Festivals

The Monadnock Area Artists Association sponsors Art in the Park each year over Labor Day weekend. It is a one-day public outdoor art show in the lovely garden walkways of Ashuelot River Park on West Street in Keene. This is a juried exhibition and attracts artists from all over New England to exhibit and sell their work.

Each year during the first week of June, crowds of school children can be found walking along Main Street in Keene and stopping at each storefront. The children aren't necessarily window shopping, instead they are participating in the annual Art Walk. More than forty store windows serve as a public gallery in this juried exhibit of local and regional artists. The free event is open to the public and features paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and furniture.

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.

On the last Saturday in July, area visitors are treated to a unique display of antique and classic cars. More than 125 vintage car owners participate in this downtown event and display their automobiles for enthusiasts to enjoy. The day also features food vendors and in-store specials.

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.

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.

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.

Since 2001 this event has been organized by the Keene Music Festival Team and the Keene Downtown Group to lend support and inspiration to local musicians through the creation and production of a free, day-long, outdoor performance event held in downtown Keene in late August. The musical performances are held at five stage areas and three sidewalk locations. Musicians of diverse styles and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

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.

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.