Looking for something to do this weekend? Tour some lovely gardens in a historic neighborhood, visit a brand new art exhibit at a local gallery, or catch any number of outdoor concerts featuring local acts. Here are some highlights.
‘Your Leader Could Be a Tyrant’
The gallery at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth opens an exhibition on Friday, Sept. 11, featuring paintings of “recent and contemporary tyrants and their odd habits.” The solo show by artist Tatana Kellner, who was born and raised in communist Czechoslovakia, is titled “Your Leader Could be a Tyrant, How to Tell.” There is no opening reception, but guests can enter in groups of up to 10 people. The show runs through Nov. 1. Learn more here.
Pocket Garden Tour of Portsmouth
The 31st annual Pocket Garden Tour of Portsmouth features residential gardens bursting with flowers, herbs, and vegetables nestled in a 150-year-old neighborhood. Presented by South Church, the self-guided tour unfolds along the tree-lined streets of midtown on Friday, Sept. 11, from 4-7 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance (online sales end Thursday at 11 p.m.) or $25 at the door. Learn more here.
Outdoor shows at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket has two outdoor concerts coming up this weekend that both should be a blast. On Friday, Sept. 11, The ChickenShack Bluegrass Band brings its exuberant, string-happy sound to the beer garden from 6-9 p.m. (table of four: $30; table of six: $35). On Saturday, Sept. 12, local legend Truffle joins opener Born Naked from 5-9 p.m. (table of four: $60; table of six: $75). The Truffle show is also a birthday bash for Paul LeBrun.
Outdoor shows at PopUp NH
Local guitarist Jim Dozet brings his rootsy Americana band — featuring Nick Phaneuf on bass and PJ Donahue on drums — to the outdoor stage at PopUp NH in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Sept. 11, from 7:30-10 p.m. (table of two: $30; table of four: $60). Dover-based singer, guitarist, and actress Amanda Dane brings her own up-and-coming band to the same venue on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m. (table of two: $20; table of four: $40).
River Sister outside the KCC
The Dance Hall continues its outdoor concert series at the Kittery Community Center with a performance by local band River Sister on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 3-4 p.m. The folk group features vocal harmonies from tambourinist Stefanie Guzikowski and guitarist Elissa Margolin, plus a rhythm section of Nate Therrien on bass and PJ Donahue on drums. Bring your blanket or folding chair for a seat on the lawn. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.