Events in Rockingham County today

Set along the shaded paths of Swasey Parkway beside the Squamscott River, the Exeter Farmers’ Market showcases local agriculture, food, and craft. Browse fresh produce, locally raised meats, dairy, baked treats, prepared foods, and distinctive handmade goods. Each week features community guests and live music from local Seacoast performers. SNAP is accepted at the Market Info booth, where shoppers can receive tokens and a matching benefit through Granite State Market Match. Portable restrooms are available. In accordance with town rules, pets are not permitted along the parkway, though service animals are welcome. Enjoy purchases at shaded picnic spots or benches, and look for parking in the Phillips Exeter Academy Water Street lot with accessible spaces, with additional options available nearby.

John Moro, RPh, MBA, a pharmacist and the owner of The Herbal Path, presents a talk in Portsmouth, NH on the ways stress can interfere with sleep, affect mood, and influence overall health. The session shares practical methods to bring balance back into daily life. This event is free, and capacity is limited.

Experience a special edition of Beer for History focused on wine, featuring four historic selections from the Revolutionary era with Justin X. M. Corriss, a sommelier with Vino e Vivo. Admission is $25, and tickets are available in advance or at the door.

Experience a faith-centered time of gentle movement and quiet meditation that honors the body God created. Connect with others to learn practical ways to ease stress and anxiety, refocus attention on God, and cultivate healthy physical habits. This gathering offers space to move, breathe, and grow in well-being together.

Spend an evening playing Commander format games of Magic: The Gathering in a casual, welcoming setting. Admission is free and players of every experience level are welcome. Bring your own Commander deck, and check in inside the store when you arrive. If you need a deck, contact the store to ask about availability for purchase. Commander basics apply. Each deck uses one legendary creature as a commander plus 99 other cards, with only a single copy of any card except basic lands, and every card must match the commander’s color identity. Games are free-for-all multiplayer with two to six players. Each player starts at 40 life, commanders begin in the command zone, turns proceed clockwise, and the last player remaining wins. Parking options nearby include a free lot about a five minute walk away, a garage for one dollar per hour roughly six minutes away, and a lot behind the store that charges two dollars per hour for the first three hours then five dollars per hour after.

Explore Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood during a Halloween celebration made for families. Trick-or-treat alongside figures from America’s founding and discover spooky scenes drawn from 250 years of history. Meet wandering pirates, visit a mysterious fortune teller, and hear ghost stories drifting through the night. Creative activities include building giant spider webs, moving to haunting music, and trying games for prizes. Those feeling bold can knock on the witch’s door for a treat. Tickets are available for members and nonmembers. Member pricing lists adults ages 1 and up at $8.50 or free, with children under 1 free with a ticket. Nonmember pricing lists adults ages 1 and up at $17, with children under 1 free with a ticket.

Try wheel throwing in a relaxed, beginner-friendly studio in Portsmouth, NH. This one-time workshop welcomes anyone curious about clay, whether you are looking for a creative outing, a unique date idea, or a chance to learn something new. A brief demonstration gets things started, then you will spend hands-on time at the wheel practicing centering and shaping and making a few simple forms with individualized guidance over 90 minutes. At the end, unused clay is reclaimed, yet you can keep a favorite piece. Finishing is available for $20 per item, including trimming, glazing, and firing. Select your glaze color before you leave, and plan for pickup in about 3 to 5 weeks. No experience is needed. Wear clothes that can get a little muddy.

Head to Diversions Puzzles & Games in Portsmouth for a Disney Lorcana Hyperia City Collection Quest designed as a welcoming group activity. Participants open three Hyperia City packs, trade with fellow players, and work toward collecting the specific cards shown on a Quest Card. Finishing the quest earns a Nick Wilde - Providing Backup promo card. An account on the Ravensburger Play Hub through Carde.io is required to take part, and registering on that platform in advance is recommended to secure a spot. Check-in takes place in-store one hour before the start. The entry fee is $18, and capacity is limited to 18 players. Metered parking is available at the Worth Lot behind the store, the Bridge Street Lot, Foundry Garage, and Hanover Garage. For questions, contact the store at (603) 766-6220 or portsmouth@diversionsgames.com.

Friday Night Magic runs every week with a rotating event schedule. For current information on what is planned each week, see the store calendar on Facebook.

Enjoy live music from Eddie Sands at Game Changer Sports Bar and Grill. Expect a mix of familiar tunes in a lively pub-style atmosphere with food and drinks.

