Oct – Nov events pack Mt Washington Valley calendar
FROM SPOOKS TO SHOPPING TO SANTA & SKIING: OCTOBER & NOVEMBER CALENDAR IS PACKED EVENTS OF THE SEASON IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH
North Conway, NH – Tis the season for everything from Halloween to holiday shopping as we careen through fall and into the holidays in Mt Washington Valley. Snow has already fallen atop Mount Washington, as leaves turn and the Valley gets ready for ski season. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Plaid Saturday, Mt Washington Valley’s event calendar is packed with exciting opportunities and things to do, along with plenty of live entertainment from Blues to Folk.
Fridays & Saturdays, through October 28: Experience the Ghoullog and Haunted Playground at Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway: It’s been ten years of fear as Cranmore Mountain Resort is transformed into a haunted hallowed ground, offering something for every level of tolerance for the spookiness of the season. The Ghoullog is a 50- minute haunt featuring over 15,000 square feet of indoor space through a series of dark rooms, scary mazes and unknown places, plus an outdoor element which leads the unsuspecting through the dark woods with all the scares and screams you can imagine in one haunted attraction. This haunted experience is not for the faint of heart, and is best suited for the older kids. However, the Haunted Playground (Cranmore Adventure Center transformed into a Halloween theme) offers plenty of tamer Halloween family fun. Ride the Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing and Soaring Eagle Zip line. All Haunted Playground rides offer a unique night-time experience with special lighting, effects and the occasional ghost or ghoul when you least expect it. Age, height and weight restrictions apply. End the night in the Broken Skull Pub and stop by the Rotting Corpse Gift Shop for a remembrance of the spooky evening. For complete information on the Ghoullog and Haunted Playground, go to http://theghoullog.com.
October 1-31: info. Maps and ballots are also available at any of the participating businesses located throughout the Conway and Jackson Area of New Hampshire. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/1232/Return-of-the-Pumpkin-People.
October 10 – 15: Dancing in the Streets: Streetside Grand Opening at Settlers Green: Streetside, Settlers Green’s newest ten-store-and-restaurant addition, is poised to celebrate a grand opening that’ll get visitors dancing in the street. Starting on Tuesday, October 10, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and concluding on Sunday, October 15th, the Settlers Green Streetside Grand Opening festivities will include a full line-up of musical themed events, community celebrations, shopping specials, art unveilings, giveaways, fundraisers and a gala fireworks display, plus more. Dancing in the Street is the theme for the Grand Opening events, and that’s just what visitors will be doing throughout the celebration. Info & schedule: http://www.settlersgreen.com/events/dancing-in-the-street.
October 12, 13, 14: M&D Playhouse presents Last Romance: The last weekend for this play. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk–one that leads him to an unexpected second chance at love. The Last Romance is a heart-warming comedy about the transformative power of love. Presented at Your Theater in Willow Common, starting at 7:30pm. Food and beverage available. Info:www.mdplayhouse.com.
October 14: Bradley Backstage: Twanttown Paramours: The Bradley Backstage concert series presents the Twangtown Paramours at 7:30pm at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. This husband and wife acoustic duo is known for their well-crafted and award-winning songs, and fine harmonies. The concert will also feature special performances by select Fryeburg Academy student musicians who will work with the songwriting duo before the show. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Info: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.
October 15-31: All Things Pumpkin Festival, Jackson, NH: This festival includes two weeks of Business open houses, silent auctions, pumpkin tasting tours (check for dates), Return of the Pumpkin People displays the "New England & Jackson Invitational Pumpkin Carving Competition and the “All Things Pumpkin” Chef Competition. On October 21st only, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, take the “All Things Pumpkin Tour” on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Jackson Village, stopping at five properties (or more) where each rider receives a pumpkin treasure that consists of either a pumpkin edible or keepsake Info: Click here or call 603-383-9356.
October 20-22 & 27-29: All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express, North Conway: During these two October weekends, kids of all ages will not only enjoy riding the Conway Scenic Railroad train ride, but will go home with a hand-picked pumpkin too. On the last two weekends in October, special Halloween trains will go from North Conway to the "Pumpkin Patch" where each child will have the opportunity to select a pumpkin to take home. Costumes are encouraged. Info, schedules and fares: Click here.
