This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in in New Hampshire including dance camps and weekends along with other events in New Hampshire which include contra dancing and these other forms. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Albany: Dances at Tin Mountain Conservation Center's hall at 1245 Bald Hill Road in Albany. There will be a potluck supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dance starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. and running through 9:30 p.m. Admission will remain at $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $15 for families. All dances are taught. Dances will be scheduled third Saturdays of the month through next May. Call 603-447-2295 or 207 -625-3334 for more information. Web site: (possible) http://www.tinmountain.org/.
Albany - World Fellowship Center: A few dances a year at the Center, 368 Drake Hill Road. Dances begin at 7:30pm. Web site: http://www.worldfellowship.org.
Antrim: Quarterly series of dances at the Antrim Town Hall. Dances go from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family. Food will be sold to help support the cost of the musicians. This quarterly dance series is intended for new and seasoned dancers. Families are welcome. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 588-3121 or antrimrecreation@tds.net. Web site: None.
Barrington - Natural Heritage and Agricultural Fair: Held in late August at the Warren Farm with a variety of events and activities. Web site: http://agfair.wordpress.com/.
Bridgewater - Old Home Day Dance: At the Old Town Hall at 8:00pm. For more information: Email: icalldance4u@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Center Harbor - Summer Acoustic Music Week 1: It's a week of instruction in voice, song-writing, fingerstyle and flatpicking guitar, blues styles, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, sound reinforcement, music theory & singing and more (a little dancing) held at Lake Winnipesaukee in late July. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.wumb.org/samw/.
Center Harbor - Summer Acoustic Music Week 2: It's a week of instruction in voice, song-writing, fingerstyle and flatpicking guitar, blues styles, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, sound reinforcement, music theory & singing and more (a little dancing) held at Lake Winnipesaukee in late August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.wumb.org/samw/.
Charlestown: Dance at The Fort at No. 4 267 Springfield Road (RT 11) from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets: Single $10.00; Couple $15.00. Period costuming is welcome, but not necessary. Web site: http://www.fortat4.org/.
Concord: Dances on the 3rd Saturday of the month (except July-August) at the East Concord Community Center, 18 Eastman Street. Beginners, singles, families welcome. All dances taught. Dancing starts at 8 o'clock and ends at 11. There's a Pepsi machine available but no water fountain so you might want to bring a bottle of your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Admission: 7 bucks for most folks, 5 bucks ages 15 to 25, free under age 15. Web site: http://homepage.nhvt.net/dwh/contra.htm.
Concord - Improvisation for Traditional Musicians: Workshop: Improvisation for Traditional Musicians at the Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall Street Concord, New Hampshire 03301 at 7:00 PM. Web site: http://www.ccmusicschool.org/.
Contoocook - Fiddleheads Acoustic Music Camp: Weekend music camp in early-mid September at Camp Methodios. The purpose of the Fiddleheads Music Camp is to teach and inspire musicians to play with each other in a band setting. Workshops on Saturday and Sunday mornings teach ear training skills, tunes, techniques of different styles and improvising tools. We form bands of various styles, practice playing with others and perform in an energy-filled Saturday evening concert. Jamming of various styles happens Friday and Saturday evenings. From blues to bluegrass, jigs to jazz, cajun to country and more!!! Register in advance. Web site: http://www.fiddleheadscamp.com/.
Contoocook - NH Acoustic JamCamp Weekend: Weekend music camp in early-mid September at Camp Methodios. The purpose of the NH Acoustic JamCamp Weekend is to teach and inspire musicians to play with each other in a band setting. The weekend features hours of jams, workshops and concerts throughout the day. We form bands of various styles, practice playing with others and perform in an energy-filled Saturday evening concert. Jamming of various styles happens Friday and Saturday evenings. From blues to bluegrass, jigs to jazz, cajun to country and more!! Register in advance. Web site: http://www.fiddleheadscamp.com/.
