In the Lakes Region, there are arts and entertainment options to suit every style. There are intimate venues fitting a mere hundred people to a sprawling outdoor amphitheater. View original, locally crafted artwork or see professional actors perform your favorite musical. Or rock out at several live music venues.
Winnipesaukee Playhouse: For the last 14 years, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse has presented professional company theater shows. This season is themed “Around the World in 18 Plays.” Upcoming shows include Boeing Boeing, Charley’s Aunt, Mamma Mia!, Ghost, Master Harold and the Boys, Aida, Mary’s Wedding and The Little Mermaid. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org, 279-0333.
One Light Theatre: With casts featuring paid acting interns and volunteer community members, the nonprofit program offers shows year-round. The 2018 summer season features Steel Magnolias, Proof and Cabaret. Rome Theater, Tilton School, 30 School St., Tilton. onelighttheatre.org.
Interlakes Community Theatre:This professional summer stock theater operates out of the theater at Inter-Lakes High School. This summer season includes Evita, Show Boat, La Cage aux Folles and Newsies. 1 Laker Lane, Meredith. interlakestheatre.com, 707-6035.
Little Church Theater: On the shores of Squam Lake, the Little Church Theater is an intimate space that offers itself to plays, music and art. The 2018 season features The Letters July 12 to 14, the N.H. Fiddle Ensemble on July 17, Dearly Beloveds July 26 to 29, The Hairy Man Aug. 3 and 4, Donkilo on Aug. 14 and more. 40 Route 113, Holderness. littlechurchtheater.com, 968-2250.
Smitty’s Cinema:Watch your movie while eating dinner at Smitty’s. Tables and reclining chairs offer a different film-watching experience. 630 W. Main St., Tilton. smittyscinema.com/tilton, 286-4444.
Barnz’s Cinema: Three screens offer the latest movies in downtown Meredith. 38 Route 25, Meredith. barnzs.com, 279-7836.
Gilford Cinema 8: Near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, you can see new releases, sometimes with a 3D option. 9 Old Lake Shore Road, Gilford. yourneighborhoodtheatre.com/location/3850/Gilford-Cinema-8, 528-6600.
Weirs Beach Drive-In: Though originally slated for sale, the iconic drive-in movie theater was able to open for another summer season. The drive-in plays double features with the first at dusk and the second 10 minutes following the first.
League of N.H. Craftsmen Fine Art Gallery:Located throughout New Hampshire, the League’s galleries feature the work of juried members. They are places to browse, see the newest work from your favorite craftspeople, and find that special piece to give as a gift or add to your collection. Many galleries also provide craft demonstrations, exhibitions and instructional courses for the public. In the Lakes Region are two locations. 32 Main St., Sandwich. 29 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith. nhcrafts.org.
Meredith Sculpture Walk: Created by the Greater Meredith Program, view a curated annual exhibit outdoors as you stroll along the side of Lake Winnipesaukee. greatermeredithprogram.com/sculpture-walk.html.
Lakes Region Art Association:For more than 70 years, the association has been a supportive group for artists in the region. But only more recently, in the last three years, has the group opened a gallery for its members at the Tanger Outlets in Tilton. On view and for sale is a rotating display of photographs, painting and more. 120 Laconia Road, Tilton. lraanh.org.
Surroundings Art Gallery: The gallery hosts a number of artists. Most live full- or part-time in the area and have a genuine love for this part of New England and the skill to bring out that love in their art. Its goal is to provide a place to purchase fine art that captures the environment and lifestyle of New England. July through August open at 12 Main St., Sandwich. Year-round, 954 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough. surroundingsart.com, 284-6219.
Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts:Discover unique fine arts and American-made handcrafted gifts. 312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith. 279-9909.
The Lakes Gallery at Chi-Lin: After nearly 35 years on Lake Street in Meredith, the gallery recently reopened in a renovated 1780 farmhouse. Maine landscape artists Alec Richardson and Margaret Lawrence will be the first exhibit of the summer. 135 Eastman Road, Laconia.thelakesgallery.com, 556-9384.
Patrick’s Pub and Eatery:Though it’s primarily a restaurant, Patrick’s pub offers musical entertainment nearly every night and trivia on Mondays. 18 Weirs Road, Gilford. patrickspub.com, 293-0841.
Pitman’s Freight Room: The standalone function hall was once a storage facility for Pitman Manufacturing. Now it hosts weddings and other functions, plus live music every week. Seating is general admission and venue is BYOB. 94 New Salem St., Laconia. pitmansfreightroom.com, 527-0043.
Bank of N.H. Pavilion: Formerly known at Meadowbrook, the 9,000-seat amphitheater is a premier summer concert venue. Summer 2018 acts include Keith Urban, Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Jason Mraz, Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, Godsmack and Shinedown and Chris Stapleton. 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford. banknhpavilion.com, 293-4700.
Kingswood Arts Center:On the campus of Kingswood Regional High School is a state-of-the-art performance center. In addition to the school’s drama and music programs, it plays host to a variety of other acts, including the Wolfeboro Friends of Music, Great Waters Music Festival and several dance schools. 396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro.
N.H. Music Festival: Over the summer at a variety of venues, participating musicians present world-class performances of classical, symphonic, choral and chamber music. This year, the music starts July 10 with the first of the chamber music series, has about 30 shows, and ends on Aug. 11 with the Wolfeboro season finale, “Stravinsky, Sibelius and Rachmaninov.” 42 Main St., Plymouth. nhmf.org, 238-9007.
