Places to See
ATTRACTIONS
You'll find a host of things to do in Manchester from museums and cultural events to outdoor activities and plenty of family fun. Here are just a few ideas. For more ideas and information on local events and area attractions, visit the Manchester Information Center located in the heart of downtown Manchester on the corner of Elm and Merrimack Streets.
Museums, Galleries and Cultural Institutions:
America's Credit Union Museum
418-420 Notre Dame Avenue
Manchester
Phone: 603-629-1553
www.acumuseum.org
Visit the birthplace of America's Credit Union Movement and find out what it was like to live in America during the Great Depression. The Museum tells the human side of the credit union story in a way that inspires and personalizes the experience for its visitors. Open Mon., Wed., Fri., 10am-noon and 1pm-4pm.
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-669-6144
www.currier.org
The Currier is an internationally renowned art museum featuring European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture, including works by Picasso, Monet, O'Keefe, and Wyeth. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday-Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm, Open the first Thursday of each month 11am - 8pm, Closed Tuesday
Franco-American Centre
52 Concord Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-669-4045
www.francoamericancentrenh.com
This non-profit cultural organization preserves the rich heritage of the French communities in Manchester through exhibits and a variety of cultural programs. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm.
MAA Art Gallery
1528 Elm Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-785-6437
www.manchester-artists.org
The MAA Art Gallery is a juried, volunteer supported gallery showcasing two and three dimensional fine art from artists who are members of the Manchester Artists Association. Open Wed.-Sat., 10am-4pm.
Manchester Historic Association Millyard Museum
225 Commercial Street, Mill #3
Manchester
Phone: 603-622-7531
www.manchesterhistoric.org
The Millyard Museum offers visitors a unique view of Manchester's history from Native Americans who settled on the Amoskeag Falls to the employees of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company to today's businesses and residents. Open Tue.-Sat., 10am-4pm.
McIninch Gallery at Southern New Hampshire University
Robert Frost Hall, 2500 N. River Road
Manchester
Phone: 603-645-9635
www.snhu.edu
At the McIninch Art Gallery you will find a diversity of exhibitions devoted to the art of the region and beyond. Shows may coordinate with a variety of demonstrations, lectures, and concerts. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-3pm and Thu., 5pm-8pm.
Strawbery Banke
Marcy Street
Portsmouth
Phone: 603-433-1100
www.strawberybanke.org
Strawbery Banke Museum offers a glimpse into life in New Hampshire's oldest seacoast neighborhood and the people who called this area home for nearly four centuries. Self-guided tours May-Oct., 7 days a week, 10am-5pm.
Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright
201 Myrtle Way
Manchester
Phone: 603-669-6144
www.currier.org
The Zimmerman House was designed in 1950 by American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is owned by the Currier Museum of Art. It is the only Wright house open to the public in New England. Reservations can be made by calling the Currier Museum.
Performing Arts:
The Acting Loft
153 Concord Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-666-5999
The Acting Loft is southern New Hampshire's only year-round production company dedicated to offering the highest quality theatre performances and education to students of all ages.
Capitol Center for the Arts
44 South Main Street
Concord
Phone: 603-225-1111
www.ccanh.com
From BB King to The Mikado, the Capitol Center for the Arts brings world-class entertainment to New Hampshire along with a fabulous array of the finest in variety, spectacle and star power.
Dana Humanities Center at Saint Anselm's College
100 St. Anselm Drive
Manchester
Phone: 603-641-7273
A state of the art regional performing arts center located on the campus of Saint Anselm College, the Center presents a full season of world-class professional performing artists.
Manchester Choral Society
PO Box 4182
Manchester
Phone: 800-639-2928
www.mcsnh.org
An auditioned community chorus known for creative programming and high quality performances of great classical works with orchestra and soloists.
Manchester Community Music School
2291 Elm Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-644-4548
In addition to providing outstanding music instructions for all ages, the Manchester Community Music School offers a number of community programs and performances throughout the year.
New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra
83 Hanover Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-647-6476
www.nhpo.com
The NHPO is a community-based organization that is one of the nation's oldest orchestras and performs five concerts a year including symphonic and pops concerts.
Opera New Hampshire
PO Box 3426
Manchester
Phone: 603-647-6564
www.operanh.org
For ticket information call 668-5588.
Palace Theatre
80 Hanover Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-668-5588
www.palacetheatre.org
The last of Manchester's historic downtown theatres, the Palace has earned a reputation as the city's premier performing arts institution, offering a wide variety of theatre, dance, and music.
