Keep the summer celebration going with art, music, food, comedy, and more this weekend.
Dine Out & Do Good
Enjoy some of the Seacoast’s finest cuisine while making a positive impact in the community. The 2024 Dine Out & Do Good Seacoast Summer Dine-Around supports Lydia’s House of Hope’s fight against homelessness. Portsmouth participants include Moxy and STREET on Thursday, and TOUR and Napoletana Pizzeria on Friday.
Second Friday art receptions
The Seacoast Artist Association hosts a reception for two July solo shows — sculptor Natasha Dikareva’s “Moonlight Blues” and floral artist Paige Lindsey’s “Interoception” — on Friday from 5-7 p.m. in Exeter. At the exact same time, the Kittery Art Association hosts a reception for group shows “En Plein Air” and “Travels and Trails.”
Three shows at The Word Barn Meadow
Theatrical folk-punk band Bella’s Bartok kicks off a busy weekend at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($26). Dead to the Core: An Acoustic Celebration of the Grateful Dead follows on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Local gospel choir Rock My Soul will lift spirits on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). Learn more here.
Rick Rude at MrSippy BBQ
Feast on some of the best local barbecue and rock at MrSippy BBQ in Rochester on Friday. Next up in the restaurant’s outdoor music series is Dover-based band Rick Rude, a local favorite of the Seacoast’s indie-rock scene. They’ll take the truck stage for an energetic summer show from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Independence Jam in Exeter
The Fourth of July festivities ain’t over in Exeter. The annual Independence Jam brings live music, artist vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities to Swasey Parkway starting at 10 a.m. and culminating in an Exeter Parks & Rec sponsored concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family. Learn more here.
Country Fest at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Good times are brewing in Newburyport this weekend. Ward Hayden will headline Country Fest with support from Waylon and Company and Buck Lonesome & The Table for One. The outdoor event at Newburyport Brewing Co. also offers food trucks, games, and cold beer on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Darlin’ Corey at The Dance Hall
Two regional string bands will present a lively evening of old-time folk and bluegrass music at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Portland-based trio Darlin’ Corey (pictured) will headline the concert, following an opening performance from local sextet High Range. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Fleetwood Mac tribute at The Stone Church
Tickets are running low to catch one of the region’s top Fleetwood Mac tribute acts in Newmarket. Eight-piece Boston-based group Little Lies will perform an authentic playlist of the band’s biggest hits (and maybe some deep cuts) at The Stone Church on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Johnny Ater at McCue’s Comedy Club
One of Maine’s funniest down-home comedians will headline the next night of stand-up at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Johnny Ater offers up hilarious and honest stories about life, family, relationships, work, and his colorful local friends. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Morticia Delichia at WSCA Radio
Watch a local drag artist undergo a transformative process to embody her drag persona fully. The Summoning of Morticia Delichia takes place on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. — and it will be a spellbinding performance. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Crash the Net at Millspace
New Hampshire-based pop-punk power trio Crash the Net will headline a rocking night of live music at the Millspace Center for Art, History & Culture in Newmarket on Saturday. Area bands House Lights, The Graniteers, and Grub Lord will appear as special guests at the all-ages concert from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
RDMTION at Crows’ Feat Farm
RDMTION will fill the farm with Jamaican reggae music on Sunday afternoon. The Hampton-based sextet will perform outside on the lawn at Crows’ Feat Farm in Kensington from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20. As always, a community picnic precedes the concert from 1-2:30 p.m. (tickets sold separately for $30). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.