It’s the last weekend of spring, and school’s out across most of the region. Here are some ways to celebrate.
Halcyon Music Festival
The Halcyon Music Festival is an annual series of chamber music concerts spanning 10 days in Portsmouth. The 2022 event takes place from June 16-25 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, with six unique programs featuring 21 world-class musicians. Shows are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Owls & comedy at The Word Barn
It’s a busy Friday night at The Word Barn in Exeter. From 5:30-6:30 p.m., educators from On the Wing will be out in the Meadow to introduce and discuss some live non-releasable birds during Owls of New England ($25). Then, from 8-10 p.m., Boston-based comic Sean Sullivan headlines Word Barn Comedy Night inside ($25). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The weekend lineup at The Stone Church in Newmarket begins with Maine-based acoustic/electric duo Meraki on Friday from 6-7:45 p.m. ($12). On Saturday, regional Americana acts The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow and The Wolff Sisters split the bill from 6-9 p.m. ($18). Two-time Boston Music Award-winning rock-reggae band Soul Rebel Project (above) follows with special guest Wellfleet on Saturday at 10 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
‘Seussical’ at Heritage Park
The next show in the Firehouse Center for the Arts’ Summer Outdoor Series is a family favorite. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, “Seussical: The Musical” is on stage at Heritage Park in Amesbury from June 17 to July 24. Show times are generally Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are by donation. Learn more here.
World music at The Dance Hall
Rescheduled from last month, an upcoming concert at The Dance Hall in Kittery will feature a blend of South African, Zimbabwean, gospel, reggae, contemporary, and other styles. Randy Armstrong & WorldBeat Marimba will share the stage with Ben Baldwin & The Stairwells on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Kittery Block Party 2022
Always held on the third Saturday of June, the annual Kittery Block Party is a day-long celebration of local art, culture, and food in a fun neighborhood atmosphere. There will be live music, vendor booths, food, and kid-friendly entertainment spread around Kittery Foreside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And it’s free! Learn more here.
Exeter Arts & Music Festival
Saturday’s edition of the Exeter Arts & Music Festival has a Juneteenth theme. Presented by TEAM (Town Exeter Arts Music), the event will feature live music, artist vendors, dance performances, food trucks, kids’ activities, and cultural exhibits in Swasey Parkway from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s a $10 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Two 5Ks on Father’s Day
Those looking to get some exercise on Father’s Day can choose between two different 5K road races on Sunday morning. The 12th annual Father’s Day 5K leaves from Margaritas in Dover at 9 a.m. The Smuttynose Will Run for Beer 5K takes off from the brewery in Hampton at 9:30 a.m., followed by a party with music, beer, food, and more.
Farm-a-Q at Tuckaway Farm
The annual Farm-a-Q is meant to promote regional heritage foods and agricultural diversity. But this year’s festival will also serve as a Juneteenth celebration. Held at Tuckaway Farm in Lee on Sunday from 12-5 p.m., the Heritage Harvest Project event will feature local food, drink, and education. Tickets are $35. Learn more here.
Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters based in Portland, Ore., will split the bill at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin, each of whom has released three full-length albums, will share the stage for an intimate evening of music in the open air. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.