LACONIA

Laconia is the principal city of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, set between Lake Winnisquam, Lake Opechee, and Paugus Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. It serves as the commercial and entertainment hub for the surrounding lake communities, with a revitalized downtown and the seasonal draw of Weirs Beach.

The Colonial Theatre Laconia, originally built in 1914 and reopened after a $14.4 million renovation in 2021, seats around 750 and anchors the downtown performance calendar. Lakeport Opera House programs concerts and events in the Lakeport village. Pitman's Freight Room hosts acoustic, folk, blues, and roots acts in an intimate freight-house setting. Weirs Beach adds a seasonal layer with summer concert series and festival programming, including Laconia Motorcycle Week.

Laconia runs on two speeds. Downtown has a year-round community audience that supports the restored theater and smaller rooms. Weirs Beach shifts into high gear from May through October, pulling tourists and weekend visitors who want beachfront entertainment with their lake vacation.

Tip: Downtown and Weirs Beach are separate areas about four miles apart. In summer, plan around both. Off-season, downtown is where you will find consistent programming.

Neighborhoods: Downtown • Lakeport • Weirs Beach