Halloween is Monday, and trick-or-treating in most communities is this weekend. The list of Halloween-related events and activities taking place over the weekend would be long enough to fill a casket. But there are, in fact, some non-Halloween events that are worthy of mention too. Here are some highlights.
Something strange in your neighborhood
OK, we couldn’t resist: Our top-five list does include one Halloween-centric event. Ghosts on the Banke brings long-dead sea captains, shopkeepers, pirates, and other historical apparitions to Strawbery Banke Museum on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 5:30-8 p.m. Guests can mingle with these friendly specters while enjoying some safe trick-or-treating in Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood. There will be jack-o-lanterns, ghost stories, a bonfire, and more. Strawbery Banke will also host Masques on the Banke: An Equestrian Enchantment, featuring dressed horses from Runnymede Farm in a choreographed, equestrian ballet, on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on both events, click here.
Placemaking in Portsmouth
Seacoast residents who would like to see Portsmouth become a more livable and walk-able city are invited to take part in an afternoon workshop on Saturday, Oct. 29. The event, titled Taking a Fresh Look at Portsmouth’s Public Spaces, takes place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Presented by PS21, the workshop features noted New England planner Jane Lafleur, who will offer a presentation at Discover Portsmouth before leading small groups on a walk to select downtown sites. A review and discussion will follow at Portsmouth Public Library, during which participants will identify follow-up steps to help the city prosper. To RSVP, click here.
A fiery film inferno
There are many perks to living near Dan Brown’s hometown. We Seacoast residents often get special access to the famous author, his bestselling books, and the major movies they spawn. Tonight (Oct. 28), The Music Hall in Portsmouth hosts a Red Carpet Event for “Inferno,” the latest film adaptation from Brown’s Robert Langdon mystery series. Brown and his wife, Blythe, will be on hand for a behind-the-scenes slideshow and Q&A. Proceeds benefit local charities; more info here. You can also head to other local theaters to see “Inferno,” directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks. See area show times here.
Jazz and soul
Taylor O’Donnell has established herself as one of the Seacoast’s top jazz vocalists. Tonight (Oct. 28), she’ll pay tribute to some of the singers who have inspired her, including Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. O’Donnell and her quartet, featuring Tom Robinson on keys, Rob Gerry on bass, and Eric Von Oeyen on drums, will present their own interpretations of tunes by these and other artists at The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine. The Taylor O’Donnell Quartet: Jazz & Soul show begins at 7:30 p.m.; for more information, click here.
Voices on canvas
Five local artists will talk about their work and their processes at the Morgan Gallery in Kittery during tonight’s opening reception for “Painted Voices.” The exhibit features pieces by local painters Cheri Christenson, Deborah Cotter, Barbara D’Anotnio, BJ Glanville, and Polly Moak, all members of the Kittery Art Association. Their work will remain on display through Jan. 31, 2017, at the gallery, located within the Kittery Community Center. The free reception takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, and will include refreshments. Find more information here.