 PM; Kelsen Brewing, Londonderry (cold months) or Zorvino Vineyard, Sandown (warm).

Derry

East Derry Contra Dance

Monthly contra dance with a live band; every dance is taught and no partner is needed.

3rd Fridays Oct-June, 7:15 PM intro, Upper Village Hall, 52 East Derry Rd.

Derry

Frost Farm Poetry

Hyla Brook Poets and Frost Farm trustees host readings, workshops and a poetry conference.

Hyla Brook Reading Series at the Robert Frost Farm, Derry.

Derry

Rhythm of New Hampshire Show Chorus

A cappella show chorus singing four-part barbershop-style harmony; visitors welcome.

Thursdays 6:45 PM, Marion Gerrish Community Center, 39 West Broadway, Derry.

Kingston

4th Saturday Kingston NH Contra Dance

Monthly contra dance with a live band and caller; students and children pay less.

4th Saturdays 7-10 PM, Kingston Town Hall, 163 Main St.

Londonderry

Londonderry Arts Council

Volunteer council promoting visual arts and music, including free Concerts on the Common.

Become a member or volunteer through the website.

Salem

Cue Zero Theatre Company

Nonprofit theater company focused on original works and emerging directors, designers and actors.

Performs at Arts Academy of New Hampshire, Salem; auditions posted online.

Salem

Greater Salem Artists Association

All-volunteer nonprofit advancing the arts around Salem with guest artist talks, plein air outings and member art shows.

2nd Thursday, September to May, CenterPoint Community Church, 101 School St, Salem.

Salem

Kids Coop Theatre

Nonprofit youth theater giving kids and teens ages 8-19 stage experience since 1997.

Audition process and show details are on the website.

Salem

New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra

Community-based orchestra of 70+ musicians, the state's oldest, tracing its roots to 1895.

Concerts at Seifert Performing Arts Center, Salem; musicians join by audition.

Windham

Windham Actors Guild

Nonprofit community theater staging musicals and plays with performers of all ages.

Performs at Windham High School; auditions are posted on the website.

Windham

Windham Community Bands

Volunteer concert band, swing band and saxophone ensemble; about 80 members of all ages.

See the Join page on the website.

Amherst

Amherst Town Band

Nonprofit town band marking 40 years in 2026; welcomes musicians from Amherst and nearby towns.

Membership info and the performance schedule are on the website.

Hollis

Hollis Arts Society

Nonprofit for local artists and art lovers with monthly guest presenters, spring and fall art shows and community projects.

2nd Wednesday monthly, 7 PM, Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Rd, Hollis (no July meeting).

Hollis

Hollis Town Band

Volunteer concert band for players of all ages that performs a spring pops concert, parades and Hollis town festivals.

Wednesdays 7:30-9 PM, September to June, Hollis Brookline High School.

Hudson

Hannah Dustin Quilters' Guild

Nonprofit quilt guild with speakers, workshops, swaps and charity projects; all are welcome.

Typically first Mondays in Hudson; check the guild calendar.

Merrimack

Bedford Big Band

Big band playing swing-era tunes, jazz standards, pop, funk and Latin charts around New England.

Thursdays 7-9 PM, St. John Neumann Church Hall, Merrimack.

Milford

Milford Area Players

Community theater company staging plays for the Souhegan Valley; welcomes cast and crew volunteers.

Performs at 56 Mont Vernon St, Milford; see the Get Involved page.

Milford

Milford NH Contra Dance

Monthly contra dance with sit-in musicians, a callers' open mic and a potluck.

4th Fridays 7 PM, Milford Town Hall auditorium, 1 Union Square.

Milford

Souhegan Valley Chorus

Community chorus for adult singers from Milford and surrounding Souhegan Valley towns.

Tuesdays 6:30 PM, First Congregational Church, 10 Union St, Milford.

Nashua

Actorsingers

Community musical theater group since 1955 with main stage, fringe, teen and youth productions.

Hall at 219 Lake St; main stage auditions open to anyone 16 and older.

Nashua

Granite Statesmen

Men's barbershop chorus, the Nashua chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society since 1955.

Wednesdays 7:30 PM, Nashua Senior Activity Center, 70 Temple St.

