After the Independence Day Fireworks in Portsmouth on Thursday, keep your Fourth of July celebration going all weekend long. Here are some of the goings-on.
U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at Strawbery Banke
What could be more American than welcoming new citizens to our country? Celebrate Independence Day with the annual U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth on Friday at 10 a.m., and then tour the property’s historic houses and landscapes. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
The Samples at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Iconic Colorado-based rock-reggae band The Samples is returning to the Newburyport Brewing Company for an outdoor Fourth of July concert and party. The show starts at 5 p.m. on Friday with opener SeepeopleS; in addition to the music there will be food trucks, craft beer, and hard seltzer. Tickets are $40-$45. Learn more here.
Three concerts at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
The long weekend is loaded with live music at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth. Powerhouse blues guitarist Joanna Connor takes the stage on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$47). Acclaimed jazz pianist ELEW (pictured) follows on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$65). Jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani performs on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$37).
NFT Boyz Fourth of July at The Press Room
There will be fireworks on the dance floor at The Press Room in Portsmouth late Friday night. Following a performance by Dune Dogs with The Lost River Fleet at 6 p.m. ($12-$15), the NFT Boyz 4th of July show with DJ Chad Banks, D-Rowe Beatz, and DJ Tuggboat kicks off at 10 p.m. Tickets to the 21-plus event are $10. Learn more here.
Jazz in the Streets in downtown Portsmouth
The Seacoast Jazz Society will launch its annual outdoor concert series with two simultaneous performances in downtown Portsmouth on Saturday from 12:30-2 p.m. The Maddoc Johnson Band will be in Market Square while the Jan van Voorst Trio plays in Vaughan Mall. The series continues weekly through Aug. 16. Learn more here.
Saturday music at The Stone Church
Spend your Saturday rocking and grooving at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Local rock icons Moon Boot Lover will play two sets on the outdoor stage during a special early show starting at 5 p.m. ($15-$20). Then, psychedelic indie bands Groove Atlas and Vetyver will share the indoor stage beginning at 9 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Summer in the Street in Market Square
Also kicking off on Saturday is Pro Portsmouth’s annual Summer in the Street concert series. A portion of Pleasant Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic while the Seacoast Wind Ensemble — celebrating its 40th anniversary this year — performs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free concerts continue weekly through Aug. 2. Learn more here.
Yonder Mountain String Band at Prescott Park
One of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s most anticipated concerts of the year takes place on Saturday at 7 p.m. Jamgrass pioneers Yonder Mountain String Band will take the outdoor stage in Portsmouth with opener Hickman, Anick & Woodsmith. There’s a $15 suggested donation, which can be made in advance. Learn more here.
Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show: Emo Night at WSCA
Not Yer Mama’s Drag Co. is heading back to the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio this weekend to present Emo Night! Talented local queens will offer a live drag experience dripping with angst, eyeliner, emotional chaos, and classic emo anthems on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
The Lost River Fleet at The Word Barn Meadow
A new local folk and alternative rock quartet is taking the Seacoast by storm this summer. In a special AJA Music presentation, The Lost River Fleet will make its debut on the outdoor stage at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.