MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Whether you’re in the mood for live music, fall festivals or an evening at the movies, there’s no shortage of things to do around the Monadnock Region this weekend. From pumpkin-lined streets in Keene to literary readings in Brattleboro and concerts across the valley, here are some highlights happening:

Friday, Oct. 17

Friday Night Classics Film: “Hocus Pocus”
7 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene.The Colonial Theatre kicks off Halloween season with the 1993 cult favorite Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for Colonial members.
More information: thecolonial.org

Brattleboro Literary Festival
7–8:45 p.m., Brooks House Lobby, 132 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt.
The 24th annual Brattleboro Literary Festival opens Friday evening and continues through Sunday with readings, panel discussions, and author talks, including appearances by Ocean Vuong, Adam Higginbotham, Alison Espach, and more. Admission is free.
More information: brattleborolitfest.org/schedule/2025-schedule

California Guitar Trio
7:30 p.m., Showroom at The Colonial Performing Arts Center, 20 Commercial St., Keene.
The California Guitar Trio blends rock, jazz, and world music in a performance showcasing their signature sound and dazzling musicianship. Tickets are $36 in advance and $40 day of show.
More information: thecolonial.org

Lyle Hutchins
8 p.m., Harlow’s Pub, 3 School St., Peterborough.
Local favorite Lyle Hutchins performs a no-cover set of alt-country and Americana originals inspired by artists like Bon Iver and Ruston Kelly.
More information: harlowspub.com

New England Animation Festival
6–8:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey.
Opening night of The Park Theatre’s 2nd Annual New England Animation Festival features screenings of award-winning animated shorts and a showing of the Oscar-winning film Flow. Tickets start at $9.
More information: theparktheatre.org/ne-animation-festival

Saturday, Oct. 18

Comic Book Fest 2025
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Athol Town Hall, 584 Main St., Athol, Mass.
Fans of comics, cosplay, and gaming can browse local artists’ work, play games, and join family-friendly competitions at this annual celebration.
More information: athollibrary.org

New England Animation Festival (Day Two)
11 a.m.–8:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, Jaffrey.
Day two of the animation festival includes screenings of Boys Go to Jupiter, Rocks in My Pockets, and classic Fleischer cartoons, plus an awards ceremony.
More information: theparktheatre.org/ne-animation-festival

1st Annual Witches on the Lake
1–3 p.m., Richardson Park, 60 East Shore Road, Swanzey.
Paddleboarders and kayakers dressed as witches take to Swanzey Lake to raise funds for summer camp scholarships. Registration is $10 per participant.
More information: swanzeynh.myrec.com

Keene Pumpkin Festival
2–9 p.m., Downtown Keene.
The beloved fall celebration returns with live music, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, a costume parade, and thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Free admission.
More information: pumpkinfestival.org

Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf
4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main St., Peterborough.
The Keene Chamber Players and narrators present Peter and the Wolf along with original children’s songs by Alex and Lisa Murray. Admission is free; donations accepted.
More information: keenechamberorchestra.org

April Cushman with Michael Peterson
7 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene.
Local country artist April Cushman performs with Billboard chart-topper Michael Peterson for a night of heartfelt storytelling and classic hits. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
More information: thecolonial.org

Eyes of Age
8 p.m., Harlow’s Pub, Peterborough.
The folk-rock collective performs original and cover songs exploring love, hope, and social themes. $10 cover.
More information: harlowspub.com

Circus Trees & Match
8 p.m., The Stone Church, 210 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt.
The Massachusetts trio brings an emotional blend of grunge and shoegaze to the Stone Church stage.
More information: stonechurchvt.com

Sunday, Oct. 19

Met Opera Live: “La Sonnambula”
1 p.m., Showroom, 20 Commercial St., Keene.
Bellini’s La Sonnambula streams live in HD from the Metropolitan Opera, featuring Nadine Sierra and Xabier Anduaga.
More information: thecolonial.org

Benefit Concert + Raffle
2–5 p.m., Next Stage Arts Project, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, Vt.
Featuring Zara Bode, Concerto Incognito, and Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Raffles include a weeklong stay in Paris. Tickets $35 adults, $15 under 18.
More information: nextstagearts.org

Will Lawrence & Joan Shelley
6 p.m., Nova Arts, 48 Emerald St., Keene.
Singer-songwriter Will Lawrence performs songs from his upcoming album, joined by folk artist Joan Shelley.
More information: novaarts.org

Todd Albright & Arthur Terembula
7 p.m., Marigold Brattleboro, 157 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt.
Blues guitarist Todd Albright brings his pre-war roots sound to Brattleboro for a soulful evening of traditional and modern blues.
More information: marigoldbrattleboro.com

Hildegard Reanimated: Vision in Vision
7 p.m., Epsilon Spires, 190 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt.
The Pandora Consort presents a multimedia performance inspired by the visions and music of 12th-century composer Hildegard von Bingen.
More information: epsilonspires.org