The Portsmouth Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting are on Saturday, and many other compelling events surround it this weekend. Here are some of the highlights.
Dark Migrations
Local painter Jocelyn Toffic’s work is both thought-provoking and mesmerizing, and she’ll unveil more than 50 new pieces at the Wrong Brain gallery in Dover this month. The opening reception for “Dark Migrations: New Works by Jocelyn Toffic” takes place Friday, Dec. 1, from 5-9 p.m. The works will be on sale for that night only and will later go up for auction. After the opening, the exhibit will be accessible by chance or appointment at Wrong Brain.
Jim Dozet CD Release
Guitarist Jim Dozet has long been lending his eclectic musical talents to the Seacoast music scene, whether performing in rock, jazz, folk, or hip-hop outfits. Dozet will introduce his first full-length record of original music, “Take Me Home,” with a show at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday, Dec. 1, from 7-10 p.m. He’ll be joined by an all-star cast of area musicians; Young Frontier opens. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Environmental Film Festival
The Seacoast Environmental Film Festival offers a full day of informative film at Star Theatre, located within the Kittery Community Center, on Saturday, Dec. 2. Several environmentally minded organizations from around the region are coming together to present the festival, which serves as a fundraiser for the Kittery Land Trust. Taking place from 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., the event also features discussions on critical issues and an after-party in the lobby. There’s a suggested donation of $5 per film.
Button Factory Open Studios
If you’ve lived in the Seacoast area for any length of time, you know holiday season doesn’t truly begin until the annual Button Factory Open Studios in Portsmouth. Dozens (maybe hundreds) of artists and makers of all stripes will show off their wares on every floor of the iconic art haven on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’s also a preview event featuring resident artists only on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5-8 p.m.
Portsmouth Holiday Parade
An evening of festivities on Saturday, Dec. 2, begins with music in Market Square at 5 p.m., followed by the Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m., and then the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Islington and Summer streets. Volunteers will collect food donations along the way. Also, the Kittery Holiday Parade leaves from Post Office Square at 3 p.m. and concludes at John Paul Jones Park with a tree lighting.
For a full calendar of local events, click here.