We’re highlighting loads of events this weekend, and that’s just scratching the surface of what’s available out there. End June with some great summer entertainment!
Music & art at The Word Barn
How about two split-bill shows and an art lesson? Local legends Tiger Saw introduce their new album with a show alongside Sneaky Miles at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday at 7 p.m. ($20). Philly-based country-rock outfit Florry follows with guest Dead Gowns on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($20). Learn to practice a magical monochrome printing process during a Cyanotype Workshop on Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($85). Learn more here.
Kouchera at WSCA Radio
Enjoy some relaxing Haitian rhythms when R&B band Kouchera returns to the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio this weekend. The all-star band will showcase its inclusive and familial vibe during a live show at the station on Friday from 7:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
West Coast Swing at The Rockingham Ballroom
Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to join The Rockingham Ballroom’s monthly West Coast Swing dance in Newmarket, coming up next on Friday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Prior to the party, instructor Ann Fleming will lead a dance lesson for all ages. Tickets are $15 for the dance only, or $20 for the dance and lesson. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Dance Hall
It’s another packed weekend at The Dance Hall in Kittery. First up is the indie triple-bill of Lady Pills, Convinced Friend, and Happy Just to See You on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($12-$15), followed by multimedia project Triple Slash: /// at 9 p.m. (free). On Saturday, Brooklyn-based instrumental power trio Bassoon performs at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Brooklyn-based jazz act The Aaron Irwin Trio takes the stage on Sunday at 5 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
David Lussier painting workshop in Kittery
Painter David Lussier will lead a two-day plein air workshop this weekend aimed at learning how to paint alla prima (meaning “at one go”) with confidence. Featuring demonstrations and discussions, it takes place at the Kittery Art Association on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $295. Learn more here.
Seacoast Food Truck Festival
Embark on a culinary adventure at the Kittery Outlets on Saturday. The Old Navy parking lot will be filled with more than 50 vendors offering tasty food and beverages during the Seacoast Food Truck Festival from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will also be kids activities, live music, and door prizes. Admission is $5. Learn more here.
The Samples at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Soak up the summer with an outdoor performance by legendary Colorado alternative rock-reggae band The Samples. They’ll return to Newburyport Brewing Co. for a concert with opener Sippin Whiskey on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. There will also be food trucks, cold beer, and hard seltzer. Tickets are $40. Learn more here.
Summer in the Street in Portsmouth
Pro Portsmouth’s annual Summer in the Street series returns to Market Square with live outdoor concerts every Saturday evening through July 27. A portion of downtown will be closed to motor vehicle traffic for dancing in the street! First up this Saturday is The Seacoast Wind Ensemble from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Space Trivia at Sages Entertainment
How much do you know about the final frontier? Test your knowledge at Space Trivia Night at Sages Entertainment (within The Mall at Fox Run) in Newington on Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. The adult program features space-themed trivia, interactive games and activities, prizes, and more. Tickets are $18. Learn more here.
Music & theater at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival is in full swing. Sandwiched between two stagings of “Legally Blond The Musical” on Friday and Sunday, the waterfront Portsmouth park will host a night of Celtic music with Canadian fiddle duo Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy on Saturday at 7 p.m. There’s a $15 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Dan Blakeslee at The Blue Mermaid
Fearless folk troubadour Dan Blakeslee has been promoting his shows with hand-drawn posters for over 30 years. He’s compiled more than 200 of those drawings into a hardcover book titled “Draw Them In.” He’ll celebrate its release with a free concert and signing at The Blue Mermaid in Kittery on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Stand-up comedy in Portsmouth
Two great stand-up comedians will grace separate stages in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Boston-based funnyman Steve Bjork headlines at McCue’s Comedy Club from 8-9:30 p.m. ($20). And Maine-based lawyer-turned-comic Karen Morgan, who’s got a new album out, performs at The Music Hall Lounge at 8:30 p.m. ($24-$34).
Consider the Source at The Stone Church
Sci-fi fusion trio Consider the Source, known for improvisational rock and jazz jams tinged with Indian and Middle Eastern styles, will return to Newmarket for a gig at The Stone Church on Saturday. Boston-based supergroup Arukah, led by bassist Brian O’Connell, will open the show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Gas Light Beach Party
Get ready for a scorching-hot beach-themed part at the Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub. Highlights include specialty cocktails, dancing, swag giveaways, and a best beachwear competition culminating in a runway show. Prizes include $200 cash and $300 in gift cards. Tickets are $20-$40. Learn more here.
Gnarly Darling at Crows’ Feat Farm
Crows’ Feat Farm’s lawn concert series returns this Sunday! First up, Maine-based Americana band Gnarly Darling performs from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Kensington residents or $20 for non-residents. As always, a farm-fresh community picnic precedes the music at 1 p.m. (tickets sold separately for $30). Learn more here.
Maddoc Johnson Band at The Press Room
You can become a part of Seacoast music history at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Sunday. Socially progressive local jazz and hip-hop group the Maddoc Johnson Band will be recording their performance at the venue for a live album beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the 18-plus show are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.