In New Hampshire, April vacation starts now. Get your break off to a good start with some local entertainment this weekend.
Music and owls at The Word Barn
What a weekend at The Word Barn! The Exeter venue hosts award-winning folk duo Fellow Pynins on Friday at 7 p.m. ($22). Billy Keane (of The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow) follows on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($20). And singer-songwriter Erika Lewis (formerly of Tuba Skinny) performs on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($25). Also on Sunday, meet and learn about the Owls of New England with Tailwinds educators at 3 p.m. ($25, free for kids). Learn more here.
‘Macbeth’ at The Players’ Ring
Something wicked is coming to Portsmouth. The second stage of The Players’ Ring’s blood-pumping co-production of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Macbeth” is on stage from April 19-28. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
A Grammy-nominated singer and a violin virtuoso front a new supergroup. Celia Woodsmith & Jason Anick Trio will perform at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Next, a local crew plays songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival during A Night on the Bayou on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Nic Gareiss & Simon Chrisman unite for an evening of percussive dance and music on Sunday at 5 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
‘Ordinary Days’ at 3S Artspace
The lives of four average New Yorkers become unexpectedly entwined in Adam Gwon’s new musical “Ordinary Days.” RGC Theatre brings the show to 3S Artspace in Portsmouth this weekend; show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are pay-what-you-choose, starting at $25. Learn more here.
Eclectic rock and drag at WSCA Radio
Accidental Caps‘ unique brand of rock fusion is inspired by the likes of Ween, King Gizzard, and Frank Zappa. They’ll join guest S.C.O.B.Y. on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10). Then, on Saturday, Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show presents The Seven Deadly Sins at 8 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Stone Dead at The Stone Church
The Stone Church’s own all-star tribute band returns to Newmarket for two glorious nights of Grateful Dead music on Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. ($25). In between, comedian Mona Forgione headlines the StandUpstairs Comedy Series with guest Andrea Henry and opener Nathan Long on Saturday at 4 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Three shows at The Press Room
Area jam bands Canopy and Amulus kick off a weekend of music at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). Touring indie bands Proxima Parada and Oliver Hazard split the bill on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($20-$25). Folk singer Willy Tea Taylor plays with guest Turkey Buzzards on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($17-$20). Learn more here.
PortSwap at Community Campus
Portsmouth Recreation is partnering with RecoverGirl (aka Jennifer Moore) to present the beloved annual clothing swap, PortSwap 2024. Bring your used clothes, shoes, and accessories to Community Campus in Portsmouth on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and leave with a batch of new-to-you garments. Learn more here.
Live Game Show Experience at Fox Run
Have you ever wanted to compete in a live game show (without the pressure of a TV audience)? Then get a group of contestants together and head to New Hampshire’s first interactive game show studio at Fox Run Mall in Newington. Fresh off a feature on “New Hampshire Chronicle,” Game Show Face Off opens to the public this weekend, with two 60-minute slots available on Saturday at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 per person. Learn more here.
Will Smalley at McCue’s Comedy Club
Live from Portsmouth, it’s Saturday night! Headlining McCue’s Comedy Club’s standup series this week is Will Smalley, a former finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival and an established LGBTQ+ voice in the comedy scene. He’ll perform following some yet-to-be-announced guests on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.