Each week as Friday rolls around, I find myself thinking about how I want to fill my time for the next two days. Some weekends, I crave outdoor activity. Others, I search for new foods to try. The common thread between all my weekends is that I want to unwind, experience something new and feel a sense of community in the place where I live.
This column originated from a desire to showcase the arts scene in the area and developed into an opportunity to encourage others to interact with the arts in their own lives.
As I put together the list each week, I’m taking mental notes for my own weekend, too. Sometimes there’s not enough time in the day, but I’d go to everything if I could. I hope you take as many of my ideas as you can and turn them into plans that you share with your family and friends. After all, isn’t that what community is all about?
So, as we head into another glorious September weekend, here’s a selection of upcoming festivals and other opportunities to take advantage of while the weather’s still somewhat warm!
Saturday, September 20
It’s a jam-packed day for Concord! With so much happening, you might find yourself having to make tough choices on what to attend. No matter what you choose, it’ll be an all-around great time.
Start your day outdoors with a guided group hike at the Broken Ground trails, hosted by the Concord Trails Subcommittee. The 2.3-mile hike will take you on the Howard C. Nowell Trail. The hike begins at the trailhead towards the end of Curtisville Road. Visit the City’s website for more information: https://www.concordnh.gov/1033/Trails-Maps-and-Trails-Information.
Stroll to the State House lawn for Kids Music Fest, happening all day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Concord, the event includes performances from Miss Alli, Mr. Aaron Band, Miss Julieann, La La Squad and the Missing Piece, Himalayan Heritage Performing Arts Group and Music at the Blissful. For more info, check out https://www.mraaronmusic.com/kidsmusicfest.
For an astronomical amount of fun, check out Aerospace Fest at the Discovery Center anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The event promises a celebration of the many facets of STEM, as well as the wide range of companies, educational institutions and organizations that contribute to science education. There will be hands-on activivities, the debut of a brand new show at the planetarium, a talk from retired astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and far more. It’s an opportunity for the whole family to have a blast together. To learn more, visit https://www.starhop.com/aerospacefest.
Sunday, September 21
Head to Keach Park for the annual Multicultural Festival, a celebration of Concord’s diversity. The outdoor festival boasts a flag parade, musical and dance performances, food and artists and other vendors. It’s an event for everyone to come experience the many cultures present in our city, to connect with their neighbors and hopefully make some new friends.
The Multicultural Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing plenty of time to try some locally-made, internationally-inspired foods and participate in a celebration of multicultral pride. For more details, check out https://concordnhmulticulturalfestival.org/home.
Then, don’t forget to make your way to the State House for Sun Day Solar Fest, a gathering centered around clean energy running from 12-4 p.m. Sun Day Solar Fest features showcases of solar and wind power, along with musical performances by the groups No Planet B and The Fretbenders. There will be activities geared towards all ages, information tents, guest speakers and more. More information can be found at https://actionnetwork.org/events/sun-day-festival.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. More from me next week!
