The Art Center and New Hampshire Art Association present: Annual Members Exhibition
DOVER — The Art Center in Dover presents the highly anticipated Annual Members Exhibition, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Art Association. This spectacular exhibition showcases over 70 artists from across the region, highlighting a stunning variety of work that represents the best of both creative communities.
The exhibit opened July 7 and runs through Aug. 31. This vibrant and eclectic show features an extraordinary collection of sculpture, oil painting, abstract works, printmaking, photography, landscapes, florals, and seascapes. Visitors can expect a dynamic range of styles and subject matter—from bold, expressive color palettes to serene coastal scenes, all presented by talented artists at the top of their craft.
The public is invited to an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6–9 p.m., where attendees can engage directly with the artists behind the work. Visit the online gallery – theartcenteronlinegallery.com.
Garrison Players Arts Center accepting applications for Pitch event
ROLLINSFORD — Do you have an idea for a production you would like to see on the GPAC Stage? Garrison Players is now accepting applications for their Pitch event scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Register at www.garrisonplayers.org/pitch by Sunday, Aug. 3, to pitch your idea to the play reading committee.
Garrison Players produces three or four Main-Stage productions and four Youth productions a year. Space is provided throughout the year for various self-produced productions or music acts.
Pitching a production through this submission process is the first step. Reach out to Tim and Greg at: treasurer@garrisonplayers.org with any questions.
Celebrating 25 years of black art & culture on the Seacoast
PORTSMOUTH — The Seacoast African American Cultural Center celebrated 25 years as the first Black arts and culture center in New Hampshire. Since opening our doors in August 2000, we’ve been dedicated to uplifting Black history, art, and culture across the region. As we honor this milestone, we also pay tribute to our visionary founder, Vernis Jackson, who recently passed away. Her vision to create a space where stories are preserved, voices are heard, and the community comes together continues to guide everything we do.
Looking for a cool place to unwind or a quiet corner to read? SAACC is your local refuge. Browse our growing collection of banned books and forgotten histories by African American, African, and Caribbean authors. Bring a friend, chat with a volunteer, or simply take a moment for yourself. This is a space to feel grounded and inspired.
Seacoast African American Cultural Center’s current exhibition, SAACC at 25, is on view in two locations: their home base inside the Portsmouth Historical Society and the Rowland Gallery at Strawbery Banke Museum. Up next, you’re invited to Crown: The Hair Show at 3S Artspace on July 25, at 7 p.m. This live runway hair showcase honors the legacy of Black hair and identity. Head to https://www.3sarts.org/events/439508858377 for more details.
SAACC is located in the heart of Portsmouth inside the Portsmouth Historical Society Building at 10 Middle Street. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see us for Art ‘Round Town every first Friday of the month. Admission is free and all are welcome. Visit https://www.saaccnh.org/ for more info and event dates.
Hackmatack Playhouse announces 2025 Season Lineup
BERWICK, Maine — Hackmatack Farm + Playhouse announced its highly anticipated 2025 season, featuring a lineup of four mainstage productions: Big Fish, Barefoot in the Park, Grease, and Once. Known for its unique charm and commitment to exceptional theater, Hackmatack invites audiences to join in a season filled with laughter and music.
Kicking off the season is Big Fish (July 11 to 26), a musical brimming with imagination and adventure. Based on the acclaimed novel and film, this show explores family, legacy, and the power of storytelling through the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman with a flair for the fantastical. Following Big Fish, for a limited one week run, Hackmatack presents Barefoot in the Park (July 30 to Aug. 2), Neil Simon’s timeless romantic comedy about the unexpected challenges of newlywed life.
The season continues with Grease (Aug. 8-23), Step into the electrifyin’ world of Grease, where rock ‘n’ roll, rebellion, and romance collide. Danny and Sandy’s summer fling takes a turn when they find themselves at the same high school, caught between cliques and expectations of the 1950s. With unforgettable hits like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin’”, this musical is packed with nostalgia, attitude, and unstoppable rhythm. Experience the show that defined a generation!
