It’s a great time of year for theater on the Seacoast — plus music, art, comedy, and more.
Tru Diamond at The Rockingham Ballroom
Baseball season may be over, but you don’t have to go to Fenway Park to experience the atmosphere of a Neil Diamond concert. Massachusetts-based tribute act Tru Diamond will perform live at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket following solo opener Tim Daley on Friday from 6:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall hosts an eclectic range of musical genres in Kittery this weekend. Maine-based duo Bess Jacques and Seth Warner present “Setting the Woods on Fire: Heartbreak + Honkytonk” on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). Rootsy trio Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light (above) follows on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15-$20) Learn more here.
‘What I Learned from Years of Therapy… if Anything’ at the Ring
This weekend only, The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth presents “What I Learned form Years of Therapy… if Anything,” a night of comedy and cabaret from singer and pianist Rene Pfister. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (a Q&A with the artist follows Friday’s performance). Tickets are $24-$27. Learn more here.
‘A Christmas Story’ at the Seacoast Rep
One of the most beloved holiday tales of all time comes to life at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” based on the classic movie, is on stage through Dec. 23; show times this weekend are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$52. Learn more here.
‘A Thousand Doorways’ at NHTP
Diane Edgecomb traveled to remote mountain villages to gather the folktales of the last Kurdish storytellers. She shares her tale in “A Thousand Doorways” at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth on Friday and Saturday from 8-10 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. (and streaming on Sunday). Tickets are $20-$30. Learn more here.
Jim Colliton at McCue’s Comedy Club
Comedian Jim Colliton hosts the podcast “Lawn & Disorder” and has been featured on Comedy Central, NBC, and Fox, among others. He’ll headline a show at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m., with support from openers Greg Boggis and Jessie Baade and host Liam Hales. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Two great guitarists at The Stone Church
Touring guitarist Joe Marcinek recruits a different lineup of bandmates for every concert. He’ll perform with some local stars during a show with Johnny Trama & The B3 Kings at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ($15). Guitarist Brad Vickers has played with roots and blues legends like Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Rogers, Bob Diddley, and Chuck Berry. He’ll bring His Vestapolitans to the Church on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Form + Function at 3S Artspace
3S Artspace in Portsmouth transforms into a marketplace for the annual Form + Function Artisan Fair on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handcrafted textiles, housewares, jewelry, metal work, leather accessories, glass vases, ceramics, prints, and more will be available for your holiday needs. Learn more here.
Starry Night at Discover Portsmouth
Isaac Fitzgerald, bestselling author of the memoir “Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional” and other books, will be the featured speaker for Starry Night at Discover Portsmouth on Saturday from 5-7:30 p.m. Star Island’s annual fall fundraiser will also include a silent auction, live music, and refreshments. Tickets are $45. Learn more here.
Marc Berger at Portsmouth Book & Bar
Roots singer-songwriter Marc Berger’s 2011 album “Ride,” a collection of songs all having to do with the romance of the American West, has received national airplay. He’ll perform songs from the album and share stories about his own experiences in the West at Portsmouth Book & Bar on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.