The weekend ahead offers cinema, music, comedy, poetry, theater, and lots of beer! Here are some of the highlights.
New Hampshire Film Festival
Cinema takes over downtown Portsmouth during the 21st annual New Hampshire Film Festival this weekend. Headquartered at The Music Hall, the festival will feature a collection of new independent films, as well as panel discussions, workshops, and social events. Times, locations, and prices vary. Learn more here.
So much music at The Stone Church
Griffin William Sherry (The Ghost of Paul Revere) and Tall Tall Trees kick off the weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket with a show featuring guest Sneaky Miles on Friday from 6-9 p.m. ($30). As soon as that’s over, Jerry Garcia tribute acts Sans Souci and The Maine Dead Project take the stage at 9 p.m. ($25). On Saturday, Dr. Gasp and the Eeks and Bitter Pill join forces to get you in the Halloween spirit at 8 p.m. ($20). On Sunday, a local supergroup presents the monthly Supper Club, Super Jam with table service from 4-6:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Three concerts at The Dance Hall
Legendary jazz bassist Joe Fonda brings his Eastern Boundary Quartet (above) to The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Scottish fiddler Louise Bichan and her ensemble follow on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). And local jazz fixture Sojoy performs on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($15-$18). Learn more here.
Scaryoke at Daniel Street Tavern
Put on your costume, grab the mike, and sing your rotten heart out at Daniel Street Tavern in Portsmouth on Friday from 9-11 p.m. Scaryoke is a benefit for the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, which will have volunteers on hand with merchandise and raffle tickets. Plus, Jell-O shots! There’s a $5 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Upside Arts: ‘The Sandman’
Local playwright Joshua Goldberg is bringing his new youth musical “The Sandman and the Quest for the Dream Machine” to New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth for two weekends. Presented by Upside Arts, show times are Saturdays and Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m. through Oct. 22. Tickets are $15-$18. Learn more here.
New Hampshire Brewfest
Nearly 40 craft breweries will offer sips at the 15th annual New Hampshire Brewfest at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. (VIP entry at noon). A fundraiser for the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the Master Brewers Association of Americas, tickets are $60 ($80 for VIPs, $20 for designated drivers). Learn more here.
Oktoberfest at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Newburyport Brewing Co. will be serving a specially brewed traditional Festbier by the liter at the 12th annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday from 12-9 p.m. There will be live music from the 12-piece Oberlander Hofbrau Band, plus food, games, and competitions. Tickets are $10 (free for kids and pets). Learn more here.
Music and poetry at The Word Barn
Folk artist Vance Gilbert has shared stages with Aretha Franklin, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, Milk Carton Kids, George Carlin (150+ shows), and many other icons, and he’ll take the stage at The Word Barn in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). On Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m., the Silo Series presents “October is the treasure of the year,” featuring poets Betsy Sholl, Jason Tandon, and Megan Leonard ($5 suggested donation). Learn more here.
Mike Donovan at McCue’s Comedy Club
Comedian Mike Donovan has been headlining venues around the country since 1978. Known for his sports-based humor, the Boston-native and former Sports Illustrated reporter will perform standup live at McCue’s Comedy Club at the Roundabout Diner in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Dead Gowns headline at WSCA
Portland-based rock act Dead Gowns is the songwriting project of Geneviève Beaudoin, who released two EPs last year. She’ll headline an all-ages show on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Also on the bill are Lily Seabird and Planet Parlor. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.