Get into some theater, music, and much more this weekend. Here are some highlights.
Final weekend of “The Wasp” at the Ring
Two exceptional plays are coming to a close this weekend in Portsmouth. Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s gripping nail-biter “The Wasp,” directed by CJ Lewis, is on stage at The Players’ Ring through May 18; show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$29. Learn more here.
Final weekend of “Ugly Lies the Bone” at NHTP
Lindsey Ferrentino’s powerful drama “Ugly Lies the Bone,” about a wounded veteran who builds a virtual world to escape her pain, also wraps up this weekend at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth. The final show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Three shows at The Dance Hall
There’s lots of great music to be heard at The Dance Hall in Kittery this weekend. A Boston-based double-bill featuring multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Kat Wallace (pictured) with “progressive-acoustic boy band” High Horse kicks things off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$22). The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center’s Teen Rock, Blues, and Jazz Show takes place on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. ($10). International and intergenerational salsa group Rafa Moreno and Vibra Tropical follows on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$22). Learn more here.
Gamblers at The Press Room
Indie band Gamblers has garnered millions of Spotify streams with its original blend of organic and electronic sounds. They’ll bring their 2025 Spring of the Idiots Tour to The Press Room in Portsmouth for a concert with guest opener Sinnet on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
A pair of groovy, funky, soulful, rock-fusion trios — Frenzie and Canopy — will split the bill at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Legendary local violinist and singer-songwriter Joyce Andersen performs upstairs in Althea’s Lounge on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ($15-$20). A jamming rock party follows with Burlington’s The Edd and Boston’s Leon Trout on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
2025 Exeter Arts & Music Fest
A signature spring event is coming up this weekend: The annual Exeter Arts & Music Fest takes place in Swasey Parkway on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Presented by TEAM (Town Exeter Arts Music), the festival features live music, food and art vendors, and kids’ activities. Admission is free (donations welcome). Learn more here.
Zepparella at Jimmy’s
Zepparella has now been rock and rolling for 20 years, and they still have a whole lotta rocking to do. The all-female tribute band will put their own improvisational twists on the iconic songs of legendary rock titans Led Zeppelin during a gig at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. Learn more here.
Muse: A Salute to Divas of Rock
Hear songs by artists like Pat Benatar, Alanis Morissette, Journey, Heart, Janis Joplin, Paramore, Evanescence, Fleetwood Mac and others in Portsmouth on Saturday night. MUSE: A Salute to Divas of Rock! takes place at The Music Hall Lounge beginning at 8 p.m. (sequined attire recommended). Tickets are $33-$43. Learn more here.
Triple-bill show at WSCA Radio
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio will present an unforgettable night of live music featuring three stellar bands on Saturday night. Innovative New York-based band Plight (pictured) headlines with support from Happy Just to See You and The Lunettes beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Owls and poetry at The Word Barn
Some local raptor ambassadors will return to The Word Barn in Exeter for Owls of New England on Sunday from 1-2 p.m. ($25). Then, head back to the Barn later that afternoon for a Silo Series Poetry Reading featuring poets Abbie Kiefer, Theresa Monteiro, and Matt Miller from 4-5 p.m. (free, donations accepted). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.