Cornish - Squares: Dance at Cornish Town Hall from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Suggested donation: $7 per person, $12 per couple or $20 per family. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/383537118408225/.
Dartmouth - Fiddle Workshop: Fiddle Workshop with Rhiannon Giddens at 5:30pm in Alumni Hall. $10. In this intermediate level workshop, the Drops' Rhiannon Giddens introduces Upper Valley fiddlers to her freewheeling, American old-time sound. Class focuses on rep and style, including Piedmont tunes of Joe Thompson. Some experience required. Space is limited, though all are welcome to observe. Register online at hop.dartmouth.edu or call the Hop Box Office at 603.646.2422 - Web site: http://hop.dartmouth.edu.
Deerfield: Dances at the Deerfield Town Hall, 6 Church Street on the 1st Saturday of the month from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 8 to 12. Bring snacks and sweets for the break. Contact 603 679-1915. Web site: None.
Deering: Annual dance in June. No other information available. Web site: http://www.deering.nh.us.
Dover: Dances on 1st Thursdays at Dover City Hall, 288 Central Avenue, from 8:00pm to 10:40pm. Guest musicians & callers welcome. Web site: http://www.nhcountrydance.com/music/lamprey.html.
Durham - Ralph Page Legacy Weekend: The Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend is held annually in Durham, NH at the University of New Hampshire in January on the weekend that ends with Martin Luther King Day. This weekend is named in honor of Ralph Page, who was pivotal in sustaining and reviving traditional contra and square dancing in New England. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nhcountrydance.com/music/rpdlw.html.
Durham - University of New Hampshire: UNH Contra Dance from 7:00pm - 9:30pm in University of New Hampshire, the Strafford Room in the Memorial Union Building at UNH, 83 Main Street, Durham, NH. Preferred parking for the Memorial Union Building is in Parking Lot C, on Mill Road. Web site: http://www.unh.edu.
East Alstead: New Floor Barn Dance, at 70 North Road in East Alstead. Mini Concert at 2:00 with Randy Miller and Gordon Peery (bring your own chair). Refreshments at 2:30. Contra Dance - 2:45-5:00. Web site: None.
Enfield: Family Barn Dancing at Enfield Community Center, Route 4, 5pm dinner 7pm Dance. Collaboration with Cardigan Mt Art Association. Donations Welcome. Sponsored by the NH State Council on the Arts. Web site: http://www.dacres.org/Workshops%20&%20Events.htm.
Enfield - Colonial Ball: Enfield will celebrate its 250th anniversary with a Colonial Ball. As part of a full weekend of events in celebration of Enfield's founding 250 years ago, a Colonial Ball will be held at the Shaker Museum's Stone Mill building at 8 pm. A full evening of music, dance and entertainments is planned and all are encouraged to participate in the dancing. A dancing master will teach all dances and no prior experience, fancy footwork, or partner, is necessary. Colonial or fancy dress is encouraged but not required (and comfortable shoes are a "must" for dancing!) Please join the Enfield community for a fun, elegant summer evening of music and dance from the colonial period. In addition to dancing, refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded. Admission is $20 per person for the entire evening. For tickets and information go to Enfield's Facebook page (accessible to all, not just Facebook users) for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets are also available at: The Enfield Shaker Museum, Enfield Town Offices or the Enfield Village Assoc. office on Main St. For further information about the event, contact Rebecca Stewart, 603-632-7731 orpngco@comcast.net, or with specific questions about the dancing, contact David Millstone,millstone@valley.netWeb site: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191121000916930.
Exeter: The 2nd Saturday dance in is held at the First Unitarian Society of Exeter (UU Church). There is a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm and the dance begins at 8:00pm. The cost is $6.00 with students admitted for $3.00 and kids under 10 free. To get to the dance, take Route 101 to Exeter, Route 108 to Exeter Center, to "Kiosk" (Bandstand), turn left, go up hill to Elm Street. Left onto Elm Street. The dance is at the SECOND church on the left, just before Court Street. For more information, telephone: 603-679-1915; Email: holt.e@comcast.net. Potluck desserts at the break. We dance EVERY month - even in the summer - just bring a fan! Web site: http://www.exeteruu.org/events.
