Patriots fans obviously have nothing to do this Super Bowl weekend, so get out and enjoy some art, music, theater, comedy, wildlife, and more. Here are some local offerings.
‘C33′ at The Players’ Ring
At the height of his fame, Oscar Wilde was sent to prison for being gay. Alex Bickerstaff’s “C33: The Queer Story of Oscar Wilde’s Undoing” tells the tale. It’s on stage at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth Feb. 10-26. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24-$27. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
Music will be spilling from The Dance Hall all weekend in Kittery. EJ Ouellette & Crazy Maggy (above) play rootsy tunes on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17). Crown Jules plays Motown and soul hits on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). Ariana Hodes and Kent Allyn join Peggo & Paul for a family affair on Sunday from 3-4:15 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Karen Morgan at McCue’s Comedy Club
Maine-based comic Karen Morgan cracked the comedy scene as a finalist on Nickelodeon’s “Search for the Funniest Mom in America.” Since then, she’s performed in clubs and theaters across the country. She’ll be at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth for a two-night run on Feb. 10 and 11 from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket keeps on rocking. Funk-rock band Film-V joins emo act Nap Time Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). New Norde plays a fundraiser for Newmarket Project Graduation Saturday from 5-8 p.m. ($25). The Not Fade Away Band presents Grateful Floyd (Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd) on Saturday at 10 p.m. ($15). OldHat Stringband and Green Heron present “a love-day thing” Sunday from 4-6:30 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Run Through History at Strawbery Banke
The “Run Through History” Half Kilometer Walk/Run returns to Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth on Saturday at 1 p.m. Loop through 260 years of architectural heritage while DJ Skooch spins tunes. Participants are encouraged to wear historical costumes. Entry is $20; proceeds support “History Within Reach.” Learn more here.
Superb Owl at The Word Barn
Educators from Tailwinds will return to The Word Barn in Exeter with some live raptors during a “Superb Owl” event on Saturday from 3-4 p.m. Host Sarah Kern will introduce owls and other local species and educate guests about their amazing adaptations for winter survival. Tickets are $25 (free for kids 10 and under). Learn more here.
Printmaking shows at The Art Center
The Art Center in Dover will host an artist reception for its “Worldwide Printmaking Exhibition” on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Juried by William Mitchell, the show features work by more than 40 artists from 11 countries. The event coincides with a reception for “Shadow & Light,” featuring work by Barrington-based printmaker Diane St. Jean.
Valentine’s Dance at The Rockingham Ballroom
Get romantic at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket during a Valentine’s Dance on Saturday from 6:30-10 p.m. Following a dance lesson, the New Legacy Swing Band will bring its big-horn sound to the stage. The setting will include cafe seating with stem roses, chocolate, and candle lighting. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
For the Sake of the Song at Foundation Art Space
Local singer and guitarist Todd Hearon is bringing his band to Texas next month, where they’ll tour to promote “For the Sake of the Song: Essays on Townes Van Zandt.” To raise funds for the trip, they’ll play songs by Van Zandt and other Texas legends at Foundation Art Space in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Comedy Extravaganza at the Rochester Opera House
Mike McDonald’s annual Comedy Extravaganza moves to a new setting this year with another top-shelf lineup of fine standup comics. Joining McDonald on stage at the Rochester Opera House on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. are comedians Paul D’Angelo, Steve Bjork, Kathe Farris, and Dan Donahue. Tickets are $30-$35. Learn more here.
A River of Trees at the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio continues to present an eclectic array of great shows on the Button Factory Stage. Portland-based psych-rock band A River of Trees headlines a rocking lineup on Saturday with support from local acts Palana vs. The Man (fresh off their new EP) and Doug from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Aliento Chamber Players: ‘Enchantments’
The Aliento Chamber Players will resume their concert series at the First United Methodist Church of Rochester with “Enchantments: A Chamber Music Experience” on Sunday from 3-4 p.m. The program includes romantic works by Brahms, Schumann, and Bloch. Tickets are $17-$20 (free for kids 12 and under). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.