As the school year winds down, summer amps up this weekend. Here are some of the top happenings in the area.
Live music at The Press Room
Local singer-songwriter Caitlin Piper will celebrate the release of her new album with a special full-band concert featuring special guest Tiny Dog Fight at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 6 p.m. ($15-$20). Later that night, DJ Chad Banks and DJ Jojo host a Y2K Block Party at 10:30 p.m. ($10). The Stray Horses perform “Neil Young Unplugged” on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($18-$23), and the late-night LUNCH dance party returns at 10 p.m. ($10). Americana band Splendid Torch follows with guest Bitter Pill on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
World Cup Watch Party at Liars Bench
The U.S. Men’s National Team makes its 2026 World Cup debut against Paraguay on Friday, and The New Hampshire Soccer Project invites you to watch the action at Liar’s Bench Beer Co. in Portsmouth. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the game starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; a portion or proceeds supports the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Learn more here.
Music and drag at WSCA Radio
Milford-based solo performer Aaron Bilodeau will create bass-driven experimental art rock on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday at 7 p.m. ($10). Not Yer Mama’s Drag Co. returns for its June Drag Show on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Halcyon Music Festival at St. John’s
The 2026 Halcyon Music Festival opens on Thursday night and continues with a series of classical music performances at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth through June 20. Tickets are $45 ($15 for students at the door), with multi-concert packages available. Learn more here.
Concerts in The Word Barn Meadow
The Word Barn Meadow’s summer season is in full swing in Exeter. Start the weekend early with Jay Nash and Brooks Hubbard on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Come back for the Jordan TW Trio on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). And then catch Ellis Paul with Troy Millette and the Fire Below on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). Learn more here.
“Morning Sun” at N.H. Theatre Project
Simon Stephens’ “Morning Sun” explores the complexity, mystery, and possibilities of one woman’s life in Greenwich Village over a period of 50 years. It’s on stage at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday from 4-6 p.m., and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
“The Shipwrecked Titan” at Millspace
Meet the souls still wandering around the wreckage of the Titanic in the original dark comedy “The Shipwrecked Titan.” Written and presented by Derek Eldridge, the 90-minute staged showcase will be performed at the Millspace in Newmarket on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Line Dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom
On the second Friday of each month, dancers of all levels are invited to The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket for beginner-friendly line-dancing lessons with instructors from 603 Line Dance, followed by an upbeat DJ dance party. Next up is this Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Market Square Day in Portsmouth
Market Square Day once again takes over downtown Portsmouth on Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be live entertainment, products, and food offered by artists, crafters, and merchants from around the region, as well as the annual Market Square Day 10K Road Race from 9-11 a.m. Learn more here.
Herbal foraging at Tuckaway Farm
Get another dose of Wild and Weedy Wellness at Tuckaway Farm in Lee on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The next installment of the herbal foraging workshop series is expected to focus on yarrow, plantain, self-heal, St. John’s wort, elderflower, and horsetail. Tickets are $30-$75 per person or $50-$120 per couple or family. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