Nashua

Nashua Area Artists Association

Nonprofit founded in 1951 promoting art through exhibits, demos, scholarships and outreach.

ArtHub gallery at 30 Temple St, Nashua; monthly meetings listed online.

Nashua

Nashua Chamber Orchestra

Community chamber orchestra giving talented amateurs a place to perform classical works.

Four concert programs a season; see the Join Us page on the website.

Nashua

Nashua Choral Society

Community chorus presenting seasonal concerts and summer sings for area singers.

See the website for rehearsals and open sings.

Nashua

Nashua Theatre Guild

Volunteer community theater staging plays since 1961; open to actors, directors and backstage help.

Shows at Janice B. Streeter Theatre, 14 Court St; auditions posted on the website.

Nashua

Nashua Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Nashua-area writers meet, mingle and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

1st Monday, 6:30-8:30 PM, J. Bartlett's Public House in Whole Foods, 255 Amherst St.

Nashua

New England Voices in Harmony

Award-winning women's a cappella chorus, a Harmony, Inc. chapter; women of all ages interested in singing are welcome.

Tuesdays 6:15 PM, Nashua Senior Activity Center, 70 Temple St, Nashua.

Nashua

Peacock Players

Youth theater company offering main stage shows, camps and lessons for kids and teens.

14 Court St, Nashua; auditions are held before each show.

Nashua

Photographers Forum Camera Club

Camera club for beginner to advanced photographers, with programs and competitions.

1st and 3rd Mondays Sept-May, 7-9 PM, Bishop Guertin High School.

Bedford

Bedford Friendship Quilt Guild

Friendly daytime quilt guild with membership open to new quilters.

3rd Tuesdays, 9:30 AM social, 10 AM meeting, Bedford Presbyterian Church.

Bedford

Manchester Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Manchester-area writers meet, mingle and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

1st Monday, 6:30-8:30 PM, Murphy's Taproom and Carriage House, Bedford.

Bedford

New Hampshire Writers' Project

Volunteer-run nonprofit serving writers of all genres with conferences, awards and meetups.

Manchester-area Writers' Night Out: first Mondays 6:30 PM in Bedford.

Hooksett

Amoskeag Quilters Guild

Quilt guild founded in 1988 promoting quilting through education, exhibits and public programs.

3rd Thursdays Sept-May, 7 PM, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 14 Mammoth Rd.

Manchester

Heel & Toe Square Dance Club

Square dance club active since 1959, offering mainstream and plus classes and club dances.

Class and dance schedules are posted on the website.

Manchester

Manchester Artists Association

Volunteer-run, non-juried group for fine and graphic artists with demos and member shows.

First Mondays Sept-June, 7-9 PM, Manchester Police Community Room.

Manchester

Manchester Camera Club

Camera club for area photographers; a member of the New England Camera Club Council.

Manchester

Manchester Choral Society

Community chorus founded in 1961, now in its 66th season; welcomes singers of every background.

Open Sing each September; new singers arrange a short audition online.

Manchester

New Hampshire Gay Men's Chorus

Men's chorus presenting spring and winter concert series and a positive image of the gay community.

Open auditions are announced on the website.

Manchester

The Majestic Theatre

Community theater producing musicals, plays and holiday shows, plus youth theater classes.

Majestic Studio Theatre in Manchester and Derry Opera House; auditions listed online.

Bow

Capital Quilters Guild

Guild promoting quilting through education, fellowship and giving back to the community.

2nd Fridays, 6:30 PM social, 7 PM meeting, Bow Mills United Methodist Church.

Bow

The Freese Brothers Big Band

Big band formed in 1982 to support musicians of all ages and keep swing music alive.

Contact the band through its website.

Concord

Community Players of Concord

Community theater in its 99th season, with main stage shows and a Children's Theatre Project.

Shows at Concord City Auditorium; auditions and workshops at the Players Studio.

Concord

Concord Chorale

Community chorus presenting major choral works, often with orchestra and soloists, for Concord-area singers and audiences.

Concerts each season in Concord, including at St. Paul's Church; see website to join.

Concord

Concord Coachmen Chorus

Men's barbershop chorus singing a cappella harmony around Concord since 1955; new singers are invited to join.

