It’s an ideal midsummer weekend on the Seacoast, with plans for festivals, concerts, movies, and more. Learn about some of the most exciting highlights in our weekly top five.
Dr. Dog & M. Ward
Two beloved indie-folk acts will perform as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth this weekend. Philadelphia-based psych-folk band Dr. Dog, who this spring released their latest album, “Critical Equation,” play at Prescott Park on Friday, July 13. Singer-songwriter and guitarist M. Ward, who in June released a surprise album called “What a Wonderful Industry,” plays on Sunday, July 15. Both shows start at 7 p.m.; there is a suggested donation of $8-$10.
Weird Turn Pro & River Sister
While Prescott Park hosts the national acts, The Dance Hall in Kittery will present a pair of exciting local shows. Weird Turn Pro, the experimental jazz outfit helmed by pianist Mike Effenberger, celebrates its new album, “Let Me Be Unwound,” with a release show on Friday, July 13. Indie-folk group River Sister, in collaboration with Feminist Oasis, celebrates the Feminist Revolution with a concert on Saturday, July 14. Both shows start at 8 p.m. and cost $12-$15.
Horror Movie Trivia
Local movie buffs Bunny Wonderland and Tim Fife are marking Friday the 13th with a special event at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. The duo will co-host an evening of Horror Movie Trivia starting at 9:30 p.m., with teams of up to four players competing. The contest will be followed at 11 p.m. by a screening of the 1989 cult-classic film “Society,” the directorial debut of indie-horror legend Brian Yuzna. Tickets are $13; for more information, click here.
American Independence Festival
Cannon blasts and fireworks will echo across Exeter on Saturday, July 14, during the 28th American Independence Festival. The daylong event at the American Independence Museum will feature historic battle reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, music, food, and more. The festival, which is expected to draw more than 4,000 people to downtown Exeter, concludes with a live concert by the Baha Brothers in Swasey Parkway, followed by fireworks. For more information, click here.
Family Fun Day
A full afternoon of family fun unfolds at Henry Law Park in downtown Dover on Saturday, July 14, from 2-9 p.m. Family Fun Day includes live music, a watermelon-eating contest, food truck vendors, family games, and more. The free event is sponsored by Victory Chapel and Thrive New England, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention of human trafficking in New England, and helping to care for its victims. For more information, click here.
For a full calendar of local events, click here.