It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest weekends of the year in Portsmouth and beyond. Here’s the haps.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
Highlights of the Art ‘Round Town gallery walk in Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m. include several new exhibitions at the N.H. Art Association, “New Beginnings” (with works by Christopher Johnson) at 3S Artspace, a reception with artist Nadroj Nina Holmes at the Black Heritage Trail of N.H., and “Seacoast Abstractions” at Hearth Market.
Portsmouth NH 400 Book Launch
Portsmouth NH 400 is celebrating the publication of two books that look back on the commemorative events of 2023 — the city’s 400th anniversary. “History Lights Our Way” and the photography book “400 x 400” will be unveiled to the public during a special event at the Portsmouth Historical Society on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Music & owls at The Word Barn
Award-winning folk-rock outfit The Wolff Sisters kick off the weekend at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Purveyors of festive New Orleans music Soggy Po’ Boys follow on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($25). Then, on Sunday, meet regional raptor at Owls of New England from 3-4 p.m. ($0-$25). Learn more here.
Almanac Mountain EP release
Almanac Mountain, the alias of local composer and producer Chris Cote, is set to release his farewell album, “Almanac Mountain is Breaking Up with You.” He’ll celebrate with a concert featuring opener Summer the Winter at WSCA Radio’s Button Factory Stage in Portsmouth on Friday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
‘Romeo & Her Sister’ at NHTP
New Hampshire Theatre Project’s final production of the season tells the rarely told story of 19th-century actor Charlotte Cushman, who broke ground with her portrayal of Romeo alongside her sister as Juliet in Shakespeare’s most famous romance. It’s on stage in Portsmouth from June 7-23. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Bluegrass at The Dance Hall
With a new album due out later this year, acclaimed Boston-based banjo player, songwriter, and author Max Wareham will bring his touring band The National Bluegrass Team to Kittery for a lively concert at The Dance Hall featuring local opener Green Heron on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$22. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
As per usual, it’s gonna be a party at The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. Jazz Is Phish plays instrumental mashups of jazz classics and Phish songs on Friday at 9 p.m. ($20). Portland-based string trio Darlin’ Corey, led by accomplished fiddler and singer Erica Brown, follows on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Market Square Day in Portsmouth
Upwards of 150 vendors will set up shop in Portsmouth for Market Square Day 2024 on Saturday. Thousands of visitors to the city’s downtown hub will enjoy live entertainment, products, and food offered by artists, crafters, and merchants from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — alongside the annual Market Square Day 10K Road Race. Learn more here.
Newburyport Brewing Co. Birthday Bash
Newburyport Brewing Co. will celebrate 12 years of brewing with the release of its new Birdie Pilsner during a Birthday Bash on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. The party will feature live music from the Dwayne Higgins Band, Liz Frame & the Kickers, and Charlie & the Hustle, plus food trucks and kids’ activities. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Rockingham Groove at The Rockingham Ballroom
It should come as no surprise that The Rockingham Groove is a perfect fit for The Rockingham Ballroom. The 15-piece R&B dance orchestra will return to the Newmarket venue for a performance featuring hits by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, and many others on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $30. Learn more here.
McCue’s Comedy Club Anniversary Show
It’s been three years since local comedian Jim McCue set up McCue’s Comedy Club in the Roundabout Diner & Lounge and started bringing New England’s top stand-up acts to Portsmouth. The venue will celebrate its third anniversary with a hilarious lineup of comics on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Granite Youth Film Festival at The Music Hall
Youth change-makers from around the Seacoast will premiere original short films at the 11th annual Granite Youth Film Festival, raising awareness about preventable health problems they face in their community. It takes place at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5-$12. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.