KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Looking for something to do this weekend? From live concerts and contra dancing to circus arts and family-friendly safety events, there’s plenty happening around the region. Here’s a roundup of highlights.

Friday, May 2

Friday Night Flights
5:15-6:45 p.m., NECCA Trapezium, 10 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, Vt.
Take a swing on the flying trapeze in this all-levels class for ages 7 and up. Beginners will learn basic tricks, while seasoned flyers can advance their skills. Tickets $35.
Details: necenterforcircusarts.org

Brattleboro First Fridays & Gallery Walk
5-9 p.m., downtown Brattleboro, VT
The season kicks off with street closures on Elliot Street and Harmony Lot, turning downtown into a festive hub of art, food, and music. The outdoor beer garden returns, and live music on the Harmony Lot stage features Jatoba (6-9 p.m.). Food trucks (think lobster rolls, ramen, tacos, and gelato) line the streets, while extra fun includes Maypole dancing with the Morris Dancers, paper flower art-making at BMAC, performances by NEYT actors, the Cheshire Cats jump-roping team, and Vermont Armored Combat’s steel-clashing knights. Rain or shine!
Details: www.brattleboro.com/downtown/gallery-walk/

Dead Gowns, Rick Rude and Footings
7 p.m., Nova Arts, 48 Emerald St., Keene
An indie triple bill featuring Maine’s poetic Dead Gowns, Rick Rude’s dynamic rock quartet, and Eric Gagne’s Footings project. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30. All ages.
Tickets and info: novaarts.org

Isness Ensemble at Birdies
7-9 p.m., Birdies, 18 Main St., Keene
Local jam band Isness Ensemble makes their debut at Birdies. Tickets $15 online or at the door.
Details: birdieskeene.com

“The Big Meal” by Dan LeFranc
7-8:30 p.m., Firelight Theatre Studio, 70 Main St., #204, Peterborough
Firelight Theatre kicks off its run of The Big Meal, a poignant and humorous family saga spanning five generations. Tickets $20-$40.
Tickets: firelighttheatreworkshop.com

Rock Voices Spring Concert (Brattleboro)
7:30 p.m., Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT
Brattleboro’s community rock choir performs hits from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, and more, backed by a professional band. Tickets $10-$20.
Details: rockvoices.com

Saturday, May 3

Monadnock Humane Society Walk for Animals
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Joyce Athletic Field, Keene State College
Join animal lovers of all ages for this annual fundraiser supporting pets in need. Enjoy raffles, prizes, a Vendor Village, dog agility course, and a dog-friendly walk (leashed, vaccinated dogs only, please!). Walk kicks off at 10:30 a.m., with family activities continuing until 1 p.m. Bonus: Tito’s afterparty at Fireworks at 2 p.m. By donation ($5–$100).
Details: secure.qgiv.com/event/mhswalk2024/

Opening Weekend at Fort at No. 4
10 a.m., 267 Springfield Road, Charlestown
Celebrate the seasonal reopening of this living history museum with special events throughout the day.
Info: fortat4.org

Kiwanis Kool Wheels Family Fun and Safety Day
10 a.m.-noon, Keene Parks & Recreation Center, 312 Washington St., Keene
A free event promoting bike safety with helmet giveaways, bike checks, raffles, and emergency vehicle tours.
Details: keenekiwanis.org

Kentucky Derby Party
5-7 p.m., Elm Farm, 149 Hurricane Road, Keene
Watch the Derby live, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a hat contest, and raffles to benefit Cooper’s Crossroad. Tickets $30 advance, $50 at the door.
Tickets: eventbrite.com

Mark Erelli + His String Quintet
7-9:30 p.m., Monadnock Center for History and Culture, 19 Grove St., Peterborough
Acclaimed folk-rock singer Mark Erelli blends Americana with lush string arrangements. Tickets $30-$35.
Info: pfmsconcerts.org

Paula Poundstone
7 p.m., Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt.
Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone brings her sharp wit and spontaneous humor back to Brattleboro. All seats $49.
Tickets: latchistheatre.com

KSC Benefit Concert for Hundred Nights, Inc.
7:30 p.m., Redfern Arts Center, Keene State College, 90 Wyman Way, Keene
The KSC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers perform to raise funds for Hundred Nights shelter. Suggested donation $10.
Details: keene.edu

April Cushman
7:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey
Country singer-songwriter April Cushman, a two-time New England Music Awards winner, performs live.
Info: theparktheatre.org

Rock Voices Spring Concert (Keene)
7 p.m., Keene Unitarian Universalist Church, 69 Washington St., Keene
Keene’s community rock choir sings hits across genres, backed by a live band. Tickets $10-$20.
Details: rockvoices.com

Hovercraft Plays Funk
8 p.m., Harlow’s Pub, 3 School St., Peterborough
Groove to instrumental funk and jazz reworks of classics by The Beatles, The Doors, and more.
Info: harlowspub.com

Peterborough First Saturday Contra Dance
8-11 p.m., Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove St., Peterborough
Join this traditional New England folk dance with live music and a pre-dance workshop. Admission $12-$20 sliding scale.
Details: facebook.com/peterboroughcontra

Sunday, May 4

Star Wars Fest 2025
11 a.m., The Colonial Theatre, Keene
Celebrate Star Wars Day with screenings of the original trilogy on the big screen! Star Wars: A New Hope at 11 a.m., The Empire Strikes Back at 2 p.m., and Return of the Jedi at 5 p.m. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 youth (13 and under), or $50 day pass. No member discounts. Costumes encouraged!
Details: thecolonial.org 

Chicago: Teen Edition
Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m. & Sunday, May 4, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Moco Arts, 40 Roxbury St., Keene
Teens bring the razzle-dazzle in this adaptation of the classic musical set in the roaring 1920s. Follow Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they vie for fame, fortune, and freedom. Note: mature themes, viewer discretion advised.
Details: mocoarts.org