This weekend will rock you like a hurricane. Here are some of the top upcoming events.
Music, art, and owls at The Word Barn
The Word Barn is hosting an array of wonderful events in Exeter this weekend. On Friday, Barn favorites Session Americana play an early show from 5-7 p.m. and a second show from 8-10 p.m. ($26). On Sunday, artist Molly Meng leads a workshop on Suminigashi, aka Japanese paper marbling, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ($85). That afternoon, Tailwind educators introduce guests to the Owls of New England from 3-4 p.m. ($0-$25). Learn more here.
Last weekend of Legally Blonde
Just one weekend remains of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s fantastic production of “Legally Blonde The Musical.” Weather permitting, the summer musical will be staged at the Portsmouth park Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. There is an $8 suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Music and dancing at the Ballroom
The dance floor keeps on swingin’ at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Kim Carpentino of 603 Line Dance and Michelle Jackson-White of Nashville Line Dance join forces for a special show on Friday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. ($15). Boston-based cover band The Motown Horns performs on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. ($30). Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Stone Church
Let’s get weird at The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. Psychedelic rockers (and Stone Church favorites) The Trichomes will headline with opener Guess Method on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Tribute act Steely Dead will mash up the music of Steely Dan and The Grateful Dead on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Portsmouth Print Expo at 3S
Celebrate printmaking artists of the Northeast during the inaugural Portsmouth Print Expo at 3S Artspace on Saturday. In addition to the Print Exhibition in the gallery, artists will sell their prints in the performance space. Plus there will be demonstrations, workshops, and music from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The theme is “In This Moment.” Learn more here.
Revel in the Meadow 2024
Yes, it’s supposed to rain. But Revel in the Meadow is rain or shine! So put on your slicker and enjoy 10 hours of live music, art vendors, food, and activities outside the Dover Elks Lodge on Saturday from 12-10 p.m. Tickets are $42-$125; proceeds support the Continuum Arts Collective. Learn more here. (Hey, it rained at Woodstock too.)
Vagabond’s Faire in Dover
The Vagabond’s Faire, too, is rain or shine! Henry Law Park in Dover will transform into a magical market with 80-plus vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities on Saturday from 12-8 p.m. Guests can unravel the mystery of host Queen Madb’s return to our world with an interactive storyline. Tickets are $12-$54. Learn more here.
Double-bill show in Pelham
It’ll be worth the short trip to catch a special show at the First Congregational Church of Pelham on Saturday. The folk duo of Shine Delphi and Grace Mahar (pictured) will share the church stage with indie-folk singer-songwriter Laney Ryan and her band during a summer concert from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Stand-up comedy in Portsmouth
Why not spend the weekend laughing? EJ Murphy will headline McCue’s Comedy Showcase in Portsmouth with guests Cher Lynn, Mike Pincus, and host Liam Hales on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25). Comic Joe Sib — who opened for Jim Breuer at The Music Hall in April — performs at The Music Hall Lounge on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$30).
Seph & The Nomads at WSCA Radio
Get ready for a loud one at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday night. Local rock-fusion band Seph and the Nomads will share the Button Factory Stage with Portland-based indie-rock band Biz Turkey for a live concert full of smooth blues and raging rock from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Lightning Sonata at Crows’ Feat Farm
Tony Cicoria was 42 when he was struck by lightning in 1994. The incident inspired him to become a classical pianist and composer. Cicoria will be at Crows’ Feat Farm in Kensington to watch a trio led by pianist Asiya Korepanova perform his Lightning Sonata on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20; a pre-show community picnic is sold separately for $30. Learn more here. (Read this New Yorker article to hear Cicoria’s incredible story.)
Triple-bill at The Dance Hall
Brooklyn-based indie trio Sister (pictured) will headline a triple-bill show at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m., also featuring Chicago’s hemlock (the folk experiment of Louisiana-born artist Carolina Chauffe) and local lo-fi act Hello Shark (the recording project of songwriter Lincoln Halloran). Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.