Annual fall show at Concord City Auditorium; contact the chorus through its website to join.

Concord

Concord Contra Dance

Community contra dance series running since 1988 with live music; beginners welcome.

3rd Saturdays 7-10 PM, City-Wide Community Center, 14 Canterbury Rd.

Concord

Concord English Country Dance

English country dancing to live music for dancers of all experience levels.

First Sundays Oct-June, 2:30-6 PM, Howard Recreation Center, Concord.

Concord

Concord Writers Group

NH Writers' Project Writers' Night Out critique group where local writers share and discuss their work.

1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10 AM, September to May, Concord Public Library.

Concord

Granite State Woodturners

Woodturning subgroup of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, sharing lathe skills and demos.

Saturday morning meetings at members' shops; see the Guild calendar.

Concord

Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers

Educational guild of 750+ amateur and professional woodworkers with 60+ meetings a year.

Events at members' shops, many near Concord; see the online calendar.

Concord

League of NH Craftsmen

Nonprofit supporting fine craft and craftspeople through juried membership, fairs and exhibits.

Headquarters at 49 South Main St, Concord; juried or supporting membership.

Concord

Nevers' Second Regiment Band

Historic nonprofit community band playing outdoor summer concerts across New Hampshire.

Tuesday 7 PM summer concerts in Concord parks; contact via the website.

Concord

New Hampshire Potters Guild

Ceramic artists' guild offering workshops, exhibitions and member wood-kiln firings.

Meetings rotate among studios; membership form on the website.

Concord

New Hampshire Weavers Guild

Nonprofit founded in 1938 promoting hand weaving through workshops, speakers and mentoring.

3rd Wednesdays Sept-Nov and Mar-May, Kimball Jenkins Estate, Concord.

Concord

Poetry Society of New Hampshire

Statewide society supporting poets with readings, contests, workshops and Touchstone journal.

Events around the state; join through the website.

Concord

Suncook Valley Chorale

Non-auditioned community chorus of about 80 singers from central and southern New Hampshire.

Rehearses and performs in Concord; see the Get Involved page.

Contoocook

Two Villages Art Society

Nonprofit art society and gallery in Hopkinton showing work by local and regional artists.

Northwood

Northwood Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Northwood-area writers meet, mingle and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

2nd Thursday, 5-7 PM, Roberto's Mexican Faire Restaurant, Route 4, Northwood.

Dover

Cocheco Quilters Guild

Quilt guild open to all, with workshops, charity quilting and an annual October quilt show.

3rd Tuesdays 6:30 PM, McConnell Center, Dover.

Dover

Dover NH Contradance

Monthly New England country dance with contras and squares for all levels.

2nd Fridays Sept-June, 7:30 PM, St. John's Church, 28 Cataract Ave.

Dover

Garrison Players Arts Center

Volunteer community theater and arts center serving the Dover area with plays and musicals.

449 Roberts Rd, Rollinsford; audition and volunteer details on the website.

Durham

Amare Cantare

Auditioned chamber chorus of about 24 voices, founded in 1977, performing around the Seacoast.

Membership by audition; contact the group through the website.

Epping

Epping Community Theater

All-ages community theater offering musicals, radio plays and youth productions.

Sign up on the website as an actor, director, stage manager or volunteer.

Exeter

Exeter Brass Band

Brass band playing free Monday-night summer concerts at the downtown Exeter bandstand, a town tradition since 1847.

Summer concerts Mondays 7:30 PM at the Bandstand, Front and Water Streets, Exeter.

Exeter

Rockingham Choral Society

Seacoast chorus of 100+ voices, founded in 1957, presenting two concerts a year.

Ask about joining through the website contact form or Facebook page.

Exeter

Seacoast Artist Association

All-volunteer nonprofit of artists and art lovers with a gallery, classes and theme shows.

Gallery at 130 Water St, Exeter; Second Friday receptions 5-7 PM.

Exeter

Seacoast Contra Dance

Monthly contra dance with live music and a newcomer lesson; all ages welcome.

First Fridays, lesson 7:30 PM, dance 8 PM, Newfields Town Hall, 65 Main St.

