Thursday, Aug. 14

Evening Labyrinth Walk at the Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center in North Andover from 7 to 8:45 p.m. led by retreat leader Paul Millin. Walking the Labyrinth is a moving prayer practice in which the body can help bring together mind and heart in a fresh unity. Registration fee: $15. Call 978-682-8815 or e-mail thestaff@rollingridge.org to register.

Gerry Johnston will perform classic guitar music with Broadway favorites and other popular tunes at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. For more information, call the Rogers Center box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 978-837-5355.

Free outdoor concert: The public is invited to a free lawn concert, 5 p.m. at Ashland Farm at North Andover, 700 Chickering Road. A complimentary barbecue cookout will be served and the music begins at 6 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, call Ashland Farm at North Andover at 978-683-1300.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Friday, Aug. 15

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Saturday, Aug. 16

"Wild about Crafts" program at Memorial Hall Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to learn about new crafts, work on projects, and complete free "make and take" projects. Participants should bring their own craft supplies and register by calling 978-623-8401, ext. 49, or e-mailing eclasson@mhl.org. For more information, call 978-623-8401, ext. 31, or visit the library's Web site at www.mhl.org.

New gallery opening: The Griffin Museum of Photography celebrates the opening of its new gallery at the Stoneham Theatre with an exhibit of the work of Fran Forman, "Alchemy of Memory," running through Aug. 30 in the Griffin Museum's Atelier Gallery. A reception with the artist is today from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Forman is a visiting scholar at the Women's Studies Research Center at Brandeis University and also teaches workshops in digital montage. The Stoneham Theatre is at 395 Main St., Stoneham; www.stonehamtheatre.org.

"BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular" at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, 8 p.m. The performance traces the history of hip-hop dancing over the past 30 years and pays tribute to each new contribution to the phenomena. Tickets are $22 for students/seniors, $27 for members, $29 for nonmembers, and can be purchased by calling the box office at 978-462-7336 or online at www.firehouse.org. For more information about the show, visit www.breakshow.com.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Ipswich River canoe trip: Take a naturalist-guided canoe trip at Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, 1 to 3 p.m. Includes instruction on canoeing basics, education about the animals that make the river their home, and an ice cream break. Advance registration is required. All equipment will be provided. Participants must be able to swim, and children should be at least 6 years old. $16 adults, $14 children (discount for Mass Audubon members). For more information or to register, call 978-887-9264.

Sunday, Aug. 17

Four Guys in Tuxes play from 1 to 3 p.m. at Pomps Pond in Andover. This is a make-up for a rained-out concert. The pond will be open from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call Mary at 978-623-8277.

Dog-walking hike: Enjoy a dog-friendly, casual stroll of Weir Hill in North Andover with author of "Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston and Beyond" Jenna Ringelheim and Property Superintendent Chris Ward. Learn about the property's history, geology, and management as well as tips on responsible dog walking. Ringelheim will share her insights on dog walking and her book will be available for sale. This free hike will leave the Stevens-Street entrance of Weir Hill at 10 a.m. and wrap up by noon. Directions are available at the Trustees Web site, www.thetrustees.org.

Antique tractor pull: Smolak Farms will host an antique tractor pull, with members of the Essex County Tractor Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes tractor pulls in several weight classes, live music, barbecue, children's games, hayrides and a flea market. Kids will be admitted free; adult admission is $5. The farm is located at 315 South Bradford St., North Andover. More information at www.smolakfarms.com.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Monday, Aug. 18

Davis Bates and Roger Tincknell concert at Memorial Hall Library on August 18 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 4 and up. This concert features favorite stories and songs to get you moving, clapping and singing along. Limited tickets available beginning Aug. 11. For more information, call 978-623-8401, ext. 39, or visit www.mhl.org/kids.

Auditions will be held for "The Diary of Anne Frank" from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover. Callbacks will be held Aug. 19, and production dates are Oct. 24-26. For more information, visit www.actingout.biz or e-mail actingout@earthlink.net.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Free pranic healing clinic offers no-touch energy treatments at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Route 133, Andover from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Miriam Smith at mgsenergy@comcast.net or 978-683-6129. Walk-ins welcome.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Free movie screening: "The Lady Eve" 6:30 p.m. commentary, 7 p.m. screening at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. For more information, call the Rogers Center box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 978-837-5355.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Thursday, Aug. 21

The Harry James Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Stoneham Theatre. The Harry James Orchestra, directed by Fred Radke, was formed in 1939 by Harry James, and the then-little-known Frank Sinatra. Tickets for all shows are $42 for adults and $37 for seniors. To purchase tickets or for information, visit or call the box office at 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Live country music: Tom Russell makes his Newburyport debut on the stage of the Firehouse Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m Russell has released 24 albums and one DVD of original material. His recordings have ranged from folk, cowboy, roots and rock to the far reaches of "outsider Americana," and has also been recorded by dozens of the world's finest roots and country musicians. for more information and tickets, visit www.firehouse.org.