October 20-21 & 27-28: Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Murder and mayhem add to the Halloween spirit on these two weekends, as adults attempt to solve the crime over dinner on the train. Board the train and gather together to celebrate the love of two brothers, three ex-wives, a brand-new bride and a killer thrown in for good measure. At this wedding “forever hold your peace” takes on a whole new meaning for one unlucky guest. The Conway Scenic Railroad presents an evening of fabulous food and entertaining Dinner Theater aboard the elegant dining car Chocorua or Hattie Evans. Passengers can participate as much or as little as they like in the tongue in cheek humor and zany antics that will keep everyone on their toes as they work the clues to determine the killer on board. The train departs promptly at 6:00. Plan to board early and enjoy a cocktail in one of our beautiful dining cars. Reservations are required. The $125.00 fare includes First Class seating for the 3-hour train excursion, a 4-course dinner, live theatrical performance by Arts in Motion Theater Company, taxes and gratuities. Beverage service is additional. Murder and mayhem is a formal affair, so dress the part and join the fun. This takes Halloween costumes to the next level! Call 800-232-5251 for reservations or more information.
October 20-22: New England and Jackson Invitational Pumpkin Carving Competition in Jackson, NH: Watch artists take regular pumpkins and carve them into something amazing in Jackson Village Park. Teams start any time after noon on Friday October 21 continuing through Saturday at 7:00pm, when judging begins. Winners and pumpkin lighting will take place on Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 PM. Once pumpkins have been lit and on display, the public can purchase their favorite and take it home. Selling of pumpkins will take place throughout Saturday evening and Sunday October 23rd until 2:00pm. Info: Additionally, throughout the weekend taste special pumpkin creations and kids can carve and create a uniquely decorated pumpkin and enter it into the kids’ creation competition. Info: Click here.
October 20: Lessons Learned in Pursuit of Everest: Mountaineer, Emmy award-winner, director, producer, and photographer from Mt Washington Valley, Thom Pollard will share untold stories from climbing Mount Everest at 7:00pm at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. This event is presented in support of sports medicine programs and services at Memorial Hospital. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted at the door. Seating will be limited, so reserve your place by registering online at http://tinyurl.com/MHEverest. Info: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.
October 21 & October 28: Silly, Spooky Halloween Extravaganza at Santa’s Village, Jefferson, NH: Celebrating its 8th season, Santa’s Village will be open from 11am to 5pm on these two Saturdays with plenty of family-friendly Halloween fun. Santa is usually around, not wanting to miss the festivities, to see all of the children in costume, and those thinking ahead to Christmas joined by the Silly Nilly Witch of the North stirring her own spooky brew. The entire Santa’s Village Park will be transformed into a magical Halloween adventure. There are "spooky" areas for the older children; some "fun" areas for the younger goblins. Shops cater to the Trick or Treaters, and it’s much more fun if you arrive in costume. Even the Silly Helpers are dressed for the occasion. Admission for the entire day is $27.00 per person, and children three and under are free. Tickets include all the rides and festivities for the day. Last ticket will be sold two hours before closing. Sorry, "Return Passes" are not offered during this event. Info: Click here.
October 21: Halloween Town at Purity Spring Resort, East Madison, NH: On October 21, the rustic cabins at the Purity Spring Resort’s Camp Tohkomeupog will be theatrically transformed, each with its own theme, ranging from kid friendly to downright spooky. The cabins make up the Trick or Treat Trail, with over a half-mile of lighted pathways winding throughout the camp. Visitors to Halloween Town are invited to stop at each cabin and grab a Halloween surprise (candy and souvenirs). In addition to the Trick or Treat Trail, the event also features a kid carnival, petting farm, food court, tethered hot air balloon rides, and more! This free event is made possible by the generous sponsors throughout the area. This special event benefits The Laura Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy. Info: Click here.
October 21: White Mountain Musical Arts presents Bold Riley: Starting at 7:00pm at First Church of Christ Congregational, North Conway, Bold Riley started as a simple music project among friends, but quickly gained momentum. Fiddle, guitar, banjo, accordion, bass and an ever-expanding list of percussion allow Bold Riley to provide a wide range of music to its listeners. Members take turns singing lead, and songs range from classic folk favorites to unlikely covers to rousing originals. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 and will benefit the WMMA and its many programs planned for 2017. Info: www.MWVEvents.com.
Oct 27-29: Wicked Woods of the Great North at Omni Mt Washington Resort: It’s a weekend of witches’ cauldrons, black cats, superstition, mischievous acts and spooky tales is fun for the entire family. Bring the spooky and cute costumes for the kids in your life; and for the adults get ready for the "Wicked" costume party in The Cave. Info: brettonwoods.com/wickedwoods.