Outdoor Activities:
Attitash Bear Peak
Route 302
Bartlett
Phone: 603-374-2368
www.attitash.com
Attitash is a ski resort in the winter and offers alpine and water slides, horseback riding, mountain biking, and much more during the summer months.
Bretton Woods Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods
Phone: 603-278-8909
www.brettonwoods.com
Offering Alpine and Nordic Skiing in the winter, and golf, tennis and special events in the summer.
Candia Woods Golf Links
313 South Road
Candia
Phone: 603-483-2307
www.candiawoods.com
A premier public golf facility with multiple tee boxes, large contoured greens, spacious landing areas and lots of elevation changes.
Legends Golf & Family Recreation
18 Legends Drive
Hooksett
Phone: 603-627-0099
www.legendsgolfnh.com
Legends offers a driving range and a state of the art practice facility, a challenging 18-hole miniature golf course, and 7 batting cages, all illuminated for day and night play.
M/S Mount Washington Cruises
Wiers Beach, NH
Phone: 603-366-5531
www.cruisenh.com
The Mount Washington is an excursion ship sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee and offering narrated scenic cruises and dinner dance cruises from early May through October. During the Summer Season dinner dance and theme cruises are a nightly event. There are also discovery cruises and family days.
Owl's Nest Golf Club
Owl Street
Campton
Phone: 603-726-3076
www.owlsnestgolf.com
A public course that has been included in the Top 100 Must Play Course List in New Enlgand.
Town Line Driving Range
6 Gilcreast Road
Londonderry
Phone: 603-645-0118
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
March:
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The annual St. Patrick's Day parade starts on Elm Street at the intersection with Webster and continues south along Elm to Auburn Street near the Radisson.
Phone: 603-623-1977
www.saintpatsnh.com
Location: Downtown Manchester
Dates/Times: March 18, 2007, 12noon
Price: Free
Made in NH Expo
The Made in NH Try It & Buy It Expo is the Granite State's Premier Expo, dedicated to showcasing the wide variety of quality NH products and services. This show highlights NH's diversity with more than 1,200 products, ranging from the latest in high technology to fine craftsmanship.
Phone: 603-626-6354
Location: Manchester. NH National Guard Armory, 1059 Canal Street
Dates/Times:
Friday March 30, 2007 1 pm-8 pm
Saturday March 31, 2007 10 am-8 pm
Sunday April 1, 2007 10 am-4 pm
Price: Tickets available at the door
April:
Open Doors Manchester
Open Doors Manchester is a unique collaboration of local arts and cultural organizations, galleries, museums, businesses, and the city of Manchester, aimed at encouraging multigenerational community participation in the arts. Open Doors Manchester celebrates the rich cultural opportunities in Manchester with coordinated openings, transportation, and written materials. Four times a year, beginning in April, on selected Thursday nights from 5 to 8 pm, visitors can hop on "Art Trolleys" that loop continuously to arts and cultural venues in downtown and on the east side of Manchester. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Phone: 603-644-8155 Ext. 103
Location: Various downtown Manchester venues
Date/Time: 5-8pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
June:
"Buskers on the Bricks"
Musicians, jugglers, dancers and more every weekday downtown rotating between City Hall Plaza and Hampshire Plaza.
Phone: 603-645-6285
Location: Downtown Manchester. City Hall Plaza & Hampshire Plaza, Elm Street
Date/Time: Monday - Friday, 12- 1pm June 1 - August 31
Price: Free admission
Farmer's Market
Thursday afternoons from June through October. This market features locally grown farm fresh produce, including certified organic, as well as baked goods, flowers and more, from approx. 30 vendors.
Phone: 603-645-6285
Location: Downtown Manchester. Concord St. between Chestnut & Pine Sts. (next to Victory Park)
Date/Time: Every Thursday from mid-June to the end of October, 3:30-6:00pm (rain or shine)
Price: Free admission
Jazz & Blues Festival
Approximately 17 musicians and bands play at this two day event, which also includes craft booths, food and sidewalk seating at local bars.
Phone: 603-668-5588
Location: Downtown Manchester. Hanover Street
Date/Time: 3-11pm each day, call for dates
Price: Call for admission fee
Strawberry Shortcake Festival
This annual celebration features free strawberry shortcake, historical guided tours, characters in 1800's era costumes, artwork exhibitions and installation art. The Valley Cemetery is located at the very heart of the city in an area that is the focal point of many lofty redevelopment plans. The Cemetery was established in 1841 and is the burial place for several founding families of the City of Manchester.