Friday, Aug. 22

Circo Comedia, starring Jean Saucier and Patrick Cote from Montreal, features distinctive humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity. Performing at the North Shore Music Theatre at 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $17 and $12, ages 4 and up. For tickets, visit www.nsmt.org, call 978-232-7200, or purchase in person at the theater at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Evening of Rock: Concert to benefit the Friends of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island Airfield at the Plum Island Airfield, Hangar No. 1, Newbury, 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, food and beverages included. Note that this event is 21-plus. For more information or tickets, visit www.eveningofrock.org.

Firefighters Combat Challenge: Merrimack Valley Hospital in conjunction with Haverhill Firefighters Local 1011 will host the second annual New England Firefighters Combat Challenge from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will be held on the hospital campus located at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill. Highlights of the event include the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a Kids Challenge, the Adult and Child CPR Challenge sponsored by ZOLL Medical, the Cutters Edge Truck Co. Challenge, and $4,000 in cash prizes plus merchandise that includes a GPS device.

Artist reception: Lorna Ritz will be at the Firehouse Center for the Arts gallery from 3 to 7 p.m. Complimentary refreshments and a chance to meet the artist. For more information, visit www.firehouse.org.

Merrimack Valley 20-Something Singles Dinner: Meet other singles in their 20s from the Merrimack Valley at Focaccia Restaurant in Wilmington at 6 p.m. No charge except the cost of your meal and drink. To RSVP and find more information about the group, visit http://singles.meetup.com/2368/.

Luau Ice Cream Social at St. Michael Church/St. Vincent de Paul Parish Hall in North Andover at 5 p.m. Cost is $3 per person; tickets must be purchased in advance at the Pastoral Center. Event includes ice cream, music, door prize and raffles. For more information, call Anne Marie at 978-683-5982.

Smolak Farms Peach Festival: Pick your own peaches, heirloom tomatoes and early apples, enjoy a hayride and homemade peach cobbler, and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.smolakfarms.com.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Firefighters Combat Challenge: Merrimack Valley Hospital in conjunction with Haverhill Firefighters Local 1011 will host the second annual New England Firefighters Combat Challenge from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will be held on the hospital campus located at 140 Lincoln Ave. in Haverhill. Highlights of the event include the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a Kids Challenge, the Adult and Child CPR Challenge sponsored by ZOLL Medical, the Cutters Edge Truck Co. Challenge, and $4,000 in cash prizes plus merchandise that includes a GPS device.

Smolak Farms Peach Festival: Pick your own peaches, heirloom tomatoes and early apples, enjoy a hayride and homemade peach cobbler, and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.smolakfarms.com.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.nsmt.org.

Ongoing

"Moments In Time," a photography exhibition by John F. Zipeto, through Aug. 29 at the Chase & Lunt Insurance Co. Gallery, 47 State St., Newburyport. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. This is part of the Wings Exhibition program sponsored by the Newburyport Art Association.

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic's 2008-2009 season, conducted by George Monseur, will feature four performances at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College: Sunday, Nov. 9, Debussy, Ravel and Prokofiev; Sunday, Dec. 7, Family Holiday Concert with the Andover Choral Society, directed by Allen Combs; Sunday, March 1, 2009, Mendelssohn and Schubert; Sunday, May 3, 2009, Richard Rodgers, William Grant Still and George Gershwin. All performances are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale in September. Subscriptions available. For information, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.

Andover Chamber Music's 12th season opens on Sept. 13. Eight concerts are scheduled with five in the Andover/North Andover area, two in Cambridge and one in Lowell. Five-concert series season subscriptions for the Andover-area concerts are $140 and $125. Single tickets to all concerts are $30 and $25, depending on location and seating. Student rush and group sales are available. For tickets and for more information, call 978-474-6222 or go to www.AndoverChamberMusic.org.

