Another October weekend brings loads of great film, art, theater, and music to the Seacoast. Here are some of the highlights.
New Hampshire Film Festival
Four days of independent film dominate downtown Portsmouth from Oct. 17-20. This year’s New Hampshire Film Festival features more than 100 movies, plus director Q&As, panel discussions, celebrity guests, industry parties, and other special events. To name just one highlight, The Music Hall screens “The Lighthouse” on Saturday at 9:10 p.m. Directed and co-written by Lee native Robert Eggers (“The Witch”), the acclaimed black-and-white horror film stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. For more information, click here.
‘Normalizing Abortion’ at The Art Center
People who have terminated a pregnancy are sharing selfies, self-portraits, and stories at The Art Center in Dover this month. An opening reception for “Normalizing Abortion” takes place Friday, Oct. 18, from 6-8 p.m. A projection of digital submissions and stories will be on display, as well as framed work in the gallery. Several pro-choice groups and political candidates will be on hand for the event, and proceeds will go to Planned Parenthood. Learn more here.
‘Evil Dead The Musical’
“The Evil Dead” (1981) and its sequels are widely considered the greatest film franchise ever. While that may be a gross exaggeration, the movies are, indisputably, cult classics. Even if, for some unholy reason, you’re not a fan of Bruce Campbell, “Evil Dead The Musical” should give you a bloody good laugh. It’s on stage at the Rochester Opera House Oct. 18-26. Warning: Those seated in the “Splatter Zone” will be drenched in fake blood. Learn more here.
The Reconstructed at The Word Barn
Folk-rock favorites The Reconstructed perform with fellow local band Young Frontier at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7-10 p.m. Presented by Bright & Lyon, the show is a fundraiser for the Continuum Arts Collective, which assists underserved student artists in New Hampshire and Maine by providing them with musical instruments, art supplies, art and music lessons, and experiential opportunities. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, click here.
The Sea, The Sea at North Church
Indie folk-pop act The Sea, The Sea has been piling up praise since the release of their latest album, “From the Light.” Based in upstate New York, the band is anchored around the harmonizing duo of multi-instrumentalist Mira Costa and guitarist Chuck E. Costa. They’ll perform live at North Church in Portsmouth as part of the Soul Café Series on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Learn more here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.