Top five things to do

Lifestyle
A roundup of Seacoast entertainment for the weekend of June 2

There’s a lot going on this weekend. Lots of art, lots of chowder, lots of shopping, and a couple of temporary farewells. Check out some of the weekend highlights below.

New art is everywhere
Buoy: Easy Village

The new show at Buoy features work by Andy Heck Boyd, Jim Peluso, and Meghan Samson. courtesy photo

Friday, June 2, brings Portsmouth’s Art ’Round Town (5-8 p.m.) and the Dover Art Walk (4-8 p.m.), as well as several other art happenings. The grand opening of local fabric artist Nancy Morgan’s new gallery in Portsmouth, Nancy Morgan Art, is 5-8 p.m. A reception for “Easy Village,” a three-artist show at Buoy in Kittery, is 6-9 p.m. Also, from 5-8 p.m., photographer Nate Hastings introduces his show “The Five Spot” in the lobby of 3S Artspace in Portsmouth.

Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Players Ring: Compleat Female Stage Beauty

Billy Butler and Danica Carlson star in Compleat Female Stage Beauty at the Ring. photo by M. Lavigne Photography

In 1661 London, playing a woman on stage was a man’s job. Jeffrey Hatcher’s play “Compleat Female Stage Beauty” documents the saga of one such man, who falls from theater glory after the king undoes the law prohibiting women from the stage. Back Alley Productions is staging Hatcher’s show at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth from June 2-18. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; tickets are $15, available here.

Chowder Fest
Chowder Fest Prescott Park

Chowder Fest always brings a crowd to Prescott Park. courtesy photo

The WOKQ Chowder Festival is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country. The 33rd annual taste-testing fest comes to Prescott Park in Portsmouth on Saturday, June 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not only will guests be treated to an array of delectable chowders — and be able to vote on their favorites — but there will also be live country music, kids’ activities, beverages, and other treats. Tickets are $10-$14 ($7 for youths), available here.

The Press Room’s summer hibernation
Dan Blakeslee

Dan Blakeslee headlines The Press Room’s final show before a three-month hiatus on Saturday. photo by Michael Winters

State Street Saloon is gone. The Coat of Arms is closed. And The Press Room is shutting down for three months of renovations. The good news is that the beloved Portsmouth pub reopens under new ownership in the fall. In the meantime, savor one last show on Saturday, June 3, at 9 p.m. Local legend Dan Blakeslee headlines, with support from Melvern Taylor and Jonah Tolchin. Tickets are $7-$10, available here. (This is also the final weekend before the Blue Mermaid closes its Portsmouth location on June 6, with plans to reopen in Kittery in the fall.)

Shop Portsmouth Day

More than 50 of downtown Portsmouth’s independently owned and operated shops, boutiques, and galleries will host special sales and events during Shop Portsmouth Day on Sunday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, the day-long event features wine and cheese tastings, sidewalk sales, mimosas, treats, pottery demonstrations, cooking classes, trunk shows, and more. For a list of participating businesses and more information, click here.