Exeter

Seacoast Modern Quilt Guild

Modern Quilt Guild chapter with members from NH, Maine and Massachusetts; guests welcome.

First Saturdays 10 AM-noon, Exeter Recreation Department, 10 Hampton Rd.

Portsmouth

New Hampshire Art Association

Statewide nonprofit for artists with juried shows, a speaker series and a member gallery.

Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St, Portsmouth; join via the website.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program

Nonprofit that appoints the city's poet laureate and sponsors poetry events for all ages.

Join the mailing list or volunteer for the board via the website.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Pro Musica

Auditioned choral ensemble in its 42nd season, performing in Portsmouth and Exeter.

Tuesdays 7-9:30 PM, United Methodist Church, 129 Miller Ave, Portsmouth.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra

Nonprofit orchestra presenting symphonic, chamber and family concerts on the Seacoast.

Musicians join by audition; details on the website.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Seacoast writers meet, mingle and talk shop; open to all.

Meets at Liars Bench Beer Company, 459 Islington St; check the page for dates.

Portsmouth

Seacoast Camera Club

Photography club for all skill levels with speakers, photo walks and a library exhibit.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Sept-May, currently on Zoom.

Portsmouth

Sounds of the Seacoast

Women's a cappella barbershop chorus, a Harmony, Inc. chapter founded in 1979.

Mondays 6:30 PM, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 22 Fox Run Rd, Newington.

Portsmouth

The Players' Ring

Nonprofit 75-seat black box theater presenting local productions and new plays by area artists.

105 Marcy St, Portsmouth; auditions and volunteer roles posted online.

Portsmouth

Voices from the Heart

200-voice women's chorus singing soulful music from many cultural and musical traditions.

Weekly rehearsals at South Church in downtown Portsmouth.

Dublin

Monadnock Art

Friends of the Dublin Art Colony; the region's oldest art association runs an open studio tour.

Open Studio Art Tour each October; memberships via the website.

Keene

Cheshire Quilters' Guild

Quilting community with classes, retreats, open sews and block-of-the-month projects.

Monthly at Cheshire County Courthouse, 12 Court St, 2nd floor, Keene.

Keene

Keene Cheshiremen Chorus

Men's barbershop chorus chartered in 1952; no auditions or music reading required.

Tuesdays 6:30 PM, United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene.

Keene

Keene Chorale

Non-auditioned community chorus in its 48th season; no need to read music.

Tuesdays 7-9 PM, Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Rd, Keene.

Keene

Monadnock Area Artists Association

Regional artists' group that presents the annual Art in the Park show in Keene.

Keene

Monadnock International Film Festival

Nonprofit showcasing independent film with an October festival and special screenings.

Keene

The Edge Ensemble Theatre Company

Keene's resident theater company, staging several plays a season with local casts and volunteers.

The Edge Theater, 310 Marlboro St, Keene; auditions listed on the website.

Peterborough

Monadnock Chorus

Community chorus performing choral works for audiences in the Monadnock region.

Peterborough

Monadnock Folklore Society

Presents contra dances, shape note sings and folk concerts in Peterborough and Nelson.

First Saturdays 8 PM, Peterborough Town House; Mondays 7:30 PM in Nelson.

Peterborough

Monadnock Quilters' Guild

Guild of 100+ quilters of all skill levels; guests and non-quilters are welcome.

3rd Fridays year-round, evening, Divine Mercy Church, Peterborough.

Peterborough

Monadnock Writers' Group

Writers' group since 1984 with a free monthly speaker series for all genres and levels.

Monthly Sept-June, Saturdays 9:45 AM, Mariposa Museum, Peterborough.

Peterborough

Peterborough Writers' Night Out

NH Writers' Project gathering where Monadnock-area writers meet, mingle and talk shop in a relaxed setting.

Meets at Brady's American Grill, 225 Concord St; check the page for dates.

Temple

Temple Band

Volunteer community band billed as America's first town band; no auditions or dues, for players ages 9 to 90.

Mondays 7-9 PM at Temple Town Hall in season; summer concerts around the region.

Walpole

The Walpole Players

Community theater entertaining Walpole since 1987 with plays, radio follies and staged readings.

Helen Miller Theater, Walpole Town Hall; auditions announced on the website.