Cochecho Arts Festival, Lilac Family Fun Fest are back: 9 things to do this weekend
We're on the other side of the Fourth of July, hard to believe, but the summer fun isn't slowing down at all. With the weather looking great, it's a weekend of music to enjoy outdoors in incredible settings, with a day of family fun thrown in at the Lilac Family Fun Fest and Fireworks in Rochester. Enjoy!
Music by the Sea series at Odiorne Point
The Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea concert series is a Seacoast summer favorite. The unparalleled seaside setting of Odiorne Point State Park, music, giant dance floor and picnic-style dining makes for a wonderful evening all for a great cause. Proceeds from the concert series support the Seacoast Science Center. Rhythm Method will kick off this year's series on Thursday, July 7. This popular local band serves up only the funkiest of tunes that will transport you to a fun-lovin’, groovy era gone by.
Concerts are held under a tent on the center's lawn, rain or shine. Bring a beach blanket or chair, pack a picnic, or purchase dinner and beverages on site. Concert-goers can also enjoy the Center's exhibits free with concert admission. No alcohol or dogs can be brought in but adult beverages will be available for purchase).
More: Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea Concert Series kicks off July 7
The music begins at 6 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m. for dining. Tickets are required and are $20 for non-members and $15 for members; under 3, free. Tickets are available at seacoastsciencecenter.org. Tickets are limited and walk-ins are subject to availability. The Seacoast Science Center is located in Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye.
A tribute to John Prine
If you're a fan and especially if you're not, there'll be a tribute to the late singer-songwriter John Prine that will make your summer night and make you a fan. Portland-based musician Seth Warner and his band will perform some of the most well-written songs you'll ever hear at the Press Room in Portsmouth on Thursday, July 7 at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $15 and available at pressroomnh.com.
Lilac Family Fun Fest returns
The Lilac Family Fun Festival and Fireworks will take place at Spaulding High School and the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center on Saturday, July 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. There will be free kiddie carnival rides, games, food trucks, vendors from all over the region, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and fireworks.
More: Rochester bringing back Lilac City Funfest in 2022: Here's what to know before you go
Since parking is limited, COAST will be offering a free shuttle service for several downtown spots, including City Hall, Bank of America, and a temporary stop on Columbus Avenue near the Opera House and police department. Organizers encourage attendees to find parking downtown and take advantage of the pick-up and drop-off locations. Rain date for the event is Sunday, July 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. Visit RochesterNH.net/fun for updates.
Cochecho Arts Festival kicks off
The Cochecho Arts Festival in Dover kicks off its 2022 Friday Night Headliner concerts this weekend with the Compaq Big Band on Friday, July 8 at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park in Dover. The show begins at 6:30 p.m.
More: Cochecho Arts Festival 2022: Here's lineup of concerts, kids shows and more this summer
The series will run every Friday night and will feature July 15, Los Sugar Kings; July 22, Soggy Po' Boys; July 29, Whiskey Horse; Aug. 5, Rockingham Groove; Aug. 12, Studio Two Tribute Band.
Summer in the Street concerts are back
The Summer in the Street music series continues on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth this weekend. Produced by Pro Portsmouth, the series will present musical artist Jeff Warner on Saturday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square will be closed from 4 to 9:30 p.m.. Vehicular traffic and parking on that section of Pleasant Street will be prohibited. Bring your own chair, dinner and beverages (no alcohol). For more information, visit proportsmouth.org.
Sundays in the Garden series jazzes it up
The Alex Minasian Trio will perform Sunday, July 10 at the Hamilton House in South Berwick for the Sundays in the Garden series. Minasian has studied with some of the greatest pianists in jazz history, including Hank Jones, Don Friedman, Jean-Michel Pilc, and James Williams. Bring a blanket, chairs and picnic basket for the concert, which will run 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at historicnewengland.org or at the gate. General admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors, and $7 youth. Concert is free for Historic New England members. In the event of inclement weather, Sundays in the Garden concerts will be held at Berwick Academy's Patricia Baldwin Whipple Arts Center Theater.
This weekend in Prescott Park
This weekend in the park brings a Thursday night performance of "Footloose" at 7 p.m. and a concert by Fruition with their remarkable vocal blend on Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, July 9 and 10, at 10 a.m., there'll be a performance of "The Little Mermaid Jr." by participants in PPAF's Came Encore! The shows will be a full production with kids ages 7 to 17 performing the Disney classic.
"Footloose" will be performed both weekend nights, at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 7 p.m. Sunday. The Monday Night Movie on Monday, July 11 will be Disney's "Encanto" screening at dusk or approximately 8:30 p.m.
Calamity Jane at John Paul Jones Park
A night with Calamity Jane, the band, is a full-tilt, high energy night of roots-flavored originals, Americana, blues and psychedelia. Lead by former Congressman Paul Hodes, the other Janes are a veritable New England super group including singer-songwriter Mary Fagan on keys. Calamity Jane will perform in John Paul Jones Park, Hunter Avenue, Kittery on Saturday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at portsmouthnhtickets.com. Bring blankets or chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to The Dance Hall.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Cochecho Arts Festival in Dover NH, Lilac Family Fun Fest are back
