Music, food, culture, and the sea all collide this weekend at various events on the Seacoast. Here are some highlights.
Sail Portsmouth 2022
Three tall ships led a flotilla into Portsmouth Harbor on Thursday, and they’ll remain until next Tuesday. The full-rigged ship Kalmar Nyckel and three-masted schooner Spirit of Bermuda are open for tours at the Portsmouth Fish Pier, while the top-sail schooner Lynx runs sail trips from the UNH Pier in New Castle. Learn more here.
‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ at Smolak Farms
The final show in the Firehouse Center for the Arts’ Summer Outdoor Series takes place at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Mass. Beloved musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs Aug. 12-28. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30-9 p.m. There’s a $5 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Music & more at The Word Barn Meadow
It’s a big weekend at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter. On Friday, Old Hat Stringband celebrates its debut album with a show from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Saturday morning brings Soul Sessions, featuring barre, yoga, meditation, and journaling, from 9-11 a.m. ($85). On Saturday night, iconic bluesman Chris Smither returns to the stage from 7-8:30 p.m. ($40). On Sunday, revered singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg performs from 7-8:30 p.m. ($35). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
Kicking off a packed weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket is a pop-up show with local favorites Sneaky Miles and friends on Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). Indie pranksters SeepeopleS follow with guest Way of the Headband on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15). Country rockers Gold Plated Door play on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Dub Apocalypse headlines the annual Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing Co. on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. Sharing the bill are Aqua Cherry, Supernothing, and DJ Marjerley. There will also be food trucks, kids’ games, face painting, and cold beer, plus authentic clothing and accessories from Trinity-I-Wear. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
The Bang Group at The Dance Hall
Choreographer David Parker and his renowned dance ensemble The Bang Group are in residence and creating new work at The Dance Hall in Kittery. They’ll share a performance full of percussive dance, rhythmic expression, humor, drama, and a brawny intellect on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Local co-bill at The Music Hall Lounge
Two local rock groups split the bill in Portsmouth this weekend. Punk-rock troubadour Tim McCoy, who’s at work on a new album, brings his Rock Quartet to The Music Hall Lounge for a gig alongside power-pop band New Norde, featuring former members of The Minus Scale, on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22-$32. Learn more here.
10th Annual IOS Invitational Paddle
The Seacoast Paddleboard Club hosts the 10th annual IOS Invitational Paddle early Sunday morning. Participants will depart from Pirates Cove Beach in Rye at 6 a.m. and make the sporty 14-mile roundtrip crossing to the Isles of Shoals and back. The event is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire. Learn more here.
The New Hampshire Jewish Festival
The first ever New Hampshire Jewish Festival will celebrate Jewish life and culture at Great Island Common in New Castle on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. Organized by the Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center, the event features music from the Rogers Park Band and NH Klezmer Band, plus kosher foods, games, crafts, and more. Learn more here.
Pink Talking Fish at Cisco Brewers
Regional “hybrid tribute fusion act” Pink Talking Fish celebrates the music of three iconic rock bands: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. They’ll play an all-ages, outdoor concert on the lawn of Cisco Brewers Portsmouth as part of The Press Room’s Summer Concert Series on Sunday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.