There are so many noteworthy happenings this weekend that we’ve boosted our usual top 10 to a top 15 — and we’re still only scraping the surface! Peruse these highlights and visit our full calendar to see what else is going on out there.
Big weekend at Newburyport Brewing
Newburyport Brewing Co.’s big weekend begins with a dance party featuring ’90s tribute band Neon 90’s (above) on Friday from 6-9 p.m. ($10). The 11th annual Oktoberfest follows on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. with beer, food, music, and family-friendly festivities, all to benefit Newburyport Youth Services ($10). Sunday brings the we=nbpt festival with more beer and food, 10 live bands, kids’ games, and artisans from 12-9 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
Music and poetry at The Word Barn
Following a Thursday show with Sean Hayes and Jack Symes, The Word Barn in Exeter hosts two co-bill shows. Retro rockers Coral Moons join tropical groover Coyote Island on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). Country rockers Palomino Motel share the stage with soul-blues band Dwight & Nicole on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($20). Learn more here. Then, the Silo Series presents poet Wesley McNair and his new book of poetry on Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Dance Hall 10th Anniversary
The Dance Hall in Kittery starts its weekend with a 10th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraising Gala on Friday at 7 p.m. with appetizers, drinks, presentations, and a dance party ($75 donation). On Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m., new octet Listen To This plays music from Miles Davis’ electric era ($15). On Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m., the Aliento Chamber Players present The Slavic Sound, showcasing Russian chamber music ($15). Learn more here.
Glenn Jones w/Greg Baldi at WSCA
There are two great reasons to go to Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday and check out the show on the Button Factory Stage from 7-10 p.m. Firstly, headliner Glenn Jones, a unique player in the world of solo guitar music, will introduce his brand new album, “Vade Mecum.” Also, local guitarist Greg Baldi, of Comma fame, will offer a rare performance, playing an instrumental set of guitar-driven soundscapes. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Peter DiMuro at Pontine Theatre
For one weekend, Boston-based dancer, director, and choreographer Peter DiMuro will take up residence at Pontine Theatre in Portsmouth. DiMuro will perform his own piece, “Five Episodes Facing Dusk and One Possible Dawn,” on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26-$29. Learn more here.
Masquerade Ball at the Ballroom
Get your weekend warmup with a Line Dance and Lesson from Kathleen Crocker of 603 Line Dance at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday from 7-11 p.m. ($15). Then return on Saturday for the third annual Halloween Masquerade Ball from 6-11 p.m., with music from Rico Barr and his swing band ($20). Learn more here.
A Night to Remember at Jimmy’s
Two-time Grammy winner Peter Asher will share a multimedia experience at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m., transporting audience members back to the heart of 1960s popular culture through stories, songs, and photographs. Tickets are $100-$150; proceeds support the Cross Roads House. Learn more here.
‘The Crucible’ at the Seacoast Rep
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth marks Halloween season with a production of Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play “The Crucible” from Oct. 13 to Nov. 5 (in conjunction with “Sweeney Todd“). It’s a partially fictionalized drama based on the Salem witch trials. Show times and prices vary. Learn more here.
A run and a ride on Saturday
Runners and walkers in Rochester will join thousands of others worldwide during the eighth annual James W. Foley Freedom Run on Saturday at 8 a.m., in remembrance of the New Hampshire native who was killed by terrorists in Syria while working as a war correspondent. Starting at 9 a.m. that same morning, cyclists will set off from Timberland in Stratham for the 12th annual King Challenge bike ride, a fundraiser for the Krempels Center.
York Harvestfest & Kidsfest
The 37th annual Harvestfest & Kidsfest returns to Short Sands Beach in York on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include live music, local food vendors, juried crafters and Old-Fashioned Market vendors, and interactive kids’ activities such as storytelling, a roaming railroad, and pumpkin decorating. Learn more here.
Two new exhibits at The Art Center
The Art Center has joined forces with the New Hampshire Art Association to present an exhibit featuring members of both organizations in Dover. Among the highlights on display are recent prints from Beth Wittenberg’s new series “Twins, Shadows, and Ghosts.” An artist reception takes place on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Peter Wolf at The Music Hall
Peter Wolf rose to fame as lead singer of the J. Geils Band and embarked on a solo career featuring duets with Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, Aretha Franklin, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, and Neko Case. He’ll bring his band, The Midnight Travelers, to The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $48-$60. Learn more here.
Rodney Norman at McCue’s
Comedian Rodney Norman’s videos have garnered millions of views and kept people laughing for days. The Rhode Island Comedy Festival winner will headline McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m., with support from openers Greg Boggis, Tim Ciampa, and host Liam Hales. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Two shows at The Stone Church
The Frank White Experience will bring to life the music of the late Notorious B.I.G. during a tribute show with live instrumentation at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15). Local jam band Marble Eyes follows with a leaf peepin’ evening concert on the outdoor stage on Sunday from 5-8 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Sharon Jones at The Press Room
Iconic local vocalist Sharon Jones will offer a special performance at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Sunday at 6 p.m. She’ll celebrate one of the greatest eras in American music history with a program titled “Bringing Motown to Mytown,” featuring an all-local band and loads of guest singers. Tickets are $45. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.