10 Things to Do This Weekend in Portsmouth

As most city residents know, there is never a shortage of fun things to do or places to go in Portsmouth. Each Friday, we try to offer five suggestions for people who are planning out their weekends. But this weekend is just too busy for just five, so today, we bring you 10 – count 'em, 10! – things to do this weekend:

1. Women's Clothing Swap: The Portsmouth Public Library and Goodwill Industries of Northern New England are teaming up again this year for a Women’s Clothing Swap on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library’s Levenson Room. Bring gently used, clean women’s clothing and leave with “new to you” items. Remaining clothing and accessories will be donated to Goodwill. Last year’s swap was visited by 265 women and more than 2,000 pounds of clothing were donated to Goodwill.

2. Sunday Brunch With Mom: There are several great options for a Mother's Day brunch this weekend. STREET offers brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Fresh Local Bayside in Newington has brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The District has Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Rudi's has its Sunday Jazz Brunch from noon to 3 p.m. Radici is another great spot for Sunday brunch. We'd suggest calling first, to make sure there's space. It is Mother's Day, after all.

3. Sustainability Fair: Portsmouth Sustainability Day is Saturday, and this year’s event focuses on educational activities, engaging demonstrations, eco-friendly product resources, green home improvements, crafts for the whole family and a documentary film festival. Most events are at Portsmouth High School this year. The day begins at 7 a.m. with a guided nature walk and rain garden tour departing from the PHS entrance. To learn more about the program jointly sponsored by Portsmouth Listens, Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative, the city and the Portsmouth School Department, see http://portsmouthsustainabilityfair.org.

4. Run/Walk for the SOL: As part of Sustainability Day, the Portsmouth High School Environmental Change Organization Club is hosting a “Run for the SOL” 5K road race/walk Saturday at 1 p.m. in collaboration with Great Bay Community College to raise funds to purchase solar panels for PHS. The 5K race course begins and ends at Great Bay Community College on the Pease Tradeport. The preregistration cost is $20, and $25 the day of the race. Register online at www.runforthesol.com.

5. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure: Up to 600 people are expected to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Strawbery Banke. Downtown vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be affected. The race, which begins at 9 a.m., will impact South Street, Richards Avenue, and Islington Street between Maplewood Avenue and Summer Street.

6. Giant Yard/Plant Sale: A huge plant and yard sale will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1098 Lafayette Road (Route 1). There will be plenty of last minute Mother's Day gifts available, from house plants to homemade baked goods.

7. Hit the Decks: OK, so the actual "Hit the Decks," event kicking off the summer season was last week, but the weather was lousy. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 74 degrees. What better time to check out the decks at Poco's, Old Ferry Landing, the River House, or Harpoon Willy's?

8. "Let's Revue": The Portsmouth High School Performing Arts Department presents “Let’s Revue! A History of Musical Theatre” Friday  at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7. For tickets call Ginger Huff at (603) 436-7100 or Patty Dube at (603) 436-5781.

9. Boat Launch Re-opening: The Peirce Island Boat Launch is scheduled to open for the season on Saturday. See www.cityofportsmouth.com/recreation/boatlaunch.htm to learn how Portsmouth residents can obtain a free pass, the fees for non-residents, and boat launch hours, or call (603) 766-1483.

10. Mother-Son Dance: The 17th annual Mother-Son Mother’s Day Dance hosted by the Recreation Department is Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Connie Bean Community Center. Boys in Grades K-5 and their mothers (or other important women in their lives) are invited. See www.cityofportsmouth.com/recreation/programs-3.htm or call (603) 766-1483 for more information.