There are loads of great ways to celebrate the autumn equinox this weekend. Here’s a dozen highlights.
‘Odysseus’ at Pontine Theatre
Guest artist William George kicks off Pontine Theatre’s 47th season with a production of “Odysseus,” based on Homer’s Greek epic “The Odyssey,” at the 1845 Plains School in Portsmouth this weekend. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29-$32. Learn more here.
The Word Barn presents…
Holy moly, there’s a lot going on at The Word Barn in Exeter! Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jolie Holland plays out in the meadow on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). On Saturday, the Encore! ensemble performs at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls from 6-8 p.m. ($20). Back at the Barn, Sunday begins with a European Water Marbling workshop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ($120), then continues with Owls of New England from 3-4 p.m. ($0-$25), and concludes with BOOM 2: A Burst & Bloom Podcast Live Show from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Learn more here.
Music at The Rockingham Ballroom
There’s lots of great music happening at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket this weekend. World Music for Peace brings three acts to the stage on Friday from 7-11 p.m.: Big Blue World, The Amorphous Band with Senie Hunt and EJ Ouellette, and The Meter Maids ($20-$25). Saturday brings a double-bill Album Release Dance Party featuring the Tino Valpa Orchestra and The Rockingham Groove from 7-11 p.m. ($25-$30). Learn more here.
‘Frankenstein’ at the Seacoast Rep
Nick Dear’s theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a sensation in London, and it makes its regional premiere at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth from Sept. 19 through Oct. 27. Show times this weekend are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40-$70. Learn more here.
Yam Yam at The Stone Church
Fans of jazz, gospel, soul, funk, and psychedelic rock can all agree: Yam Yam knows how to jam. The Pennsylvania-born band last month released a new album, “slurp slurp,” and they’ll bring it along to The Stone Church in Newmarket for a gig with local favorites Clandestine on Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Fairy House Tour in Portsmouth
Dancing fairies and their handcrafted abodes will be scattered around Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke Museum, and the Gundalow waterfront during the 20th annual Fairy House Tour in Portsmouth on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. An opening day parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $5-$15. Learn more here.
2024 TEAM Fall Equinox Fest
Enjoy music, art, food, and kids’ activities at the 2024 TEAM Fall Equinox Fest at Swasey Parkway in Exeter on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Live acts will perform on the main stage and in the singer-songwriter tent, while more than 20 art vendors line the lawn. There’s a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Learn more here.
Portsmouth PorchFest 2024
Local and regional musicians will perform in neighborhood spaces like porches, backyards, and driveways during the first ever Portsmouth PorchFest on Saturday. Attendees are welcome to walk around between about 15 outdoor sites, each hosting two performers, from 12-4 p.m. Admission is free at all venues. Learn more here.
Two regional brewfests
Nothing says fall like a New England brewfest full of freshly tapped craft beers. Two of them take place in New Hampshire on Saturday: Manchester Brewfest at Arms Park from 1-4 p.m. ($20-$60), and Claremont Brewfest & 5K at Visitor Center Green from 1-4 p.m. ($10-$50). VIP hour for both events starts at 12 p.m. Learn more here.
Taste of Kittery 2024
Enjoy the most delectable bites and sips southern Maine has to offer during the fourth annual Taste of Kittery food festival on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Vendors from the town’s vibrant restaurant community will set up under tents in Post Office Square, outside Tributary Brewing and The Blue Mermaid. Tickets are $10-$45. Learn more here.
OnWeGo at The Dance Hall
Grammy Award-nominated violinist Sara Caswell will join local jazz and world music trio OnWeGo for an evening of vocal harmony and collective improvisation — featuring both original songs and carefully chosen covers — at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$22. Learn more here.
The Ravenettes at WSCA Radio
Next up on the Botton Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio is Maine-based rock band Isaac Raven & The Ravenettes. They’ll perform their blend of ’50s swing, indie rock, and surf rock following an opening set from local singer-songwriter Alexia Scott on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.