Fitzwilliam: Dances are sponsored by the Fitzwilliam Recreation Department and are held at the Town Hall from 8:00pm to 11:00pm with an admission charge of $6 and $3 for children. Web site: None.
Francestown - Labor Day Festvial: Multi-day, multi-event festival held on Labor Day (U.S.) weekend in early September. Includes a dance. Web site: http://www.francestown.info/.
Franconia: Dances at the Franconia Town Hall on Route 18. Dances on 3rd Fridays from September to May start at 7:30pm and there is a $5 admission charge. For more information, contact David Van Houten at dvh@earthling.net. Web site: None.
Gilmanton: Dancing on 2nd Saturdays at the Historic Gilmanton Academy Building, just north of the corner of Routes 140 and 107 (on Route 107). Bring your friends. All are welcome. No partner necessary. Bring water and clean, soft soled shoes. Admission $7. Web site: http://unix.worldpath.net/~gtwood/.
Harrisville: Benefit dance for the the Marl-Harris Before and After School Program of Wells Memorial School. This program provides children with a fun, safe environment while parents are at work. Location: Wells Memorial School, 235 Chesham Road. Telephone: 603-827-3272. Time: 6:30-8:30 PM. Suggested Donation: $8.00. Festive food and beverages available! Web site: None.
Holderness: Dance from 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Squam Lakes Association Fisher Family Youth Activity Barn, US Route 3 Holderness. Cost: $8 per person (students and youth $4) Web site: http://squamlakes.org.
Hopkinton - Squares: Dances at the Hopkinton Library from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Web site: http://www.hopkintontownlibrary.org.
Isle of Shoals - Star Hampshire Traditional Music and Dance Weekend: Held off the coast of New Hampshire in mid-September. New England contras, squares, couple dances, group singing & great music. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nhcountrydance.com/music/star-hampshire.html.
Jaffrey: Family Contra Dance from 7:30 to 9:30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 3 Davidson Rd, just off 202, 2.6 mi N of Jaffrey, 3.6 mi S of 101. Proceeds are being used by the Quaker Meeting to support a sister church in Cuba. Web site: http://www.monadnockfriends.org/.
Jaffrey - Benefit for Gibara, Cuba Quaker Meeting: Location: Monadnock Quaker Meeting, 3 Davidson Rd., Jaffrey. Look for sign on east side of Rte. 202 about 3.5 miles south of Rte. 101/202 intersection in Peterborough, or 3 miles north of Jaffrey on Rt 202. (Phone at Meetinghouse: 532-6203). Dance is from 7:30pm-9:30pm. Cost: $5-$10 suggested donation. Families and children welcome! Refreshments provided. Please bring soft soled shoes for dancing inside. Questions? call Marisa 603-930-6780 or email: marisa.cawley@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Keene: Dances at on 1st Fridays from November (maybe October) through May at Heberton Hall in the Keene Public Library Annex, 60 Winter Street. Dances begin at 6:30pm and end at 8:30pm. Free Admission. Web site: http://keenepubliclibrary.org/.
Keene - Sophia's Hearth Family Center: Sophia's Hearth Family Center will host a family Contra dance. Tickets are $10 per person, or $25 per family, which includes dancing and dining on hearty soups provided by The Works Bakery Cafe. There will also be a silent auction featuring a variety of products. All proceeds will benefit the work of Sophia's Hearth Family Center. 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Rd. Call (603) 357-3755 for more information. Web site: http://sophiashearth.org/.
Keene - Stonewall Farm Appreciation Night: Come celebrate local farms, farmers and farming with celebration and fellowship. There will be dinner, drinks, music, and dancing. Everyone of all ages are invited to honor and celebrate the growers in our region. This is an event not to be missed! Event is from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Web site: http://www.stonewallfarm.org.
