The month of October ended with several notable developments in Portsmouth, as the new parking garage officially opened, The Press Room finally reopened, and the Portsmouth Halloween Parade tried out its new route, all on Oct. 31. Now we enter November with new art, theater, food, literature, and the arrival of holiday season.
Artists of the Button Factory
In addition to all the new gallery shows opening during Portsmouth’s Art ’Round Town and the Dover Art Walk on Friday, Nov. 2, the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center opens its fifth annual “Artists of the Button Factory” exhibit with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The show features work by seven local artists, whose pieces will be available for purchase. The show will remain on display through Dec. 17. For more information, click here.
Best of Taste Bash 2018
More than 50 restaurants will serve up sample dishes at the eighth annual Best of Taste Bash at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday, Nov. 2, from 7-9:30 p.m. Those dishes — presented by winners of Taste of the Seacoast’s annual Best of Taste survey — will be paired with fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. There will also be a silent auction to benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. Tickets are $79 ($110 for VIPs); learn more here.
Monkeyboy & Spaceman
Two members of improv comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction will share true stories of public failures at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth Nov. 2-4. In “Spaceman,” John Herman details his experiences as a finalist for the Space Race 2012 Initiative. In “Monkeyboy,” Chris Klemmer describes his short-lived gig as a minor-league baseball mascot. The two-part show will be staged on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18; learn more here.
Pedalpalooza Portsmouth
In an effort to make Portsmouth a more bicycle-friendly city, bike lanes were recently installed on Middle Street. In celebration of that development, Seacoast Area Bicycle Riders (SABR), Commute Smart Seacoast, and PS21 are hosting Pedalpalooza Portsmouth on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 1-3 p.m. The free event will offer guided rides on the new lanes, a kids area to decorate bikes, live music, food, and more at the Lafayette School park. For more information, click here.
Scott Kelly: Infinite Wonder
Few people have seen what bestselling author and astronaut Scott Kelly has seen. His new book, “Infinite Wonder: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery,” showcases his photography from a year spent in space. Kelly will share stories and photos from the book at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13.50 (each one-two tickets sold requires the purchase of a book voucher for $40). Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.