Kick off the New Year with a local event. Here’s a handful of options.
Cinema at The Music Hall
The Music Hall will continue bringing top films to the big screen in Portsmouth this year. This weekend’s offerings include “One Battle After Another” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m., and “You Got Gold — A Celebration of John Prine” on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $14-$16.
Live music at The Press Room
Tribute band A Strange Day plays The Cure’s debut album “Three Imaginary Boys,” plus other hits and B-sides, at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($20-$23). Local folk favorite Foxglove performs on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($15-$20), followed by Jam!n: Sub-Zero Dub at 10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Drag and music at WSCA Radio
Expect a high-energy night of drag inspired by viral moments, online chaos, pop culture overload, and performances that would melt a comment section when Not Yer Mama’s Drag Co. Breaks the Internet at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Then Paul Hodes and the Blue Buddha Band take the Button Factory Stage for a night of soulful rock on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Comedy at The Rockingham Ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom’s first Comedy Night of 2026 brings standup comics Kyle Crawford, Chris D, and Ken Murphy to the stage in Newmarket, along with a live musical opener. The event takes place on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each, or a package of four for $75. Learn more here.
Youth Theatre Workshop at Millspace
Actor and theater educator Katherine Cusack leads the first in a series of 2026 Youth Theatre Workshops at Newmarket Millspace on Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (featuring an improv showcase at 2:30 p.m.). Subsequent installments take place on March 7, May 24, and Oct. 10. Tickets are $55. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.