Keene - Frozen Farm Fest: Outdoor activities during the day; contra dancing, food, refreshments and a cash bar from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Web site: http://www.stonewallfarm.org.
Keene - Fiddle and Cello Workshop Monadnock Region Fiddle & Cello Workshop. Location: At The Starving Artist, 10 West Street, Keene, NH 03431. 1:00 pm Advanced; 2:00 pm Intermediate (and Advanced); 3:00 pm Beginner (and Intermediate and Advanced); 4:00-5:00 pm Contra Dance! Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Keene - Wyman Tavern Celebration Dance: The Wyman Tavern Celebration Dance will be held at the Historical Society of Cheshire County, 246 Main Street, from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. Dances from the 18th Century to the present will be called. Refreshments will be served. Period dress is encouraged, but not required. Admission is $8.00. From 7:00 to 8:00 pm, dancers are welcome to visit the Wyman Tavern to walk through one of the region's oldest and most historic homes. For more information, contact Kathy Schillemat at 603-352-1895 or hscc@hsccnh.org Web site: None.
Keene - Ralph Page Program: Living history presentation in which Adam Boyce will portray Ralph Page, the Dean of American Folk Dancing. Location: Historical Society of Cheshire County exhibit hall at 246 Main Street in Keene. Time: 7pm. Web site: http://www.hsccnh.org.
Kingston: Dances on 4th Saturdays at the Kingston Town Hall, 163 Main St., from 8 to 11 p.m. There will be a refreshment potluck during the break. Bring snacks to share and water to drink. Dancers are asked to bring a change of shoes, with clean soles, to help preserve the floor's finish. Admission is $8. For directions or more information, call Glenn at 772-5355 or glenncopp@rcn.com, Claire at 778-1514, Gale at 679-5448, or Sarah at 659-5612. Web site: None.
Lebanon - Waltz: First and Third Thursdays in October, November and December 2010 from 7-9 p.m. Cost: $5 per session at The old Carter Community Building (CCB), first floor gym, 1 Taylor Street. Web site: https://sites.google.com/site/waltzoutsidethebox/.
Lebanon - Family: Annual dance at the Lebanon High School from 7pm to 10:30pm. Dance takes place in the cafeteria. Family-friendly event for all ages. Great refreshments, and a pie auction follows the dance. Web site: None.
Londonderry: Dances on 2nd Fridays from January to September from 8:00 to 11:00 pm at the Londonderry Senior Center, 535 Mammoth Road. For more info: 603-529-1586 or weareampm@gsinet.net - Web site: None.
Loudon - Miles Smith Farm: Special Farm Day celebration at Miles Smith Farm, 56 Whitehouse Road, Loudon, NH. There will be music, food, hay rides and other activities during the day. Then there will be a contra dance and potluck supper at 7 PM. Web site: http://www.milessmithfarm.com/.
Lyme - Congregational Church: Time: 6:30 p.m., Neighborhood Potluck supper and contra dance. Contra Dances return to the Lyme Congregational Church (Route 10)! For many years the Fellowship Hall was the site of Upper Valley contra dances, but as the old floor deteriorated, the dances moved to other, flatter floors. On March 16th, we'll kick off the year-long 200th Anniversary celebration with the return of the contra dance in the recently renovated Fellowship Hall. Please help us spread the word, invite your neighbors, and attend yourself - all are welcome for this evening of food, fellowship, and contra-dancing! Web site: http://lymecongregationalchurch.web.officelive.com/.
Lyme - School PTO Fundraiser: We are on track to have our PTO fundraiser here in Lyme. Location: a 200 year-old barn at 122 Breck Hill Road in Lyme. Time: 5:30pm-10:00pm. Description: Family Dance with dinner (buffet), all levels welcome, fundraiser for the Lyme School PTO. Tickets are $15.00 per person $65.00 per family cap (family members only). Tickets include dinner and dancing. Reserving space for this great evening of good old fashioned fun is strongly recommended! Reservation forms are available through the Lyme School and Converse Free Library. Or contact Toni Gildone for an electronic version greene.gildone@gmail.com Web site: None.
