There are lots of big events coming up during the weekend before Valentine’s Day. We did our best to narrow it down to just five highlights. Make sure to check out the featured events in our calendar to see more.
Mike McDonald’s Comedy Extravaganza
Boston-based comedian Mike McDonald packs the house every year with his Comedy Extravaganza at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. The 18th annual event, taking place Friday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m., features comics Tom Cotter (fresh off his latest appearance on “America’s Got Talent”), Nick Griffin (who has made the rounds on just about all the late-night talk shows), Karen Morgan, and Corey Rodrigues. Tickets are $38-$44; a portion of proceeds benefits Gather and the Crossroads House. Learn more here.
‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ at the Rep
photo by Ben Bagley
The first production in the Seacoast Repertory Theater’s 2019 mainstage season is a particularly rousing show. “Billy Elliot The Musical,” the winner of 10 Tony Awards, features music by Elton John with a book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Based on Stephen Daldry’s 2000 film, it tells the story of a British boy who trades his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The show runs from Feb. 8-March 9; show times vary. Tickets are $22-$44. For more information, click here.
Seacoast Skating with the Stars
Professional ice-skating shows have become an annual tradition at Puddle Dock Pond on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. This year’s event follows the format of “Dancing with the Stars.” Professionals from Ice Dance International will team up with local volunteers to compete before a panel of judges. There will also be performances from the pros. It takes place Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m.; tickets are $10-$22 ($40 per family). Learn more here.
NHTP Storytelling Festival
British storyteller Simon Brooks is the featured guest at New Hampshire Theatre Project’s third annual Storytelling Festival, which happens at West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth from Friday to Sunday, Feb. 8-10. On Saturday at 8 p.m., Brooks will share tales of “Loves Labors, Loves Lost” ($20). A Storytellers Showcase follows on Sunday at 2 p.m., featuring Brooks, Pat Spalding, Genevieve Aichele, Andy Davis, and Sharon Jones Jenkins ($20). There are also several workshops throughout the weekend; learn more here.
Seacoast Yoga Mala 2019
It could be that yoga is more than just a fad. You demand evidence? The 11th annual Seacoast Yoga Mala returns to Rivermill Landing in Dover on Sunday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The three-hour yoga session includes 108 Sun Salutations, chanting, and meditation, all led by local yoga teachers. This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000, with donations going toward SATYA’s (Seacoast Area Teachers of Yoga in Action) mission to increase access to therapeutic yoga. Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events click here.