It’s mid-May and the season’s sweet spot is upon us. Take a break from your spring cleaning and get out to a local event. Here are some of the top options.
Music, art, and poetry at The Word Barn
As usual, The Word Barn will be buzzing this weekend. The Exeter venue hosts Toronto-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abigail Lapelle on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). A Stained Glass Flower Workshop with instructor Kolika Chatterjee follows on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($140). Boston-based Scottish fiddle-and-cello duo Elizabeth and Ben Anderson perform on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Another Silo Series Poetry Reading takes place on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. (free), followed by Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth and the Catapult from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
“Twelfth Night” at N.H. Theatre Project
Disguises, bad decisions, and big feelings will be on display at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth this weekend. Dive In Productions presents Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” from May 15-31. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Brian Glowacki at The Music Hall
Standup comedian Brian Glowacki, the national touring opener for Maine-based favorite Bob Marley — and a club and festival headliner in his own right — will perform at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.50-$30.50. Learn more here.
Two live shows at WSCA Radio
The Dydo Alliance will present Boston-based rock power trio Angry Hill live on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Maine-based composer and electric guitarist John Secunde splits the bill with Dreamglow on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
2026 Exeter Arts & Music Fest
The 2026 Exeter Arts & Music Fest will bring live music, art vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more to Swasey Parkway on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual rain-or-shine event is free to the public; donations are welcome. Learn more here.
Live bands and DJs at The Press Room
Halley Neal will sing Fleetwood Mac favorites during Songbird, a one-woman performance at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 7 p.m. ($25-$30). Stick around for R&B Night with DJ D-Rowe Beatz at 10:30 p.m. ($10). Indie pop and folk artist Jenny Owen Youngs performs with guest Hannah Winkler on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($20-$25). More DJ action follows with Grand Theft Audio: Miami Bass & Jersey Club at 10 p.m. ($10). Waylon & Co. pays tribute to country legend Waylon Jennings on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($15-$18). Learn more here.
Portsmouth Pro Musica spring concerts
Portsmouth Pro Musica is joining forces with the Manchester Choral Society to present a pair of romantic spring concerts this weekend. The first show takes place at St. Marie Parish in Manchester on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; the second is at Oyster River Middle School in Durham on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
Paul Dykstra at South Church
Classical pianist Paul Dykstra and cellist Jacques Lee Wood will perform iconic pieces spanning many eras and styles during a concert in Portsmouth on Saturday evening. Presented by the Great Bay Philharmonic Chamber Series, the concert takes place at South Church at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30. Learn more here.
Sunday jazz brunch at STAR Theatre
It’s no wonder the Kittery Community Center’s Easy Like Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch series has become so popular — $25 for a live concert and catered meal is a heckuva deal! Next up is pianist Jonny Peiffer with Brett Deschenes on flugelhorn and Nathan Therrien on bass at STAR Theatre on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Weedy Wellness at Tuckaway Farm
Wild and Weedy Wellness returns to Tuckaway Farm in Lee on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The next installment of Alison Magill’s herbal foraging workshop series will focus on chickweed, nettle, dandelion, elder flower, clover, and more. Tickets for the foraging walk and following workshop are $75 per person or $120 per family; tickets to the walk only are $30 per person or $50 per family. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
