It’s another one of those festive summer weekends when we feel compelled to boost our typical top-five list to a top 10. Keep cool and enjoy some local art, theater, music, and more.
52nd Annual Stratham Fair
The 52nd annual Stratham Fair is now underway at Stratham Hill Park. Presented by the Stratham Volunteer Fire Department, the event spans four days from Thursday to Sunday, July 18-21. Among the highlights are live entertainment, amusement rides, horse and oxen pulls, animal shows, food vendors, and more. Tickets are $5-$10; learn more here.
The Rep presents ‘Hedwig’ and ‘Hair’
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre opens two popular rock musicals at two different venues this weekend. “Hair” is at Star Theatre in Kittery from July 18-Aug. 4; tickets are $30. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is at the Rep in Portsmouth for a midnight run from July 19-27 and Aug. 16-24; tickets are $20-$30.
‘Jason, Jason and Florence’ at the Ring
Up next at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth is a show by 21-year-old York resident Matthew Bickerstaff. “Jason, Jason and Florence,” about a young woman reuniting with her abusive father, runs July 19-28. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. and Sundays at 9 p.m. Tickets are $14; learn more here.
‘Giant Watercolor World’ at 3S
An exhibit of large, fantastical paintings opens at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth with a reception on Friday, July 19, from 5-8 p.m. “Giant Watercolor World,” featuring new works with layers of watercolors by artist Robert Morgan, will remain on display in the 3S gallery through Aug. 25. For more information, click here.
Cold Engines CD release show
Local rock band Cold Engines is set to release its most ambitious album to date. A release party for “Kiss My Heart” takes place at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday, July 19, at 9 p.m. Space Junk Is Forever opens the show. Tickets are $10-$12; learn more here.
Mead & Howat at Chases Garage
Two artists share pieces in a new exhibit at Chases Garage in York. Mary Mead’s latest work includes printmaking, drawing, and ceramic sculpture. Mike Howat offers paintings, mixed media, etchings, and graphite drawings. A reception takes place Saturday, July 20, from 4-8 p.m. The show remains up through Sept. 14. Learn more here.
100 Soulful Summer Singers in York
One hundred singers will perform South African a cappella and American gospel music at York Community Auditorium on Saturday, July 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. Bongani Magatyana of South Africa and Kathy Bullock of Kentucky will join a large group of local community singers for the concert. Tickets are $12-$15; learn more here.
J Mascis at Prescott Park
For many music fans, the top highlight of this year’s Prescott Park Arts Festival is coming up on Saturday, July 20. Dinosaur Jr. front man J Mascis takes the stage at 7 p.m. as part of the River House Restaurant Concert Series. There is an $8-$10 suggested donation. For more information, click here.
Portsmouth White Shark Party
Cisco Brewers Portsmouth is hosting a party to help protect the ocean on Sunday, July 21, from 1-8 p.m. A portion of proceeds from the event — which features a mechanical shark — will go to OCEARCH, a nonprofit that researches great white sharks. There is a suggested donation of $20; learn more here.
‘Up, Up and Away’ in Kittery
The Kittery Art Association is presenting an all-member show with an upbeat and uplifting theme from July 18-Sept. 1. An opening reception for “Up, Up and Away” takes place Sunday, July 21, from 4-6 p.m. The KAA’s spotlight wall artist for the show is Marlane Bottino. For more information, click here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.