The season will conclude with Once (Sept. 5-20), a Tony Award-winning musical that tells a poignant love story set in Dublin, where two musicians connect deeply through their shared love of music. Known for its intimacy and emotional depth, Once is a fitting finale to a season that celebrates the power of love and community.
Tickets for Hackmatack Playhouse’s 2025 lineup are now available, with special discounts available for seniors, students and youth. Visit www.hackmatackplayhouse.org/theater or contact Hackmatack Playhouse at 207-698-1807.
PorchFest Portsmouth returns This September
PORTSMOUTH — A group of grassroots advocates announce the second annual Portsmouth PorchFest, which will take place this year on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the residential neighborhoods of downtown Portsmouth.
PorchFest is a local, outdoor music festival that hosts bands in unconventional performance spaces such as porches, backyards and driveways. This free public event is designed to strengthen the Portsmouth community, build connections between neighbors, and provide exposure for local musicians from a diverse array of backgrounds. Attendees can walk tree-lined streets, hear a variety of music styles and sounds from regional artists while mingling with neighbors, and hopefully make some friends along the way.
PorchFest is a rain or shine event, and encourages attendees to bring jackets and umbrellas to share in case of inclement weather. This year’s team of organizers aim to double the size of the event with 30 venues and two acts scheduled for each house. The official band lineup schedule will be released in August.
Further inquiries contact info@portsmouthporchfest.com. Follow along on socials for band announcements on Facebook and Instagram @portsmouthporchfest.
The Music Hall, MacDowell & NHPR launch new multidisciplinary talks series
PORTSMOUTH –The Music Hall announced a new cultural partnership with MacDowell and New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) to present Across the Table Conversations, a multidisciplinary talks series spotlighting emerging and established MacDowell Fellows in public conversation.
The kickoff event will feature celebrated author Mary Gaitskill in conversation with writer and visual artist August Lamm on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at The Music Hall Lounge. This Across the Table Conversations is exclusively available to Seacoast LitFest passholders only.
The inaugural Seacoast LitFest will transform downtown Portsmouth into a vibrant hub for readers, writers, and storytellers of all ages. Taking place Sept. 7-10, the festival offers a dynamic mix of author events, panel discussions, creative performances, and community gatherings—all celebrating the power of words and ideas.
- Chestnut Street Fair – Sunday, Sept. 7 | Chestnut Street (in front of The Music Hall) A lively, outdoor celebration to kick off LitFest! Chestnut Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a bustling pedestrian bookfair, featuring local bookstores, live music, and free books (children’s included). Local authors can partner with bookstores for signing and selling opportunities, creating a vibrant literary marketplace for all ages.
- Jenny Slate and Lifeform – Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. | Historic TheaterActor, comedian, co-creator of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and New York Times bestselling author of Little Weirds, Jenny Slate brings her signature wit and depth to Portsmouth in a special event centered around her new work, Lifeform—a wild, soulful, and hilarious exploration of her journey into motherhood. Expect a deeply human and unforgettable afternoon of storytelling.
- Book Club Monday: Theme – “Secrets” – Monday, Sept. 8 | Various LocationsA day of conversation and community centered around the theme of secrets—free and open to the public. Programming includes The Music Hall Book Club on the Historic Theater stage from 6–7pm, and a fun, social Speed Dating/Book Club Meet-Up from 7–9pm at The Music Hall Members Club.
- MacDowell Talks: Across the Table Conversations – Tuesday., Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. | The LoungeAcclaimed author Mary Gaitskill and debut novelist and artist August Lamm kick off The Music Hall and MacDowell’s new talks series in a dynamic exchange of ideas about art, identity, and the creative process.
- Dan Brown and The Secret of Secrets – Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. | Historic TheaterOne of the bestselling authors of all time returns to his hometown of Portsmouth, NH, for a red-carpet literary evening like no other. Dan Brown will debut his newest Robert Langdon thriller, The Secret of Secrets, in a grand finale event that also marks the 20th anniversary of NHPR’s Writers on a New England Stage. Join us for an unforgettable night of storytelling, intrigue, and celebration with the author of The Da Vinci Code.
Access to many LitFest events, including the MacDowell Across the Table Conversations panel, requires a Seacoast LitFest Pass, available now at https://www.themusichall.org/seacoast-litfest//.