MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Looking for something to do this weekend in the Monadnock Region and beyond? Whether you’re into music festivals, poetry, yard sales or circus arts, there’s no shortage of events happening.  Here’s your guide to what’s happening—indoors, outdoors, and all across the spectrum.

Saturday, May 17

Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser
9 a.m.–2 p.m., Cheshire Fairgrounds, Swanzey
Feeding Tiny Tummies hosts this family-friendly event where kids can explore big rigs and emergency vehicles. Activities include animal visits, games, and a cakewalk. Admission is $5 per person (free for children under 2).
More info: facebook.com/FeedingTinyTummies

2025 Children and the Arts Festival: “Greatest Hits”
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown Peterborough
Celebrate the 30th annual event, honoring three decades of community creativity and youth expression. Festival highlights include a giant puppet parade and lantern parade, art walk, live music, theater and dance performances by local youth and entertainers, and hands-on activities including interactive art stations and face painting for all ages. Rain or shine. Parking is limited; refer to the parking map for details. For safety, leave pets at home.
More info: childrenandthearts.org/2025-festival

Fast Friends Yard & Bake Sale
8 a.m.–2 p.m., Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption, 14 W Swanzey Road, Swanzey
Find great deals while supporting a good cause. Free admission, with items starting at 50 cents. The popular $1-per-bag sale runs from 1–2 p.m. All proceeds benefit adoptable dogs.
More info: fastfriendsgreyhounds.org

The Thing in the Spring
3 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Nova Arts & Colonial Theatre, Keene
Day two of this eclectic music and arts festival includes performances by Speedy Ortiz, Califone, Joan Shelley, and more, including a Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement) and Mirah concert at The Colonial Theatre. Day passes: $40 for show only; $60 for festival at Brewbakers Cafe (48 Island St. in Keene) and Stephen Malkmus concert.
More info & tickets: thethinginthespring.com

Author Talk: Liz Pelly–”Mood Machine”
11 a.m., Keene Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Emerald St., Keene
Music journalist Liz Pelly discusses her new book on Spotify’s impact on listening culture.
Details: ktoad.com

The Middle Distance Poetry Reading
Noon, Keene Toadstool Bookshop, Keene
As part of The Thing in the Spring, six notable poets, including Sadie Dupuis and Zenaida Peterson, will share their work in an intimate literary event.
Details: ktoad.com

NECCA Presents: Student Circus Showcase
3:30–5:30 p.m., The Trapezium, NECCA, 10 Town Crier Dr., Brattleboro, VT
An exciting showcase of circus arts from students at the New England Center for Circus Arts. Tickets $5–$35.
Details & tickets: necenterforcircusarts.org

A Celebration of American Music
7–8:30 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West St., Keene
The Chamber Singers of Keene present a patriotic program under the direction of Esther Rhoades. Tickets: $20 at the door.
Details: chambersingerskeene.org

Sunday, May 18

Keene Runway 5K & Airport Open House
9–10:30 a.m., Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport, 80 Airport Rd., Swanzey
Run or walk on the runway to benefit the Keene Senior Center. Register by May 11 for $35; $40 after. T-shirts for early registrants.
Register: runsignup.com/Race/NH/Keene/NHRunway5k
More info: keeneseniorcenter.org

WONDERS: A Circus Odyssey
2–4 p.m., Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove St., Peterborough
The Flying Gravity Circus takes you around the world with unicycles, teeterboards, and circus flair. Pre-show by Well School Circus Club. Tickets: $10 adults, $6 kids 12 & under.
More info: flyinggravitycircus.org

Sled Wrenches & Bird Boombox at Stage 33 Live
3–5 p.m., Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge St., Bellows Falls, VT
Catch this genre-bending matinee show of emerging talent. Limited to 40 tickets. $10.
Details & tickets: stage33live.com

The Thing in the Spring – Final Day
3–7 p.m., Nova Arts, Keene
The final day of this three-day celebration of indie music, experimental sound, and poetry concludes with more performances at Nova Arts.
More info: thethinginthespring.com