Pre-Thanksgiving weekend highlights include live music, a snow-sports film, theater, storytelling, and more.
Two new exhibits at 3S Artspace
3S Artspace in Portsmouth holds a reception for two exhibits on Friday from 5-8 p.m. “Vision and Visibility,” presented in collaboration with the Black Heritage Trail of N.H., highlights recent work by emerging regional artists who are people of color. “A Quiet Reach” features works by Daniel Minter involving the story of Malaga Island.
Warren Miller’s ‘Winter Starts Now’
Winter cannot begin without a new film from Warren Miller. This weekend, The Music Hall in Portsmouth will host several screenings of Miller’s 72nd annual snowriding film, “Winter Starts Now.” Show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 6 and 9 p.m., and Saturday at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $28-$34. Learn more here.
Laney Jones & Mary-Elaine Jenkins at The Word Barn
Two up-and-coming talents will split the bill at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday. Folksy pop-rocker Laney Jones is a past winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mary-Elaine Jenkins is currently at work on her second album. They’ll perform from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
A Night of Spirituals at The Dance Hall
Two ubiquitous local musicians will take the stage at The Dance Hall in Kittery for a special night of spirituals on Friday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Pianist Mike Effenberger and singer Stu Dias will perform stripped-down versions of songs — some familiar, some obscure — and provide some cultural and historical context. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’
New Hampshire Theatre Project has not presented a mainstage production since March 2020. That will change this weekend when “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” opens in Portsmouth. The show runs through Dec. 5; show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket hosts a trio of tribute acts this weekend. Not Fade Away Band celebrates the Grateful Dead Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15). Beg, Steal or Borrow plays bluegrass by Old & In the Way (with guest Wood & Bone) Saturday from 3-6 p.m. ($20). Gold Plated Door plays songs by Gram Parsons Sunday from 3-5 p.m. ($20).
‘Peter Pan’ at the Seacoast Rep
A timeless tale is coming to Portsmouth for the holidays. The Seacoast Repertory Theatre presents beloved musical “Peter Pan” from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23. Show times are generally Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. (with some exceptions). Tickets are $32-$50. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour
The 21st annual Portsmouth Holiday Arts Tour features 15 artists at seven studios across the city. The self-guided tour will offer paintings, ceramics, glasswork, metalwork, jewelry, and more. Taking place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s a chance to do some holiday shopping while supporting local artists. Learn more here.
Tellebration 2021 at The Word Barn
Storytellers Nicolette Nordin Heavy, Jonathan Cummings, Barbara Ann Paster, Shawn Middleton, Martha Read Johnson, and Pam Matson will share tales at The Word Barn on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Proceeds from Tellebration 2021 go to the National Storytelling Network. Tickets are $10 per person or $12 per family. Learn more here.
ShakesBEERience: ‘Much Ado about Nothing’
OK, it’s not “weekend entertainment,” but we’re making an exception for the next installment of ShakesBEERience. Local theater troupe Seven Stages Shakespeare Company will present a reading of “Much Ado About Nothing” at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Monday from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are pay-what-you-will. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.