Phone: 603-647-7309
Location: Manchester. Valley Cemetery, Auburn Street
Date/Time: June 9, 2007 (rain date June 10), 9am-3pm
Price: Free admission
Open Doors Manchester
Open Doors Manchester is a unique collaboration of local arts and cultural organizations, galleries, museums, businesses, and the city of Manchester, aimed at encouraging multigenerational community participation in the arts. Open Doors Manchester celebrates the rich cultural opportunities in Manchester with coordinated openings, transportation, and written materials. Four times a year, beginning in April, on selected Thursday nights from 5 to 8 pm, visitors can hop on "Art Trolleys" that loop continuously to arts and cultural venues in downtown and on the east side of Manchester. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Phone: 603-644-8155 Ext. 103
Location: Various downtown Manchester venues
Date/Time: 5-8pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
July:
Summer Music Festival
"Thursday Night Live" Concert Series at Veterans Park
Come for live music every Thursday evening from July to early August in Veteran's Park.
Phone: 603-645-6285
Location: Downtown Manchester. Veteran's Park, Elm Street
Date/Time: Every Thursday from early July to early August, 7-9:30pm
Price: Free admission
August:
Latino Festival
The Festival includes a parade on Elm Street, live music and dancing from several Latin American countries, ethnic foods and arts and crafts among other events. The Latino Festival is now a major attraction in New Hampshire drawing audiences of up to 7,000 each year and growing. Not only does the Festival attract Hispanics/Latinos from throughout New Hampshire, it draws Latinos from Northern Massachusetts as well as members of the broader community from throughout the region.
Phone: 603-644-7023
Location: Downtown Manchester. Veteran's Park, Elm St.
Date/Time: 11am-8pm, call for dates
Price: Call for ticket information
Greekfest
Join in the festivities at this two-day Greek festival. A variety of Greek food and pastry are served all weekend. A Disc Jockey provides the music on Saturday and a live band plays Greek music on Sunday. Imported items from Greece, fine jewelry, crafts, and religious articles are available for sale. Other highlights include a children's corner, a multi-prize raffle, and a penny sale.
Phone: 603-623-2045
Location: Manchester. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Rd.
Date/Time: Sat. 11am-9pm; Sun. 11am-8pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
African - Caribbean Festival
This annual celebration of the culture of African Descendant community in greater Manchester features steel drum bands, hip hop artists, traditional African music and authentic Caribbean food.
Phone: 603-627-4631
Location: Downtown Manchester. Veteran's Park, Elm Street
Date/Time: 11am-6pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
September:
Art in the Park
Local and regional artisans display and sell their artwork.
Phone: 603-647-6227
Location: Downtown Manchester. Veteran's Park, Elm Street
Date/Time: call for dates and times
Price: Free admission
A Taste of Downtown
Come taste food from downtown's most delicious restaurants while visiting the retail stores and galleries that make downtown unique. Musicians, dancers and artists entertain on the sidewalks along the event route.
Phone: 603-645-6285
Location: Downtown Manchester. Elm, Lowell, Chestnut and Hanover Streets
Date/Time: September 12, 2007, 5-8pm
Price: Call for ticket information
Glendi
The largest Greek festival north of Boston. This three-day event features bands, dancing, Greek delicacies, Greek pastries, and children's games. Fun for all!
Phone: 603-622-9113
Location: Manchester. St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover Street
Date/Time: Fri. and Sat. 11am-11pm; Sun. 12-5pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
Open Doors Manchester
Open Doors Manchester is a unique collaboration of local arts and cultural organizations, galleries, museums, businesses, and the city of Manchester, aimed at encouraging multigenerational community participation in the arts. Open Doors Manchester celebrates the rich cultural opportunities in Manchester with coordinated openings, transportation, and written materials. Four times a year, beginning in April, on selected Thursday nights from 5 to 8 pm, visitors can hop on "Art Trolleys" that loop continuously to arts and cultural venues in downtown and on the east side of Manchester. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Phone: 603-644-8155 Ext. 103
Location: Various downtown Manchester venues
Date/Time: 5-8pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
Fall Charity Festival
This event takes place along the banks of the Merrimack River and includes a road race in the morning with all day festivities, food, and more.
