Socially-distanced music, theater, film, art, and children’s activities are on the docket this weekend. Here are some of the highlights. Stay safe, wear a mask, and enjoy!
Cochecho Arts Festival 2020
Instead of canceling, Dover’s Cochecho Arts Festival is adapting. This year’s festival takes place Aug. 14-16, beginning with a Drive-in Movie Night at Saint John’s United Methodist Church on Friday night. The evening begins with a screening of local filmmaker Alfred Catalfo’s short film “Rocketship,” followed by “Shrek.” Saturday features a Children’s Series, also at Saint John’s, with performances by Magic Fred, Wayne from Maine, and magician BJ Hickman. Sunday brings the Visual Arts Series at the farmers market in Henry Law Park.
‘The Bus Stop’ at the Rep
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth kicks off a series of timely and topical plays this weekend. Najee A. Brown’s “The Bus Stop” is on stage Aug. 14 through Sept. 12. The show centers around the lives of five black women from different backgrounds, each of whom is dealing with the effects of having a loved one who is incarcerated. Presented by the Green Acre Baha’i School, the show is available to view in person from spaced seats at the theater, or streaming live online from home. Tickets are $25-$35. For more information, click here.
Darlin’ Corey w/ Dave Talmage
Local musicians Matt Shipman and Erica Brown have formed the musical duo Darlin’ Corey, delivering vocal harmonies accompanied by fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitars. They’ll play live alongside local folk favorite Dave Talmage in The Stone Church’s beer garden in Newmarket on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are sold by the table, with six seats available for $30, or four for $25. Food and drinks can be ordered to the tables. Learn more here.
Live Shows at PopUp NH
After a successful opening weekend, PopUp NH is open for business in downtown Portsmouth, offering local food, local brews, and live events. Coming up on Friday, Aug. 14, from 7-9 p.m., is a performance by dancer Shaina Shwartz and singer Raquel Jennings. An individual seat is $5, a table for two is $10, and a table for four is $20 (learn more here). Then, on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8-10 p.m., is a concert by “old soul singer songwriter” Sam Robbins, a Portsmouth native now based in Nashville. A table for two is $40; a table for four is $80 (learn more here).
Word Barn Comedy Live
Headlining the next live comedy show at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter is Boston-area comic Orlando Baxter, who has performed at comedy festivals all around the world. Also on the bill are Laura Severse, a finalist at the 2018 Boston Comedy Festival; Portland Comedy Co-op member Connor McGrath; and local hosts Josh and Sara Day. The open-air event takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30; masks are required. Learn more here.
BONUS: Sue’s Closing Yard Sale
Sue’s, the unique and intimate space located in the lower Salmon Falls Mills in Rollinsford, is closing its doors for good. Community members can say goodbye on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 12-4:30 p.m. Sue’s furniture, memorabilia, decorations, and other trinkets will be available at an outdoor yard sale, and guests will have a chance to step into the space and take it in one last time. Masks are required. For more information, click here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.