Millspace Mainstage and Jonesing for Theatre present Carrie: The Musical, adapted from Stephen King’s iconic horror story. In the shadowed halls of high school, Carrie White is isolated by classmates and constrained by her mother’s fanatical control. Beneath her quiet surface, a dangerous power awakens, turning humiliation into fury as the evening hurtles toward catastrophe. With an eerie score, dynamic choreography, and moments designed to make audiences grip their seats, the production fuses psychological horror with raw emotion. It traces a plunge into obsession, cruelty, revenge, and reckoning. Directed by Kat Mail at Newmarket Millspace, this staging reimagines prom night as a turning point that changes everything.

Enjoy live music from Amped Band at The Thirsty Moose in Portsmouth, NH.

In Portsmouth, NH, the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market fills the City Hall parking lot with a colorful mix of nutritious produce, locally raised meats, fresh dairy, prepared foods, baked treats, and distinctive crafts. Each week brings community guests and live music from local Seacoast musicians. SNAP is accepted; visit the information booth to receive SNAP tokens and get a dollar for dollar match through Granite State Market Match. Portable toilets are available across the street at the South Mill Pond Playground, which also offers a shaded picnic area for enjoying market finds. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. Parking is available in the lower lot at City Hall, with additional spaces across the street at the South Mill Pond Playground, and accessible parking right in front of City Hall. An interactive map is available to see which vendors will be attending each week.

Refine your wood finishing technique in a one day intensive led by instructor Gary Wood. Open to all experience levels, this course focuses on achieving a fine finish with a simple set of tools and materials. Work on sample boards as you apply varnish, shellac, and oil, learn how to choose the right brush or pad for each task, and explore adding color with stains, glazes, and waxes. The session includes time for discussion and questions. Tuition is $170 plus a $20 materials fee. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants, and three spots remain.

Experience a Tai Chi session that focuses on building strength and balance. It offers a simple way to try the practice for yourself. Admission is $10.

Celebrate Halloween with a hands-on costume build centered on robot designs. Enjoy a collaborative crafting atmosphere, with a classic cardboard-with-silver-paint aesthetic encouraged, while other interpretations are welcome. A selection of materials will be on hand, such as cardboard, paint, foil, and dryer hose. There is also an opportunity to march together as a robot-themed group in the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Welcomes participants of all ages, and minors must provide a waiver at the time of attendance.

The 8th annual Project Upcycle sustainable fashion design competition, presented by 3S Artspace in partnership with Recovergirl, spotlights the theme of Transformation on the runway. Eight designers will create red carpet ready looks from upcycled garments and surplus materials for Community Role Models, interpreting transformation in their own ways, from structure to softness, utility to glamour, translucent to opaque, or a personal twist. A cocktail hour with bites and beverages leads into the runway show, followed by an after party that invites attendees to step onto the catwalk themselves. Designers compete for cash prizes and are evaluated by a panel of judges on execution, creative reuse of materials, and styling, and the audience gets a voice with an “Audience Choice” vote. Prizes include $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for the Recovergirl Audience Choice award. The first place winner will also be invited to present a solo runway event and share a collection at 3S Artspace. Ticket options include $60 General Admission standing and $120 Premium Reserved Seats, with premium guests able to select their seats and enjoy an exclusive pre-show cocktail hour. A member presale is available for members at the Supporter level and above using a member code. Project Upcycle brings emerging designers together to build connections, encourage creativity, and nurture a community of informed consumers focused on sustainable wardrobe choices. It also serves as the biggest fundraiser of the year for 3S Artspace, supporting programs that create space for transformative experiences and meaningful dialogue. The event is supported by lead sponsor Apparel Impact, with partners Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel and Springer’s Jewelers, along with additional community supporters.

Tupelo Music Hall welcomes a double-tribute night celebrating the music of The Cars and Boston, with Panorama and 4RPlay The Boston Experience sharing the bill. Panorama, a five-piece from the Boston metro area, focuses on detailed, faithful arrangements that bring The Cars’ catalog to life. Expect favorites like “Drive”, “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend”, “Magic”, “You Might Think”, “Moving in Stereo”, and “Shake It Up”. The Cars formed in Boston in 1976, were named Rolling Stone’s best new artist in 1978, saw their debut sell 6 million copies and remain on the Billboard 200 for 139 weeks, earned 13 Top 40 hits with more than 23 million albums sold in the U.S., and entered the Hall of Fame in 2018. 4RPlay The Boston Experience salutes the radio-defining sound made famous by Brad Delp’s vocals, taking on signature tracks such as “More Than a Feeling” and “Foreplay/Long Time”. Seven seasoned New England musicians aim for precision, showcasing big guitars, powerful lead vocals, tight harmonies, and an energy that gets audiences on their feet and singing along to hit after hit. Tickets are $35.

