Fall festival season continues this weekend with a generous bounty of food, beer, music, and more. Here are some highlights.
Geoff Palmer Tour Kickoff at WSCA
Local rocker Geoff Palmer, known for his pop-punk turns in The Guts, The Connection, and other projects, is set to release a new solo album, titled “Pulling Out All the Stops.” He’ll kick off a fall tour with a performance on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Jupiter 2 opens. Tickets are $10 — grab them while you can, as this one’s likely to sell out. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Dozens of regional acts will play sea songs during the annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 27-29. The performances will be spread across multiple pubs and gathering places around Market Square and on the streets of downtown Portsmouth. The main event is a special concert featuring several performers at the United Methodist Church from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday. All the events are free but donations will be accepted. For more information, click here.
Seacoast Microbrew Festival
About 25 area breweries will take part in the 2019 Seacoast Microbrew Festival, making it the biggest one yet. Chapel + Main heads up this year’s event, which takes place at Henry Law Park in Dover on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 12-4 p.m. In addition to beer, the festival features live music and entertainment and food from local chefs and restaurants. Tickets are $40 ($10 for designated drivers); a portion of proceeds goes to local charities. Learn more here.
Rochester PorchFest 2019
Downtown Rochester hosts a free outdoor music and food-truck festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 12-5 p.m. More than 30 bands will perform on outdoor stages around town, while food trucks and vendors set up in the Union Street parking lot. Participating restaurants and shops will offer specials and discounts to attendees who purchase all-access passes for $10 (pass-holders also are invited to an after-party). Proceeds support music scholarships at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center. Learn more here.
Share the Square in Portsmouth
The city of Portsmouth introduces a new initiative on Sunday, Sept. 29, with the first ever Share the Square event. Market Square and surrounding blocks will be closed to vehicular traffic from 12-5 p.m., enabling pedestrians to roam the streets freely. The Recreation Department and Portsmouth Public Library will present a variety of games and activities (coinciding with the Maritime Folk Festival). The free event repeats the following Sunday, Oct. 6. For more information, click here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.