Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with some explosive local events. Here are some highlights.
Portsmouth Independence Day celebration
Commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary with a laser show and fireworks display over South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on Friday at 9:15 p.m. There will also be festivities at Leary Field beginning at 1:30 p.m., including live music, food trucks, and family activities. Learn more here. photo by David J. Murray / ClearEyePhoto
Upside Arts: “The Dirt Girl” in Newmarket
Upside Arts is presenting an original musical in which one mysterious girl captures everyone’s imagination. “The Dirt Girl” will be staged at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday, with show times at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $13-$16. Learn more here.
“On Paper” at the N.H. Art Association
Among the highlights of Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday evening is a new juried exhibition at the New Hampshire Art Association. “On Paper” celebrates the versatility, creativity, and transformative potential of paper as both a medium and a material. An opening reception takes place from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“Canoe Dit It?” screening at WSCA Radio
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio is hosting a special screening of the mockumentary “Canoe Dig It?,” a comedic glimpse into the world of freestyle canoeing, on Friday at 7 p.m. A Q&A with director Samuel Dunning will follow the film. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Triple-bill show in The Word Barn Meadow
Local indie record label Burst and Bloom is celebrating the release of Bellows’ brand new album with a special triple-bill concert at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. In addition to Bellows, the lineup also features Tiger Saw and Hello Shark. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Four of July DJ parties at The Press Room
Following the Independence Day fireworks display, DJ Ladi Dre returns to The Press Room in Portsmouth for her annual Post-Fireworks Extravaganza on Friday at 10 p.m. ($15). Then, on Saturday night, DJ D-Rowe Beatz takes over the turntables for a Fourth of July Summer Party at 10 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Movie madness at The Music Hall
Cool off at The Music Hall in Portsmouth and enjoy a flick this weekend. Upcoming screenings include “Frida Kahlo” on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. ($16), “Backrooms” on Saturday at 3 p.m. ($14-$16), the double feature of “Red Dawn” and “Firefox” on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($5), and “Time and Water” on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ($14-$16).
Summer in the Street in Portsmouth
Pro Portsmouth’s annual Summer in the Street concert series returns to downtown Portsmouth for the next five Saturday evenings. Kicking off the free series is the Seacoast Wind Ensemble this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. A portion of Pleasant Street will be closed to traffic and open to dancers. Learn more here.
“Cinderella” matinee at Prescott Park
The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Thursday performance of “Cinderella” has been canceled due to the extreme heat, but the first of just two matinee performances takes place on Sunday at 1 p.m. (the other matinee is on July 25). There’s a $12 suggested donation; table reservations are available. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
