It’s Cinco de Mayo time. Whatchya doing this weekend? Here are some ideas.
Two solo shows at the N.H. Art Association
During Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday, the New Hampshire Art Association will unveil two solo shows with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Amanda Kidd-Kester explores home and community in “Entanglement,” and Cheryl Miller explores the textures and hues of nature with fabric in “Earth Elements.” Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Word Barn
Tickets are in short supply for two great concerts at The Word Barn in Exeter this weekend. Marjorie Senet & The Broken Home Boys split the bill with Jake Davis & The Whiskey Stones on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Americana duo Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams share the stage on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($32). Learn more here.
‘The Art of Solidarity’ at Green Acre
“The Art of Solidarity,” featuring works by Melvin J. Zabarsky, opens at Green Acre in Eliot on Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. Two free art workshops follow. The first, on Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m., explores the themes of the work on display. The second, on Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m., explores the power of the creative process. Learn more here.
Soule Monde at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Drummer Russ Lawton and organist Ray Paczkowski have been members of the Trey Anastasio Band for more than 20 years. Their instrumental funk duo, Soule Monde, will perform a Cinco de Mayo show at Newburyport Brewing Co. on Friday from 7-10 p.m., complete with food trucks and craft beer. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
‘The Gingerbread Lady’ at the Ring
A former cabaret star returns to her New York home after a stint in rehab and tries to get her life back together in Neil Simon’s “The Gingerbread Lady.” It’s at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth from May 5-21; showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $24-$27. Learn more here.
Live concerts at The Dance Hall
The David Surette Mandolin Festival kicks off with a concert at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Pianist Neil Pearlman celebrates his first solo album, “Refractions,” on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17-$22). Saxophonist Greg Abate joins the Bedford Big Band on Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
‘Gen-erations!’ at N.H. Theatre Project
After 35 years, Genevieve Aichele is stepping down from New Hampshire Theatre Project. “Gen-erations!” features scenes, scripts, and songs she’s written, directed, and performed. It’s on stage May 5-21 in Portsmouth. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays from 8-10 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Get “Harshed on the Hill” when local funk and soul group Harsh Armadillo joins special guest Lazy Bird at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15). Award-winning songwriter Todd Hearon celebrates his new album, “Yodelady,” with guests Green Heron and Tiny Dog Fight on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Portsmouth Farmers Market
Farmers market season officially gets underway this weekend on the Seacoast. The Portsmouth Farmers Market, held in the parking lot outside City Hall, opens on Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and continues weekly through Nov. 4. Seacoast Eat Local also hosts weekly markets at locations in Exeter, Durham, and Dover. Learn more here.
YART Sale + Fun Fest at 3S Artspace
This year, 3S Artspace in Portsmouth is expanding its annual YART Sale into a family-friendly fun festival. Local art will be available for purchase in the gallery on Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., while outside on the patio there will be community art making, family entertainment, live music from PMAC students, and more. Learn more here.
Frank Santorelli at McCue’s Comedy Club
Best known for his recurring role as Georgie the Bartender on the hit HBO show “The Sopranos,” comedian and actor Frank Santorelli has appeared in many films and TV programs, including “The Godfathers of Comedy.” He’ll perform standup at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Not Your Mama’s Drag Show at WSCA
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio is hosting a very special drag show this weekend. Five iconic queens — Summer Rhaine, Saison Lefaye, Asia Deluxxe, Devilotte Despiria, and Morticia Delishia — will take the Button Factory Stage during “Not Your Mama’s Drag Show” on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
MayFest at the Kittery Community Market
Celebrate spring outside the Blue Mermaid and Tributary Brewing Company in Kittery on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. More than 35 vendors will be on hand for the Kittery Community Market’s MayFest, plus magic shows and balloon art by Sages Entertainment, DJ music, a photo booth, musical bingo, and other games. Learn more here.
Children’s Day in Market Square
Downtown Portsmouth will become headquarters for thousands of children on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Presented by Pro Portsmouth, Children’s Day will feature a block party on Pleasant Street with family-friendly activities and entertainment, plus an A to Z map of shops and restaurants around town. Learn more here.
Spring Starlight Ball at Jimmy’s
The Seacoast Jazz Society is presenting a special Spring Starlight Ball at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. There will be a 19-piece big band with guest vocalists, a professional dance exhibition, and a three-course dinner. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting the Seacoast Jazz Society. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.