It’s going to be a whimsical weekend on the Seacoast, filled with music, theater, comedy, boats, and even a summer Christmas celebration. Here’s a baker’s dozen highlights.
Music and theater at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s weekend begins with an Americana festival featuring Tommy Prine (son of John Prine) with opener Kindred Valley on Friday at 7 p.m. On both Saturday and Sunday, the Portsmouth park hosts Camp ENCORE’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” at 11 a.m. and “Legally Blonde The Musical” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Upside Arts presents two musicals
Youth theater company Upside Arts will present a stage adaptation of the 1980s hit film “9 to 5” on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ($19-$25), as well as the new musical “Once Upon a Stone Age” on Saturday at 10 a.m and 1 p.m. ($12-$15). Both take place at N.H. Theatre Project in Portsmouth. Learn more here.
Teething Veils at Newmarket Millspace
Introspective, delicate folk group Teething Veils makes the trip from Washington, D.C., to headline a show at the Millspace Center in Newmarket on Friday from 8-11 p.m. The bill also features two local openers: ambient dream-pop band Eternal Slumber and “subsonic psychotronic” act A.Drift. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Longtime local jam band Superfrog returns to The Stone Church in Newmarket for a gig alongside fiddle-led rock group The Womps on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). The following night, local tribute act Rose Alley takes the stage for a night of music by the Jerry Garcia Band on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Christmas in July at the Kittery Outlets
Don’t let the heat keep you from celebrating Christmas in July at the Kittery Premium Outlets this weekend. About 65 craftspeople, artisans, and specialty food makers will set up outside the Nike Factory Store on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Rumor has it Santa will be in attendance. Learn more here.
Piscataqua Riverfest 2024
Celebrate local rivers, bays, and maritime history during the Gundalow Company’s annual Piscataqua Riverfest on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Traditional boats, food, music, demonstrations, and vendors will be spread across the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, coinciding with the Round Island Regatta.
Loading Dock concert at 3S Artspace
The Loading Dock Concert Series returns to 3S Artspace in Portsmouth this weekend with an outdoor performance by local folk and soul quintet Foxglove on Saturday at 7 p.m. The series continues every Saturday through Aug. 17, sometimes at 3 p.m. and sometimes at 7 p.m. There’s a $12 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Kenny Brothers at The Word Barn
While most of The Word Barn’s summer concerts have been held outside in the meadow, the Exeter venue will host a special indoor show on Saturday. Local mountain-rock group The Kenny Brothers Band will present a rare unplugged performance of their groovy folk and blues tunes from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Bitter Pill & Lovesick at WSCA Radio
Some local legends will share the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Saturday. Rhythm and bluegrass band Bitter Pill (featuring father-daughter duo Billy and Emily Butler) joins Lovesick (featuring rocker David Goolkasian and painter Heather Joy Morgan) from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Swing Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
Put your dancing shoes on and head over to The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket for Swing Night on Saturday from 7:30-11 p.m. The Tall Granite Big Band, an 18-piece jazz ensemble based in Concord, will provide the music while dance instructors Paul Langley and Robin Barnes offer a lesson. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Choro Das 3 at The Dance Hall
Three sisters from Sao Paulo, Brazil, will bring their many string and woodwind instruments to Kittery for an upcoming concert at The Dance Hall. Choro Das 3, featuring some of the best choro musicians in the world, returns for an intimate live performance on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $17-$22. Learn more here.
Jim Bishop & Ian Stuart at McCue’s
Catch two headliners for the price of one at McCue’s Comedy Club within the Roundabout Diner and Lounge in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Accomplished Maine-based comic Ian Stuart will share the stage with McCue’s regular Jim Bishop during a double-bill stand-up show from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
The Substance at The Press Room
Experience a trumpet blast from the past at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Sunday. The Substance, a band that originally formed in York Beach in 1980, will play off-kilter original songs and unusual covers — all centered around the trumpet playing of Chris Elliott — beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.