We’re kicking off our Labor Day Weekend roundup a little early this week, as there are some big doings on Thursday night. Here are the highlights.
Final concerts at Prescott Park
Only four shows remain in the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 2022 concert series in Portsmouth — all between now and Labor Day. Legendary folk duo Indigo Girls takes the outdoor stage on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Saltwater Roots Festival follows on Friday at 6 p.m., featuring The Ammonium Maze, Julie Rhodes, and River Sister. Indie folk-rock band Wild Rivers performs on Sunday at 7 p.m. Soul artist Allen Stone wraps things up on Monday at 7 p.m.
Two legends at Jimmy’s
Two multi-Grammy winners each play multiple shows at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth this weekend. Legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny plays on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ($35-$145). Bass phenom Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) plays on Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ($20-$90).
They Might Be Giants at The Music Hall
Alt-rock pioneers They Might Be Giants will play a pandemic-delayed concert in Portsmouth on Thursday from 8-11 p.m. To (belatedly) celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1990 classic “Flood,” the band will play the full album at The Music Hall, along with other songs from throughout their catalog. Tickets are $30-$50. Learn more here.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
During Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m., the N.H. Art Association opens three exhibits at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery. The member show “Colors of Autumn” celebrates the season. Kevin Dadoly and Barbara Nolan share compositions in “back2back.” “Body of Work: Series IV” features three local photographers.
The Dance Hall presents…
Vocalist Grace Marie Wallace will be joined by a rhythm section consisting of UNH faculty members at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). On Saturday from 5:30-7 p.m., local band Elroy and some friends will play Van Morrison’s 1970 album “Moondance” in its entirety at John Paul Jones Park ($15). Learn more here.
Farinas & Blanco at WSCA
Concerts are back on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio! On Friday from 8-11 p.m., local pandemic-born act Farinas & Blanco, which showcases a blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and rock, will join Newmarket-based indie-folk band Sneaky Miles, which just released a new single. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket presents a full lineup of heavy metal with Guillotine, Proelium, and Necralant on Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). The Rock Dwellers, fresh off their new EP, join Rigometrics for a party on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($10). Jerry Garcia Band tribute Sans Souci plays outside on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Exeter UFO Festival 2022
The Exeter UFO Festival returns over Labor Day Weekend, marking the 57th anniversary of the infamous “Incident at Exeter.” Speakers and researchers will present talks at Exeter Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday, including former New York Times reporter Ralph Blumenthal. Tickets are $30; proceeds benefit local charities. Learn more here.
Seacoast Food Truck Festival
The Great New England Seacoast Food Truck Festival unfolds over two days in the parking lot of Old Navy at the Kittery Premium Outlets on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to food and craft brews, there will be handcrafted goods, live music, and a Kidz Zone. Tickets are $5. Learn more here.
Tribute to David Mauriello at the Ring
The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth will host a tribute to creative and courageous author and playwright David Mauriello on Saturday from 4-9 p.m. The event features four one-act plays and the world premiere screening of the film “A Passage of Time,” based on Mauriello’s play of the same name. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.