The first weekend of summer offers so many worthy events that we’ve upped our normal top-five roundup to a full top 10. See the selections below.
Tiny Enormous Art Show
The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) is putting its own spin on Nahcotta’s popular “Enormous Tiny Art Show” with the first ever “Tiny Enormous Art Show.” The exhibit in PMAC’s Haas Family Gallery features larger works by eight local artists: Russell Ahoronian, Chase Bailey, Kate Crowell, Sarah Haskell, Tyson Jacques, Barbara Rita Jenny, Martin Mugar, and Kristin Texeira. The show runs through Aug. 17, with an opening reception on Friday, June 22, from 5-6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
One of the most successful musicals of all time celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the Rochester Opera House has taken notice. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, runs at the Opera House June 22 to July 1, with show times at 7 p.m. on Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15; for more information, click here.
Seussical the Musical
Family theater returns to the waterfront in Portsmouth this weekend. The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 2018 summer musical, “Seussical,” runs June 22 to Aug. 19. With a book and music by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show features some of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Lazy Mayzie, and others. Show times are typically Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Strange Days Festival
Boston-based jam band Strange Machines is the brains behind the second annual Strange Days Festival at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday, June 22, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 23 at 4:30 p.m. The acts include Strange Machines, West End Blend, After Funk, Swimmer, The Trichomes, Mike MacDonald, and The Hot Chocheys. There will also be live painting from Heilig Art. Tickets are $15-$20 for one day, or $25-$35 for a two-day pass. Learn more here.
New Hampsketch
The Late Night Series is underway at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth, beginning with a show that includes improv comedy, live music, storytelling, and more. Klemmer Productions brings “New Hampsketch” to the Ring from June 22 to July 1. In the style of “Saturday Night Live,” the show features original sketch comedy, including a news spoof on local issues. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. and Sundays at 9 p.m. Tickets are $14; learn more here.
Portsmouth Pride 2018
Living up to its motto as “The City of the Open Door,” Portsmouth’s Pride celebration has gotten bigger each year. The fourth annual Portsmouth Pride event, featuring a marketplace, a march, entertainment, and more, takes place Saturday, June 23, with most events centered around Strawbery Banke Museum. There will also be a Youth After Party at the First United Methodist Church, and a grownup After-Party with Bunny & the Fox at 3S Artspace. For more information, click here.
Fill the Hall Food Drive
While the city is filled with pride, The Music Hall in Portsmouth will be filling up with food for those in need. The fourth annual Fill the Hall Food Drive takes place Saturday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. People can drop off bags of non-perishable food items with the goal of filling all 900 theater seats with bags. The donations go to Gather to benefit its Summer Meals 4 Kids program. Learn more here.
Page Turner: A Literary Event
The Art Center, located in the Washington Street Mills in Dover, will be celebrating the Seacoast’s literary community with the first ever Page Turner event on Saturday, June 23, from 2-6 p.m. Sixteen prominent area authors will gather for an afternoon of discussion, readings, book signings, and interaction with readers, along with a raffle. Following the main event, poet Shane Morin will offer a writing workshop from 6-7 p.m. For more information on this free event, click here.
Longboard Sunday
Surfing season is year-round in New Hampshire, with the best waves often arriving in the worst weather. But local surfers can celebrate a summer kick-off at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Sunday, June 24, from 2-5 p.m., during “Longboard Sunday: Surf Movies, Music, and Shapers.” As the title suggests, the event includes surfing movies, live music, and local shapers and artists. Tickets are $10; proceeds benefit the New Hampshire chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Learn more here.
Correction: The top-five roundup published on June 8 listed the wrong date for Longboard Sunday. The correct date is June 24, not June 10.
Wyclef Jean
Hip-hop icon Wyclef Jean may have been barred from running for president of Haiti in 2010, but he will receive an enthusiastic welcome at Bernie’s Beach Bar at Hampton Beach in 2018. The Gammy-winning former Fugees member, who last year released his latest solo album, “Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee,” will bring his Carnival Tour to Bernie’s on Sunday, June 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35; for more information, click here.
For a full calendar of local events, click here.