Jump the Line performs live at the Moose.

Now in its sixth year, this fall craft fair at Holy Grail features more than 25 crafters with displays set up in the restaurant’s function hall and out on the patio. A raffle will support cystic fibrosis, and the event is planned to proceed in any weather. All vendor spaces for 2026 are taken, so please watch out for scammers.

Gain practical know-how in hands-only CPR and AED use during a community training at Town Common in Londonderry, NH. Presented by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Flatlined and Fine, this session focuses on equipping everyday people with clear, lifesaving skills and the confidence to act when it matters most.

Learn to use a 100 watt CO2 laser cutter in a hands-on class that covers how the machine works, how to create designs, and how to set up jobs from start to finish. Participants receive a take-home guidebook with instructions and tips to help them return and use the laser cutter with confidence. After completing the class, you are cleared to operate the laser cutter as a member or with a day pass. Design and preparation are taught in LightBurn. The laser can cut quarter-inch plywood and other thin woods, clear and colored acrylic, cardstock and paper, fabrics, EVA foam, and non-PVC plastics. It can also engrave those materials, as well as phone or laptop cases, coated glass, rubber made for laser engraving, and black-painted metals. Instructor: Lindsey Castellon. Refunds are available up to seven days before the start. Registration closes two days before the event. Active members receive a 25 percent discount with code MEMBER.

Gear up for a ranked Dice Throne Swiss tournament centered on quick, competitive matches. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early, since once games begin, late arrivals are removed from the bracket. Promo items will follow the official schedule. Players will use the Bring 3, Ban 1 format. Each participant must bring three personal heroes and keep the same trio throughout the event. Before play, remove all promo and mythic cards, take Buh, Bye out of character decks, and ensure every deck matches its leaflet with only standard cards and no duplicates. Confirm that your heroes are on the approved list and that you have the required updated leaflets for Tactician, Huntress, Vampire Lord, Thor, and Miles Morales: Spider-Man. Rounds are single games with a 30 minute timer, and ties can occur. The number of rounds depends on attendance: 5 to 8 players equals 3 rounds, 9 to 23 equals 4, 24 to 47 equals 5, and 48 to 64 equals 6. Scoring awards 3 points for a win, 1 for a tie, and 0 for a loss. The top total after all rounds determines the winner. At the start of each round, roll once to decide who bans first, then roll again to determine first player. Track who starts, because the first player skips the income phase. When time is called, continue until both players have taken an equal number of turns, then compare health. Higher health wins, equal health is a tie. Tiebreakers are head to head results among tied players, the median Buchholz system, then health difference. Approved heroes include Dice Throne Season One rerolled heroes Barbarian, Moon Elf, Pyromancer, Shadow Thief, Monk, Paladin, Ninja, and Treant. Season Two features Samurai, Gunslinger, Tactician, Huntress, Artificer, Cursed Pirate, Seraph, and Vampire Lord. Marvel heroes include Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Loki, Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, and Black Widow, along with Marvel X-Men characters Wolverine, Storm, Iceman, Psylocke, Rogue, Jean Grey or Dark Phoenix, Cyclops, and Gambit. Additional options are Santa vs Krampus heroes, Deadpool, Outcast heroes Pale Lady, Raveness, Necromancer, and Headless Horseman, Vanguard heroes Forgemaster, Duelist, Sun Elf, and Druid, plus the single hero Alchemist. Not permitted are original print run heroes, any mythic or promo banner cards, Dice Throne Adventures content, and the instant action card Buh, Bye. Optional accessories such as playmats, dice trays, dice towers, Age alternate art cards, and Twice as Wild Worthy cards may be used unless restricted by judges or organizers. Results contribute to leaderboard standings. Players earn points based on placement, and national or regional rankings reflect each participant’s best three performances.

Get started with MIG welding in a supportive, hands-on class that covers core techniques and safe operation in a professional metal shop. Participants will practice with a MIG welder and learn to use key shop tools, including the drill press, band saws in vertical, horizontal, and portable configurations, and angle grinders. Safety is a central focus, and those who complete the session will be cleared to use PCMS metalworking facilities. This is a beginner-friendly course and is recommended as a foundation before taking additional welding or machining classes. The instruction runs about four hours, and participants are encouraged to allow up to an extra hour afterward for additional practice on the welder. To prepare, reviewing the Miller MIG Welding Handbook in advance is suggested. Wear natural fiber clothing such as cotton or canvas, long pants and long sleeves, and closed toe boots or shoes. Tie back long hair, and bring light duty work gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Registration closes two days in advance, and refunds are available up to seven days before the start. Active members receive 25 percent off the list price with code MEMBER. Instructor: Neil Rudnick.

