It’s fall festival season, complete with beer, music, cinema, and more. Here are some highlights.
New Hampshire Film Festival
More than 100 new and exciting films will be screened during the New Hampshire Film Festival in downtown Portsmouth from Thursday to Sunday. Opening day puts the spotlight on short films with Granite State connections. There will also be discussions, workshops, parties, awards, and other special events. Learn more here.
‘Art Round Town in Portsmouth
A couple highlights of the Art ‘Round Town gallery walk in downtown Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m.: The New Hampshire Art Association opens four new shows at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, including the photography exhibit “Showing Up.” And 3S Artspace opens “Punto in Aria: A Repairing Mend,” featuring work by Patricia Miranda.
Music and poetry at The Word Barn
Another busy weekend at The Word Barn in Exeter! Singer-songwriter Mark Erelli brings a full band to his album-release show on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Brooke Annibale (above), fresh off the release of her new album, follows on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). (Learn more about the concerts here.) On Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m., poets Shelley Girdner, Rebecca Hennessy, and Kimberly Green share work for Tryptich Together, Tryptich Alone ($10).
Two concerts at The Dance Hall
Wear your dancing shoes to The Dance Hall in Kittery this weekend. Local soul and Motown band Crown Jules performs with special guests on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). Regional Bugalú band Lookie Lookie — a Dance Hall favorite — follows with a hot evening of Latin music on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
‘The Underpants’ at The Players’ Ring
Comic actor Steve Martin’s play “The Underpants” is a “naughty and hilarious satire” about a couple whose vapid lives are turned upside-down by an accidental case of public indecency. A local adaptation directed by CJ Lewis and featuring an all-star cast is on stage at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth through Oct. 23. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $24-$27. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
Strings and swing fill The Stone Church in Newmarket. Vermont-based bluegrass band Beg, Steal or Borrow (above) headlines Friday night with Wood & Bone from 8-11 p.m. ($18). The Rockingham Groove hosts a Stone Groovin’ Dance Party with guests The Meter Maids on the outdoor stage Saturday from 4-8 p.m. ($18). Learn more here.
Jim McCue at McCue’s Comedy Club
Local comedian Jim McCue’s DryBar special “Nothing Personal” has garnered more than 4 million views. The founder of the Boston Comedy Festival performs at the venue that bears his name (McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth) on back-to-back nights on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets to each show are $20. Learn more here.
New Hampshire Brewfest at Cisco
Drink beer for a good cause! The 14th annual New Hampshire Brewfest returns to Cisco Brewers Portsmouth on Saturday from 1-4:30 p.m. (12-4:30 with a VIP pass). Enjoy beer samples from nearly 50 breweries, plus live music, food, and festivities. Tickets are $20-$65, with proceeds supporting the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the New England district of the Master Brewers Association of America’s scholarship fund. Learn more here.
Full Strum Music Festival at Smuttynose
Smuttynose Brewing Co. is hosting its first-ever music fest! The Full Strum Music Festival will bring country acts to Hampton on Saturday and Sunday from 4-10 p.m., including nationally-known headliners Jordan Davis on Saturday and LOCASH on Sunday. Plus food trucks, lawn games, and beer. Tickets are $65-$85. Learn more here.
Steve Sweeney at STAR Theatre
Having appeared in nearly 25 films, been a guest on major television shows, and headlined thousands of comedy nights, Steve Sweeney is a true Boston legend. He’ll mix stand-up with excerpts from his one-man show “Townie” at STAR Theatre in the Kittery Community Center on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.