The last couple of weeks have brought sad news about the imminent closures of Portsmouth Book & Bar, the Museum of New Art, and the UNH Museum of Art. Support your local arts organizations this weekend and help keep the Seacoast arts scene vibrant!
Dance parties at The Rockingham Ballroom
The 4,000-square-foot dance floor at The Rockingham Ballroom will be lively all weekend. Portland’s DJ Magic will take requests for karaoke and singalongs during his Newmarket debut on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($10). The 18-piece Tall Granite Big Band returns on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($25), after a dance lesson at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
‘I See No Arlecchino’ at the Ring
Lighten up and enjoy the hilarious new show opening at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth this weekend. The comedy “I See No Arlecchino,” featuring traditional Italian masks, is on stage through Feb. 11. 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 $15-$28. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall is shining a spotlight on local music in Kittery this weekend. Soggy Po’ Boys (above) return with Grammy-nominated vocalist Celia Woodsmith on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Foreside Funk shares the stage with Soulcolor on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Tickets are almost gone! Learn more here.
Glitter A-Go-Go at 3S Artspace
Some glamorous drag and burlesque performers are storming the stage of 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. Curbside Queens present Glitter A-Go-Go on Friday from 8-10 p.m., featuring Cherry Lemonade, Bunny Wonderland, Chartreuse Money, Finn Gerring, Danielle Dior, Liza May, and Vivienne Obsidian. Tickets are $20-$30. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The quartet behind the Wheel of Awesome musical variety show is holding a benefit for Newmarket High School Class of ’24 Project Graduation at The Stone Church on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($25). The following night, retro folk-rock act Hayley Jane shares the stage with guest Mono Means One on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
So much music at The Press Room
The Silks had to cancel their planned show at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday, but they’ll be replaced by the all-star lineup of The B3 Kings at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Saturday brings up-and-comers Mega Mango and Teal Peel with Wolfdor from 7-10 p.m. ($5-$10), followed by DJ-drums duo Drunken Doja Monkey at 11 p.m. ($15).
Family theater on the Seacoast
Take the whole family out to the theater this weekend! Upside Arts presents “The Groundhog’s Day” in Portsmouth on Saturday and Sunday from 10-11:30 a.m. ($15-$18). STAR Theatre in Kittery hosts Pre-K Winter Concerts on Saturday for Leaps and Bounds at 12 p.m., Building Blocks at 1:30 p.m., and Stepping Stones at 3 p.m. ($5).
Hello, Goodbye at Book & Bar
Portsmouth Book & Bar will be sorely missed when it closes this month, but it’s hosting one last hurrah. The Hello, Goodbye: Weekend Celebration & Send-off will bring a parade of local acts to the stage on Saturday from 3-10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30-6 p.m. Admission is free, and there are some big book discounts. Learn more here.
High Range at The Word Barn
Acoustic roots band High Range has been picking strings around the region for more than 20 years. They’ll perform a mix of original numbers and cover songs during a special winter warmer concert alongside sassy swing trio the Hot Skillet Club at The Word Barn in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Comedian Alex Giampapa at McCue’s
Comedian Alex Giampapa has performed with stars like Bill Burr and Hannibal Buress, headlined shows nationwide, and been featured in many comedy festivals. He’ll headline a show with Mary Spadaro, Joe Flynn, and Liam Hales at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.