It’s a big weekend on the Seacoast, highlighted by an airshow, a seafood festival, a wine festival, a funk festival, and lots of live music and art. Here are some of the top local events.
2021 Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
More than 50 Seacoast restaurants will serve up seafood delicacies during the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival this weekend. There will also be craft vendors, sidewalk sales, culinary demonstrations, and live bands, plus a fireworks display on Saturday night and a Lobster Roll Eating Competition on Sunday. Hours are 1-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 (free for kids under 12). Learn more here.
Kaiti Jones & Izzy Heltai at The Word Barn Meadow
Two up-and-coming acts on the indie-folk scene will split the bill at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday night from 7-9 p.m. Singer-songwriter Kaiti Jones (filling in for Dead Gowns) will perform some new music, including a reworked song from her 2021 album “Tossed.” Singer-songwriter Izzy Heltai will share music from his new EP “Day Plan.” Tickets are $15, and Ohana poke bowls are available to order. Learn more here.
The Nth Power & Neighbor at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket is hosting two stellar shows this weekend. Funk and soul trio The Nth Power, helmed by Beyonce’s former touring drummer Nikki Glaspie and featuring local bass favorite Nate Edgar (of Groovechild fame), will perform on Friday from 8-10:30 p.m. ($20). Regional jam juggernaut Neighbor, founded by Pink Talking Fish keyboardist Richard James, will take the stage on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. ($25). Get tickets here.
Thunder Over New Hampshire at Pease
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other aircraft will perform dazzling aerial feats at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth this weekend. “Patriot Plaza” will be filled with aircraft displays, kids’ activities, commercial exhibits, dining and concessions, and more. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus an On the Tarmac benefit event on Friday at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Funk and Jam Out Festival in Newburyport
A lineup of New England funk and jam bands will gather outside the Newburyport Brewing Company for a celebration of live music on Saturday. The annual Funk and Jam Out Music Festival takes place in the brewery’s beer garden from 12-9 p.m. On the bill are Freevolt and Slack Tide, with a third act to be announced (Wild Adriatic had to cancel). There will also be food trucks, kids’ activities, and lots of delicious beer. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Vintage & Vine at Strawbery Banke Museum
Guests at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth can enjoy appetizers prepared by local chefs and wines offered by local brokers on Saturday. Vintage & Vine, Strawbery Banke’s biggest annual fundraiser, takes place on the museum grounds from 5-7:30 p.m., with a VIP hour starting at 4 p.m. Tickets to the fine wine and food festival are $75 for general admission or $120 for VIP passes ($25 or $35 for designated drivers). Learn more here.
‘FACES’ at The Art Center in Dover
For the first time since before Covid-19 restrictions went into effect, The Art Center in Dover is hosting a public event. On Saturday from 6-9 p.m., the gallery will throw a celebration featuring work by local artists and authors, with live music from Steve Carter and Amanda Dane. The current exhibit, “FACES,” features a colorful array of portraits in a variety of styles and mediums. Many of the artists will be on hand at the event. Learn more here.
The Ghost of Paul Revere at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival recently announced a surprise addition to its River House Restaurant Concert Series. Portland-based folk trio The Ghost of Paul Revere will perform at the waterfront park in Portsmouth on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. It’s the last concert scheduled in the festival this year (following a performance by Suzanne Santo and Dwayne Haggins on Friday night). There is a suggested donation at the gates. Learn more here.
The Silks at The Press Room
The Press Room in Portsmouth keeps the live music coming with a concert by Providence-based rockers The Silks on Saturday at 9 p.m. The band, which has twice been named “Blues Artist of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards, has supported national acts such as The Replacements, Drive-By Truckers, Deer Tick, The Sadies, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, G Love & Special Sauce, Marshall Tucker Band, and others. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Lindsey Buckingham at The Music Hall
On the cusp of releasing his new eponymous album, Lindsey Buckingham will play at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Buckingham is best known as the former lead guitarist and singer (along with Stevie Nicks) of Fleetwood Mac, for whom he wrote several hit songs, including “Go Your Own Way” and “Big Love.” He’s also made seven studio albums and three live albums as a solo artist. Tickets are $40-$75. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.