Southern New Hampshire presents an excellent oppertunity to see live music and theater, from hyper local to national acts.  Our proximity to Boston means it's quite easy for touring bands to throw in an additional show by driving an hour north.  From century old venues to new, accousticly designed spaces, we lay out the options below.

Tupelo Music Hall

Derry

(603)437-5100

Medium-sized venue with exceptional acoustics that hosts more than 100 acts a year.  Special comedy nights from time to time are a fun night out.  Full food and bar menu available.

Concord Center for the Arts

Concord

(603)225-1111

Two venues serving up a mix of local, regional, and national acts across all genres.  Musicals and dance are well represented here as well

Palace Theatre

Manchester

(603)668-5588

One-hundred-plus-year-old restored theatre in  the heart of Manchester.  Heavily focused on live theater with an exceptional youth program.  National comedy and music acts are also sprinkled into the calendar.  The Rex is a more intimate venue in a former movie house that hosts smaller capacity shows for regional acts.  The children's summer performances are geared toward the little ones and are quite a cheap way to entertain them for an hour or so.

SNHU Arena

Manchester

(603)644-5000

Indoor event arena with a capacity of 12,000.  From concerts to monster trucks to bull riding, SNHU hosts several events each month.  State High School hockey championships as well as regional NCAA Frozen Four games are held here as well.  

Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club

Portsmouth

(888)603-5299

Fairly new venue with a capacity of 600 and a very active calendar.  Genres run the gamut and any music lover is bound to find something of interest weekly.  Jazz and Blues offerings are unparalleled, but Folk, Classic Rock, and Pop are all represented.

The Stone Church

Newmarket

(603)659-7700

Set in a 150 year-old stone church, this is a must visit venue.  Fairly eclectic mix of music, they tend to catch acts on their way up to or down from the National level. Catch a weekend afternoon show when one is offered.  No better way to spend a fall afternoon.

Casino Ballroom

Hampton Beach

(603)929-4100

Seasonal venue(April til November) overlooking the beach that has hosted the likes of The Doors, Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin.   Worth visiting for the history alone, though with 50 plus national acts a year coming through, there is something for everyone.

Stumble Inn

Londonderry

(603)432-3210

Live music Thursday through Sunday with a friendly local vibe.  Great patio for the warmer months and definitely try the steak tips.

The Homestead

Merrimack

(603)429-2022

Beautifully restored barn turned pub with nightly music.  Weekday shows start at 5:30 and make a great after work meet-up option. When Marc Apostolides shows up on the schedule, make sure to go for a great show.    

The Goat

Manchester

(844)603-4628

Live entertainment 7 nights a week with a country twang.  Break out your boots for line dancing every Wednesday.  Open at 8 am Saturday and Sunday with live music and a surprisingly good brunch.  

The Shaskeen

Manchester

(603)625-0246

Irish pub with a back room that hosts local bands most weekends.  Comedy every Wednesday. The pub itself feels like it was lifted from the streets of Dublin and the food is quite good.  The traditional Irish staples are offered and very good, though go off the menu and ask for the Brie Baguette Sandwich.  You won't regret it.

Bedford off Broadway

Bedford

Community theater performed in the Old Town Hall.  Three performances a year featuring local residents. Tickets are reasonable and the acting is solid.  Auditions are open to all.

Ovation Theatre Company

Londonderry

(603)682-3582

With live productions, Summer camps for kids, and workshops for all, Ovation has a lot going on. Performances are at various locations around Southern New Hampshire and star youth to adult actors.

Dana Center for the Humanities

Goffstown

(603)641-7000

Set on the campus of Saint Anselm College, the center hosts classical theatre, dance programs, concerts, and speakers throughout the year.  The calendar tends to vary widely, and many events will be the only performance in the state

LOCALS TIP.  Friday night comedy at The Rex provides the most laughs per dollar spent in Southern New Hampshire.   Molly S.