It’s a great weekend to watch a flick, see a show, smash a pumpkin, and get into the Halloween spirit. Here are some of the top local happenings.
New Hampshire Film Festival
The 22nd annual New Hampshire Film Festival will bring more than 100 independent films to Portsmouth over the next four days, along with social gatherings, panel discussions, and other events. Running Thursday through Sunday, this year’s festival is headquartered at The Gallery at Jimmy’s, with screening locations at The Music Hall, The Music Hall Lounge, 3S Artspace, Moffatt-Ladd House, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Learn more here.
Word Barn weekend concerts
A super-trio of alt-folk musicians kicks off The Word Barn’s weekend in Exeter. Molly Parden, Eliza Edens, and Louisa Stancioff (above) team up for a show on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($24). Then, on Sunday, the Barn’s Orchard Concert Series continues with a performance by the Apple Hill String Quartet at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls from 4-5:30 p.m. ($35). Learn more here.
John Scofield Trio at Jimmy’s
One of the world’s most accomplished jazz guitar masters and composers will bring his trio to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth this weekend. Three-time Grammy Award winner and nine-time nominee John Scofield will perform with his group on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27.50-$132.50. Learn more here.
Slow Slow Loris at the Millspace
Last-minute show announcement! German avant-garde duo Slow Slow Loris brings its North American tour to Newmarket for a show at the Millspace alongside regional acts State Vector Collapse (Massachusetts), Burial Woods (Vermont), and Dei Xhrist (New Hampshire) on Friday from 8-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Two shows at The Dance Hall
String duo San Miguel Fraser (above) will showcase its unique brand of Spanish-Celtic folk at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($10-$22). The following night, all-star local tribute act The Stray Horses will perform The Beatles’ classic 1970 album “Let It Be” on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($10-$22). Learn more here.
Scissorfight 30th Anniversary
For three decades, Scissorfight has been rocking hard and heavy. The local legends brought some punch to the Seacoast’s bustling music scene in the 1990s, and they’re still going strong. The Stone Church will host a pair of 30th anniversary shows in Newmarket on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Pumpkin Smash in Portsmouth
Pick a pumpkin, choose your smashing device, and swing away — it’s as simple as that. The annual Pumpkin Smash takes place during the Portsmouth Farmers Market outside City Hall on Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick a pumpkin for $10, or bring your own for $5. Proceeds support the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Learn more here.
Saturday night standup comedy
James Dorsey headlines Charity Comedy Night with guests Rich DiPippo, Kaile Krenzer, Logan O’Brien, and host Mark Moccia at Newmarket Millspace on Saturday from 7-9 p.m., with proceeds supporting Mary’s Dogs ($20). That same night, Jim McCue headlines a night of standup with Liam Hales, Peter Liu, and Howie Nave at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth from 8-10 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
3rd Annual Witches Market in Dover
Load up on witchcraft, magic, herbalism, spiritual readings, and handmade mystical items during Dover’s third annual Witches Market on Sunday. Local artisans and small businesses will fill the Dover City Hall Auditorium and spill outside onto Central Avenue with their enchanting wares from 12-5 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more here.
Friends for Fuel at The Blue Mermaid
Enjoy a lovely evening of music, dancing, and dining and help Kittery families stay warm this winter. The Friends for Fuel benefit event will feature food from dozens of local establishments and live music from Loving Cup, plus live and silent auctions. It takes place at The Blue Mermaid in Kittery on Sunday from 4-8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.