Savor that Halloween spirit just a little longer and enjoy some spectacular events this weekend.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
The monthly Art ‘Round Town gallery walk returns to downtown Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Highlights include opening receptions for “The rock and the wind” at 3S Artspace, featuring works by Cozette Russell; and “Back and Forth, Above and Below” at the Kennedy Gallery, featuring works by Ann Trainor Domingue.
Live concerts at The Dance Hall
What a wild weekend at The Dance Hall in Kittery! The festivities begin with Foreside Funk and special guest KING DEAD on Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. (sold out). Steely Dan tribute act PowerMoneyCake follows on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17-$22). On Sunday, eclectic local quartet Dharma Down (pictured) celebrates the release of their new album, “Owl Dreams,” with a performance from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Learn more here.
California Guitar Trio at The Word Barn
Since 1991, guitarists Bert Lams, Tom Griesgraber, and Paul Richards have been exploring the intersections between rock, jazz, classical, and world music in their acclaimed group, the California Guitar Trio. They’ll hit the East Coast with a concert at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $30. Learn more here.
Undead events at the Haunted Ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom will remain haunted for two “undead” events this weekend. Boston-based septet 12 Barz Band celebrates Day of the Undead with a concert on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15). Saturday brings Comedy for the Undead, featuring three stand-up acts and a musical opener from 7-10 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ at the Ring
On Halloween night, The Players’ Ring opens a show adapted from an infamous story by Edgar Allen Poe. Jack Neary’s version of “The Fall of the House of Usher” reinvents Poe’s tale as a detective thriller set in 1930s Boston. It’s on stage in Portsmouth through Nov. 17; show times are Thursdays at 7 p.m. (9 p.m. on Oct. 31), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$29. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Boston’s Organically Good Trio (pictured) will play reggae tunes on three Hammond organs at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Then, on Saturday, the Church hosts a split-bill bluegrass show featuring Max Wareham and the National Bluegrass Team with Old Hat Stringband from 4-7 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Harvest Celebrations at Strawbery Banke
Explore three centuries of Turkey Day traditions with Harvest Celebrations: A History of Thanksgiving at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth this month. Guided tours take place on weekends through Dec. 1; slots this weekend are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Watercolor Workshop in Kittery
The Kittery Art Association invites you to create a bowl of beautiful beach stones poised on a floral patterned cloth this weekend. Artist Dustan Knight leads a fun, playful watercolor workshop titled “Magical Mysterious Beach Stones” at the KAA’s Art Hub on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tickets are $85. Learn more here.
Standup comedy in Portsmouth
Two of the region’s top comedians are performing in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Matthew P. Brown will be filming his 8 p.m. performance at The Music Hall Lounge for potential use in an upcoming comedy special ($20-$30). Jack Lynch (pictured) will headline a comedy showcase at McCue’s Comedy Club from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25).
Two Sunday morning jazz brunches
Expect an eclectic mix of music and food during the Kittery Community Center’s second jazz brunch on Sunday. The Jason Anick Trio, featuring Anick on violin, Mike Effenberger on piano, and Greg Loughman on bass, will perform at Easy Like Sunday Mornings from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include brunch. Learn more here.
LAST MINUTE BONUS ADDITION:
Spooks and Crocs Concert at Millspace
Surprise! The Millspace Center is hosting a special post-Halloween all-ages music festival in Newmarket on Saturday from 6-10 p.m. The Spooks and Crocs Concert will feature performances by regional rock bands Blowflies, Kucktus, Witches Window, Vermilion, Fabricoh, and The Big Sun. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.