Phone: 603-625-4444
Location: Manchester. Milly's Tavern, 500 Commercial Street
Date/Time: September 15, 2007, 12-8pm
Price: Call for ticket information
Deerfield Fair
New England's oldest family fair. This four-day event features agriculture activities and demonstrations, horse shows, a pig scramble, oxen pulling, a large midway, 4 H exhibits, diverse musical entertainment and much more
Phone: 603-463-7421
Location: Deerfield. Deerfield Fair Grounds
Date/Time: September 27-30, 2007, Thu/Fri/Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-7pm
Price: Call for admission fee
October:
Craftworkers' Guild Harvest Fair
The gift and gourmet shop, featuring the juried works of about 40 artists and craftsmen, offers customers an opportunity to browse and shop for unusual items for home or for giving. Featured crafts include jewelry, woodenware, pottery, stitchery and quilting, folk art, crocheted and knitted items, pressed flowers, home accessories, candies and other goodies.
Phone: 603-472-3426
Location: Bedford. Kendall house, gray house at back of lower parking lot of Bedford Library, on Meetinghouse Road off Route 101
Date/Time: Daily in October, 10am-4pm
Price: Free admission
Falling Leaves Arts & Crafts Show
Don't miss this wonderful two day arts and crafts show with over 100 exhibitors displaying handcrafted jewelry, hand-painted furniture, New England photography, wearable art, fine art, Americana folk art, wooden toys, pottery, silk and dried florals, holiday decor, and lots more! Take I-93 to I-293 Exit 6 Amoskeag Bridge and follow signs.
Phone: 603-528-4014
Location: Manchester. Manchester State Armory, Canal Street
Date/Time: 10am-4pm both days, call for dates
Price: Call for ticket information
November:
Open Doors Manchester
Open Doors Manchester is a unique collaboration of local arts and cultural organizations, galleries, museums, businesses, and the city of Manchester, aimed at encouraging multigenerational community participation in the arts. Open Doors Manchester celebrates the rich cultural opportunities in Manchester with coordinated openings, transportation, and written materials. Four times a year, beginning in April, on selected Thursday nights from 5 to 8 pm, visitors can hop on "Art Trolleys" that loop continuously to arts and cultural venues in downtown and on the east side of Manchester. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Phone: 603-644-8155 Ext. 103
Location: Various downtown Manchester venues
Date/Time: 5-8pm, call for dates
Price: Free admission
The Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Show
Do your holiday shopping at this wonderful arts & crafts show with over 125 fabulous exhibitors! Some of the arts and crafts include handcrafted jewelry, stained glass, gift baskets, wearable art, tapestry totes and pocketbooks, leather items, quilts and quilted items, New England photography, hand-painted glassware, gourmet food items, herbal dips, scroll saw creations, metal items, and lots more!
Phone: 603-528-4014
Location: Manchester. Manchester State Armory, Canal Street
Date/Time: 10am-4pm, call for dates
Price: call for ticket information
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT
Family Fun:
Charmingfare Farm
744 High Street
Candia
Phone: 603-483-5623
www.visitthefarm.com
Visit the Charmingfare Farm barnyard and "hands'on" petting area or follow the paths into the woods to see wildlife exhibits including many of North America's greatest predators. The Farm has various demonstrations and activities throughout the year, including horse-drawn hayrides and sleigh rides.
Open May - Oct. (Columbus Day), 10am-4pm.
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
2 Institute Drive
Concord
Phone: 603-271-7831
www.starhop.com
The Planetarium, is a living memorial that combines Christa McAuliffe's dream of traveling through space with her dedication to teaching. A 92-seat theatre offers shows that blend computer generated effects, video, slides and music into an awe-inspiring experience. Exhibit area open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12pm-5pm. Call or check the website for show times.
Cinemagic Stadium Theater
11 Executive Park Drive
Merrimack, NH
Phone: 603-423-0240
www.zyacorp.com
With comfortable chairs in stadium style seating, Cinemagic's twelve screens provide the perfect movie-going experience.
Hot Laps Karting Center
197 South Sugar Hill Road
Weare, NH
Phone: 603-529-2929
www.hot-laps.com
Hop behind the wheel of these super-fast karts and experience the adrenaline rush. Hot Laps Karting Center provides championship class kart racing, and classes with European karts at the finest kart racing facility in New England. A ½ day youth racing school program is available for ages 7-17 during April (Spring) vacation weeks, Saturday mornings, and weekdays, June through August. Check the website for details. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Open weekends for competition program.
Massabesic Audubon Center
Audubon Way
Auburn
Phone: 603-668-2045
www.nhaudubon.org/sanctuaries/massabesic.htm
Come explore the outdoors. Open Tue.-Sat. 9am-5pm.
SEE Science Center
200 Bedford Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-669-0400
www.see-sciencecenter.org
Discover the fun of science exploration through more than 60 hands-on exhibits including interactive science & technology exhibit areas for all age groups, science discovery areas for young children, and inventor's workshops for youth. Open Mon.-Fri. 10am-3pm, Sat.& Sun.12pm-5pm.
