Whatever kind of entertainment you’re in the mood for this weekend, you can likely find it on the Seacoast. Our top-five list — which only scrapes the surface of upcoming events — features art, comedy, music, storytelling, dance, and plenty of partying.
3S Art Openings
work by Fafnir Adamites
Three new art exhibits share an opening reception at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Friday, Feb. 9, from 5-7 p.m. The main gallery will open two shows: “Thalpein,” an immersive video and sound experience featuring work by Lana Vogestad, Kirk Cornelius, and Brett Allen; and “Amass and Disperse,” featuring sculpture and installation work by Fafnir Adamites. The lobby gallery will open “Weaving Legends,” featuring fabric artist Margaret B. Russell. Both exhibits run through March 4.
Mike McDonald’s Comedy Extravaganza
Mike McDonald
Infamous Boston-based comedy wiz and producer Mike McDonald returns to The Music Hall in Portsmouth for his 17th annual Comedy Extravaganza on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. The event — The Music Hall’s longest-running comedy show — will feature stand-up performances from fellow Boston-area comics Gary Gullman, Sean Sullivan, Jim David, and Will Noonan. A portion of proceeds benefits the Crossroads House homeless shelter and Gather food pantry. Tickets are $38-$44; for more information, click here.
Mardi Gras Parties
Truffle
Several local bands will bring a taste of New Orleans to the Seacoast in celebration of Mardi Gras in the coming days. On Saturday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m., the Jumbo Circus Peanuts headline a dance party at Latchkey in Portsmouth, while Truffle hosts its annual Mardi Gras party at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Extending the weekend a bit, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m., the Soggy Po’ Boys celebrate Mardi Gras at Sonny’s Tavern in Dover.
Storytelling Festival
Simon Brooks
New Hampshire Theatre Project’s second annual Storytelling Festival features two weekend events at West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth. First, on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m., writer and performer Regi Carpenter presents “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Dinner: Stories of a Seared Childhood” (tickets are $20). The Storytellers Showcase follows on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m., featuring local and regional storytellers Simon Brooks, Sean Kramer, Joanne Piazzi, Pat Spalding, and Genevieve Aichele (tickets are $15).
SHELTER: A One Billion Rising Event
The annual SHELTER event uses dance, theater, and film to amplify the stories of real women who have sought refuge from violence. Presented by the Neoteric Dance Collaborative, the performance also features an original score created by local musician Randy Armstrong. It takes place Sunday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. Tickets are $35 to $50; all proceeds go to Haven NH, a violence prevention and support services agency. Learn more here.
For a full calendar of local events, click here.