Labor Day weekend brings an array of entertainment options. Here are some highlights.
‘Biennial One’ at the New Hampshire Art Association
For the first time in its 80-year history, the New Hampshire Art Association is hosting a biennial exhibition that invites artists to take creative risks and push boundaries. “Biennial One” is on display in Portsmouth Aug. 31 through Oct. 1. There will be an opening reception during Art ‘Round Town on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Celebrating music at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket is launching its new membership program with a special concert on Friday at 6 p.m. featuring The Hot Chocheys, Sans Souci, The Human Being, The Chops, and the Caylin Costello Band ($20). Rock singer-songwriter Eric Lindell brings his new album, “Oakland,” to town on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($35). Sans Souci, a local tribute to the Jerry Garcia Band, performs on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Robert Cray Band at Jimmy’s
Blues singer and guitarist Robert Cray has won five Grammy Awards and 20 Blues Music Awards. And, with a new single out in August, the living legend is still going strong. The Robert Cray Band will perform live at Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50-$200. Learn more here.
Exeter UFO Festival
It was on Sept. 3, 1965, that 18-year-old Norman Muscarello and two Exeter police officers spotted a UFO. The Exeter Area Kiwanis mark each anniversary of the “Incident at Exeter” with the Exeter UFO Festival, featuring a variety of speakers, panels, and activities at Exeter Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Seacoast Food Truck Festival
The Old Navy parking lot at the Kittery Premium Outlets will be filled with food trucks, live music, craft beer, cocktails, handcrafted goods, vendor products, kids’ activities, and more during the Great New England Seacoast Food Truck Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Word Barn Meadow
Beautiful music will fill The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter this weekend. Arizona native Kassi Valazza plays her psych-infused country western songs with guest Camille Wind Weatherford (of The Lostines) on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). Indie folk duo Sway Wild follows with guest Cloudbelly on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Jim McCue at McCue’s Comedy Club
Local comedian Jim McCue continues to bolster Portsmouth’s comedy scene by bringing weekly standup acts to McCue’s Comedy Club, located within the Roundabout Diner & Lounge, every Saturday night. McCue will headline his own venue with a performance this Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
David Mallett at Crows’ Feat Farm
Folk legend David Mallett’s songs have been covered by more than 150 artists, including Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, John Denver, and Emylou Harris. You can catch him up close at Crow’s Feat Farm in Kensington on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. ($10-$20). A community picnic precedes the concert from 1-2:30 p.m. ($30). Learn more here.
Devon Gilfillian at Prescott Park
There are only a couple of shows remaining in the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s summer concert series. One of them takes place on Sunday from 7-9 p.m., when Nashville-based soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian takes the outdoor stage in Portsmouth with guest Ali McGuirk. There is a $10 suggested donation. Learn more here.
The Righteous Babes – Live Under the Arch
The Righteous Babes are a supergroup of women signed to Ani DiFranco’s legacy label, Righteous Babe Records. Just days after releasing a cover of Sinead O’Connor’s “The Last Day of Our Acquaintance,” they’ll perform Live Under the Arch in Portsmouth (outside The Music Hall) on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.