Get outside this weekend and see a show, fly a kite, or take a run to support a good cause. Here are some of your top local options.
‘Rent’ at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm
The Firehouse Center for the Arts’ fantastic production of “Rent” comes to a close this weekend at the beautiful Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Mass. The beloved musical, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, comes to life on an outdoor stage. Tickets are sold by the pod; bring a blanket, snack, and drink and enjoy the performance from the lawn. Show times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:30-9 p.m. Learn more here.
2021 Exeter Arts & Music Festival
Among the featured bands at this year’s Exeter Arts & Music Fest are local favorites like Bitter Pill, Groove Lounge, and Cold Engines (above). In addition to the main-stage acts, there will be a singer-songwriter tent, a local food court, artist vendors, and more. The event takes place by the river at Swasey Parkway on Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There’s a suggested donation of $10 ($20 for families); advance tickets are encouraged. Learn more here.
Kites Against Cancer Family Picnic
Fly a kite, have a picnic, and enjoy some music for a worthy cause in Exeter on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Kites Against Cancer unfolds at The Word Barn Meadow and across the street at the Raynes Farm. Local folk-rock band The Reconstructed will perform, and Ohana Kitchen offers poke bowls (must be ordered with your tickets). Tickets are $20 (free for kids under 11); proceeds support Exeter Hospital’s Beyond the Rainbow Fund. Learn more here.
All Together Now: Rachael & Vilray
The All Together Now concert series continues this weekend with two performances by singer Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and performer-composer Vilray. The duo will play old-time jazz tunes at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. The series is a collaboration benefiting 3S Artspace and the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Seating in the theater will be socially distanced. Tickets are $25-$60. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Memorial Day 5K
This year’s Cisco Brewers Portsmouth Memorial Day run will be a “5K your way.” Participants in the virtual event can choose from multiple registration options and complete their route any time between May 23-30. The route can be run or walked, and there are no fundraising minimums in place. There’s also a Virtual Kids Fun Run. As always, proceeds support the Krempels Center’s work with brain-injury survivors. For more information, click here.
See the full calendar for more local events.