The first weekend of June brings so many worthwhile events to the region that it’s hard to narrow it down. Here are some of the highlights.
Art ‘Round Town at the NHAA
Downtown Portsmouth galleries will once again unveil new exhibits during Art ‘Round Town on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Among the New Hampshire Art Association’s new shows at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery is “Body of Work: Series III,” featuring work by five local artists in a variety of mediums. It’s on display until June 26. Learn more here.
Art and music at 3S Artspace
3S Artspace in Portsmouth launches an art exhibit and a concert series on Friday evening. An opening reception for Sue Johnson’s solo show “Hall of Portraits from the History of Machines” takes place from 5-8 p.m. And local New Orleans swing band Midnight BBQ plays outside on the loading dock from 6-7:15 p.m. and 8-9:15 p.m.
Feel Alive at The Stone Church
Feel Alive brings five acts to The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. Idlewild (tribute to the Allman Brothers) and Superfrog play Friday from 6-9 p.m. Marble Eyes and Amulus play Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Sans Souci (tribute to Jerry Garcia Band) plays Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per day, or $60 for all three. Learn more here.
Two shows at The Word Barn Meadow
Two outstanding singer-songwriters will perform in the open air of The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter this weekend. Alisa Amador, winner of the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Contest, plays Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). Lucy Kaplansky (above), a veteran of the Greenwich Village folk scene, plays Saturday from 7-8 p.m. ($30). Learn more here.
PPAF 2022 Summer Social
The Prescott Park Arts Festival was forced to cancel this year’s Chowder Festival, but in its place the Portsmouth park is kicking off its season with a Summer Social on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be family-friendly games and activities, face painting, food, special performances, and lots of delicious ice cream. Learn more here.
Piscataqua Riverfest at Strawbery Banke
In conjunction with the Summer Social, the Gundalow Company will be presenting its annual celebration of rivers and bays. Piscataqua Riverfest takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a boat show on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum, a history exhibit at the Sheafe Warehouse, and more. Learn more here.
Concerts by the Bridge: Rhythm Future Quartet
The Dance Hall is bringing its outdoor Concerts by the Bridge series back to John Paul Jones Park in Kittery this summer. First up is local violin virtuoso Jason Anick and his Rhythm Future Quartet, who will play a fiery set of acoustic Gypsy jazz in the park on Saturday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Laugh Riot at The Rockingham Ballroom
Laugh Riot’s monthly comedy show returns to The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. The lineup include Will Noonan, who The Improper Bostonian named “Boston’s Best Comedian 2018”; New Hampshire native Kyle Crawford (above); and Mass.-based comic Travis Libman. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
World Ocean Day Celebration at the SSC
The Seacoast Science Center in Rye will honor the world’s oceans during an internationally recognized event on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The World Ocean Day Celebration will offer learning stations, seaside explorations, a life-size inflatable whale, food vendors, and more. Admission is $5 to $15. Learn more here.
Electric Voices at Green Acre
Theater for the People is presenting a pop-up event honoring late feminist science-fiction author Octavia Butler at Green Acre in Eliot on Sunday from 6-7:30 p.m. Part of Afrofuturisum 2022, the event will include live improvised music, spoken-word performances, and discussion. There is a $5 to $10 suggested donation. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.