The first weekend of 2025 brings art, movies, music, theater, and more. Here are some highlights.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
The Art ‘Round Town gallery walk continues this year, refreshing downtown Portsmouth’s artistic landscape on the first Friday of every month. Among the highlights this Friday from 5-7 p.m. is a show at the 100 Market Gallery featuring work by Lucie Therrien, Sue Wierzba, Annette Brennan, Russ Peterson, and Steve Litwin. Learn more here.
Movies at The Music Hall
The Music Hall will continue bringing great cinema to Portsmouth in 2025. Screenings this weekend include the mystery thriller “Conclave,” starring Ralph Fiennes, on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m., and the black comedy “Nightbitch,” starring Amy Adams, on Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $14-$16.
“Whispering to Dostoevsky” at the Ring
The Players Ring’s first offering of the new year tells the extraordinary (love) story of Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky and the woman who became “the architect of his life.” “Whispering to Dostoevsky — A Love Story” is on stage in Portsmouth Jan. 3-19; show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$29. Learn more here.
The Cure tribute at The Press Room
The Cure is earning a whole new generation of fans with its latest album, “Songs of a Lost World.” Come celebrate the English goth legends when tribute act A Strange Day plays their 1985 album “The Head on the Door” (and other Cure tunes) at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$23. Learn more here.
Live music and drag at The Stone Church
The Stone Church is starting the new year in style with two epic events this weekend. Legendary New England rock band Moon Boot Lover, led by Peter Prince (pictured), returns to Newmarket on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). King Jonny’s Drag Show brings a slate of high-energy performers on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Banner workshop at The Word Barn
Head to Exeter on Saturday morning and learn how to create a hand-stitched, 9″x12″ personal banner that expresses something you believe in or stand for. The Word Barn will host a Handmade-Banner Workshop from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Tickets are $85. Learn more here.
Johnny Ater at McCue’s Comedy Club
We may need regular doses of laughter to maintain our sanity in 2025, and McCue’s Comedy Club has us covered with weekly standup shows in Portsmouth. Maine-based comedian Johnny Ater headlines the show this Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m., with guest appearances by Jacques Lambert and Kathy Gilmour. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club is offering a feast for the senses every Sunday in Portsmouth. The venue’s next Sunday Jazz Brunch, taking place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., features live music from the Charlie Jennison Trio, plus a brimming buffet with a variety of dishes and $10 Bloody Marys and mimosas. Tickets are $65 ($25 for kids). Learn more here.
VIP tickets at the Gas Light
Every Friday and Saturday night in 2025, you and your party can reserve a special VIP section at the Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub. You’ll have your own host, private service, an exclusive menu, comfortable seating, and the best view in the house from your own roped-off area. Tickets are $30 per person. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.