October 28: Haunted Happenings at Settlers Green, North Conway, NH: Trick-or-treat at participating stores at Settlers Green Outlet Village. Kids age 12 and under are welcome to participate, accompanied by an adult. Orange signs (above) in store door windows indicate participating stores. While you’re there, visit the new Streetside expansion with 10 new stores. Info: Click here.
October 29: 22nd Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Party at Four Your Paws Only: From noon to 2:00pm, families and their pets can visit Four Your Paws Only in costume for some Trick or Treat fun. NEW this year: Pet Photos fundraiser for the Conway Area Humane Society. Prizes for Best costumes (pet and owner), and best pet trick. Sherlock “Bones” Mystery Scavenger Hunt around FYPO for kids and their pets. Bake your own Spooky Pet Treats in our Pet Bakery for kids (free) – Paint your own Pet Pumpkins ($3 donation that will go to Conway Area Humane Society) and Trick or Treat bags for pets and their owners will be offered too (free). Info: www.fouryourpawsonly.com.
October 29: White Mountain Milers Half Marathon & 5K: The White Mountain Milers in conjunction with the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce present the 32nd annual White Mountain Milers’ Half Marathon. Net Proceeds benefit the Gretchen B. Hatch Memorial Scholarship Fund. $1000 in prize money. 20% Military & 1st Responder discount. Stollers welcome. 9:00am start time. Post-race celebration with live music. Info: Click here.
October 29, November 12 &26: Blue Sunday at Red Parka: The Blues Series continues from 5:30-9pm with no cover charge. Musicians start out with "The Love Dogs", then James Montgomery & Bruce Marshall and Matt & The Barnburners, and H-Bomb. Info: www.RedParkaPub.com.
October 31: Connect A Pet New England’s FUNdraiser at Flatbread Company: Great food, lots of fun, and prizes too as Flatbread Pizza hosts a fundraiser night for Connect A Pet New England, . a dog rescue based in Albany, NH. Grab some pizza to refuel from trick or treating… Costumes are encouraged. Info: Click here.
NOVEMBER
Thurs, Fri, Sat through November 18: Twelfth Night by M&D Playhouse: See what happens to Viola, shipwrecked in a violent storm off the coast of Illyria; in the process she has lost her twin brother, Sebastian. She disguises herself as a boy and assumes the name Cesario for protection. Twelfth Night is presented at Your Theatre, Willow Common, Performances begin at 7:30 PM. Food and drink available. Info and reservations: www.mdplayhouse.com or (603) 733-5275.
November 2-3: Godspell 2012:Fryeburg Academy presents Godspell 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. The masterful retelling of Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz’s first musical sensation is injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Info: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.
November 5: Pet Portraits for the Holidays at Four Your Paws Only: Time for the annual Professional Holiday Pet Portraits with Photographer Gini Haines at Four Your Paws Only from 10:00am-3:00pm. Receive a 5×7 photo for only $10.00 or order a photo package. Kids, family members, and/or other friends can also be in the photos with your pet(s). Walk-Ins welcome, appointments preferred. Sign up early, appointments go fast! Info and reservations: www.fouryourpawsonly.com or 603-356-7297.
November 9 – 12: Bring A Friend Shopping Weekend at Settlers Green: The annual Bring A Friend Shopping Weekend is the biggest shopping event of the year at Settlers Green. Festivities include raffles every 30 minutes on Friday and Saturday of the event. On 2000 shopping bags will be given away with one lucky winner getting a $500 shopping spree and other small prizes scattered into additional bags. Special store offers are activated with a special wristband available at the event. In addition, there is entertainment, specials at local restaurants and packages at local hotels and inns in North Conway, and a photo booth. Special sales in the stores extend from November 3 through this event. Info and schedule: http://www.settlersgreen.com/events/bring-a-friend.
November 17: The Beatlemania Stage Show: Arts Jubilee presents the Beatlemania Stage Show at 7:00pm at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. This all-star cast of musicians, starring Ceili Rain’s Bob Halligan, Jr. as Sir Paul McCartney, will be performing the complete "fab four" experience—from the early Ed Sullivan days through the Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road eras, with original costume changes and authentic Beatles instruments! Tickets are $25 for general admission. Info: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.
November 17: 3rd Annual Skiers Open House at Great Glen Trails: Enjoy a fun evening of socializing, checking out new gear and clothing, trying out some fatbikes for free, and awesome door prizes from 4:00-8:00pm. You’ll be treated to Moat Mountain beer, wine and pizza on the house, 2017/2018 clothing and equipment preview, FREE Fatbike demo from 3:00pm – 6:00pm and loads of prizes. Info: Click here.
