Sheesh, it’s getting hard to narrow this thing down each week — there’s just too much good stuff going on! Here are some of the highlights for Father’s Day Weekend.
Newington Summerfest 2024
Recently, you may have noticed a Ferris wheel outside The Mall at Fox Run. It’s part of Newington Summerfest 2024! There will be rides, games, food, and live entertainment on Thursday and Friday from 6-10 p.m., Saturday from 2-10 p.m., and Sunday from 2-9 p.m. Admission is $2; ride packages are $30-$40. Learn more here.
The Blue Mermaid 30th Anniversary
The Blue Mermaid continues its 30th anniversary celebration with a full weekend of live music and Caribbean-inspired food in Kittery. Featured acts include Martin England and the Reconstructed on Friday from 7-10 p.m., Elroy on Saturday from 7-10 p.m., and Sunday Brunch with MozEmbique from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free!
Victor Wooten at Jimmy’s
Five-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten is one of the finest and funkiest bass players alive, and it turns out his siblings are musically inclined, too. Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers will play four shows at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10-$105. Learn more here.
The Lone Bellow at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s River House Restaurant Concert Series begins on Friday! First up at the waterfront park in Portsmouth is Nashville-based folk-pop trio The Lone Bellow with guest Harrison Goodell, beginning at 7 p.m. There is a $15 suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Two jazz shows at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall is a hidden gem for world-class jazz and other genres, and it’s gonna be a jazzy weekend. The Kittery venue hosts the swinging Vintage Vocal Quartet (above) on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($17-$22), followed by New York City-based jazz pianist Dana Saul and his trio on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Live music in the Meadow
It will be a folk-filled weekend at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter. The Acoustic Nomads will showcase their blend of jazz, newgrass, and folk on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($22). And indie-folk band GoldenOak, led by the brother-sister duo of Zak and Lena Kendall, will take the outdoor stage on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
The Rigometrics at MrSippy BBQ
MrSippy BBQ will unveil its fantastic truck stage with its first outdoor rock ‘n’ roll show in Rochester this weekend. Maine-based rock trio Rigometrics — who Maine legend Dave Gutter (Rustic Overtones, Paranoid Social Club) called one of his “favorite bands to see live,” performs on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Summer fun at The Stone Church
It’s starting to feel like summer at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Americana group North Village Band returns with guest Corridor Management Plan on Friday from 7:30-11 p.m. ($15-$20). And local favorite Truffle serves up some early summer jams (with BBQ specials on the menu) on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Packed weekend at WSCA Radio
Portsmouth’s WSCA Radio is the place to be. Guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto presents “A Journey Through Strings and Stories” on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($20). Area acts The Orrs, Watson Park, and Five Feet share the stage on Saturday from 6-8:30 p.m. ($10). Then, Not Yer Mama presents the Drag Disco of Pride from 9-11 p.m. ($10). Sunday brings folk-country acts Wes Pearce, Jon Hatchett, and Hamilton Belk from 7-10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Sam Grisman at 3S Artspace
Sam Grisman grew up listening to his dad (mandolin great David Grisman) jam and record with his good friend Jerry Garcia in the early 1990s. The upright bassist is keeping that legacy alive with the Sam Grisman Project, which will perform at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Friday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
2024 Kittery Block Party
Come out and celebrate local art, culture, and food in a fun neighborhood atmosphere at the Kittery Block Party on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wallingford Square will be filled with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and vendors offering food, artwork, and other products — enjoyable for all ages. Learn more here.
10th Newport Nano Brewfest
It’s a bit out of town but well worth the drive to hit up the 10th Newport Nano Brewfest on Saturday. The event will feature small-batch, local beers from top nano breweries, brewpubs, and small beverage manufacturers. It takes place at Newport Town Common from 12-3 p.m. Tickets are $45 ($7 for designated drivers). Learn more here.
Halcyon Music Festival in Portsmouth
The Halcyon Music Festival returns to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth for two weeks of chamber music from June 13-22. For the event’s 10th anniversary, more than 20 world-class musicians will perform six unique concerts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Tickets are $10-$35 (packages available). Learn more here.
Saturday night at The Press Room
Saturday night is gonna be a party at The Press Room in Portsmouth. First, rapidly rising country crooner Kassi Valazza (above) shares the bill with special guest Sequoia, starting at 6 p.m. ($15-$18). Then, Adrienne Mack-Davis presents Stay Juicy w/ DJ 32French, a “grown & sexy queer dance party,” starting at 10 p.m. ($15-$20).
Chadwick Stokes at The Music Hall Lounge
Songwriter Chadwick Stokes’ in-progress rock opera, “1972,” is about a young pregnant woman fleeing an abusive relationship as she seeks an illegal abortion. He’ll perform the show during a pair of performances at the Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $41-$56. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.