Alan Mearns brings a free classical guitar concert to Portsmouth as part of Guitar Sundays, featuring his bold arrangements of works by Bach, Chopin, and Albeniz alongside his own original pieces. He plays with an emphasis on beauty and emotional connection, approaching music as a spiritual art. Guitar Sundays is a monthly series welcoming all ages that spotlights classical guitarists from the Seacoast, the greater Boston area, and across the country, with no admission fee. The series collaborates with the Portsmouth Public Library, which hosts half of the concerts each year, and is supported by the Boston Classical Guitar Society and The Augustine Foundation, whose grants help PMAC present performers from beyond New England.

An electrifying pairing brings Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers together with Sinnet for a bill packed with soulful rock and inventive indie sounds. The Austin group unleashes a piano led roots rock sound that channels Springsteen like fire and the showmanship of Jerry Lee Lewis, folding in New Orleans swagger, Southern soul, and a Texas Gulf Coast pulse. Frontman Nik Parr is known to play saxophone and piano at the same time. The band tours heavily with more than 150 shows each year and has shared stages with Marc Broussard, Rebirth Brass Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Black Joe Lewis, The Soul Rebels, Dumpstaphunk, The Heavy Heavy, Shinyribs, The Damn Quails, Eddie 9 Volt, and Two Tons of Steel. A new EP titled American Lover Boy, produced by Low Cut Connie, is on the way. Sinnet, the Boston based project led by songwriter and multi instrumentalist Aaron Spransy, blends melodic indie pop with soul, surf, psychedelia, and a touch of fuzz, drawing on influences like Paul Simon, Elliott Smith, Spoon, and Booker T. and the M.G.'s. Their releases span Midwest Manners and Island Town through recent singles Monster Mashed Spiders of Wisco and Lost Lake. This event is open to all ages, with tickets priced at $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show.

Acoustic Alchemy performs at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH. The club offers an on-site restaurant with complete table service, and there is no need to book a separate reservation. Guests can enjoy a meal before the music begins or continue ordering food and beverages during the show. The drinks program includes an award-winning selection of wines and spirits, recognized by Wine Spectator across 2023 through 2026.

Settle in for Dungeons & Dragons at Diversions every Monday night, welcoming both newcomers and seasoned players to join an ongoing adventure. Games are hosted by private groups rather than store staff, and most weeks feature two tables, one for adults and one for pre-teens. The adult table requires a free reservation in advance, space is limited, and registration secures a seat for that week’s session. The kids table is walk-in only on a first come, first served basis, with limited seating and no guarantee of availability for all walk-ins. Nearby parking options include free parking at the Masonic Temple Lot about a five minute walk away, the Foundry Garage about a six minute walk for $1 per hour, and the Worth Lot directly behind the store at $2 per hour for the first three hours, then $5 per hour for each additional hour.

Lorcana play has shifted to Mondays, bringing two ways to participate each week. The Constructed format invites players to bring a polished deck and compete across three rounds, ideal for those who enjoy strategy and tight synergy. Entry is $10, with store credit prizes that scale with the number of participants, so a bigger turnout leads to a larger pool. Open League Play offers a relaxed and flexible setting to learn, experiment, or enjoy casual games with the community. This option is free and well suited to newer players or anyone seeking a laid back night of Lorcana.

Set aside time for a weekly board game night featuring light, medium, and heavy strategy titles. Bring games from home or try the selection of in-store demos. Come with a friend or arrive solo, and enjoy a welcoming space for all. Outside food is allowed. Please be mindful of others' games and belongings and help keep the play area tidy. Alcohol is not permitted. Parking options include free parking at the Masonic Temple Lot at Middle Street and Miller Street, about a five minute walk. The Foundry Garage offers parking for 1 dollar per hour and is about a six minute walk. The Worth Lot directly behind the store is 2 dollars per hour for the first three hours, then 5 dollars per hour for each additional hour.

An upcoming Trunk or Treat welcomes goblins and ghouls to take part in the fun. Those interested can register to host a trunk, and any vehicle used for hosting must remain parked for the entire event to keep pedestrians safe. Attendance is open to everyone, and hosting a trunk is not required. Questions are welcome.