Festivals, music, theater, comedy, film, art workshops — there’s a lot going on this weekend. Here’s a sampling of notable events.
New Hampshire Film Festival
Four days of film, panel discussions, awards, and events kick off tonight in Portsmouth. Headquartered at The Music Hall, the 23rd annual New Hampshire Film Festival unfolds at various locations from Thursday through Sunday. Passes are available for individual events, full days, or the whole festival. Learn more here.
Three shows at WSCA Radio
Get a head start on your weekend with A Night of Experimental Electronics and Noise at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth on Thursday at 7 p.m. ($10-$15). Indie folk-rock artist Hannah Judson (pictured) follows on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Seacoast singer-songwriter Andy Klosenski performs on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Ghosts on the Banke
Take the wee ones to a family-friendly Halloween event at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. Ghosts on the Banke features trick-or-treating at historic houses amid carved pumpkins, role players, ghostly tales, haunting tunes, a bonfire, and more on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17-25, from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $16. Learn more here.
Three area art workshops
Learn some new artistic skills this weekend. Pamela DuLong Williams hosts an oil painting demo titled First Impressions at the Kittery Art Association on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ($25), followed by a two-day workshop titled Foundations in Oil and Beyond on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. ($150-$175). Gordon Arzú leads a mixed-media collage workshop titled Creating a Noble Story at Green Acre in Eliot on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. ($15). And Molly C. Meng offers a Weaving Workshop at The Word Barn in Exeter on Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($85).
Charity Comedy Night at Millspace
The hilarious Mark Moccia is hosting another Charity Comedy Night to benefit Mary’s Dogs. Featured performers at the comedy showcase include headliner Emily Ruskowski with guests Carolyn Riley and Tiny. It takes place at Newmarket Millspace on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Dance parties at The Rockingham ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket is going to be a lively site this weekend. The New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra headlines the Harvest Hop on Friday at 8 p.m. ($25). DJ Bob Frione spins tunes at a Disco & R&B Dance Party on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Both events are preceded by free dance lessons at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Shark is Broken” at NH Theatre Project
New Hampshire Theatre Project opens its main-stage season with a crunch this weekend. “The Shark is Broken,” a play about the making of “Jaws,” is on stage in Portsmouth Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Also, the theater will celebrate 100 years of “The Phantom of the Opera” with a screening of the 1925 film with a live soundtrack on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
“The Man Who Laughs” at The Players’ Ring
Next up for The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth is a unique adaptation of a silent film that’s perfect for Halloween. Adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel, and featuring an original score by local musician Jonny Peiffer, “The Man Who Laughs” is on stage from Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Showtimes are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on Oct. 31), Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$32. Learn more here.
Seth Yacovone Band at The Stone Church
The Seth Yacovone Band is returning The Stone Church in Newmarket for a night of searing guitar solos, deep grooves, and raw, soulful energy. Helmed by guitarist Yacovone, who has shared the stage with legends like Trey Anastasio, Buddy Guy, and Gov’t Mule, the show takes place on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
New Hampshire Brewfest
New Hampshire’s premiere event for craft brewers sets up camp in a new location this year, but with the same sudsy spirit. Presented by the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the Master Brewers Association of Americas, the 17th annual New Hampshire Brewfest takes place on the grounds of Smuttynose Brewing Co. in Hampton on Saturday from 1-4:30 p.m. (VIP access at noon). There will be beer samples from dozens of breweries, a live DJ, food trucks, and more. Tickets are $60 for general admission, $80 for VIP access, or $20 for designated drivers. Learn more here.
Unique events at The Dance Hall
Enjoy a mix of stand-up and original comedy songs with Tim Murray is WITCHES! and opener Rebecca Donohue at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15-$25). On Sunday, performer Janis Brenner presents her dance-opera-play “She Remembers Her Amnesia” at 5 p.m. ($10-$22). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.