Portsmouth Porchfest, Taylor Swift Dance Party, and more: Community events Sept. 16-22

Learn the truth about Bigfoot at Dover Library

DOVER — Join producer, lead investigator, and New Jersey native Mike Familant at the Dover Public Library on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. as he shares his experiences researching and uncovering the truth behind North America’s most iconic cryptid, Bigfoot. This event will be held in person, with an option to watch virtually from home. To watch online, register on the library’s website to receive a live stream link. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, and Familant will be available for photographs. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit library.dover.nh.gov or call (603) 516-6050.

'Beat the Librarians Trivia' at Garrison City Beerworks

DOVER — Challenge yourself and see if you can outsmart the Dover Public Library staff at Garrison City’s weekly trivia night at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18. In celebration of Library Card Sign Up Month, the event will feature general knowledge trivia with a literary twist, along with food, drinks, and plenty of fun. All are welcome to join. From 5-6 p.m., library staff will be available to register new patrons and answer questions about library services and programs.

Comedy Night at the Chameleon Club

DOVER — The Lions Club of Dover, Rollinsford and South Berwick will host a Comedy Night to benefit community initiatives at the Chameleon Club in Dover at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at https://rb.gy/0pjw2a.

Dover Library hosts free community safety lesson for kids

DOVER — Children in grades 1-6 are invited to a free community safety lesson with Karate International at the Dover Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. The session will provide tips and tricks for kids and teens on how to respond if they witness bullying. The focus will be on verbal de-escalation, confidence building, and basic martial arts postures and techniques.

'Taylor Swift and Friends Dance Party' in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Recreation Department will hold a Taylor Swift and Friends Dance Party on Friday, Sept. 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the Portsmouth Middle School cafe. The cost is $5 per person for residents and $10 per person for non-residents. For more information and tickets, visit cityofportsmouth.com.

Church ham and bean supper in Kensington

KENSINGTON — All are invited to a traditional New England ham and bean, mac n cheese supper on Saturday, Sept. 21. The supper will run from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Kensington Congregational Church, 108 Amesbury Road, Route 150, Kensington. The menu features home-cooked beans, quality ham, baked mac & cheese, brown bread, rolls, potato salad, coleslaw, desserts, and beverages. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $4 for children, with all-you-can-eat included. The church is handicapped accessible with ample parking. For more information, call (603) 772-5821 or visit kensingtonnhchurch.com.

Learn modern square dancing in Dover

DOVER — Discover the fun of modern square dancing with a demonstration and a chance to participate at the Dover Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. No partner or special attire is needed. Space is limited, so please sign up on the library’s website at library.dover.nh.gov or call (603) 516-6050.

Portsmouth hosts first annual PorchFest

PORTSMOUTH — The inaugural Portsmouth PorchFest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 12 to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music on porches along Richards Avenue and nearby neighborhoods. The Portsmouth Public Library will join the celebration with performances by two local bands: Claudia and Some Familiar Faces from 12-1 p.m., and The Leftist Marching Band from 2-3 p.m. Performances will be held outside the library entrance, weather permitting. In case of rain, the event will move to the library’s Levenson Community Room. No registration is required.

Strong Towns hosts cleanup project at Henry Law Park

DOVER — Join Strong Towns, a national organization that meets monthly to discuss regional issues and develop strategies for local governments at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. This month, the group will gather at Henry Law Park for a cleanup project, which includes removing weeds from mulch beds and repainting park benches.

First-time homebuyer seminar in Hampton

HAMPTON — A one-day first-time homebuyer seminar will be held on Sept. 21, offering essential tools to navigate the homebuying process. Led by a HUD-certified educator and professionals from various fields, this workshop will guide participants through the steps of homeownership. Upon completion, attendees can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a certified educator to further discuss and personalize their homebuying needs. Registration and payment of a $ 69 fee are required. Seating is limited. To register, visit housingpartnership.org/homebuyer-education. For additional details, call 603-766-3129 or email renee@housingpartnership.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth hosts first annual PorchFest: Community events Sept. 16-22