Festivals

KPL always has something going on. Visit us online or in person for free internet & wi-fi, classes, workshops, and events & a huge selection of books, CDs, & DVDs.

Each year, the Keene Public Library offers many hundreds of programs for audiences of all ages. Check out our online calendar for upcoming celebrations, lectures, discussions, performances, classes, workshops, exhibits, and more.

Voices of Xperience is a new business focusing on the power of words, the impact of sounds and the uniqueness of each individual and group. Using good sound equipment we help you to save those memories. We get and keep people talking, then we edit the words and sounds and judiciously make your creations come alive.

We provide and sustain a public venue where citizens of the Monadnock region can pursue artistic, educational and civic activities. The Center's goal is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community.

Supporting and promoting the performing and visual arts throughout New England.

Our mission is to bring artists together for collaboration, creation and community,
and to facilitate community events to give the public an opportunity to meet local artists.

A unique space and people dedicated to serving both artist and audience through performance, lecture, workshop, and gallery. Founded by Aaron Wiederspahn, Keri Wiederspahn, and Laina Barakat.

Your success is our business at the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce.

Mission
The Chamber’s mission is to be greater Keene’s leading advocate for a vital economy and vibrant community by serving as a vital link between business and community. The Chamber connects business and community by engaging the diverse segments of our regional economy to advance the commercial, industrial, educational, cultural, and recreational aspects of Keene and the surrounding area. In doing so, we create a better community in which to live, work, and raise a family.

One example of serving our community is to give back to them through the annual Keene Ice and Snow Festival. It is a free day of family fun and also supports our businesses in the downtown area. Highlights of the event are ice carving, snow sculpting, and snowboarding rail jam competitions. The main venues for activities are Central Square, Railroad Square, and behind the skate park on Gilbo Ave. Activities include Lil’ Tot Snow Slide, Downtown Scrabble, character photos, science demonstrations, Swampbats Snowball Throwing Clinic, and musical performances.

In 1981 KSC’s Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond opened its doors to serve the academic and community needs in the fine and performing arts. The RACBP schedules concerts, theatrical productions, dance concerts, recitals and art exhibits by the College’s academic programs and presents performances by outstanding professional artists in dance, theater, and music, attracting audiences from the Tri-state region.

The Redfern Arts Center is committed to bringing to the campus and the region professional artists of the highest quality and from the broadest possible range of races, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds through presenting performances, workshops, and educational outreach activities that foster a love and appreciation of the performing arts.

RAC highlights in recent years include an impressive roster of artists, residencies and collaborations. Among those highlights are performances by the Martha Graham Dance Company, I Musici de Montreal, Pilobolus, Shakespeare & Company, Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, Gamelan Galak Tika, Keigwin+Company, Turtle Island String Quartet, New Orlean's Hot 8 Brass Band, Aquila Theatre Company, Sandglass Theatre and Cambodia's Sovanna Phum's New England tour of The Story of the Dog, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Rubberbandance Group and much more.

Every year on a Friday evening in early December the Keene community kicks off the holiday season by lighting the tree on Central Square. The ceremony includes all the fixings of a great community celebration…there’s entertainment, a reading of the Polar Express, the fire truck arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and hot cocoa, and the ringing of the bells if you truly believe. It all leads up to the moment when the holiday tree is lit to the delights of young and old alike.

In 2003 the City of Keene established their eighth world record for the most number of lit jack-o-lanterns. The total count was 28,952. But the history of Keene's Pumpkin Festival dates back to 1991 and over the years the event and the number of pumpkins increased dramatically reaching its peak with the 2003 world record. Since then other cities have gotten into the act and have out- numbered Keene's pumpkin gathering contest. Yet, the spirit of the event continues to this day and each year the effort starts anew. The event is held on a Saturday in October and attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of food and product vendors.