There are many ways to celebrate Fourth of July Weekend in advance of Portsmouth’s fireworks display on Monday. Here are a few of the options.
NHAA Summer Gallery at the Sheafe Warehouse
The New Hampshire Art Association opens its annual summer gallery at the Sheafe Warehouse on Friday from 12-7 p.m. Located on the grounds of Prescott Park in Portsmouth, the 18th-century waterfront house will be filled with artwork in various mediums and styles, as well as curated gift items, through Aug. 27. Learn more here.
Rufus Wainwright at The Music Hall
Fresh off the release of his 12th studio album, “Folkocracy” — which boasts guests like Brandi Carlile, Chaka Khan, David Byrne, Anohni, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Andrew Bird, and others — singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright will perform at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $48-$78. Learn more here.
Wolverine Jazz Band at The Dance Hall
Considered by many to be among the finest purveyors of vintage jazz on the East Coast, the Wolverine Jazz Band is headed to Kittery. Having performed all over the country since its formation in 1995, the esteemed septet will play traditional jazz live at The Dance Hall on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $17-$22. Learn more here.
The Samples at Newburyport Brewing Co.
It’s gonna be a party at Newburyport Brewing Co. on Saturday. Iconic Colorado rock-reggae band The Samples will return to the brewery grounds for a festive outdoor concert from 5-10 p.m. The Dwayne Haggins Band opens the family-friendly show, which will also feature food trucks and local beer. Tickets are $40. Learn more here.
Summer in the Street in Market Square
The Summer in the Street concert series returns to downtown Portsmouth this month, beginning with a performance from the Seacoast Wind Ensemble on Saturday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by Pro Portsmouth, the free outdoor series continues with a different local act every Saturday in July on Pleasant Street. Learn more here.
Live music at The Word Barn Meadow
The Word Barn Meadow hosts two terrific shows in Exeter this weekend. Foot-stomping freak-folk band Bella’s Bartok performs on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). Dead to the Core: An Acoustic Celebration of The Grateful Dead, featuring clips of interviews with former Dead members, follows on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Learn more here.
Katie Henry at The Stone Church
New Jersey singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Henry cut her teeth gigging at New York City’s blues clubs. The guitarist and pianist is expanding, releasing her second studio album last year and earning critical acclaim. She’ll be at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ at Prescott Park
What better way to get into the Fourth of July spirit than with a viewing of the 2022 smash hit “Top Gun: Maverick”? Set 30 years after the original, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Navy fighter pilot Maverick, the film will be screened in Portsmouth as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s movie series on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Star Island Writers in the Round Album Release
Every year, Star Island hosts Writers in the Round, a retreat for poets and songwriters to create new work and make connections. Past participants are releasing a compilation album, which they’ll celebrate with a performance at Portsmouth Book & Bar on Saturday at 7 p.m. There’s a $10 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Elvis Costello at the Casino Ballroom
One of the biggest highlights of the year at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom is coming up this weekend. Iconic English singer-songwriter and record producer Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters will share the stage with guests Nick Lowe and Los Straightjackets on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75-$225. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.