Phew, tax day is behind us and spring is in full swing. Get out and celebrate.
Loads of live music at The Press Room
As usual, The Press Room in Portsmouth is fully loaded with live events this weekend. It begins with an LP release show for Maine-based rock band North Village with guest Truckstop Messiahs on Friday at 6 p.m. ($15-$18). DJ Chad Banks follows with CHAD GPT at 10 p.m. ($10). Local rock cover band The Accidentals takes the stage with opener Tin Palace on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($10-$15). Then, a group of DJs and rappers join forces for the 2026 Jersey Swap Tour at 10 p.m. ($10). On Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., Tom DiMenna & Friends present the spring edition of Story Songs of the ’70s, playing songs by Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens, and Gordon Lightfoot ($30-$35). And, at 7 p.m., Boston-based indie act Pintail headlines an all-ages show with Megan From Work and Happy Just To See You ($15). Learn more here.
Two shows, seven acts at WSCA Radio
Three southern New Hampshire acts will get loud at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Friday when Fun City Fan Club, Closed Course, and Sam Drouin share the Button Factory Stage at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). The second installment of the Verse & Voice Seacoast Singer-Songwriter Showcase follows on Saturday, featuring Molly Shuvani, Andy Klosenski, Greg Pappas, and Rock Dove from 7-9 p.m. ($1). Learn more here.
Music, art, and owls at The Word Barn
The Word Barn’s weekend begins with a co-bill featuring singer-songwriters Antje Duvekot and David Berkeley on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). Retro-flavored solo artist Shane Guerrette plays in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Sunday starts with a Shapes, Cuts, and Carves block printing workshop with Molly C. Meng from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ($85), followed by another edition of Owls of New England from 3-4 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Wild & Scenic Film Fest at The Music Hall
Take in a blockbuster slate of award-winning, nature-themed short films filled with breathtaking cinematography, unforgettable characters, and inspiring stories during the Southeast Land Trust’s annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. It takes place at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
“Eureka Day” at N.H. Theatre Project
When a mumps outbreak threatens the progressive ideals of a private elementary school in California, topical hilarity ensues. Jonathan Spector’s Tony Award-winning play “Eureka Day” is on stage at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth through May 3; show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Two nights of Stone Dead at The Stone Church
It’s become an annual spring tradition at The Stone Church in Newmarket to host a weekend of Grateful Dead music in mid-April with the venue’s very own house tribute band, Stone Dead. The local supergroup will perform on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
Dance party at The Rockingham Ballroom
Dance through the decades with DJ Lori D at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. The 50’s & ’60s Dance Party will feature rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, soul, and Motown favorites, with prizes awarded to guests for creative and vintage fashion. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Premiere of “Rural Hours” at 3S Artspace
Composer Gregory W. Brown will premiere his new piece “Rural Hours” at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7 p.m. Featuring texts by Susan Fenimore Cooper, the multi-movement work will be performed by tenor James Reese with the Apple Hill String Quartet. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Daisy’s Big Parade at The Dance Hall
The new album “Daisy’s Big Parade” tells a story about the internal struggle between being who you are and who the world tells you to be. An all-star local ensemble led by vocalist Taylor O’Donnell will perform the music live at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12-$25. Learn more here.
Playboy Mansion Party at the Gas Light
The Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub will transform into the Playboy Mansion during an exclusive and stylish party on Saturday at 9 p.m. DJ Koko P will bring the beats while the bar serves premium cocktails. Prizes will be awarded for the best mansion outfits. Tickets are $20-$30. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
