May the new month treat you well. Here are some more ways to celebrate spring.
Sue Werner Thoresen exhibit at the NHAA
Among highlight of Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday from 5-8 p.m. is the Sue Werner Thoreson Juried Exhibition at the New Hampshire Art Association. The show features 73 artists who explore the evolving experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in New Hampshire and beyond. Learn more here.
Live music at The Press Room
The music never stops at The Press Room in Portsmouth. This weekend begins with Boston blues heavyweights Walk That Walk on Friday at 7 p.m. ($15-$20) and continues later that night with DJ Ladi Dre at 10 p.m. ($15). Saturday brings a DJ night of bass, dubstep, UKG, and more with Trial By Sound at 10 p.m. ($10). On Sunday at 7 p.m., Ozzy Osbourne tribute Visions of Ozz (featuring Chris Dovas of Testament) joins Rob Zombie tribute The Lords of Salem with special guest Proelium ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Presented by The Word Barn
Singer and guitarist Jon Langford, a founding member of legendary British post-punk band the Mekons, will perform live at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Click here to find out who’s playing at a special pop-up show on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($45). The Word Barn’s Orchard Concert Series returns on Sunday with the Apple Hill String Quartet performing at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls from 7-8:30 p.m. ($45). Learn more here.
“The Children” at The Players’ Ring
In the aftermath of a nuclear incident, two retired scientists live in quiet isolation when a former colleague arrives with a request that will upend everything. Lucy Kirkwood’s award-winning play “The Children” is on stage at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth from May 1-17. Show times this weekend are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$32. Learn more here.
“All the Rage” at The Dance Hall
Local playwright and actor G Matthew Gaskell has written a sequel to his beloved comedy “Sharp Dressed Men,” and he’ll introduce it to a live audience in Kittery on Friday night. The Dance Hall will host a live reading of “All the Rage” from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $14-$19. Learn more here. photo by David J. Murray
Drag and music at WSCA Radio
Not Yer Mama’s Drag Co. returns to WSCA Radio in Portsmouth for its monthly show on the Button Factory Stage on Friday 8 p.m. ($10). A double-bill concert follows on Saturday night, featuring psychedelic rock and Americana band Groove Atlas (pictured) with local mainstay Guy Capecelatro III at 7 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Comedy at The Rockingham Ballroom
The lineup at The Rockingham Ballroom’s monthly Comedy Night on Saturday features fast-rising Rhode Island comedian Tyler Hittner, seasoned comic Andrea Henry, and New England favorite Wayne Russell. The show in Newmarket begins with live music at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 (package deals available). Learn more here.
Con Tutti Spring Concerts
The 80 singers of local alternative chorus Con Tutti will celebrate their 25th anniversary in song with a spring concert titled Gonna Let It Shine. Also featuring pianist Matt Jenson and his trio, the performance takes place at South Church in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
MayFest at Kittery Community Market
More than 40 vendors will set up at the Kittery Community Market on Sunday for a special spring celebration. MayFest will also feature live music from Groove Atlas, hula hooping with SMart Circles, a scavenger hunt, and more. It all happens outside the Blue Mermaid and Tributary Brewing Co. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn more here.
Children’s Day in Portsmouth
Each year on the first Sunday of May, kids of all ages take over downtown Portsmouth for the celebration of Children’s Day. Presented by Pro Portsmouth, the annual event will feature all kinds of family-friendly activities and entertainment centered around a block party on Pleasant Street from 12-4 p.m. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
