Hey, Granite Staters. Happy Friday!

You might’ve noticed I’ve started including events for both this weekend and next weekend at the bottom of the email. One of our readers, Ron Rayner, suggested I send these event emails on Wednesdays instead of Fridays to give everyone more time to plan. What do you think? Hit reply and let me know your thoughts!

Here’s what I’m covering in today’s newsletter: 

🎶  What to know about Record Store Day in NH

🌸 Top events for your calendar

The best things in life are FREE, just like this newsletter. Subscribe here and pass this message along to a friend. 

Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images

Record Store Day is Saturday and New Hampshire’s indie record shops are gearing up for a busy day.

Record Store Day launched in 2008 by a group of passionate record store owners. It has grown into a global celebration since then—honoring the culture of independent music shops, fans, and artists who keep vinyl alive. Artists release exclusive, limited-edition vinyl and special reissues, often with surprise drops that can only be found at participating stores on Record Store Day.

For Michael Cohen, owner of Pitchfork Records in Concord, it’s the busiest day of the year. 

People line up outside his store starting at 5:30 a.m. and wait until the store opens at 8. 

“Normally we have 79 to 90 people waiting in line to get in,” Cohen said. “They get here early if they want it.”

This year’s lineup is stacked, with releases. Cohen anticipates Taylor Swift’s 7-inch single with Post Malone will draw more people than normal.

Other popular releases this year include:

🎶Post Malone’s exclusive tribute to Nirvana, livestreamed during the 2020 pandemic.  
🎶 Reissues of the first three Harry Potter soundtracks
🎶 Limited singles from Charli XCX and Billie Eilish
🎶 Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band box sets
🎶 Wicked: The Soundtrack 

Pitchfork Records will be handing out free coffee and donuts, but beyond that, it’s all about the music.

“There’s always something for everyone,” Cohen said.

See the complete list of releases. If you are a collector or music enthusiast, here’s where you can find participating stores in New Hampshire. 

With the rise of Airbnb and similar platforms, should New Hampshire do more to regulate short-term rentals—especially when it comes to things like housing shortages, neighborhood concerns, and local taxes?

👉 House Republicans pass budget, slashing funds and expanding school choice
In a series of mostly party-line votes Thursday, House Republicans approved a $15.36 billion, two-year state budget that spends $643 million less than the proposal Gov. Kelly Ayotte unveiled in February. The plan eliminates several state agencies, including the Office of the Child Advocate, and expands education freedom accounts. Democrats criticized the plan as harmful to essential services like reproductive health care and higher education, warning it could drive up costs for residents through proposals such as Medicaid premiums. The budget goes to the Senate Finance Committee next. (NH Bulletin)

👉 Maura Sullivan launches campaign for congress
Maura Sullivan, a Marine Corps veteran and former Obama administration official, announced she’s running for Congress. She previously ran in 2018, but was defeated by Chris Pappas in the Democratic primary. The seat is open since Pappas announced he’s running for US Senate. (WMUR)

👉  NH health officials report record number of flu-related deaths
There have been 71 flu-related deaths so far this season—the highest number recorded in the state since tracking began 30 years ago. (WMUR)

This weekend

🏴 Indoor Scottish Festival
Manchester, April 11-13
Famed fiddler and violist Anne Hooper will be a judge in the fiddle competition and give a fiddle workshop.
More info

🍽️  Portsmouth Restaurant Week
Portsmouth, April 10-19
Over 30 restaurants offer special three course prix fixe menus. You’ll need to make a reservation.
More info 

🎨 HanUnder Art Festival
Hanover, April 11-12 
This event celebrates the range and creativity of Dartmouth student art. 
More info 

🌸 Atkinson Spring Psychic Fair
Atkinson, April 12
This event will feature local artisans, readers, and more.
More info 

🌼 Nashua Easter Craft Fair
Nashua, April 12
Support local businesses while browsing a variety of craft vendors.
More info

🍲 3rd Annual Chilly Chili & Cornbread Cook Off to benefit the Chocorua Public Library
Tamworth, April 12
Bring your best recipes and compete in professional, home, or kids categories for People’s Choice prizes—and a shot at being crowned grand champion. 
More info

Next weekend

🐰 Easter Bunny Express
North Conway, April 19-20 
Hop aboard at the North Conway rail station. There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, Easter-themed rail cars, and a treat from the Bunny himself.
More info

🌼 Homes and Hearth Guided Tours
Portsmouth, April 12-13 and April 19-20
Tour four historic homes.
More info

🚚 The Lakes Region HOME SHOW
Belmont, April 18-19
The event kicks off with an outdoor expo on Friday. On Saturday, there will be a food truck festival featuring The Home Plate Curbside Food Truck in front of Belknap Marketplace. There will also be a Touch-A-Truck exhibit with construction vehicles, emergency rigs, tractors, and more.
More info

⚾ Harrisburg Senators v. New Hampshire Fisher Cats 
Manchester, April 19-20
More info

🐰 Easter Egg Hunt
Belmont, April 19
There are 4,000 treat-filled eggs to collect. Gathering bags will be provided, or you can bring your own.
More info

🥚 Jackson’s Easter Spring Extravaganza
Jackson, April 20
The 2nd annual EGGstravaganza is a multi-property easter egg and treasure hunt. Parents can pick up a map and brochure listing all participating locations. Request your brochure map in advance by emailing Kathleen@JacksonNH.com. 
More info 

💵 New Hampshire Coin and Currency Expo
Manchester, April 18-19
New England’s biggest money show since 2003, featuring over 200 tables and 120+ dealers from across New England, New York, New Jersey, and beyond. Buy, sell, trade, or get a free appraisal from expert numismatists. 
More info

Do you or your company want to support Granite Post’s mission and showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of more than 60,000 subscribers at the same time?

Contact advertising@couriernewsroom.com for more information.