We at PortsmouthNH.com grant you permission to set aside your digital devices this weekend and enjoy some screen-free entertainment and activities. Here are some of the top options.
Digital Fast
Occasionally, it’s healthy to step away from the screen — the TV, computer, phone, tablet, etc. — and see what happens. That’s what the Seacoast Digital Fast is all about. Starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, locals are invited to turn off their digital devices for the weekend. A kick-off party takes place Friday from 5-7 p.m. in Block Six restaurant at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. Fasters will mingle and receive free swag. For more information, click here.
Elsa Cross
An old friend returns from Texas this weekend for a performance at The Dance Hall in Kittery. Alt-country singer-songwriter Elsa Cross, a Maine native and Seacoast favorite now living in Austin, takes the stage on Friday, Aug. 4, from 8-10 p.m. (one night after a gig at The Stone Church in Newmarket, and one night before a show at The Speakeasy in Durham). Cross’ Northeast swing comes as she works on a new album. Tickets are $12-$15, available here.
How-To Festival
At past installments of Portsmouth Public Library’s annual How-To Festival, guests have learned how to build microscopes, open beehives, perform Thriller dances, write songs, kick field goals, and much more. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in the field outside the library. There will be music, food, vendor booths, and live demonstrations, including yoga and meditation lessons from the Seacoast Area Teachers of Yoga in Action. For details, click here.
Reggae & Craft Beer Fest
The Skatalites
The Governor’s Inn in Rochester is offering 12 straight hours of live music and more than 30 craft brews at the sixth annual Reggae & Craft Beer Fest. Headlining are The Skatalites, a Jamaican ska band that has backed Toots and the Maytals, Prince Buster, and the Wailing Wailers. There will also be a beer garden, food, art, and games on the garden grounds. The event is Saturday, Aug. 5, from noon to midnight. Tickets are $30, available here.
Lady Luck Burlesque
New Hampshire’s largest burlesque troupe is bringing a taste of Vegas to the Port City this weekend. Lady Luck Burlesque on the Vegas Strip takes place Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Hall. The team of local dancers, choreographers, and cirque performers promises generous helpings of feathers, rhinestones, shimmies, glitz, and glam for the new show, which they’ve been working on for the past year. Tickets to the 18-plus performance are $32, available here.
For a full calendar of events, click here.