A range of emotions will swell across the Seacoast over Memorial Day weekend. There will be sadness and laughter, running and revelry, mad men and dark arts. Learn about some of the highlights below.
Farewell to the Coat
Former bar manager Mark Adams escorts an unruly patron (Trevor Bartlett, posing as then-Portsmouth Halloween Parade grand marshal Tom Colletta) out of the Coat of Arms in 2008. courtesy photo
For 22 years, the Coat of Arms has been serving frothy beers and delectable pub food on Fleet Street. The beloved British bar was one of the few remaining establishments in Portsmouth known as a place for the locals. But the Coat pours its last pint on Saturday before closing permanently. Loyal patrons are organizing a farewell event on Friday, May 26, starting at 5 p.m., to give a final toast. For more information, click here.
The Big Lebowski
The Dude, Donny, and Walter.
The 1998 Coen brothers film “The Big Lebowski” tells the story of a man, known as “The Dude,” who… Ah hell, you already know what it’s about. You’ve seen it 400 times. And yet you want to see it again, on the big screen, surrounded by people in shabby bathrobes. The Music Hall in Portsmouth is giving you that opportunity on Friday, May 26, at 8 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $11; available here.
Midnight Mad Haus
One of the Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc. courtesy photo
To get a glimpse of Portsmouth’s freak-filled underbelly, you have to stay up late. The next installment of the Mad Haus series is on Friday, May 26, at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre. There’s a party in the lobby at 11 a.m., followed by the performance at midnight, when the Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc. present cirque, theater, vaudeville, dance, drag, fashion, burlesque, puppets, and more. Tickets are $15 (or pay what you can), available here.
Dark Arts and Crafts
The mysterious proprietors of Deadwicks Ethereal Emporium in Portsmouth invite guests to their Parlour of the Paranormal for a Dark Arts and Crafts Faire this weekend. The event features esoteric artwork from more than 20 regional artisans, including jewelry, candles, prints, rare books, clothing, costumes, herbal products, statues, sculptures, pins, photography, and various other oddities. It takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Memorial 5k Road Race
The 20th annual Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5k Road Race takes off from the Redhook Berwery in Portsmouth on Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m. Afterward, regain the weight you lost with a feast and party featuring live music and beer. There’s also a Kids Fun Run at 10:15 a.m. All race proceeds benefit the Krempels Center on the Community Campus in Portsmouth. The entry fee is $35 ($5 for the Fun Run). For more information, click here.