Hoo boy, there’s a lot to do this weekend. Here’s a baker’s dozen highlights.
The Word Barn presents…
Head to Exeter on Friday at 7 p.m. to catch Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caroline Spence‘s debut performance at The Word Barn ($20). Then head to Hampton Falls on Saturday at 7 p.m. to see Dacha & Sava Thurber in the first of four classical concerts The Word Barn is presenting at The Orchard Chapel this year ($20). Learn more here.
‘The Legend of Georgia McBride’
Head to The Players’ Ring this month to find out what happens when an Elvis impersonator transforms into an all-out queen. Matthew Lopez’s big-hearted, music-filled comedy “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is on stage in Portsmouth on weekends from May 3-19. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
It’s gonna be another lively weekend at The Dance Hall. The Kittery venue hosts a kick-off concert for the 2024 David Surette Mandolin Festival on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($22-$25). Lookie Lookie returns for a hot Latin dance night on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($17-$22). And the Jazz Casual series presents the guitar-and-saxophone duo of Gary Wittner & McCoy Mrubata (the latter in town from South Africa) on Sunday at 5 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Rock shows at The Stone Church
Do your stretches and get ready to rock out at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Local hair-metal titans Camarojuana take the stage on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). And the Not Fade Away Band presents Dead Zeppelin (that’s right, music from The Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin) on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
‘Spring Awakening’ at the Rep
The next main-stage production at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a triple-crown Tony Award winner — Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book! Eight-time Tony winner “Spring Awakening” is on stage in Portsmouth from May 2-26. Tickets are $27.50-$70. Learn more here.
Split bill at WSCA Radio
Two regional rock bands will share the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday. New Hampshire alternative acts Mother Nimbus (Durham) and Porcelain Jumpsuit (Newton) will split the bill starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
The Northeast Sea Glass Expo
Talented artisans will showcase their unique sea-glass creations and coastal-inspired masterpieces during The Northeast Sea Glass Expo at the Seacoast United indoor arena in Hampton on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is just $5. Learn more here.
BHTNH unveils historic marker
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is unveiling a commemorative marker at a new pocket garden in Exeter honoring the town’s Black Revolutionary War soldiers. The ceremony, which is free to attend, takes place across from the American Independence Museum on Saturday at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Halfway to Halloween Party
Hey, it’s never to early to start thinking about Halloween. In fact, we’re just about halfway there. To celebrate, the horde behind the Portsmouth Halloween Parade is hosting a special May the 4th event with all kinds of family-friendly, Star Wars-themed activities at the Corner Pub in Kittery on Saturday at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Charity Comedy at Millspace
Have a good laugh while supporting the men and women of Newmarket’s police, fire, and rescue forces this weekend. Mark Moccia hosts Charity Comedy Night at the Newmarket Millspace on Saturday with comics Matthew P. Brown, Nichole Auclair, Mike O’Dwyer, and Kevin Lamory at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Well? Do ya? You might, after you hear from paranormal expert Dustin Pari of “Ghost Hunters” fame. He’ll be at The Music Hall in Portsmouth for an extraordinary interactive live show exploring paranormal evidence and perplexing ghost stories on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29-$55. Learn more here.
Rodney Norman – Special Encore Show
Stand-up comedian Rodney Norman was such a hit at McCue’s Comedy Club last weekend that he’s returning to the Portsmouth venue for a special encore show this Saturday at 8 p.m. The former Rhode Island Comedy Festival winner will get some support from openers Gabi Hajos and Liam Hales. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Children’s Day 2024
For one day in downtown Portsmouth, the children are in charge. Pro Portsmouth’s annual Children’s Day celebration returns to Market Square on Sunday with family-friendly activities and entertainment, plus ice cream and other treats, from 12-4 p.m. Upwards of 5,000 youngsters are expected! Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.