The weekend before Halloween brings all kinds of wonderfully spooky events. Here are some highlights.
‘Enchanted Spaces’ at the KAA
In his latest series, abstract expressionist painter Adam Krauss explores the enchanting confines and contours that shape our existence. The Lee-based artist’s new show, “Enchanted Spaces,” is on display at the Kittery Art Association through Nov. 17. An opening reception takes place on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Ghosts on the Banke
Go trick-or-treating in Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood this weekend. Jack-o’-lanterns light the way between the historic houses of Strawbery Banke Museum during the annual Ghosts on the Banke, a family-friendly Halloween event taking place every evening from Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $6-$12. Learn more here.
‘Four Quartets’ at Pontine Theatre
For one weekend only, guest artist John Farrell (director of Figures of Speech in Freeport, Maine) will perform T.S. Eliot’s epic poem “Four Quartets” at the Plains School in Portsmouth. Presented by Pontine Theatre, show times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29-$32. Learn more here.
Music and more at The Word Barn
Another eventful weekend at The Word Barn in Exeter features two performances by singer-songwriter Griffin William Sherry, with Night I on Friday from 7-9 p.m. and Night II on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards follow on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($22). Also on Sunday, Tailwinds educators bring some raptor ambassadors to the Meadow for the annual Owloween event from 3-4 p.m. ($0-$25). Learn more here.
The Haunted Ballroom
The house is haunted at The Rockingham Ballroom this weekend. Instructor Anne Fleming offers a special Halloween dance lesson during the monthly West Coast Swing night on Friday from 7-11 p.m. ($15-$20). And DJ/KJ Magic spins tunes during a Halloween Party and costume contest on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
The Smack Dabs at The Dance Hall
Boston-based swing-blues band The Smack Dabs will whisk the audience back to the 1930s during a live performance at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. (Arrive early at 7 p.m. for a brief lesson on the basics of swing dance with instructors from Lindy Maine.) Tickets are $17-$22. Learn more here.
Stone Dead at The Stone Church
It’s that time of year when The Stone Church presents its own Grateful Dead house tribute band for two nights of pre-Halloween grooves in Newmarket. Throw on your costume and head to the Church to catch Stone Dead on Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show, or $45 for both nights. Learn more here.
Halloween festivities at The Press Room
It’s gonna be a non-stop Halloween celebration at The Press Room in Portsmouth this weekend. After The Stray Horses’ performance of Neil Young’s “Harvest” on Friday at 7 p.m. ($18-$23), DJ Millzy & Estrela host a late-night Halloween Party at 10 p.m. ($10-$15). Then, on Saturday, Skunk Sessions presents a Halloween Psychedelic Circus featuring the Liquid Light Brothers and special guests at 8 p.m. ($20).
Great Bay 5K in Stratham
Race to raise money for a healthy estuary on Saturday. The annual Great Bay 5K kicks off across the street from Stratham Hill Park at 9 a.m. and concludes at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, where there will be a post-race party and awards ceremony. There’s also a virtual 5K open through Saturday. Learn more here.
18th Annual Dover Zombie Walk
The Garrison City welcomes its annual undead apocalypse with the family-friendly Dover Zombie Walk on Saturday. The hoard assembles outside the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 2 p.m. and shuffles clumsily through downtown to Henry Law Park for games, goodies, giveaways, and costume contests. Learn more here.
Clemenzi Crusaders at Sages Entertainment
The Clemenzi Crusaders are a father-son duo who perform movie, TV show, and video game theme songs. They’ll play a rocking pop culture concert at Sages Entertainment in The Mall at Fox Run in Newington on Saturday from 2:45-3:30 p.m. Tickets are $7; stick around for free trick-or-treating at the mall from 4-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Project Upcycle at 3S Artspace
Eight designers were challenged to use upcycled garments and surplus fabric to come up with new outfits. Community role models will don those digs on the catwalk before a panel of judges during the Project Upcycle Runway Event at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $50-$125. Learn more here.
Saturday night comedy in Portsmouth
Laughter will abound in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone will perform at The Music Hall at 8 p.m. ($32.50-$45). And Frank Santorelli — aka Georgie the Bartender from HBO’s “The Sopranos” — will headline at McCue’s Comedy Club with host Liam Hales and other surprise guests at 8 p.m. ($25).
Halloween Bash at the Gas Light Nightclub
The Seacoast’s hottest Halloween party takes place in the Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub on Saturday at 9 p.m. The Halloween Bash features music from DJ Koko P and a costume contest with $500 in cash and prizes. Tickets are $25-$50 and include admission to the deck for pre-party live music. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert
The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Concert features two musical portraits that reflect the stark contrasts of human experience. The orchestra will perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op 93 and Copland’s Lincoln Portrait at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15-$45. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.