Does it feel like summer is flying by? Doesn’t it always? Don’t take the season for granted; get out there and have some fun! Here are some suggestions.
Loads of live music at The Stone Church
The Stone Church is jamming as always with two double-bills this weekend in Newmarket. Local jam bands Superfrog and Slack Tide kick things off on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Church favorite the Hayley Jane Band takes the outdoor stage on Sunday with alt-rock opener the Caylin Costello Band at 6:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Events for all ages at Prescott Park
Following a powerhouse performance by Shemekia Copeland with Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo on Thursday at 7 p.m., the Prescott Park Arts Festival dives into a full weekend of family-friendly outdoor events in Portsmouth. The summer musical Disney’s Freaky Friday continues on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. Camp ENCORE! presents Finding Nemo Kids on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Miss Alli offers an interactive all-ages show on Sunday at 4 p.m. All events are by donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Two live shows at WSCA Radio
Start the weekend early with the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival “Most Wanted” Tour (featuring Tina Ross, Alex Radus, and Louie Lou Louis) at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Thursday at 8 p.m. Come back on Friday to see folk-rock collective Anabasis at 8 p.m. Then brace yourself for a night of hard rock featuring headliner Bitter Sweet with Jared Hazelton and Burly Girlies (pictured) on Saturday at 8 p.m. All shows are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Country music and Latin dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom
Get ready for a firestorm of country rock when Florida’s Hell on Heels hits The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($25). Then, on Saturday, enjoy a night of White Hot Latin Dancing with bachata and salsa lessons starting at 7 p.m., followed by open dancing, live performances, and DJ music ($35). Learn more here.
Darwin’s Waiting Room at N.H. Theatre Project
Enter a unique playground of silliness and laughter at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth on Friday night. Staring at 7:30 p.m., local comedy troupe Darwin’s Waiting Room will present The Summer Show, an epic night of sketch comedy featuring a collection of veteran actors and comedians. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Outdoor concerts at The Word Barn Meadow
The Word Barn Meadow will be bursting with melodies over the next four nights. Indie folk-rock duo Sway Wild performs in Exeter on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Satsang blends folk, hip-hop, reggae, and rock on Saturday from 8:30-10 p.m. ($25). AJ Lee & Blue Summit follow on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($28). And acclaimed songwriter Dean Johnson and Erin Rae split the bill on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” at Upside Arts
Teenage performers will take the spotlight at Upside Arts Studios in Newington (in the Mall at Fox Run) for a run of the musical “Chicago: Teen Edition,” set in the Roaring Twenties, from July 18-27. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30-10 p.m. and Sundays from 2:30-5 p.m. Tickets are $19-$25. The show is rated PG-13. Learn more here.
“Partners in Crime” at Newmarket Millspace
The Millspace Center in Newmarket is hosting a bold and brilliant night of music, mischief, and unforgettable performances on Saturday night. The high-energy cabaret “Partners in Crime” celebrates dynamic duos, mischievous melodies, and stories that steal the spotlight beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Theater and music at The Dance Hall
It’s going to be a very special weekend at The Dance Hall in Kittery. Local playwright G Matthew Gaskell revives his award-winning comedy “Sharp Dressed Men” for a play reading on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($12-$22, which includes some post-reading bubbly and cupcakes). Songwriter Kyle Field’s nationally touring indie-folk act Little Wings (featuring hometown hero Nat Baldwin) performs on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($12-$22). Learn more here.
Poetry Slam Garden Party at Art Up Front Street
Art Up Front Street is hosting an afternoon of words, music, and art in Exeter on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. The Poetry Slam Garden Party will feature readings from local poets Adam Roberts, Jessica Purdy, and Lauren WB Vermette, plus music from poet and musician Todd Hearon and clarinet duo Fiske n’ Fell. Meanwhile, artists will be live-painting in the garden while guests enjoy wine, beverages, dessert, and coffee. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Phillip-Michael Scales at The Press Room
With a new album out this spring, Chicago-based indie soul and blues artist Phillip-Michael Scales is a rapidly rising star. The Detroit-bred nephew of BB King released “Good to Be Here” in late April, and he’ll perform live at The Press Room in Portsmouth for one night only on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.