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MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Communities across the Monadnock Region are celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday with parades, historical reenactments, concerts, community dances and family activities. Here’s a look at some of the events happening over the holiday weekend.
Thursday, July 2
Village Concert: Elegance and Folly
Dublin — 7 p.m.
Monadnock Music presents a chamber program featuring Baroque sonatas by Corelli, Leonarda, Boismortier, de Fesch, Bach, and Vivaldi ouise Shonk Kelly Recital Hall at The Walden School on the Dublin School campus. The performance highlights works spanning early European instrumental traditions, including Vivaldi’s “La Follia.”
Free and open to the public. More information: https://monadnockmusic.org
Friday, July 3
Ontologics Summer Tour with Spiralhead
Brattleboro, VT — 5–10 p.m. (show at 7 p.m.)
Experimental duo Ontologics headlines a night of progressive rock, jazz, hip-hop, and electronica fusion at Marigold, joined by Western Massachusetts indie-pop act Spiralhead. The free show features high-energy, genre-blending performances.
More information:
https://www.ontologicsmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/spiralheadmusic/
Vermont Suitcase at Hooker-Dunham Theater
Brattleboro, VT — 7–8 p.m.
A theatrical production blending action, intrigue, and comedy follows a fast-moving story involving a missing councilman’s daughter, political stakes, and competing motives in a historic hotel setting.
More information: hookerdunhamtheater.org
Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses
Dublin — 7:30–9:30 p.m.
This outdoor concert at the Dublin School features traditional New Orleans jazz led by saxophonist and vocalist Aurora Nealand. The Royal Roses bring a repertoire rooted in early jazz traditions, with influences from Sidney Bechet and Django Reinhardt. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, July 4
An Old-Fashioned Fourth
Peterborough — beginning at 10 a.m.
The Monadnock Center for History and Culture will host a daylong celebration featuring an ice cream social, old-fashioned games, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence by descendants of Revolutionary War patriots, a pop-up contra dance, an 1876-style baseball game and additional family activities.
More information: www.monadnockcenter.org
Open Garden Weekend
Walpole — 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Distant Hill Gardens will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours through its gardens. The wheelchair-accessible Distant Hill Nature Trail remains open daily from dawn to dusk, and private guided tours are available by appointment. Admission to the gardens is $10 for adults.
More information: www.distanthill.org
Historical Society Of Cheshire County America 250 Celebration
Keene — 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Historical Society of Cheshire County will celebrate Independence Day with activities at three Main Street locations. Visitors can tour the “Beyond the Battlefield” exhibit, participate in hands-on colonial crafts and games, tour the historic Wyman Tavern, enjoy demonstrations by traditional artisans and hear patriotic music from the Colonial era.
More information: www.hsccnh.org
Community Street Dance
Peterborough — noon-1 p.m.
As part of Peterborough’s America 250 festivities, a free outdoor contra dance will be held from in front of the Peterborough Town House. Lisa Sieverts will call the dance while Perin Ellsworth-Osanya and Ben Hemmendinger provide live music.
More information: www.monadnockfolk.org
Reading Of The Declaration Of Independence
Jaffrey — noon
Jaffrey’s historic Meetinghouse will once again host its annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence beginning at noon. Community members will each read a portion of the document before an ice cream social in the Horsesheds. Historic buildings and antique fire equipment will also be open for visitors.
More information: www.jaffreychamber.com
Antrim Celebrates America 250
Antrim — noon-4 p.m.
Family-friendly activities highlighting colonial life will take place at Shea Field. The celebration includes historical displays, traditional games and food available by donation.
More information: www.antrimnh.org
America 250 Cultural Fair Time Capsule Ceremony
Jaffrey — 2:50 p.m.
The Park Theatre will bury a community time capsule as part of its America 250 Cultural Fair. The capsule is scheduled to be opened for the first time in 2126 before being reopened every 50 years afterward.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Windham Philharmonic Independence Day Concert
Brattleboro, VT — 3 p.m.
The Windham Philharmonic joins the Brattleboro Post 5 American Legion Band for a free outdoor concert at the Winston Prouty Center. The patriotic performance includes music by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Antonín Dvořák and John Philip Sousa, along with a community reading of Emma Lazarus’ “The New Colossus.”
More information: www.windhamphilharmonic.org
United Church Of Jaffrey Strawberry Festival – Jaffrey
Celebrate Independence Day with homemade strawberry shortcake from 5 to 7 p.m. at the United Church of Jaffrey Parish Hall. The annual fundraiser features fresh local strawberries, homemade biscuits, whipped cream and beverages, with dine-in and takeout available.
More information: www.ucjcc.org
“1776” At The Park Theatre – Jaffrey
The Park Theatre will screen the award-winning musical film 1776 beginning at 6 p.m. The classic tells the story of the Continental Congress as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson work toward adopting the Declaration of Independence.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Contra Dance – Peterborough
The Monadnock Folklore Society will host an evening contra dance at the Peterborough Town House beginning with a beginners workshop at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing at 8 p.m. Live music will be provided by Windfish, with Luke Donforth serving as caller. Admission is offered on a sliding scale.
More information: www.monadnockfolk.org
Brattleboro Fourth Of July Celebration – Brattleboro, Vt.
Living Memorial Park will host an evening of live music featuring The Gaslight Tinkers before the community’s Fourth of July fireworks display. The band’s blend of traditional New England fiddle music with Afrobeat, reggae, funk and Latin rhythms kicks off the celebration leading up to the fireworks.
More information: www.brattleboro.gov
Sunday, July 5
America’s Potluck – Keene
Neighbors are invited to gather from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church pavilion for America’s Potluck, a nationwide community-building event celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share, although everyone is welcome whether they contribute food or not. Drinks, tableware and lawn games will be provided.
More information: www.americaspotluck.com
Sci-Fi Film Series: “Stalker”
Brattleboro, VT – 4 p.m.
The Latchis Theatre will continue its Sci-Fi Film Series with a screening of Andrei Tarkovsky’s acclaimed 1979 film “Stalker.” A community discussion will follow the movie. Admission is by donation.
More information: www.latchis.com
Bandwagon Summer Series: Las Guaracheras
Putney, VT – 6 p.m.
The Bandwagon Summer Series continues at Cooper Field with Las Guaracheras, an all-female salsa ensemble from Cali, Colombia. The performance blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz and traditional salsa in an outdoor concert celebrating Latin music and culture.
More information: www.nextstagearts.org