Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was marked by several notable events in New Hampshire’s arts and entertainment scene, including the live debut of "Fraggle Rock," the 2025 Oscars, and the Exeter UFO Festival.
- The state’s music scene was thriving, with the BankNH Pavilion celebrating its 30th season and hosting big names like Shania Twain and Neil Young.
- The Palace Theatre’s production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was a highlight of the year, bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s vision to life with a raw, high-energy intensity.
- The NH Highland Games & Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary, attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest single bagpiping performance.
- Phish’s three-night performance at SNHU Arena was a major event, drawing over 30,000 fans and generating over $14.6 million in revenue for the city of Manchester.
Introduction to New Hampshire’s Arts and Entertainment Scene
The year 2025 was a remarkable one for New Hampshire’s arts and entertainment scene, with a wide range of events and performances that showcased the state’s vibrant cultural landscape. From the live debut of "Fraggle Rock" to the 2025 Oscars, and from the Exeter UFO Festival to the Palace Theatre’s production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," there was something for everyone in the Granite State. In this article, we will take a look back at some of the most memorable events of the year, highlighting the milestones, achievements, and unforgettable moments that defined 2025.
The Live Debut of "Fraggle Rock"
One of the most notable events of the year was the live debut of Jim Henson’s "Fraggle Rock" at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. This was a major milestone for the franchise, which had been around for over 40 years but had never been brought to the stage before. The show was a huge success, striking a careful balance between nostalgia and freshness and appealing to both longtime fans and new generations. The tour was inspired by both the original 1980s television series and its recent Apple TV+ reboot, and it was a testament to the enduring popularity of the Fraggles.
New Hampshire at the 2025 Oscars
Another notable event of the year was the 2025 Oscars, where filmmaker Robert Eggers, originally from Lee, earned four Academy Award nominations for his gothic period horror film, "Nosferatu." This was Eggers’s fourth feature film and his second time earning an Oscar nomination, and it was a major achievement for the state’s film industry. Eggers is known for his unique and often unsettling films, which have gained him a cult following and critical acclaim. His success at the Oscars was a highlight of the year and a testament to the state’s thriving film scene.
The Exeter UFO Festival
The Exeter UFO Festival was another notable event of the year, marking 60 years since the infamous "Incident at Exeter" when a teenager and two police officers reported witnessing a UFO. The festival brought together enthusiasts, skeptics, and curious visitors for panels, storytelling, and community activities centered on the paranormal and unexplained. One of the festival’s most popular features was its guided trolley tours, which took visitors to the site of the original incident and provided a unique glimpse into the state’s UFO lore.
Music and Theatre in New Hampshire
The state’s music scene was thriving in 2025, with the BankNH Pavilion celebrating its 30th season and hosting big names like Shania Twain and Neil Young. The pavilion partnered with Live Nation Entertainment to bring some of the biggest names in music to New Hampshire, and it was a major success, with an estimated 300,000 fans attending concerts over the season. The Palace Theatre’s production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was another highlight of the year, bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s vision to life with a raw, high-energy intensity. The show was a major achievement for the theatre and a testament to the state’s thriving arts scene.
The NH Highland Games & Festival
The NH Highland Games & Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest single bagpiping performance. The event brought together pipers from competitive bands, casual players, and even local fire departments, and it was a major milestone for the state’s cultural heritage. Although the record was not broken, the event was a huge success, with thousands of people attending and participating in the festivities.
Phish in Manchester
Finally, Phish’s three-night performance at SNHU Arena was a major event of the year, drawing over 30,000 fans and generating over $14.6 million in revenue for the city of Manchester. The event was a huge success, with fans coming from all over to see the band perform. The city’s businesses benefited from the event, with hotels, restaurants, and bars all experiencing a boost in sales. The event was a testament to the state’s thriving music scene and its ability to host major events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for New Hampshire’s arts and entertainment scene, with a wide range of events and performances that showcased the state’s vibrant cultural landscape. From the live debut of "Fraggle Rock" to the 2025 Oscars, and from the Exeter UFO Festival to Phish’s three-night performance at SNHU Arena, there was something for everyone in the Granite State. As we look forward to 2026, it is clear that the state’s arts and entertainment scene will continue to thrive, with a wide range of events and performances already planned for the coming year.