Lyme - Square Dance - Celebration: A square dance to Celebrate Don & Julia Elder's 50th Anniversary. Dance is from 7:00-10:00 PM at the Academy Hall, Lyme Center Academy Building, 181 Dorchester Road, Lyme Center, New Hampshire. Contact Judy Elder at jelder2@earthlink.net for more information. Web site: None.
Manchester - 3rd Friday: Mill City Contra Dances at the Mill-Around-Dance Studio in the historic Waumbec Mill, 250 Commercial Street. Come dance in a refurbished mill building on wooden floors in a great hall. Introductory workshop at 7:30pm with the dance from 8:00pm to 11:00PM. Admission: $8 adults, $5 students, under 12 free. No partner necessary. All dances taught. Please bring soft-soled shoes. Air-conditioned hall. Contact Paul Lizotte at 603-595-4484 or plizotte at rivier dot edu. Web site: http://www.wordworthy.org/Mill_City_Contra_Dance/Mill_City_Contra.html.
Milford: Traditional Contra Dances in the Milford Town Hall Auditorium On the Oval from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. The Fourth Friday of Every Month. It is air-conditioned for summer dances. Contra dances, square dances, circle dances, waltzes. Easy to learn! All dances are called! No complicated dance steps to memorize! Come meet new friends! A smoke and alcohol free environment! No need to bring a partner! Families welcome! Admission $7.00, 1/2 price ages 6-12 (with adult), under 6 is free! Please bring another pair of soft soled, non-marking shoes to dance in, to preserve the wood floor. For further information, contact Frank Woodward at 603-487-2480 or nhdancecaller@aol.com or the Recreation Office at 603-672-1067. Web site: http://www.milford.nh.gov/?q=town/departments/recreation.
Milford - Techno Contra: Location: Milford Town Hall. There will be an intro sessions at 7:30. Dance from 8pm to 11pm. Please invite every one you know. It will be lots of fun. The dance cost $10 any questions please email Jenny@cgecorp.com or call at (603)732-7499. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/432498743486964.
Mirror Lake: There's a new contra dance option in the Lakes Region: a 4th-Saturday series in Tuftonboro running from January 2011 through April 2011, with further dances dependent on how the initial run goes. Dances will be at the Todaro Leadership Center at North Woods Camp, 144 Governor Wentworth Highway (Rt. 109), from 7 to 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $7 adults, $5 students, and $3 for youth 14 yrs and under. The dance is being generously sponsored by Eldridge & Gillespie, Made on Earth, and The Folk Cellar. Information on location: http://bostonycamps.org/todaroleadershipcenter - The series is presented by Wolfeboro's GALA (Global Awareness/Local Action) and the contact is Josh Arnold at 539-6460 or josh@galacommunity.org Web site: http://galacommunity.org.
Monroe: At Monroe Town Hall at 7pm. Web site: http://nipsmusic.net.
Nelson - Monday: Dances are from 8:00pm - 10:30pm every Monday. Donation $3.00. Free cookies. The Nelson Monday Night Dance is an informal dance featuring a variety of callers and musicians, from local regulars to visiting dignitaries. An effort is made to identify and welcome beginners, and several of our regular dancers are always willing to offer a few tips. But if you arrive at the dance and feel lost, don't hesitate to speak to the caller or someone else that looks like they know what they are doing. If you are musician and would like to play for a dance or two during the evening, speak to Roger Treat (or the caller if need help identifying Roger) - he is the official coordinator, and he will work you into the program (such as it is). If you'd like to sit in as a backup musician, you should ask whoever is playing at the time; some players are more receptive than others, and some may have tune sets that are more difficult to follow. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/?page_id=63.
