GATHER, LISTEN, CONNECT

EVENTS AT THE WORD BARN & MEADOW

The Word Barn is an active and welcoming gathering space for the entire community to enjoy. It hosts a variety of events that are meant to celebrate the arts and foster community.

Enjoy the variety of offerings listed below, and come enjoy the Word Barn experience.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 
 

 EXPLORE EVENTS BY CATEGORY

 
 
 

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

During the warm months, we move our events outside to offer select open-air, and socially-distanced concerts in the beautiful Word Barn Meadow.

Find some handy FAQs listed below for more information about our two unique spaces, and about The Word Barn experience we all have come to love and celebrate.

FAQs

We are SO happy to be able to open up again and continue celebrating great events and community–thanks for being part of it! Please find a list of commonly-asked questions below.

  • Inside: Due to New Hampshire's high vaccination rate and significantly declining local hospitalization rates, we will no longer be requiring proof of vaccination for Word Barn entry, unless requested by the artist. Mask wearing is voluntary. Please continue to watch for communications on any protocol changes for upcoming performances, as they may change at any time.

    Outside: Per CDC guidance, no vaxx or mask requirements in our open-air, outdoor setting. Individuals who have not received COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended to continue wearing masks while on The Word Barn property.

  • All ticket sales are done online or at events. We are a small but mighty team, and do not have the resources to sell tickets over the phone or have a box office. If tickets are still available on the day of the show, we will sell them at the gate when doors open.

    Please note all sales are final.

    Inside, because space is limited, 1 ticket is required per seat.

    Outside, we take advantage of the extra space to give fellow parents a break, and kids 10 & under are free and do not require a ticket.

  • We are unable to issue any ticket refunds except for the following two circumstances:

    1. Show cancellation: if a show is cancelled and a reschedule date is not provided, The Word Barn will automatically refund all tickets AND credit card and ticketing fees for the cancelled show.

    2. Rescheduled show: if an event is moved to a new date due to inclement weather, artist illness, or any other reason, refunds will be made available to all ticket buyers by email request to hello@thewordbarn.com for a period of five days (5 days) from the announcement of rescheduling.

      After the 5-day window has closed, refunds will no longer be available and all remaining tickets will be automatically valid for the newly rescheduled date.

    Inclement weather: We are unable to issue refunds if an event happens, but is moved inside or to an alternative location due to inclement weather.

    VIP or NEMO chair reservations are non-refundable will be transferred to reserved seats within the rain venue. VIP or NEMO chairs may also be transferred to another event of choice (subject to availability) by email request to hello@thewordbarn.com for a period of five days (5 days) from the event date.

  • The Word Barn is not open outside of show hours. The property is a private residence and we kindly ask that you do not stop by unless you are visiting our self-serve honey stand.

    The Word Barn is located on our property at 66 Newfields Road, Exeter. GPS sometimes indicates the wrong side of the road, but we’re directly across from a GIANT red barn. Can’t miss it.

  • With the exception of comedy nights (adult content), all of our events are family friendly and open to all ages with no age requirement; you’ll often find our own kids working and helping out.

  • Friendly, happy leashed pets are most welcome when we are in the Meadow, but not when we are indoors (lack of space).

  • “Doors” open one hour before show time, for events in the barn and meadow. Please do not arrive before door time–we have lots to do to prepare and get ready, and no early-entry is allowed.

    The Word Barn is not open outside of show hours. The property is a private residence and we kindly ask that you do not stop by unless you are visiting AirBnB guests, or picking up your online merch order.

  • We have two parking areas. Come up the main driveway and you’ll be directed where to park.

    Parking is first come, first serve. Once the main parking area fills, we will place a sign at the end of our driveway directing you to park in the overflow lot accessed down the road. If you have mobility issues or want a super close spot, good to come early (but not before doors!).

    All parking is on grassy fields on our property and is within close walking distance from the entrance. It can get muddy when it rains, so please be prepared with appropriate footwear.

    Heads up: The Word Barn is located on a precarious corner of Newfields Road, so do take care pulling in/out.

  • Event check-in will take place in front of The Word Barn by name, no hard tickets or print outs required.

  • Seating is by general admission. In the barn: chairs are provided, as well as standing room. While there are chairs for most, if seats are key, please come on the early side.

    In the meadow: bring your own chairs and/or blankets. General admission.

    If you prefer to leave your chairs at home, rent and enjoy one of our NEMO Stargaze Reclining Chairs or fireside VIP seats for outdoor events. For any shows that are moved inside due to foul weather, this feature becomes reserved seats in the front rows.

  • We offer up a variety of dessert-y snacks and treats for you to enjoy - including things like cider donuts, popcorn, nuts, handcrafted chocolate, and when the weather is right, freshly squeezed lemonade and ice cream!

    Thanks to our sponsor, Ohana Kitchen, you can order delicious poke bowls and have them ready and waiting for you when you arrive (pick up from our bar!). Bowl options include: Ohana Classic, Spicy Crunchy Ahi, Miso Salmon, Northeast Chicken, and SoyJoy.

    Food orders can be made via PortsmouthNHTickets.com when you buy your ticket and will automatically be added to your order. Cut off is generally 11am the day of your event.

    During some of our warm-weathered events, we are happy to host the Up Street Food Truck that offers delicious and fresh New England comfort food. Feel free to email us to see if they are scheduled for your event.

    If you’d rather do dinner and a show via a nearby restaurant, check out our other sponsor and Exeter’s newest Gastropub, Epoch. Their food is fantastic, and be sure to give them a hello from The Word Barn!

  • You are welcome to bring food onsite, but not drinks or alcoholic beverages.

    The Word Bar will be open, with its usual tasty treats (local beers, hard cider, wine, seltzers, soda, water). Please consume responsibly and arrange for designated drivers as needed. (There’s Uber/Lyft in our area now too!)

  • We rarely cancel shows, but in the event of extreme weather, we do recommend that you check our Facebook page on the day of the show just in case.

    Please note that predicting weather is tricky, as is moving a show–there are a world of factors at play (how much set up time is needed, comfort level of performers, space needs, etc.) and we work hard to make the right call for everyone involved.

    We are blessed with a mighty stellar rain venue (inside The Word Barn), and, because we want everyone to be as safe as possible, we have decided that for now, proof of full vaccination is mandatory to enter indoor shows, (no exceptions, outside of kids 12 & under).

    At this time, negative COVID tests won’t be accepted. Please carefully note that should an outdoor event be moved inside, indoor policies apply with no exception or refund. There are limited covered and outdoor areas that can be used to view the event without entry.

    Things will change, improve, and change again–we’ll adjust, tighten, and amend this policy as needed; always putting you and our Word Barn family’s well-being front and center.

  • The Word Barn is located just outside of downtown Exeter - which features the cozy and charming (and historic) Exeter Inn - but is also within easy and quick striking distance of New Hampshire’s seacoast which offers a variety of hotels, inns, B&Bs, AirB&Bs, and campgrounds.

  • Taking photos and video is allowed and welcomed at The Word Barn, unless the artist objects (which we’ll usually announce at the start of a show). You are welcome to share with and/or tag us - we’d love to see you’re great shots. We love to use these and our own photos/videos for archival and promotional purposes - please note that by attending any of our events, you may be included or featured in a photograph, video or live record..

  • Why aren’t you answering the phone!

    We are a small, grassroots operation and don’t have the ability to handle phone inquiries / ticket orders - nor the margins to hire and properly pay staff to do it for us! Instead, we try to stay on top of email and text inquiries as best we can!

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

Interested to know who we’ve hosted at The Word Barn & Meadow in the past? Take a look.