Weekly Roundup

Friday, May 2 The Firelight Studio in Peterborough continues their performances of "The Big Meal," a play about an ordinary family, honoring life's big and small moments as they experience love, loss and the unplanned with tenderness, humor and honesty. The 90-minute show traverses five generations of a modern family from final kiss to final goodbye. Tickets range from $20 to $40 at www.tickettailor.com/events/firelighttheatreworkshop. Performances are 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday through Sunday, May 18. Firelight Theatre is located at 70 Main St. #204, Peterborough. Saturday, May 3 "The most exciting two minutes in sports," the 151st Kentucky Derby, takes place on Saturday, May 3. Enjoy pre-race festivities and cheer along with a live broadcast at the Cooper Crossroad's 2025 Kentucky Derby Gala. Held at Elm Farm (149 Hurricane Rd., Keene) from 5 to 7:30 p.m., tickets include an array of hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets. A raffle, spirited hat contest and whimsical photo booth will add to the fun. All proceeds directly benefit Cooper's Crossroad. Tickets are $50 at the door; kids under five are free. At the Toadstool Bookshop in Keene, the New Hampshire Writers' Project will present a panel of authors discussing the topic of "finding hope in difficult times" on Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. While the discussion will follow the topic, the books of these authors fall into historical fiction, mystery and women's fiction genres. Authors include: Ann Goltz, Elizabeth Gauffreau, Helen DePrima and Craig C. Charles. Pump up your tires and take your wheels for a spin with the Monadnock Cycling Club at their season opener held at Frogg Brewing on Saturday, May 3. Monadnock Cycling Club is the region's largest cycling nonprofit, spreading the joy and benefits of bicycle riding, advocating for safer riding and hosting fun rides and events for fellow bicyclists. Rides for all abilities will leave from Frogg Brewing, 580 Sawyers Crossing Rd., Swanzey. Visit www.monadnockcyclingclub.com/events/upcoming for the ride schedule with specific times, distances and speeds for each ride. Thursday, May 8 Celebrate the next 9 trendsetters at the Keene Sentinel's 2025 Trendsetters event on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Keene Country Club, 755 West Hill Rd., Keene. Max Beebe, Alyssa Bender-Jesse, Michael "Mick" Blume, Lindsey Cushing, Neal Goldenberg, Gregg Kleiner, Kate Leversee, Kelsey Page and Ellen Taetzsch will receive the honor of the 2025 Trendsetter award for their positive influence in local business and communities. Tickets are $25, including light fare and a cash bar, purchasable online at: www.ticketelf.com/events/2025-trendsetters-5-8-2025/tickets.