Fill your weekend with art, pride, and joy. Here are a dozen upcoming happenings.
June exhibitions at the N.H. Art Association
The New Hampshire Art Association is unveiling a fresh batch of exhibitions at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth on Friday. The regional show “Transcendence” honors the spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences in New England. An opening reception takes place from 5-8 p.m. during Art ‘Round Town. Learn more here.
Pride and joy on the Button Factory Stage
Local drag collective Not Yer Mama’s is celebrating Pride Month with a special performance at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the Pride & Joy event is “bringing chosen family together,” a heartfelt tribute to chosen family, queer joy, and the power of community. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
The Soul Rebels at The Word Barn Meadow
What a way to kick off The Word Barn Meadow’s summer season in Exeter! Sensational New Orleans-based brass band The Soul Rebels will take the outdoor stage on Friday from 7-9 p.m. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the eight-piece ensemble will just move indoors and perform in the Barn. Tickets are $30. Learn more here.
Live music and drag at The Stone Church
It’s another loaded weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Tribute act Sans Souci returns to celebrate the Jerry Garcia Band on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Glam rockers Bella’s Bartok welcome some special guests on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ($15-$20). And King Jonny’s Drag Show follows at 9 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Springtide at The Dance Hall
Musicians, songwriters, and central figures from the Mid-Coast Maine fiddle scene join forces in Springtide, a band that combines Celtic and Scandinavian fiddle music with heartfelt original tunes and creative improvisation. The trio will perform live at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$22. Learn more here.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ at N.H. Theatre Project
Dive In Productions is bringing one of William Shakespeare’s best-known works to Portsmouth this month. Directed by Kat Mail, “Romeo and Juliet” is on stage at New Hampshire Theatre Project from June 6-15. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Joyce Amend workshop at the Kittery Art Association
Local artist Joyce Amend will lead a two-part workshop in a fun, relaxing atmosphere at the Kittery Art Association over the next two Saturdays. The class begins with abstract watercolor on June 7 and continues with Zentangle designs on June 14. Both classes are from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $105 total. Learn more here.
Chowder Festival at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 2025 season officially gets underway with the annual 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until the chowder runs out. There will be live music, kid-friendly activities, ice cream, and delicious chowder samples served up by local restaurants. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Voices from the Heart Spring Concert
The theme of Voices from the Heart’s 2025 spring concert is “Rising Strong!” The local chorus will celebrate 30 years of singing on the Seacoast with a pair of performances at South Church in Portsmouth on Saturday — a Matinee at 4 p.m. and an Evening Show at 7:30 p.m. — each featuring special guests. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Safe Haven Ballet at STAR Theatre
Safe Haven Ballet will continue to pursue its mission of uplifting and inspiring the community through professional performance and education with a special Student Showcase event this weekend. Safe Haven students will perform at STAR Theatre in the Kittery Community Center on Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Comedy Show at The Rockingham Ballroom
Three Boston-based standup comedians will take their turns at the microphone during the next Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Dan Crohn, Zach Valencia, and Dustin Pueschel will each perform following an opening set from a musical guest on Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Kafari at South Church
Portland-based pianist and multi-instrumentalist Ahmad Hassan Muhammad, better known by his stage name Kafari, will take guests on a soulful, dreamy, jazz-infused journey at South Church in Portsmouth on Saturday at 2 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $20, but all are welcome (pay what you can). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.