Nelson - 2nd Saturday: The Nelson Town Hall enjoys a mythical status in the contra dance community. Chorus Jig, for instance, has been being called there since the days of William the Conqueror. Recently discovered documents suggest that the Pilgrims were not in fact feeling religious persecution, but were in fact coming to a contra dance in Nelson. They mistook Plymouth Rock for a frost heave in the Dublin-Harrisville-Nelson Road and got diverted. Going back even further, it is now believed that the mysterious circular design of Stonehenge was actually an emulation of a circle dance that Don Primrose used to call in Nelson (before he began to favor Lady Walpole's Reel). Regardless of the historical truth, dancing in Nelson today remains vibrant, attracting a wide range of folks from enthusiastic teens to old timers. Beginners are always welcome: each dance is preceded by a workshop customized to the needs of those in attendance. Workshop: 7:30; Dance: 8:00-11:30. Admission: $8 / $6 for seniors, students. No one will be refused admission to the dance on the basis of limited funds if that is truly the case. For more information, call Lisa Sieverts at 603-762-0235, or contrainfo@mondadnockfolk.org. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/?page_id=26.
Nelson - Christmas Night: Special dance at the Nelson Town Hall. Begins at 8:00pm. There will be a dessert potluck afterwards so bring treats. Admission is free - the Monadnock Folklore Society sponsors this dance as a gift to the community. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Nelson - New Year's Eve: It's the annual New Year's Eve potluck and dance at the Nelson Town Hall, taking place on December 31st. We'll begin with a dinner potluck at 7 PM, and then continue with contra dancing until it's time for fireworks at the pond. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Nelson - Winter Solstice Party: On a Saturday near the winter solstice (Northern Hemisphere), the Monadnock Folklore Society brings this community event to the Nelson Town Hall from 7:00pm to 11:00pm with an admission of $5. Treats are appreciated for the dessert potluck. Many times the evening includes a holiday concert. After the concert the chairs and benches are cleared to make way for a traditional New England Contradance. Unfortunately, or not, the dance is often interrupted by various groups of unsavory characters presenting their idea of seasonal entertainment. These diversions, sometimes involving costumed individuals making complete fools of themselves or performing ancient ritual dances to help us through this dark time of the year, are generally tolerated as once they are applauded and fed we can return to dancing the night away. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Newfound Lake - Floating Bridge Music Camp: Weekend music camp (no mention of dancing). Quebecois traditional music classes. Although sheet music may be made available from some of the tunes, the bulk of the teaching will be done by ear. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.jeremiahmclane.com/music-camps.html.
Ogontz - CDSS Family Week: Week-long camp featuring music, dance and other activities at Ogontz Camp in the White Mountains in early August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
Ossipee: Global Awareness Local Action (G.A.L.A.) is continuing its winter contra dance series starting in January, with a change of venue and occuring on the 4th Saturday of the month until April. Location: Ossipee Town Hall - Gymnasium, 55 Main Street, Center Ossipee NH 03814. Time: 7:00pm to 10:00 pm. All levels of dancer and all ages welcome. Cost: Adult: $7, Student: $5, Youth: $3. For more information contact: Global Awareness Local Action (G.A.L.A.) Telephone. 603-539-6460 Web site: http://www.galacommunity.org or http://www.facebook.com/#!/GALAcommunity.
Peterborough - 1st Saturday: The dances are held on the first Saturday of every month (excepting sometimes in August) at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street. The dance opens at 7:30 with a beginners workshop, and the dancing starts at 8:00. The callers and bands represent diverse choices from New England's finest. Admission to the dance is $8 / $6 for students and senior citizens. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/?page_id=30.
Peterborough - Fall Ball: Annual day-long dance event held in October at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street, featuring several bands and callers. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/.
Peterborough - Play Ball: Annual event held in April (to celebrate the beginning of the baseball season) at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street, featuring at least two bands and callers. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/.
Peterborough - Snow Ball: Annual day-long dance event held in January at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street, featuring several bands and callers. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/.
Peterborough - Thanksgiving Eve: Special dance at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/.
