For many, Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of summer. Kick off the season with live music, food, and exploration. Here are some highlights.
Celia Woodsmith & Chicken Night
Enjoy some fresh live music and a fresh hot meal at Vernon Family Farm in Newfields on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Grammy-nominated vocalist Celia Woodsmith and her band The Mountain will provide the music from 5-7:30 p.m. Woodsmith, of Nashville string band Della Mae, is a fixture of the New England roots scene. Meanwhile, Vernon Kitchen will serve up BBQ and rotisserie chicken plates, using poultry raised and cooked on the farm. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket hosts three outdoor shows this weekend. Guitarist Zach Nugent of Melvin Seals & JGB performs Friday at 6 p.m. Funk band Ghost Note — featuring members of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, and others — takes the stage Saturday at 3 p.m. Blues legend James Montgomery, who has shared stages with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and the Allman Brothers, plays Sunday at 3 p.m.
Portsmouth Farmers Market
Summer farmers markets are underway across the Seacoast. Portsmouth’s weekly market is held outside the Little Harbour School every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The Seacoast Growers Association also runs markets at Sammy’s Lot in Durham (Mondays from 2:15-5:30 p.m. starting June 7), the Chamber of Commerce parking lot in Dover (Wednesdays from 2:15-5:30 p.m.), and Swasey Parkway in Exeter (Thursdays from 2:15-5:30 p.m.).
Exploring Portsmouth’s Past
Those who visit Strawbery Banke Museum over Memorial Day Weekend can explore Portsmouth’s past. Strawbery Banke is offering 90-minute guided tours on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, departing every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will visit four historic houses, where costumed role-players will share stories that reflect economic, social, political, and cultural challenges and changes through the years. Learn more here.
Concerts Under the Arch
The Music Hall in Portsmouth continues its Under the Arch concert series on Chestnut Street with two pairs of outdoor shows this weekend. Local indie songstress Kate Redgate and her all-star rock band perform on Saturday from 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet — featuring viola, cello, and two violins — will play classical pieces with sensual dances and edgy tangos on Sunday from 5-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.
See the full calendar for more local events.