There’s lots to do over the long weekend — including live music, theater, comedy, and a big beer festival. Here are some of the top highlights.
The New Motif at The Stone Church
Known for their energetic performances, The New Motif’s star is rising on the Seacoast, where their eclectic funk-rock sound has an ample audience. They’ll play an outdoor show at The Stone Church in Newmarket with special guest Peak on Friday from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Damien Jurado at The Word Barn
Singer-songwriter Damien Jurado cut his teeth in Seattle in the 1990s, signing with influential label Sub Pop. Since then, his following has spread across the country. Fresh off the release of his latest album, he’ll be at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Learn more here.
‘9/12′ at The Players’ Ring
Next up at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth is Walter Freeman’s “9/12,” which follows a conflicted Boston couple the day after the World Trade Center attacks. It runs Oct. 8-17; show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$25. Learn more here.
Whose Live Anyway? at The Music Hall
“Whose Live Anyway?,” a touring version of the television show “Who’s Line Is it Anyway?,” comes to The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday from 8-11 p.m. Performers — including original cast member Ryan Stiles — will play games with improvised comedy and songs. Tickets are $38-$59. Learn more here.
New Hampshire Brewfest
Craft brewers from around New England will serve up samples at the New Hampshire Brewfest on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. (12-5 for VIPs). A benefit for the Prescott Park Arts Festival, it takes place on the grounds of Cisco Brewers Portsmouth. Tickets are $50-$65 ($20 for designated drivers). Learn more here.
Portsmouth Pride 2021
Participants will gather in Market Square on Saturday at noon for the annual Pride March. Following a route through downtown Portsmouth, the march ends on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum, where there will be featured speakers, live entertainment, and a Pride Marketplace. Learn more here.
Taste of Kittery
The town of Kittery will celebrate the 375th anniversary of its incorporation with a foodtastic event showcasing the town’s vibrant restaurant community. Taste of Kittery will offer bites, sips, music, and fun outside at Post Office Square on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $15-$25. Learn more here.
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio at Jimmy’s
One of the early highlights of the schedule at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth is the ultra-talented soul-jazz band the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. They’ll play two sets of feel-good music on guitar, drums, and organ on Saturday: an early show at 7:30 p.m. and a late show at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Dub Apocalypse at The Press Room
Instrumental dub-reggae supergroup Dub Apocalypse, featuring an all-star lineup of Boston-area musicians, travels to the Seacoast for a concert at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday at 9 p.m. A regional favorite, their shows always have a party atmosphere. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Chris Thile at The Music Hall
MacArthur Fellow and Grammy Award-winning mandolin player and singer-songwriter Chris Thile, a founding member of acoustic bluegrass band the Punch Brothers, plays a Columbus Day show at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-$50. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.