The first weekend of October means Halloween season is officially underway. Here are some ways to celebrate.
‘Light & Dark III’ at the NHAA
One of the highlights of the Art’ Round Town gallery walk in Portsmouth is a new slate of exhibits at the New Hampshire Art Association. “Light & Dark III” is a member show with work that mirrors the season’s shifting balance of daylight and darkness. It opens with a reception on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
(I Gotta) Rock! at The Press Room
Find out who will helm this year’s Portsmouth Halloween Parade at the 18th (I Gotta) Rock! Show at The Press Room on Friday at 8 p.m. In addition to the grand marshal announcement, there will be live music from local bands Kong Moon, doug., and the cast of “Gay Bride of Frankenstein.” Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Performing arts at The Stone Church
“Man on the Hill” combines colorful storytelling with the musical intensity of a rock opera, like crossing “Our Town” with “Jesus Christ Superstar.” It’s at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). The venue hosts hometown roots-rockers The Kenny Brothers Band on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ at Millspace
A murder story full of ghosts, blood, and madness, “The Tragedy of Macbeth” is perfect fare for Halloween season. Presented by RGC Theatre, Shakespeare’s classic play is on stage at the Newmarket Millspace through Oct. 15. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Dance Hall
Local singer and guitarist Seth Warner is bringing an octet of area musicians to The Dance Hall in Kittery for A Celebration of The Cure: A Strange Day on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($15-$20). Saxophonist Chet Doxas and his jazz trio take the stage to explore new sonic territory on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Learn more here.
Westival 2023 in Portsmouth
Celebrate the businesses and residents of Portsmouth’s bustling West End community during the seventh annual Westival on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. The free event offers live music, family-friendly activities, food, drinks, and more. Even your dog is invited! It takes place in the parking lot at 110 Brewery Lane. Learn more here.
Mandy Patinkin at The Music Hall
You probably know him as Inigo Montoya, the vengeful swordsman in “The Princess Bride,” but actor Mandy Patinkin is also a Tony Award-winning theater legend. He’ll perform “Being Alive,” a collection of Broadway and classic tunes, live at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $68-$118. Learn more here.
Little Wishbone at The Word Barn
Two of the Seacoast’s top acoustic groups are joining forces for a special show at The Word Barn in Exeter. Little Wishbone, which is a merger of Green Heron and Old Hat Stringband, performs with teenage guests Micah John and Lillian Chase on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $23. Learn more here. (Low ticket warning!)
World Fusion Music at Green Acre
Local guitar virtuoso and world music aficionado Randy Armstrong will collaborate with drummer and percussionist Marty Quinn for an evening of World Fusion Music at Green Acre in Eliot on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The concert is dedicated to promoting world peace through music. Tickets are $18-$20. Learn more here.
Casey Crawford at McCue’s
Maine-based absurdist comedian Casey Crawford cracked up the crowd on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” about five years ago, and he’ll aim to do the same during a standup gig at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Comic Liam Hales will serve as the evening’s host. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.