According to the calendar, there’s one weekend left of summer, and there are many ways to celebrate the season’s end. Here are a handful of the top options.
“JUST BREATHE” at N.H. Theatre Project
Lesley Ann Smith is bringing her hilarious one-woman show back to New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth. “JUST BREATHE: The Quest for a Little Peace of Mind… and Chocolate!” opens with a special preview performance on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and continues with show times on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$33. Learn more here.
Dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom
You can dance the whole weekend away at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. The Ballroom Social Dance on Friday begins with a special tango lesson led by Fox Run Dance Company at 6:45 p.m. ($15-$20). Fluere Dance leads Bachata Bootcamp on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. ($35-$40), and Latin Dance Night with DJ Javier follows at 7 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
“As Time Goes By” at The Players Ring
Local playwright G. Matthew Gaskell brings his time-traveling comedy back to the stage to open The Players Ring’s 2026-’27 mainstage season in Portsmouth. The play runs from Sept. 18-Oct. 11; show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $31-$33. Learn more here.
Three concerts at The Word Barn
The weekend starts a little early at The Word Barn in Exeter. JUNO-nominated Nova Scotian sisters Cassie & Maggie perform on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Bluegrass and Americana band Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road follow on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Grammy-nominated Nashville native Will Hoge wraps up the weekend on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Stoke Fest at 3S Artspace
Though summer is still not technically over, it’s time to get stoked for winter sports. Presented by Protect Our Winters, Stoke Fest wil feature outdoor films and conversations with athletes, filmmakers, and community leaders. The event takes place at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Learn more here.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Millspace
Dive In Productions is bringing the blistering rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” to the stage of the Newmarket Millspace from Sept. 18-Oct. 4. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Live music on the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Radio is hosting two triple-bill shows in Portsmouth this weekend. Award-winning singer-songwriter Trevor Exter shares the Button Factory Stage with local favorites Guy Capecelatro III and Jim Rioux on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). Folk singer-songwriter Ella Corinna (pictured) joins Biggest Beast and Scott Crocker on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Much music at The Press Room
Cosmic Americana artist Mikaela Davis performs with guest Johanna Samuels at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20-$25). Indie-folk singer Esther Rose follows with Emily Hines and Jake McKelvie on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ($20-$25). The Seacoast Jazz Society presents 4 Cool Dudes and a Baby Grand — featuring pianists Tim Ray, Jesse Tatt, Mike Effenberger, and Mark Shilansky — on Sunday at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. ($23-$32). Learn more here.
2026 TEAM Fall Equinox Fest
Welcome the fall season with local art, music, food, and more at the 2026 TEAM Equinox Fest in Exeter on Saturday. Swasey Parkway will be filled with live performers, artist vendors, food trucks, cultural exhibits, kids activities, and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more here.
6th Annual Taste of Kittery
Sample Kittery’s vibrant restaurant community with a delicious mix of sips and bites at the sixth annual Taste of Kittery event in Post Office Square on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. The parking lot outside Tributary Brewing and The Blue Mermaid will be filled with food vendors, live music, and more. Tickets are $10-$50. Learn more here.
2026 Portsmouth Porchfest
Local bands of all genres will perform on porches and driveways around downtown Portsmouth during the third annual Portsmouth Porchfest on Saturday from 12-6 p.m. This year’s free event will also feature an art show on State Street. Learn more here.
Foglight Festival at Strawbery Banke
Step into an immersive maritime fantasy world full of folklore and fairytales at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth on Saturday. The Vagabond’s Faire Foglight Festival will feature entertainment, storytelling, a Magickal Market, a costume contest, kids games, and more from 12-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Garage Dance Fundraiser in Kittery
Dance to the music of Ben Baldwin And The Big Note while supporting the arts at the Kittery Lions Club on Saturday from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets to the Garage Dance Revival fundraiser are $50; proceeds support the Kittery Art Association. (Bring your own booze.) Learn more here.
Joshua Bell at The Music Hall
World-renowned violinist Joshua Bell will perform Lalo’s Simphonie espagnole with accompaniment from the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $99-$250. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
