The first full weekend of fall brings music, theater, comedy, and celebration to the Seacoast. Here are some highlights.
Music and art at The Word Barn
The Word Barn is moving its concerts back indoors for the fall season. Clem Snide (aka singer-songwriter Eef Barzelay) brings his brand new record to the stage in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($27). Celebrated songwriter Mary Erlewine follows with guest Raymond Little on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Also, artist Molly C. Meng leads a cyanotype workshop titled Explorations in Blue & Beyond on Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ($120). Learn more here.
The Rockingham Ballroom turns 90
In 1934, a dance hall and event center opened in Newmarket. This year, The Rockingham Ballroom turns 90. Following a West Coast Swing dance and optional lesson with instructor Anne Fleming on Friday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. ($15-$20), the venue will host a 90th Anniversary Bash featuring the Bedford Big Band on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. Dress in your best retro glamour — there will be prizes for the funnest outfits! Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Two shows at The Players’ Ring
The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth is hosting two special shows for one weekend only. Written and performed by Ayun Halliday, “Nurse!” is a comedic spinoff of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” focusing on Juliet’s nurse. It’s on stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ($18). Lindsay Aucella’s interactive variety show “Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals” hits the stage twice on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ($15-$18).
‘And That’s Why We Drink’ at The Music Hall
The pair of New York Times-bestselling authors behind the hit comedy podcast “And That’s Why We Drink” are presenting The Pour Decisions Tour this fall, and it makes a stop in Portsmouth on Friday night. They’ll discuss tales of the paranormal mixed with true crime at The Music Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets are $36.50-$50. Learn more here.
‘Lizzie’ at the Seacoast Rep
Performed by an all-female rock ensemble, “Lizzie” reimagines the infamous story of alleged axe murderer Lizzie Borden. It’s running concurrently with “Frankenstein” at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth; show times for opening weekend are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $40-$70. Learn more here.
Seth Yacovone at The Stone Church
The Seth Yacovone Band blew the roof off The Stone Church when they visited last winter, and they’re returning to blow it off again on Friday night. The Vermont-based power trio, led by Yacovone on guitar and vocals, performs its bluesy brand of hard rock in Newmarket beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Enjoy contemporary sea songs and traditional folk favorites as you stroll downtown Portsmouth this weekend. The annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival unfolds at several sites on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with an evening concert at North Church from 7-9:30 p.m. The music resumes on Sunday at 1 p.m. and concludes with a Chantey Blast in Market Square from 5-6 p.m. The event is free; donations are accepted. Learn more here.
Country Fest at Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers Portsmouth will be the site of live music, food trucks, bull riding, kids games, a pie eating competition, and the fourth annual Seacoast Lumberjack Competition during Country Fest on Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Musical acts include the Dallas Corbin Duo and Annie Brobst. Tickets are $15 (free for kids). Learn more here.
Lantern Festival in Portsmouth
Illuminated lanterns and community spirit will fill South Mill Pond in Portsmouth during the annual Lantern Festival on Saturday from 5-7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Alliance for Greater Good, the event raises funds to support people facing housing insecurity. There will also be food trucks, music, and kids activities. Learn more here.
Saturday night comedy shows
Boston-based comic Joey Carroll headlines with guests Casey McNeal, Dan Donahue, and Liam Hales at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25). Meanwhile, improv performers test their skills in front of a live audience during ReunionProv! at Newmarket Millspace from 8-10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.