Things to Do in Portsmouth This Weekend

What's happening in Portsmouth this weekend? If you're a bargain-hunter (and not hanging at the boat show in Newport) be ready. Both the Portsmouth Historical Society and Portsmouth United Methodist Church will hold their annual yard sales this weekend. Looking for an evening activity? Common Fence Music kicks off its Picnic Series this weekend. Here's a look at these and other events happening in Portsmouth Saturday and Sunday:

• On Saturday, the Portsmouth Historical Society will hold its annual yard sale and bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 18, on the society grounds at the corner of East Main Road and Union Street. The yard sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• When not browsing the goods at this sale, feel free to travel over to the Portsmouth United Methodist Church for its annual yard sale, happening Saturday from 9 to 3 on the church grounds at 2732 East Main Road.

• The Portsmouth Free Public Library will also host a free movie for teens this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the library. Popcorn will be served as the movie "Alice in Wonderland" is shown on the big screen.

• Also on Saturday, in Middletown, the Island Park Recreation Association will hold its first Island Park Kids Skate for Free Day. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Greenside Skatepark on West Main Road, Middletown. All children residing in Island Park, Portsmouth, are welcome to attend and skate for free. A child must have a waiver on file to attend. If not, a parent must attend and sign the waiver.

• All senior citizens and guests are welcome to kick up their heels at the annual Autumn Dinner and Dance happening Saturday night at the Multi Purpose Senior Center. The event will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the senior center, 110 Bristol Ferry Road. The event will feature a chicken dinner from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by dancing. The group JES We Three will provide the music. Tickets are $15 per person and nonrefundable. Tickets are available at the senior center or by calling 683-4106.

• Common Fence Music kicks off its weekly Picnic Series this Saturday at 8 p.m. at 933 Anthony Road. Doors open at 7 p.m. For directions, click here. The first show will feature folksinger and songwriter Kate Campbell, who released her "Save the Day" album in 2008. Campbell is well-known for her song "Jesus and Tomatoes." For more information about Campbell, view her Web site here. Tickets prices vary by performance. For ticket information, click here. Tickets are also available at the Common Fence Music ticket desk in Portsmouth on Picnic Series concert days from 3 to 8 p.m., and during all concert intermissions.

• On Sunday, the Portsmouth Republican Town Committee will hold its Liberty Chicken Barbecue from 1 to 5 p.m. at Glen Park. Gio Cicione, Rhode Island GOP chairman, will serve as the master of ceremony. Everyone is invited, regardless of political persuasion, to hear from the state and local GOP candidates. The meal will feature a chicken barbecue with fixings. The price of the ticket is $20 with beer and wine included. Tickets are free fro children, ages 12 and younger. There will also be hot dogs and hamburgers available.  There will not be any tickets sold at the event. For tickets, call 401-848-6755.

• Also on Sunday, Custom House Coffee will continue its Open Mic event from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring a guest performer. The weekly event is free and open to the public.