misery star theatre kittery
Peter Motson and Heather Glenn Wixson star in 'Misery' at STAR Theatre. photo courtesy of Bushor Photography

Top 10 things to do: Oct. 21-23

A roundup of weekend entertainment on the Seacoast

Music, theater, fashion, comedy, storytelling… and smashing! What more could you want in a Seacoast weekend?

David Austin Band in Exeter

david austin band

In a special installment of the TEAM Fall Concert Series, a musician with Exeter roots comes home. Singer-songwriter and guitarist David Austin, a Phillips Exeter Academy alum, will return from Nashville with his band for a concert at the Town House Common in Exeter on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($20 per family). Learn more here.

‘Misery’ at STAR Theatre

misery star theatre kittery

Just in time for Halloween, Threshold Stage Company is bringing one of horror master Stephen King’s bestselling novels to life in Kittery. William Goldman’s adaptation of “Misery” is on stage at STAR Theatre from Oct. 21 to Nov. 6. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.

Two concerts at The Stone Church

strange machines

Bands will be jamming all weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Boston-born quartet Strange Machines headlines with special guest The Hot Chocheys on Friday at 10 p.m. ($17). The Ammonium Maze Ensemble, a tribute to local legends Percy Hill, joins guest Palomino Motel on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.

Pumpkin Smash in Portsmouth

How often can you contribute to a great cause just by smashing stuff? You have that chance during the Portsmouth Farmers Market on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. For $5, you can pick a pumpkin and bash its seeds in with the implement of your choosing. Proceeds support the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Learn more here.

Tall Granite Big Band at the Ballroom

The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket will honor its history with a Swing Night concert featuring the 18-piece Tall Granite Big Band on Saturday. The evening begins with a guided swing-dance lesson at 7 p.m., followed by a danceable set from the Concord-based band from 8-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 (BYOB). Learn more here.

Project Upcycle at 3S Artspace

Project Upcycle is a sustainable fashion competition in which designers create outfits with reused materials. Local models will don those outfits before a panel of judges during the fourth annual Runway Event at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. This year’s theme is “New England streetwear.” Learn more here.

Louise Bichan at The Dance Hall

louise bichan

Scotland native Louise Bichan, a Berklee grad now living in Maine, packed up her fiddle and hit the road this year with a quartet featuring mandolinist Ethan Setiawan, guitarist Conor Hearn, and cellist Brendan Hearn. They’ll perform close to home at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.

Joey Carroll at McCue’s Comedy Club

joey carroll mccues

Boston comic Joey Carroll, a veteran of Comedy Central and the Boston Comedy Festival, has been described as a cross between George Carlin and Dennis Miller. He’ll be at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth with guests Casey McNeal, Dan Donahue, and host Liam Hales on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.

PSO Fall Concert at The Music Hall

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will open its 25th season with a fall concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday at 3 p.m. The community orchestra, comprised of more than 65 local professionals, will perform Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5” with George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings.” Tickets are $20-$35. Learn more here.

‘Turn the Page’ at The Word Barn

Six local storytellers will share true 10-minute tales during “Turn the Page” at The Word Barn in Exeter on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Emceed by local author Lara Bricker, the event is a special installment of the Long Story Short storytelling series, with proceeds benefiting Exeter LitFest. And there will be snacks! Tickets are $25. Learn more here.

See the full calendar for more local events.