KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Downtown Keene will come alive with creativity this weekend as the 34rd Annual Keene ArtWalk kicks off Friday, June 6.

Running through Saturday, June 15, the beloved outdoor art exhibit features more than 60 regional artists whose works will fill the windows of local shops, restaurants, and businesses along Main Street — turning the downtown into a self-guided gallery of paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, and mixed media.

The centerpiece of the week-long celebration is the Keene ArtWalk Festival Day thi Saturday, June 7, coinciding with the Taste of Keene food festival. That day, Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and Railroad Square will become a hub of hands-on art activities, artist demonstrations, and live musical performances from morning to late afternoon.

Saturday highlights include:

  • 11 a.m. – Morris Dancers bring traditional folk energy to the streets

  • 11:30 a.m. – Gavin Key and the Get Down return to deliver a high-octane blend of funk, blues, and rock

  • 1:30 p.m. – Danny Kamps performs his experimental, loop-driven solo set

  • 3 p.m. – Jeff Kolter: Know Your Program returns to mix avant-pop with poetic, surreal lyrics (joining Danny Kamps for a collaborative set)

Throughout the festival, visitors can explore work from both emerging and established artists, including:

  • Charlotte Lacoste, whose dreamlike landscapes channel quiet emotional depth
  • Shawn Durham, a muralist whose art emerged after a childhood injury sparked unexpected creativity
  • Robin Hayes of Solus Studio, who honors handmade craft and her father Robert Seaman’s whimsical legacy
  • Martha Behrens-Temple, co-founder of 17ROX, whose abstract work reflects a commitment to sustainability

The MAXT Makerspace will also participate, offering a glimpse into its 10,000 square feet of creative studio space in Peterborough and tools — from woodworking to 3D printing.

Pride Art Pub Crawl: June 12–29

Later this month, downtown will host the inaugural Pride Art Pub Crawl, celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists in a dynamic gallery experience organized by Keene Pride, the City of Keene’s Human Rights Committee, and Friends of Public Art. Launching Thursday, June 12 at Brewbakers/Nova Arts (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), the crawl includes art stops at Fireworks, Birdies, Otto’s, 17ROX, and Keene Public Library.

An after party at Madame Sherri’s (21-plus) begins at 8 p.m. with dancing courtesy of VJ Adam Quincy and a drag performance by Miss Ginger Soulless.

Follow Keene ArtWalk on Facebook for more information and updates.