Stadium Ten Pin
216 Maple Street
Manchester
Phone: 603-625-9656
Ten pin bowling.
Stonyfield Farm
10 Burton Street
Londonderry
Phone: 603-437-4040
www.stonyfield.com
At Stonyfield Farm you can take a Yogurt Works tour and see how yogurt is made, taste free samples of their Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt, and explore a gift shop filled with cow paraphernalia and made-in-New Hampshire country crafts. Open Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-5pm.
Parks and Playgrounds:
Adam D. Curtis Skateboard Park on Maple Street between Valley and Auburn Street.
Arms Park on the east side of the Merrimack River, south side of Notre Dame Bridge.
Bronstein Park between Hanover and Amherst Street, and Union and Beech Street.
Derryfield Park on Bridge Street between Mammoth Road and Belmont Street.
Laffayette Park on the corner of Notre Dame Ave and Amory Street.
Livingston Park on the Daniel Webster Highway north. Take exit 9 off I-93.
Pulaski Park on Bridge Street between Union and Pine Street.
Raco Theodore Park on Head Street off Varney Street.
Rock Rimmon Park on Mason Street.
Stark Park on North River Road.
Veteran's Memorial Park on Elm Street between Central and Merrimack Street.
Victory Park between Concord and Amherst, and Pine and Chestnut Street.
Wagner Memorial Park on Maple Street between Prospect and Myrtle Street.
SPORTS
As far back as the early 1800's, sports have been an integral part of the Manchester scene. One of the earliest documented sports to flourish in the city was baseball. On April 23, 1860 the first organized baseball game was played in Manchester and shortly thereafter official baseball clubs were formed and games were being played on fields throughout the city. The Amoskeag Textile Club, a social and athletic organization of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, played a vital role in the growth of Manchester baseball and the region's economy by organizing local teams and by spending over $35,000 in 1913 to renovate a park in order to create a first class athletic park known today as Gill Stadium. The park brought major and minor league teams to the city and helped drive new industry in Manchester. Today local sports teams continue to be a vital component of Manchester's economic development while offering the added benefit of creating additional entertainment options and great family fun for residents of the city and neighboring towns.
In the last three years two new sports teams have set up establishments in Manchester, helping families rediscover the treasures of downtown. On April 15, 2004 the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a double-A baseball team and affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, kicked off their first season at a renovated Gill Stadium. In that first year the team drew hundreds of fans and won the Eastern League Championship. In 2005 the team moved to their new home - a brand new stadium along the Merrimack River. Merchantsauto.com stadium provides unobstructed views from each of its 6,500 seats and great family fun at a reasonable price (tickets range from $4 to $12). The park also offers a number of fully furnished luxury suites that are available for 1-5 year leases or nightly rentals.
On April 10, 2004 the city also experienced its first ever arena football game between the Manchester Wolves and the Quad City Steamwheelers. Arena football is football played indoors at Manchester's own Verizon Wireless arena. The sport offers all the excitement of regular football in a controlled "weather-friendly" environment. Pre-game shows often include musical performances by local artists, photos with the Wolves' mascot, and games for the kids.
Since 2001 Manchester has also been home to the Manchester Freedom, a women's tackle football team that is part of the Independent Women's Football League (IWFL). In August of 2005 the city hosted the IWFL Championship game. With IWFL teams in five of the six New England states, Manchester was an ideal location choice. The Freedom Director of Events, Becky Steed, points to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, the many hotels, restaurants and shopping in the area, the "stellar football facility" and the tax free status of the state as benefits to holding the championship in Manchester.
In 2007 the Manchester Monarchs Hockey Club, a member of the American Hockey League (AHL) and affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, will launch its sixth season at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The team has developed an avid fan base, drawing more fans to its games over the last four seasons than any other team in the AHL. Tickets ranging from $13 to $18.50 for adults and $10 for children make this a fun and affordable night out. And for the Manchester Monarchs, that is what it is all about. Their mission is to offer exciting professional ice hockey action and family entertainment at affordable prices, and by entertaining 1.4 million fans over the last five years, they have more than accomplished that mission.
Finally, soccer fans will be happy to know that New Hampshire's only professional soccer club, the New Hampshire Phantoms, play all their home games in downtown Manchester. The Phantoms franchise was born in 1996 and reached the National Semi-finals the following year. The franchise is made up of the Phantoms, a men's Pro Soccer League team, the Lady Phantoms, an amateur women's team, and 14 youth teams which compete in the National Super Y league and play games throughout the region.
Sports Information:
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