There are plenty of ways to entertain yourself over the long weekend. Here are some highlights.
Two great concerts at The Word Barn
King Kyote brings his personal brand of bluesy roots-rock and Americana to The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Later in the weekend, local favorites Green Heron and Old Hat Stringband join forces as Little Wishbone, who will perform with opener The Mountain on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Loads of live music at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall presents an amazing diversity of musical offerings in Kittery this weekend. On Friday, guitarist Dan Sullivan and other friends join regional mainstay Tiger Saw for a performance of Songs: Ohia’s “Magnolia Electric Co.” from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($10-$22). On Saturday, the two African master musicians of BALA-BILA (above) present an intercultural concert from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15-$30). And on Sunday, the fiddle-cello duo of Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas plays traditional Scottish music from 5-6:30 p.m. ($30-$38). Learn more here.
Rock shows at The Stone Church
Legendary local rock ‘n’ roll band Weed, Inc. (above) will share the stage with rootsy opener North Village at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). Saturday brings an incredible double-bill of danceable psychedelic rock featuring Escaper and Mono Means One at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
New Hampshire Brewfest 2024
Sample beers from nearly 40 breweries at the 16th annual New Hampshire Brewfest on Saturday from 1-4:30 p.m. The festivities unfold at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth, which will also host food trucks and a live DJ. Tickets are $60-$70 for general admission, $80-$90 for VIP access (includes early entry at noon), or $20 for designated drivers. Proceeds support the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the Master Brewers Association. Learn more here.
Local bands at Newmarket Millspace
UNH-based band Mother Nimbus headlines a triple-bill rock show with Two Hour Parking and Saguaro at Newmarket Millspace on Saturday from 6:30-10 p.m. ($10). Then, on Sunday, local indie darlings Megan From Work play an album release show with guests Grub Lord and Little Low from 8-11 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Elizabeth Strout at The Music Hall
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout (“Olive Kitteridge”) has a new novel out, and she’ll discuss it in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Moderator Lara Prescott will lead a conversation about “Tell Me Everything” at The Music Hall at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 and include a signed copy of the book. Learn more here.
Bless Flame & DJ Chad Banks at WSCA
Hip-hop artist Bless Flame put out a new album in June (“Club Exotica 2”), and he’s at work on another (“Eternal Kingdom 2”). The New Hampshire native will perform some of his new tunes with DJ Chad Banks on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Van Morrison at Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club has hosted some big shows since opening three years ago, but this might be the biggest one yet. Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Van Morrison will perform two concerts at the downtown Portsmouth venue on Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $107.50-$457.50. Learn more here.
Dan Crohn at McCue’s Comedy Club
Last year, Dan Crohn put out his second comedy album, “You’re Better Than This,” further establishing himself as one of Boston’s top comics. He’ll headline a night of standup comedy with host Liam Hales and other special guests at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Jazz Brunch at STAR Theatre
The Kittery Community Center is launching a monthly jazz brunch series in its STAR Theatre, featuring local jazz talent and a special brunch menu prepared by area restaurants. Titled Easy Like Sunday Mornings, the first installment features local guitarist Jim Dozet on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.