Revel in the arts this weekend with live music, theater, comedy, and more.
Two concerts at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival is hosting killer concerts on back-to-back nights in Portsmouth. Pop trio Trousdale headlines with opener Jenny Owen Youngs on Friday at 7 p.m. Folk and country star Vincent Neil Emerson shares the stage with guest Kassi Valazza on Saturday at 7 p.m. There’s a $15 suggested donation for each show; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Joe Pug at The Word Barn Meadow
Singer-songwriter Joe Pug is bringing his vividly painted and poetic folk hymns to The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter for a pair of concerts on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. ($30 per show). Also, on Sunday, local poet and songwriter Todd Hearon and his band will share the outdoor stage with guest Big Sweetie at 7 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Two shows on the Button Factory Stage
Take in five acts in two nights at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth this weekend. Cellist and singer Leahy Ardon joins Haitian-American artist Jennifer Rachele on Friday at 8 p.m. The triple-bill of Jeez, Snake Lips, and Adulting present a heavy-hitting night of indie rock and emo on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets to each show are $10-$15. Learn more here.
“Open, Stay” at Newmarket Millspace
The Millspace Center is partnering with RGC Theatre to kick off its new Mainstage Mini series this weekend. “Open, Stay” is an intimate and powerful song cycle that explores love, memory, and the moments that shape us. It’ll be on stage in Newmarket on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show. Learn more here.
Revel in the Meadow 2025
Revel in the Meadow returns to the Dover Elks Event Field with a loaded lineup of music, artisans, food, beverages, and activities on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Grateful Dead tribute Stone Dead headlines this year’s festival. Tickets are $50-$130 (free for kids under 18); proceeds support the Continuum Arts Collective. Learn more here.
Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing
Enjoy some positive summer vibes and family fun at the 2025 Reggae Fest at Newburyport Brewing Company on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. This year’s musical lineup incudes Soul Rebel Project, FUZE, and Earth Tree on the outdoor stage. There will also be food trucks, cold beer, and hard seltzer. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Summer Spectral Social at 3S Artspace
You’ve heard of Christmas in July. Why not Halloween in August? Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium is taking over 3S Artspace on Saturday from 2-8 p.m., transforming the Portsmouth venue into a macabre market of local craft vendors, paranormal performances, fortune-telling, and trick-or-treating. Admission is $5. Learn more here.
Yacht Rock Dance Party at the Ballroom
Set sail on a smooth wave of soft rock classics at The Rockingham Ballroom’s Yacht Rock Dance Party in Newmarket on Saturday night. DJ Johnny B Groovy will spin breezy beats from the 1970s and ’80s, including hits by Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Toto, and Steely Dan. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Rock My Soul at The Dance Hall
Kittery will be echoing with the sounds of spirituals, Civil Rights songs, soul, blues, pop, and Americana when local choir Rock My Soul performs at The Dance Hall this weekend. The roots-based, raise-the-rafters group will present a spirit-soaring concert on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25. Learn more here.
New England BIPOC Festival
Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is hosting a day-long celebration of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color nonprofits, performing arts, and foodways this weekend. The fifth New England BIPOC Festival will take place on Saturday from 12-5 p.m. There’s a suggested donation of $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.