If you can’t find something to do this weekend that interests you, we just don’t know what to tell you. Here’s just a smattering of the options.
McCue’s presents standup comedy
McCue’s Comedy Club is presenting standup shows at both of its Portsmouth sites this weekend. Maine-based absurdist comedian Casey Crawford performs at Rio Tequila Cantina on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). Boston comedy legend Tony V (above) follows at the Roundabout Diner on Saturday from 8-9 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
‘Gay Bride of Frankenstein’ at The Players’ Ring
A local cult hit is returning to its birthplace. “Gay Bride of Frankenstein,” the rock musical by Billy Butler and Dane Leeman, is at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth through Nov. 5. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. (plus Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.). Tickets are $28-$31. Learn more here.
Music and comedy at The Stone Church
Another music-filled weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket begins with a split-bill show featuring bluegrass bands Grain Thief and Mamma’s Marmalade on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15). On Saturday, Boston-based standup and musical comedy act World Gone Crazy is joined by guest Brian Muenzer at 8 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Dance Hall
Diverse musical styles flood The Dance Hall in Kittery this weekend. Violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black (above) returns with Fiddling Around the World on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). The local duo of jazz vocalist Taylor O’Donnell and pianist Mike Effenberger follows on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Learn more here.
Coffee Tasting & Seed to Cup Seminar
Learn how your morning brew traveled from coffee farms around the world to reach your mug during a Coffee Tasting & Seed to Cup Seminar at The Freedom Cafe in Durham on Saturday from 10:15-11:45 a.m. D Squared Java owner Dan Demers will also discuss brewing methods, roast profiles, and more. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
The Midnight Wrens at The Word Barn
The Midnight Wrens, a local supergroup featuring members of Percy Hill, The Ammonium Maze, Groovechild, Assembly of Dust, and other acts, will demonstrate its unique blend of Americana, funk, jazz, and folk during a live performance at The Word Barn in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Project Upcycle Runway Event at 3S Artspace
Local celebrity models will take to the catwalk to show off the work of eight designers at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday. The fifth annual Project Upcycle sustainable fashion competition concludes with a runway event before a panel of judges and a live audience from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50-$100. Learn more here.
Charity Comedy at Millspace
Local comic Mark Mocchia is hosting a Charity Comedy Night to support Mary’s Dogs Rescue & Adoption. Standup comedians Mike Donovan, Erin Feely, Kristy Kielbasinski, and Jack Lynch will perform at the Millspace Center for Art, History & Culture in Newmarket on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
A Live Conversation with John Cusack
The star of such films as “Sixteen Candles,” “Being John Malkovich,” “High Fidelity,” and “Grosse Pointe Blank” will chat with guests at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday. The evening begins with a screening of “Say Anything” at 8 p.m., followed by a live conversation with John Cusack. Tickets are $65-$200. Learn more here.
Rockingham Ballroom Grand Reopening Disco Dance
After a lengthy closure beginning last spring, the new and improved Rockingham Ballroom will reopen its doors in Newmarket this weekend. The historic venue will celebrate with a grand reopening bash featuring Boston’s nine-piece funk and disco cover band Disco Dream on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show at WSCA
Some of the region’s most esteemed queens will take the Button Factory Stage during a special Halloween party presented by WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio this weekend. Costumes are strongly encouraged at the Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10 (adults only). Learn more here.
Seacoast Noir at Portsmouth Book & Bar
Calling all fans of mystery, true crime, and crime fiction: Area authors will share tales of murder most foul and more at Portsmouth Book & Bar during Seacoast Noir at the Bar on Sunday at 4 p.m. A dozen featured readers will join host Zakariah Johnson to share excerpts of their recent works in progress. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.