Manchester, NH, Makes It Easy to Get Involved
Manchester, NH, has numerous clubs and organized activities that make it easy for residents to get involved in their community and connect with others.
“If you are single or have just relocated here and don’t really have your own network yet, you can drop into these events and start to build relationships almost immediately,” says Amy Chhom, one of the organizers of the Manchester Bocce Club (more on that later). “I moved here 20 years ago, and I haven’t left because it’s a special place where you can easily make connections.”
Read on to find ways to get involved in Manchester, NH.
In This Article
Greater Manchester Running Club
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced long-distance runner (one member has participated in the Boston Marathon 30 times) or just a slogger of a jogger, the Greater Manchester Running Club provides a place where you can set your own pace. The club states that, “All runners are welcome, whether you are just getting off the couch and starting your running career, or you are a life-long marathon or ultra runner.” The club holds a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from track workouts for those who are actively training to improve their time to family fun runs for those who simply want to get a little exercise.
Bookery Manchester Book Club
While reading is often a solo activity, it’s also a great way to get involved in Manchester, NH. Ever since it opened in 2018, Bookery Manchester, a local bookstore, has offered a gathering spot for “creating experiences and connections within the community,” says founder Liz Hitchcock. In addition to regular author visits and a weekly Storytime & Crafts event, the Bookery holds a monthly book club. The selections for the entire year are posted on the store’s website, and participants can show up for the ones they find interesting. And if you are unable to finish the book in time? “Don’t worry,” the Bookery states. “Our discussions are based on plot and contextual directions. Read at your own speed and contribute at your comfort.”
Manchester Camera Club
This club states that is it a place for “camera-derie,” with photographers meeting once or twice a month to share ideas and offer advice. A subject matter is provided to members each month (i.e. cityscapes, sunrises/sunsets, etc.), and they can submit photos for feedback from the group to learn and improve. Members can also compete with other clubs through the New England Camera Club Council competitions. Special events are held throughout the year, including guest speakers, field trips, workshops, model shoots … you get the picture.
New Hampshire Girls Walking Club
This club is ideal for women who want to get together and enjoy the outdoors. The club’s goal is simply to give women the opportunity to make friends and stay active. The group meets weekly and monthly for walks, and participants are encouraged to wear something blue, that way everyone can locate one another. Members usually gather for coffee or food afterward. Keep track of upcoming events by visiting the group’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
Bocce Club
Chhom and some of her friends were discussing how to utilize area parks without doing anything overly physical, when someone suggested playing bocce ball, the Italian sport like horseshoes.
“The next thing you know, we have a bocce ball club,” Chhom says with a chuckle.
The group meets weekly, usually at Veteran’s Memorial Park or Arms Park, but it is organized in the loosest sense. In fact, the club’s motto is, “We have balls to share and no rules or cares,” making it an ideal way for newcomers to get involved and meet others in Manchester, NH.
“It’s just an easy way to create a sense of community while having some fun outdoors,” Chhom says.
QC Bike Collective Group Rides
The QC Bike Collective sells refurbished bicycles at an affordable price and provides the space and tools for community members to repair their own bikes. The shop also organizes regular group rides on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. The rides are usually about 10 miles, and according to the organization, they are “open to everyone, from seasoned veterans to riders who just dusted off their old bike after a long time.” Afterward, participants can gather at a local coffee shop or brewpub. The QC Bike Collective also organizes the annual Tour of Manchester. Its routes range from 8 to 30 miles.
Slam Free or Die
Playing off New Hampshire’s famous “Live Free or Die” motto, Slam Free or Die is a weekly poetry open-mic event held at Stark Brewing Co. The gathering is open to anyone who signs up, according to organizer Christopher Clauss, and first-time participants are given priority.
“We have a policy that a newcomer will always get to read. Then we give them a warm welcome for being brave enough to get up there,” Clauss says.
While the group’s primary goal is to promote poetry, Clauss says the gathering is also designed to foster community and help people get involved in Manchester, NH.
“If you show up by yourself, you won’t be by yourself for long,” Clauss says. “We get to know people pretty quickly.”
This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.