Enjoy some spicy hot summer events this weekend.
Four concerts in four nights at The Word Barn
Start your weekend early with The Mystix at The Word Barn in Exeter on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow plays an album release show out in the Meadow with special guest Billy Keane on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). Club d’Elf follows on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($28). And the Tray Wellington Band puts a bow on the weekend on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Discovering Magic at The Players’ Ring
Accomplished actor, conjuror, puppeteer, and storyteller Andrew Pinard will offer four performances of his “mind-numbing, jaw-dropping, eye-opening” show Discovering Magic at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $28-$31. Learn more here.
Social Dance at The Rockingham Ballroom
Enjoy an evening of classic ballroom dancing on New England’s largest wooden dance floor. The Rockingham Ballroom’s monthly social dance takes place on Friday, starting with beginner waltz lessons by Bob Yergeau at 7:45 p.m., followed by a lively mix of music in Newmarket. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Small Pond EP release show at The Press Room
Local indie-rock band Small Pond will celebrate the release of a new EP with a show featuring guests Bug Crush and Ezra Cohen & The Big City at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 8 p.m. ($18-$20). Come back late Saturday night for the next installment of DJ Jay Sync’s CLUB SYNC at 10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Two shows on the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Radio in Portsmouth will host consecutive triple-bill shows on the Button Factory Stage this weekend, starting with solo acts Jeremiah Messer, Jon-Erik Trygesstad, and J Hawkins Howard on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Heavy rockers Proelium, Human Pit, and Arcantica follow on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
More musical magic at Prescott Park
In addition to three more performances of Cinderella on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. ($12 suggested donation), the Prescott Park Arts Festival will present Camp ENCORE! in Mean Girls on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. ($8 suggested donation). Table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Upside Arts: Totally Tubular
Upside Arts is presenting an original musical by Phil Samdperil about a magical dust that brings to life anything it lands on. Totally Tubular: A Wavy Tale will be staged twice on Saturday at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $13-$16. Learn more here.
New England Hot Sauce Festival
Sample craft hot sauces from around New England and the Northeast — plus music, food trucks, beer, contests, bouncy houses, and more — during the fifth annual New England Hot Sauce Festival. This year’s event takes place on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth on Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 pm. Tickets are $15-$20; proceeds support the Seacoast Science Center and the Blue Ocean Society. Learn more here.
Songwriters in the Round at Millspace
Acclaimed New England artists Osprey, Heather Lynn, and Jim Gosling will perform during an intimate evening of original folk and indie songwriting at the Millspace in Newmarket on Saturday at 7 p.m. There’s a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
