Happy Independence Day Seacoast! Most people on the Seacoast get to look forward to a long weekend and the entertainment scene is booming with a variety of things for you to do, in addition to fireworks shows in several Seacoast communities. Enjoy a free family movie night with pre-entertainment at The Ridge Marketplace shopping plaza lawn in Rochester, see Camp ENCORE! in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, or enjoy one of the local brunches with live music.
More:Here’s list of July 4 fireworks, events in Seacoast NH and southern Maine for 2024
Read on for details on things to do:
‘Paper Work’ opening reception at 3S Artspace
What: The selected works in this exhibition explore the endless possibilities of paper. Papers made in Asia are favored for their translucent, delicate nature and their resilience to endure vigorous manipulation. Through a process of experimentation and invention these works are soaked, dyed, rolled and torn—drawn, painted, printed and pierced to become artifacts.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
When: Friday, July 5, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth
Cost: Free
More info: 3sarts.org
Dwight & Nicole at Jimmy’s
What: Acclaimed soul and blues band Dwight & Nicole has been Nominated since 2017 for nine Boston Music Awards, 10 Daysie Awards, and 10 New England Music Awards, Winning Band of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Best Blues/R&B Band, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Blues Act of the Year awards.
When: Friday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 135 Congress St., Portsmouth
Cost: $10-$40
More info: jimmysoncongress.com
Emo Night Portsmouth with The White Belts
What: Hold on to your hearts — Emo Night is back. There will be a local(ish) opener playing original tunes we like. Ages 21-plus.
When: Saturday, July 6, 9 p.m.
Where: The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth
Cost: $20-$25
More info: pressroomnh.com
‘Elemental’ in free family movie night
What: The Ridge Marketplace shopping plaza is presenting “Elemental” in its first free movie night of summer 2024. Before the movie, there will be balloon twisting and a dance party. All ages welcome. Bring a chair and a blanket.
When: Saturday, July 6. Pre-entertainment is 6-8 p.m. Movie starts about 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Ridge, 92 Farmington Road, Rochester
Cost: Free
More info: facebook.com/TheRidgeNH/
More:The Ridge in Rochester’s full summer 2024 schedule of free movies and fun family events
Camp ENCORE! presents ‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’
What: Performers, artists, and aspiring technicians ages 7-17 from the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s beloved educational program, Camp ENCORE! present “Shrek The Musical Jr.,” the culmination of this session.
When: Saturday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Prescott Park Arts Festival, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth
Cost: $5 suggested donation
More info: prescottpark.org
Summer in the Street in Portsmouth: New England Fiddle Ensemble
What: New England Fiddle Ensemble performs in Pro Portsmouth’s Summer in the Street Series. Attendees are invited to bring a chair and enjoy the music.
When: Saturday, July 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Where: Pleasant Street, Portsmouth
Cost: Free
More info: proportsmouth.org
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
What: Three professional stand-up comedians with musician opener Tim Bear.
When: Saturday, July 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket
Cost: $25
More info: rockinballroom.club
Jazz Brunch: UNH Jazz Alumni Summit at The Press Room
What: Multiple generations of UNH jazz aces, together on one stage. And eggs! All ages.
When: Sunday, July 7, 11 a.m.
Where: The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth
Cost: $15
More info: pressroomnh.com
Blue Mermaid Brunch featuring Tourist Attraction
What: Tourist Attraction, an Americana acoustic folk trio with an Caribbean-inspired menu offered.
When: Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Blue Mermaid, 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery, Maine
Cost: Reserve for pricing
More info: bluemermaid.com
Adam Ezra at The Word Barn Meadow
What: Adam Ezra and his bandmates perform.
When: Sunday, July 7, 7-9 p.m.
Where: The Word Barn Meadow, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter
Cost: $42
More info: thewordbarn.com