Fun things to do in Northern New England

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Maine

Corduroy

December 1–3, 6–10, 13–17, 20–23, and 27–30 This theatrical adaptation of the popular children’s books Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy brings the gentle adventures of the beloved overall-clad stuffed bear to the stage. Tickets, $16. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland.

On a Winter’s Night

January 25 John Gorka, Patty Larkin, Lucy Kaplansky, and Cliff Eberhardt share the stage for this 30th anniversary tour to celebrate the 1994 album that brought them together with other rising stars in the new folk music scene. Tickets, $55. Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield.

KindKids Music

January 28 A duo combines music and puppetry in a fun, interactive experience to encourage kindness and foster resilience in children. Tickets start at $5. Brunswick Unitarian-Universalist Church, Brunswick.

Josée Vachon

February 17 Vachon, a folk artist who celebrates a love for Franco-American culture, will perform traditional music from Quebecois and Acadian communities. Tickets start at $20. Franco Center, Lewiston.

Cirque Mechanics–Zephyr

February 17 Inspired by other modern circuses, Cirque Mechanics grounds its acrobatic shows in realism and mechanical ingenuity to create onstage antics that have a playful, steampunk vibe. Zephyr explores the push and pull of progress versus tradition. Tickets start at $27. Collins Center for the Arts, Orono.

Forever Plaid

March 8–10, 15–17, 22–24 This jukebox musical offers an unabashedly nostalgic trip back to the 1950s music scene. In this show, a doo-wop quartet that died on the way to catch The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show gets the chance to perform one more gig in the afterlife. Tickets start at $25. City Theater, Biddeford.

Massachusetts

The 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

FREE! December 16 To culminate a yearlong series of commemorative events and performances, reenactors re-create one of the most symbolic early moments leading up to the American Revolution. Downtown Boston.

New Hampshire

Gingerbread Contest and Exhibition

FREE! November 24–December 23 Each year, Portsmouth residents and visitors compete to create the most fanciful gingerbread scenes, and everyone can enjoy the view. Most entries are displayed at the Portsmouth Historical Society, but other displays are scattered around more than a dozen locations. Downtown Portsmouth.

The Sound of Music

November 29–December 17 See Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical about how a blended Austrian family learns to love one another while fleeing through the Alps to escape encroaching fascism. Try to resist singing along to such catchy songs as “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” Presented by Ogunquit Playhouse. Tickets start at $50. The Music Hall, Portsmouth.

Drum Tao

January 25 Prepare for a night of explosive percussion and dance. While Drum Tao honors traditional Japanese drumming, be prepared for a new and stunning show. Tickets start at $44. Chubb Theatre at CCA, Concord.

John 5 & The Creatures

February 14 John 5, an acclaimed shredder of a guitarist, has stepped in to take up guitar duties for Mötley Crüe. He is much more than a hired gun, however, and this new tour showcases his solo work. Tickets, $45. Tupelo Music Hall, Derry.

Speedy

February 14 On Valentine’s Day, New Hampshire composer Jeff Rapsis performs original music for this classic silent film. Harold Lloyd plays a New York Yankees fan who must save the horse-drawn streetcar business of his girlfriend’s family. He does so with a little help from Babe Ruth. Tickets, $10. The Rex Theatre, Manchester.

Robert Frost’s New Hampshire

March 15–24 This new theatrical work—getting its long-awaited world premiere after a pandemic-induced delay—is based on the early works of Robert Frost, who summered in the Granite State. Tickets start at $32. Pontine Theatre, 1845 Plains School, Portsmouth.

Celtic Woman

March 22 For 2 decades, this tour has showcased the best of traditional and contemporary Celtic music through haunting vocal harmonies, backed by traditional Irish instruments and augmented by lively dancing. Tickets start at $54.25. Chubb Theatre at CCA, Concord.

Vermont

Vermont Holiday Market

December 2–3 Peruse the offerings of more than 100 artisans and craft vendors from throughout New England. You’ll find everything from jewelry to maple syrup to spices. Tickets, $10; free for kids 12 and under. Champlain Valley Exposition Center, Essex Junction.

Wassail Weekend

FREE! December 8–10 A village transforms into a winter wonderland with decorated historic homes, dazzling light displays, live holiday music, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Woodstock.

Yankee Sportsman’s Classic

January 19–21 For those who love to hunt and fish, this exhibition features many vendors who can outfit outdoors enthusiasts for the upcoming season, as well as many how-to seminars and kids’ events. Tickets start at $13. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction.

Constellations

January 24–February 11 Explore the multiverse within a couple’s relationship. This play follows the lives of Roland, a beekeeper, and Marianne, a scientist, through the multitude of possibilities of their lives together. Tickets start at $19. Courtyard Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction.

Myra Flynn

February 18 Touring to support a new EP, the accomplished Vermont journalist, podcaster, and vocalist brings to the stage a sound that evokes the joyous and heartfelt soul-pop textures of the late 1980s. Plainfield Opera House, Plainfield.

Northern Resonance

March 17 This Scandinavian trio utilizes traditional instruments to reimagine and expand on beloved folk music. Together, they create a new and expansive soundscape. Tickets start at $25. Richmond Congregational Church, Richmond.

Josh Blue: The Freak Accident Tour

March 29 A comedian shares his perspective as a single dad who has cerebral palsy. The veteran comedy circuit road warrior represented the U.S. in the 2004 Paralympics Games. Tickets, $35. Paramount Theatre, Rutland.

Confirm hours and availability of businesses, attractions, and events before you visit. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.