Editor’sChoice

May 19-21

The Thing in the Spring > Founded in 2008, The Thing in The Spring is a legendary annual New Hampshire music and arts festival that works to bring the outside world in and connect myriad undergrounds in accessible ways. Originally in Peterborough, The Thing now calls Keene’s Nova Arts home. This year’s headlining acts include Bill Callahan, Mali Obomsawin Sextet, Guerilla Toss, Maria Chavez and more. $30-$75. Friday 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 to 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nova Arts, 48 Emerald St., Keene. novaarts.org. Yankee Publishing is a proud sponsor of this event

May 14

Rock ’N Race > Join more than 5,000 runners, walkers and volunteers participating in the largest charity race north of Boston. All funds raised at this event support Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. You can help by sponsoring a participant, volunteering, underwriting a service or making a donation. $30. 6 p.m., Concord State House, 107 North Main St., Concord. (603) 227-7162; giveto. concordhospital.org

May 14

Howie Mandel > Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series “America’s Got Talent,” where he has served as a judge for 11 seasons. He recently finished production on his new documentary “Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me.” In 2019, he released his first solo special in 20 years, “Howie Mandel Presents: Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club.” See Mandel in Portsmouth’s historic Music Hall. $52.50-$98.50. 7 p.m., The Historic Theatre at the Portsmouth Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

May 20

Exeter Arts & Music Festival > There’s no shortage of Seacoast-area festivals on the calendar this summer, but you can get a head start on the season with this fest from Town.Exeter.Arts. Music. There’s plenty of family programming, but this party is especially impressive with attractions like a rock climbing wall, an ecovillage and sets from hip local musicians to supplement the standard arts festival fare. $10. Swasey Parkway, Exeter. (603) 512-8396; teamexeter.com

May 20-21

Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair > Over 100 exhibitors will be displaying their handsome soy candles, wrought iron creations, macrame chairs and swings, cedar wood furniture, pottery and more. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Rd., Tilton. (603) 387-1510; joycescraftshows.com

May 27-28

Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair > Over 120 exhibitors will be displaying their fine jewelry, pottery, gourmet foods, quilts and so much more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Schouler Park, 1 Norcross Circle, Route 16, North Conway. (603) 387-1510; joycescraftshows.com

May 17

Bedrock Gardens 2023 Seasons Opens > This emerging public garden integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 37-acre site is transitioning from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration. Visit a garden that The Boston Globe described as “one of the most beautiful and intriguing landscapes in New Hampshire.” Plan your spring, summer and fall with some time in this oasis. Bring your family and friends outdoors. Order a box lunch or bring a picnic. $15. 19 High Rd., Lee. (603) 659-2993; bedrockgardens.org

May 28

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show at Hampton Beach > Bring a blanket and the whole family to kick off summer with this incredible fireworks display. 9:30 p.m., Hampton Beach, 115 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach. (603) 926-8717; hamptonbeach.org

May 28

Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival > The 33rd Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival features an entire community, family, fun-filled day in the park with so much to do throughout the day that the events have their own brochure. This free event features food, duck races, kids activities, traveling train rides, an incredible silent auction, live music from local favorites Al Shafner and Dennis & Davey and wares by local artisans on display and for purchase. The day’s events start at 8 a.m. and the first duck race goes off at 1:45 p.m. 18 Main St., Jackson. (978) 580-0905; visitwhitemountains.com

Find additional events at nhmagazine.com/ calendar. Submit events eight weeks in advance to Caleb Jagoda at cjagoda@nhmagazine.com or enter your own at nhmagazine.com/calendar. Not all events are guaranteed to be published either online or in the print calendar. Event submissions will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by a New Hampshire Magazine editor.