Visual art, history, theater, maritime music, a West End party, and more are on tap this weekend on the Seacoast. Here are some of the highlights.
Opening Reception: Them
The new solo show at 3S Artspace’s gallery in Portsmouth features work by Sammy Chong, an Ecuadorian artist of Chinese descent. “My paintings make visible those who are invisible by honoring them in their humble activities, instead of depicting them as victims or second-class citizens,” Chong says. “Them” opens with a reception on Friday, Sept. 28, from 5-8 p.m., with an artist talk at 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through Oct. 27; for more information, click here.
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin’s latest book is ambitious even by her standards. “Leadership: In Turbulent Times” covers essential lessons from four past U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She’ll take part in the Writers on a New England Stage series at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $43.75 and include a copy of the book. Learn more here.
’Night, Mother
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and The Art Center in Dover is aiming to bring awareness to the issue with a theatric production. Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “’Night, Mother” runs one weekend from Sept. 28-30; show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $20, with proceeds supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Out of Darkness Walk. For more information, click here.
Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
The 19th annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival showcases traditional music from the United States, Canada, and the British Isles. Dozens of local and regional musicians will play songs of the sea at sites in and around Market Square. The festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., culminating in an evening program at the United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. All events are free (donations accepted) and open to all ages. Learn more here.
Westival
With each year, Portsmouth’s West End continues to expand with more businesses, restaurants, and arts organizations springing up to form an alternative downtown. Westival is an annual event that celebrates the growing vibrancy of the West End with food, music, demonstrations, and more at locations on and around Islington Street. This year there will even be a Velcro sticky wall. It all takes place Saturday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.