The first full weekend of September is loaded with art, music, comedy, and literature. Here are some highlights.
Art ‘Round Town in downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s monthly Art ‘Round Town gallery walk takes place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Highlights include opening receptions for “Ebb and Flow,” featuring new works by Sam Chappell (pictured), at the Kennedy Gallery, as well as “Visual Inference,” featuring works by Shiao-Ping Wang, in the Lobby Gallery at 3S Artspace.
Music, art, and storytelling at The Word Barn
Cousin Curtiss will play “blues at bluegrass speeds” during his debut at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Sunday brings a full day of creativity beginning with the Paint Your Peace workshop led by Jennifer Jarvis from 10-11:30 a.m. ($65), followed by the All About My Life writing workshop with Carol Spindel from 1-4 p.m. ($85), and finally Storytelling with Jake Lewis and Aly Foy from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Three shows on the Button Factory Stage
The weekend starts early at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth as emo and Americana band Milk St headlines a show with Yawn Mower and Closed Course on Thursday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Folk-rock songwriter Lyle Hutchins (pictured) follows on Friday at 8 p.m. ($8-$10). And Church of Magic headlines a night of music and improv theater with Campfire Cowboy and the Mango Wranglers on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Three concerts at The Press Room
It’ll be another packed weekend of live music at The Press Room in Portsmouth. Reggae band Mighty Mystic headlines with guest Royal Hammer on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Local rock band The Accidentals joins opener Tin Palace on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($10-$12). And, following a Sunday Jazz Brunch with the Joe Pino Quintet from 12-3 p.m. ($12-$15), indie songwriters Jane O’Neill and Mary Moore split the bill on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($15-$20).
Thunder Over New Hampshire at Pease
Making their first local appearance in 13 years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2025 Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m-5 p.m. Admission is free; shuttle passes are $40 and Wildcat Club VIP seating is $65-$105. Learn more here.
Mother Nimbus at Newmarket Millspace
Durham-based alternative rock band Mother Nimbus released its debut album, “The Cult of Hand and Heart,” earlier this year. Known for their dynamic live performances, the group will demonstrate its blend of classic rock and modern indie influences at the Newmarket Millspace on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Jon Nolan & Good Co. at The Stone Church
Any time local music icon Jon Nolan puts out a new recording, it’s a cause for celebration. Nolan (front man of alt-country legends Say ZuZu) and his band Good Co. will play an album release party for “Slow Cooker” at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom remains a local bastion for music, dancing, and standup comedy. The September installment of the Newmarket venue’s monthly Comedy Night will feature comedians Mark Scalia, Ryan Gartley (pictured), and Greg Boggis. It takes place on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Seacoast LitFest at The Music Hall
The Music Hall in Portsmouth is celebrating 20 years of its Writers on a New England Stage series with Seacoast LitFest from Sept. 7-10. The festival begins on Sunday with the free Chestnut Street Book Fair & Immersive Reading Experience from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., followed at 4 p.m. by A Conversation with Jennifer Weiner (pictured), bestselling author of “The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits” ($45-$65). Full festival passes are $250. Learn more here.
New Legacy Swing Band at Crows’ Feat Farm
Crows’ Feat Farm’s last concert of the summer is a big one. Dance orchestra the New Legacy Swing Band will perform on the lawn in Kensington on Sunday from 3-5 p.m., following a Community Picnic from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tickets for the rain-or-shine event are $10-$20 for the concert, $30 for the picnic, or $40 for both. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.