Peterborough - Civil War Ball: To launch its exhibit, The Civil War, the Peterborough Historical Society is presenting a Civil War Ball at 7:30 PM. This gala event is open to the public, and promises to be an instructive and entertaining evening. Dance will include circle, square, and longway set dances (as well as polkas and waltzes). Dancers are invited to appear in period costume, however this is not required, and everyone is welcome. While everyone will be encouraged to dance, those who are unable to should feel welcome to come and observe. The setting is the Peterborough Historical Society's Bass Hall, a lovely chestnut-paneled room that serves as an elegant venue for the dance. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is $12. It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance, as the capacity of the hall is limited. They are available from the PHS Website (click here) , or at the PHS office, 19 Grove St. in Peterborough, NH. For more information you may also call PHS at 603.924.3235. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Peterborough - Family: In earlier times, contra dancing, circle dancing, and other traditional dancing was a common way to pass the time, have fun, and socialize. For the opening of our spring exhibit, Children: Seen and Heard, the Peterborough Historical Society is delighted to host a family dance. On this evening we invite families and individuals of all ages to come and enjoy a variety of dances and singing games. You'll have a lot of fun, and by the end of the evening, without realizing it, you'll have learned a little history as well. Admission is free. Questions? Give us a call at 603-924-3235. Web site: http://peterboroughhistory.org.
Peterborough - Celebration of New England Contra Dance Music Honoring Bob McQuillen: Location: Peterborough Unitarian Church, corner of Main and Summer Streets Peterborough, NH at 11am. Name a musician or dancer who hasn't been influenced in some way by Bob McQuillen, patriarch of contra dance piano players. At this presentation, Gordon Peery will offer some brief narrative of the history of New England contra dance music, weaving in the role that Bob has played in both preserving and defining the musical traditions. But most of the program will be some actual music, presented by Old New England (Jane Orzechowski, Deanna Stiles, and of course, Bob himself). Web site: http://www.monadnocklyceum.org.
Plainfield - Squares: Dance is a part of Plainfield's 250th anniversary celebration. Dance is from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Plainfield Town Hall, Main Street (Route 12A). Web site: None.
Plymouth - Leaf Peeper Square Dance: Dance is at the Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 101 Fairgrounds Road, Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Information: cdkriebel@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Richmond - Blueberry Fiddle Festival: One day event held in mid-August: Our family festival has activities for all ages! Whether you prefer to sit and enjoy the music, participate in a sack race, stroll among antique cars, browse the crafts, eat special festival food, or strike up a converstation with an historical re-enactor, boo and hiss at the villain of a melodrama . . . you will find something to keep you entertained! Plenty of music with a dance at the end of the day. Web site: http://www.rbff.net/.
Rollinsford - Garrison Players: Garrison Players is celebrating 60 years of theater with a Family Hoe-Down to be held from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Garrison Players Arts Center (650 Portland Ave, Rollinsford, NH). Join in for an evening of food, fiddlin' and fun. The supper will feature ham, baked beans, cole slaw, corn bread, dessert and beverages. After supper, tap your feet to the music and calling. This promises to be a fun night out for the whole family so reserve your space early and don’t miss out. Tickets are $15/person, $25/couple, children 12 and under free. Tickets are available at Nicole's Hallmark in Downtown Dover or by calling the Arts Center at 603-750-4278. Web site: http://www.garrisonplayers.org/.
Sarbornville - Wakefield Opera House: Family contra dance at the Opera House, 2 High Street. Dance begins at 7:00 PM. Admission: $15.00; $12.00 Seniors. Web site: http://wakefieldoperahouse.org/.
South Londonderry: Barn Dance and BBQ - Let's Celebrate 100 Years of the Green Mountain Club and kick up your heels with us to celebrate a century of Long Trail stewardship! BBQ at 6:00, Contra Dancing at 6:30. $10 admisison to the dance; $10 BBQ dinner (please sign up by July 12) at the Fancy Grade Farm Barn, South Londonderry. This party kicks off our End-to-End Relay Hike, a 30 day series of day hikes covering the entire length of the Long Trail. This is a great opportunity to trek a new part of the trail, or return to your favorite stretch with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Sign up is open! For Dinner and/or relay hike registration. Please contact gmcevents@greenmountainclub.org or call 802-244-7037 x24. Web site: http://www.greenmountainclub.org.
