Fourth of July weekend marks the official start of summer on the Seacoast, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Here are some of the highlights.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s monthly gallery walk is back. Among the highlights on Friday from 5-8 p.m. is an opening reception for “Transitions and Meditations,” the thought-provoking new show at 3S Artspace. Several featured artists will be on hand. The New Hampshire Art Association is unveiling new member shows at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, including “Body of Work: Series III,” “Color of Summer,” and “Flying Machines to Time Machines.”
Sneaky Miles at The Stone Church
In the roughly two years since they formed at the University of New Hampshire, local indie-folk band Sneaky Miles has developed a substantial following. They’ll perform an outdoor concert at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 6-9 p.m. (in case of rain, the show will be moved indoors). Opening the night is special guest The Nine, a college band from Londonderry. General admission tickets are $15. For more information, click here.
Badfish at the Casino Ballroom
The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom was forced to cancel its entire 2020 season due to the pandemic, but the doors swing open again this weekend. First up in the Ballroom’s extensive summer lineup is Sublime tribute act Badfish, which takes the stage on Friday at 8 p.m. The group is known for replicating not only the music but also the spirit of the beloved ’90s reggae-rock band. General admission tickets are $70. Learn more here.
Word Barn Comedy Live ft. Tony V
Boston comedy icon Tony V headlines the next installment of Word Barn Comedy Live, taking place outside in the meadow in Exeter on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. The comic is a veteran of talk shows like “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and sitcoms like “Seinfeld,” among many others. Also on the bill are comics Laura Severse, Danny Killea, Jai Demeule, and local hosts Josh and Sara Day. Tickets are $30. For more information, click here.
Fourth of July fireworks & celebrations
Note: Portsmouth fireworks have been postponed until Monday, July 5.
Portsmouth’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration takes place Monday at 9:15 p.m. in Leary Field. Other Independence Day festivities coming up this weekend include a parade in Brentwood, fireworks in Dover, fireworks at Hampton Beach, the “Night Before the 4th” in Rochester, and two separate fireworks displays at York Harbor Beach and Short Sands Beach in York. For a full roundup of Fourth of July celebrations, click here.
See the full calendar for more local events.