Halloween season gets underway this weekend as we dive into October. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming events.
‘The Crucible’ at Rocky Hill Meeting House
The Firehouse Center for the Arts is getting into the Halloween spirit by staging Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play “The Crucible,” about a young farming couple accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. It’s on stage at Rocky Hill Meeting House in Amesbury Thursday through Sunday from 6-8 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Ron Carter Quartet at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club will celebrate its one-year anniversary in Portsmouth with a pair of performances by legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter and his quartet. The three-time Grammy Award winner, a member of the second Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s, plays on Friday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (prices vary). Learn more here.
Country Nite & Laugh Riot at The Rockingham Ballroom
Country Night begins with a dance lesson from Kathleen Crocker of 603 Line Dance and continues with requests and open dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday from 7-11 p.m. ($15). Laugh Riot’s Comedy Show begins with an opening set by humorous musical duo Topper & Fed and continues with stand-up sets by headliners Jim Colliton, Francis Birch, and Steve Halligan on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Loads of music at The Stone Church
So. Much. Music at The Stone Church in Newmarket. The A-Beez kick things off with an evening of soul, funk, and R&B on the outdoor stage Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($15). Providence-based rockers The Silks follow with guests Jake Davis & The Whiskey Stones at 10 p.m. ($17). Sonic Voyage Fest is Saturday at 8 p.m., featuring “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” Joe Deninzon and his band Stratospheerius with Dreadnaught and Dark Beauty ($20). Learn more here.
Django by the Sea Festival 2022
The Django by the Sea Festival is a two-day celebration of Gypsy jazz held at The Dance Hall in Kittery. Friday night begins with a tribute to The Beatles from Meta-Beat and continues with the Hot Club of New England. On Saturday, Ian Coury and Catherine Bent play Brazilian choro, and the Rhythm Future Quartet plays acoustic jazz. Each night begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for one day, $55 for a weekend pass, or $100 for a VIP pass. Learn more here.
‘Lore of the Jack-O’-Lantern’ at 3S Artspace
“Lore of the Jack-O’-Lantern” is a novella by Brian Serven with illustrations by Dan Blakeslee. On Friday at 8 p.m., 3S Artspace in Portsmouth marks the book’s release with a theatrical reading featuring a live show by Doctor Gasp and The Eeks ($20). Learn more here. (Also look for Gasp at The Grant Lot in Bath, Maine, on Sunday night.)
An Afternoon of Art Making at Green Acre
Artists who want to contribute to positive social change are invited to An Afternoon of Artmaking at Green Acre Bahá’í Center of Learning in Eliot on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. All skill levels are welcome to join in meaningful conversation and artmaking around the theme of Green Acre’s exhibit, “The Creative Power of Unity” (free). Learn more here.
Paula Poundstone at The Music Hall
Boston product Paula Poundstone has been one of the Seacoast’s favorite comedians and all-around humorists for decades. Host of the podcast “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone” and a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!,” she’ll be at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($32-$45). Learn more here.
(I Gotta) Rock Show at The Press Room
Portsmouth’s month-long Halloween celebration officially begins with the 17th (I Gotta) Rock Show at The Press Room on Saturday at 8 p.m. This year’s musical lineup includes Zorp, Holden Brown and the Wishes, and Feverslip, plus the naming of the Portsmouth Halloween Parade’s 2022 grand marshal ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon & 5K
Smuttynose Brewing Co. invites you to rock and run at Hampton Beach on Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon & 5K is followed by an eclectic post-race festival featuring live music, beer, food, games, and more. There’s also a virtual option for those who can’t attend in person. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.