Tamworth - Outing Club: Dances on various Saturdays at 8:00pm throughout the year at the Town House in Tamworth Village. Recommend that you call ahead to confirm dates. Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/tamworthoutingclub/.
Tamworth - New Year's Eve: Dance at the Tamworth Town Hall on New Year's Eve at 8:00pm. Web site: http://www.laufman.org/Schedule.htm.
Tamworth - Town House: Dance from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at the Tamworth Tonw House. Admission: $7.00 Adults and $3.00 Children under 15 years of age. Soft shoes only, please. For more info call 323-8023. Web site: None.
Thornton - Maple Sugar: Sugar on Snow and Square Dance at the Thornton School on Route 175. As in years past, we will begin serving the sugar on snow, pickles, punch, coffee and donuts at 7 PM so don't eat dessert before you leave home. We'll try to get the dance going at 8 or so. Volunteer musicians are welcome as always. Asking price for the whole evening is $8/adult and $3/kid (not yet in high school). This is the one fundraising event that the Grange holds each year and we have lots of help from others, for which we are very thankful. Some of what we raise goes for the Dictionary Project. Each year we provide local Third Graders with their own dictionaries that they can keep. Web site: None.
Warner: Dances on 4th Saturdays at the Warner Town Hall sponsored by the Warner Parks and Recreation Department. These dances are fun traditional dances that anyone can do. The dances have live musicians, and a caller who explains each dance. Dances start at 7:30pm and run until about 10 - 10:30. The admission is kept low to offer inexpensive, local entertainment. The money collected goes to pay the performers to come to Warner. Set up & cleanup is done by local volunteers to keep the costs down. $5 students/Seniors, $7 adults. Refreshments. Bring clean soft soled shoes Web site: http://jawsa.homestead.com/Contra7.html.
Warren - Moosilauke Ravine Lodge: There will be an all-are-welcome Contradance at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. Dinner is at 6:30 - call now to make your reservation 603 764 5858. Dancing to Follow. Contradancing is easy and all dances are taught. No Experience Necessary! Directions and info at - Web site: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~doc/moosilauke/ravinelodge/.
Webster - Squares: The Webster 4-H Steer Club is having their square dance at the Webster Town Hall from 7 pm to 10 pm. Admission is $7.00 for adults. There will be snacks and drinks to purchase. Let's support the 4-H Steer Club. It is always fun. Web site: None.
Wentworth - Squares: Traditional square dancing at the Wentworth Town Hall at the corner of East Side Road and Route 25, starting at 8:00pm on the 1st Friday of the month from October to June. Admission is $7, children $4. Web site: None.
Wilton - High Mowing Scholarship Fund: A Community Barn Dance (contras, squares) at High Mowing School from 7:30-10:00 p.m. All dancers and beginners welcome! Doors open at 7:00. Apple cider and desserts for sale. Tickets $5/person, Max. $15/ family. From Rt. 101 in Wilton take Abbott Hill Rd. south, at the top of hill enter High Mowing School driveway on the right, park up in the parking areas and dance will be in the Big Room in the Main Building. Proceeds to benefit High Mowing Scholarship Fund. We'd love to see you! Web site: http://www.highmowing.org/.
Wolfeboro - Great Waters Folk Festival: Day-long festival with guided jams, mini-concerts, a family barn dance, and culminating in a diverse evening main stage. Event held in late August. Web site: http://www.greatwaters.org/concerts/folk-festival.html.
Wolfeboro - New Year's Eve: Family dance is one of the activities during this afternoon and evening celebration. Web site: http://firstnight.wolfeboro.net.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.
**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.