November 18: 15th Annual Volunteer Trails Day at Jackson Ski Touring: From 9:30am to noon help JSTF get ready for the ski season. Trail projects for all abilities. Your reward: fresh coffee and donuts to get you started in the morning followed by pizza and beverages to close out the day! Bring loppers and folding saws if you have them. Come kick off the season and get excited for another great winter. Info: www.jacksonxc.org.
November 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 & Saturdays in December through 12/16: Christmastime at Santa’s Village: Santa greets every child, and listens ever so attentively to all the wishes and wants of the season. Mrs. Claus joins in on the hospitality and offers some warm wassail for all their guests. If you visit, be sure to stay ’til after dark when the beautiful lighting throughout the park displays a sense of well-being and warmth on those cooler nights. Dress warmly for the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Christmas Ferris Wheel. As many as 18 rides are operating and the festivities are all geared to Christmas. Shops are open for holiday gifts and the classic 3-D show entitled "A Tinkerdoodle Christmas" will leave you laughing at the antics of L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle as he prepares Santa for his yearly journey on Christmas Eve. Info: Click here.
November 23: Purity Spring Thanksgiving Day 5K Trail Race: A great way to get ready for a day of eating! The 5K course is a trail race on rolling terrain over the beautiful, scenic Nordic trails at King Pine Ski Area, Purity Spring Resort. The fitness walk and kids fun run will take place on trails near the running race. It is open to all ages and abilities. Start time: 9:00am. Kids fun run, free, $20 for 5K (for pre-registered). More info and registration: Click here.
November 24-26: Black Friday and Shop Local Weekend: Stores open early and sales take place throughout Mt Washington Valley’s outlets, boutiques, craft stores and retail community. Look for plenty of savings at White Mountain Independent stores and retailers throughout the Valley. Info: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/thingstodo/shopping.cfm.
November 24, 25, 26: Santa’s Holiday Express: Santa is on board the Conway Scenic Railroad with his mischievous elves, who will share their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They’ll also take a picture of the whole family, so be sure to bring your camera! There are two train excursions, both to Conway: 11:30 and 1:30 to (about an hour round-trip). This event continues in December. Info, schedule, fares: Click here.
November 24-December 17: Traditionally Yours Jackson:Celebrate the Christmas and Holiday Season in Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and beyond. November 24th is the official start of the Jackson Area Christmas and holiday season with businesses offering open houses, holiday drink tastings, storytelling, fondues and more. On November 25th, Santa’s first visit will take place at 4:30 PM at the Jackson Village gazebo then on November 26th come to the annual Ole’ Fashioned Tree Lighting Ceremony with a special invite back to the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa for their annual open house at the Barn. The first 20 guests will receive a special Christmas hat. The Christmas & Holiday festivities continue over the next four weekends where you’ll be invited to Craft Fairs, Wine and Holiday Drink Tastings, Cookie Decorating, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tours, Breakfast Buffets, and more. Info and brochure: Click here.
November 25: Great Glen Annual Craft Fair: From 9:00am – 3:00pm, the aroma of freshly baked goodies welcomes you at the door, along with a craft raffle! Crafters take over the base lodge and are spread out on all three floors! Woodworking, photography, knitting, specialty soaps and lotions, jewelry, wreaths, and much more—including live demonstrations Your purchase supports our Great Glen Bill Koch League Ski Club. Info: Click here.
November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23: Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at Omni Mt Washington Resort: Bring the whole family to enjoy cocoa, holiday music and a holiday craft with Mrs. Claus. Decorate cookies and hear a holiday story read by Mrs. Claus too. Reservations required. $30 per person. Call Activities Concierge at 603-278-8989.
| November 25, 26, December 2,3, 9, 16, 17: Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour:Deemed a must do "Chocolaty Delicious" event by all who ride, each rider receives an average of 10 hand-made chocolates, a festive Christmas holiday bag for any chocolates not eaten on the tour, a Jingle Bell and an Austrian Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride through the Village of Jackson, NH. Sleighs run hourly from 11 AM – 4 PM on the days listed. Each sleigh can hold 10 people. There are at least 4 sleighs that go out per hour. Tickets are $25 each. More info: Click here. | |
More holiday events will be added to the calendar. From leaf peeping to shopping and holiday getaways, find all the resources you need for planning your Mt Washington Valley vacation at www.MtWashingtonValley.org. To talk to a vacation expert, call 800-D0-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). To learn more about vacation opportunities in New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.