Take advantage of the long weekend with a local event or three. Here are some of the options.
“Village Full of Life” at the Kennedy Gallery
Downtown Portsmouth will be bursting with new artwork during the monthly Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Among the highlights is an opening reception for “Village Full of Life,” an exhibit of original paintings by artist Ann Trainor Domingue at the Kennedy Gallery and Custom Framing. Learn more here.
Live music and art at The Word Barn
Ward Hayden and the Outliers will kick off the weekend with an evening of foot-stomping rock at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Then, on Saturday, artist Kolika Chatterjee will lead a full-day Intensive Stained Glass Workshop from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ($450). Learn more here.
Two triple-bills on the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Radio in Portsmouth dives into the weekend with a raucous triple-bill featuring Weald & Woe, This Is Not OK, and Burial Arrangements on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). The following night, songwriters G. Himsel, Jetties, and the Star Family Singers share the Button Factory Stage on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Final weekend of the Prescott Park Arts Festival
The Prescott Park Arts Festival hosts its final film screening of the summer on Friday, with “Hamilton” starting at dusk. Folk legend Tom Rush follows with Brendan Cleary on Saturday at 7 p.m. (read our recent interview with Tom Rush here). Finally, country great Margo Price caps off the season with Jeremy Ivey on Sunday at 7 p.m. All events are by suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Loads of live music at The Press Room
The Not Fade Away Band will mash up the music of the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin with “Dead-Zeppelin” at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20-$25). Vanna Pacella and Savoir Faire join forces for an evening of haunting melodies and indie rock on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($15-$20). Country and bluegrass artist Johnny Mullenax headlines with Dave Hunter & The Seven Hundred on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Private tours of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Here’s a public service announcement for ya: Not only can you book a spot on a guided tour of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle on weekends through mid-October, but you can also reserve the whole dang structure for a private tour with up to 10 people on select dates this month, including this coming Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $350 total for the whole group. Learn more here.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at The Music Hall
For more than 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been revitalizing jazz and swing music. They’ve played sold-out concerts all over the world, sold millions of records, and had their music featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows. They’ll be at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39-$69. Learn more here.
Bowl-O-Rama Anniversary Event
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than with discount candlepin bowling? Opened in September 1956, Bowl-O-Rama in Portsmouth is marking its 70th anniversary with 70-cent games, 70-cent shoe rentals, prizes, giveaways, and visits from some of the original founder’s family members throughout the day on Monday. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