Trails and Sails: The Essex National Heritage Commission presents its seventh annual Trails and Sails: "A Weekend to GO! Experience Essex Heritage," Sept. 26-28. Designed to showcase the unique array of historic, cultural, and natural resources within the Essex National Heritage Area, the weekend includes more than 200 free events spread out over 135 locations throughout Essex County. Involving non-profit and community organizations, as well as recreation-based businesses, the weekend offers guided hikes, walks, sails, paddles, as well as historical tours and special art happenings for all ages, skill levels and interests. Visit www.trailsandsails.org or call 978-740-0444 for information.

Massachusetts Poetry Festival: A diverse group of partner organizations will come together to present the first-ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival in various locations in Lowell, Oct. 10-12. The event will feature readings by well-known poets such as Robert Pinsky, Lucie Brock-Broido, Andre Dubus III, Martin Espada, Rhina Espiaillat, Reggie Gibson and many more, as well as workshops for writers and educators, symposia, small press fair, teen poetry, literary heritage tours, children's programs and street poetry. Some events are free, and others have a nominal entrance fee. A complete lineup, with schedule and locations, will be available in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.masspoetry.com/festival or call 978-275-1831.

The Lawrence Farmers' Market will be held every Wednesday through Oct. 29. The market will feature extended hours this season, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The market is located on Appleton Way between Essex and Common streets, near City Hall at 200 Common St.

Serenity Yoga: Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:20 p.m. through Aug. 20. $45 for 7 weeks. Bring a yoga mat, towel and pillow. Gentle, restorative yoga emphasizing stretching and flexibility. Beginner's class. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

Energize with Exercise: Wednesdays from 6 to 7:10 p.m. through Aug. 20. $45 for 7 weeks. Low-impact aerobics plus stretching and weights. No prior exercise experience necessary. Fit beginners always welcome. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

Nordic walking: Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. through Aug 19. $45/session. No prior exercise experience required. Rain or shine; meet outside building. Space limited. Download registration form at www.boomerventure.com and mail to BoomerVenture, 36 Bartlet St., ASC, Andover, MA 01810, or call 978-623-8321. All classes held at 30 Whittier Court.

"Wild Reads" Summer Reading Program at Memorial Hall Library began the week of June 23. Programs are available for children, teens and adults. Call 978-623-8401, ext. 31, or visit www.mhl.org for more information and a complete list of programs.

Peabody Essex Museum offers drop-in yoga classes on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Art Studios. Cost is included with museum admission. For more information, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3043.

Introduction to Judaism: Registration is open for Introduction to Judaism, a free 25-week course designed for individuals in interfaith relationships wishing to explore Judaism as well as those considering conversion to Judaism. The course is provided free by the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the North Shore Rabbinic Association. Classes are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 9. Hebrew will be taught at the beginning of each session by Sandy Hoffman. At a cost to the Foundation of $10,000 for the entire class, it is provided free to those living in the Foundation service area, but there is a $100 book fee. Tuition for those outside the Foundation service area is $425 plus the $100 for books. To register or for more information, call Andrea Katz, program manager, 978-740-4404 or e-mail akatz@rilcf.org.

Peabody Essex Museum exhibits: "Stage Idols" through Jan. 25, 2009, in the Japanese Kabuki Theater; "The Art of Maori Tattoo" through Feb.1, 2009; "Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony," through Sept. 14; "Life Boat" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "To the Ends of the Earth: Painting the Polar Landscape" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "Gateway Bombay" through Dec. 7; "Perfect Imbalance: Exploring Chinese Aesthetics" through May 19, 2009; "Of Gods and Mortals: Traditional Art from India," ongoing; "Intersections: Native American Art in a New Light," ongoing; "All of My Life: Contemporary Works by Native American Artists," ongoing. Peabody Essex Museum is in East India Square, Salem. Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

"Cat Club Challenge" will be ongoing on the second Saturday of every month at one80 Sports & Fitness, 226 Andover St., Wilmington. Participants will be tested in standard assessments including the vertical jump, 5/10/5 "Pro Agility," chin-ups, 10-, 20- and 40-yard dash and 5-hop bound. Food and beverages will be provided. Fitness testing is free. For more information, call 978-658-1999.

Churchill Gallery, 6 Inn St. Newburyport. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 978-462-9891 or visit www.thechurchillgallery.com.

"Elements of Art Education," an exhibit showcasing art education graduates of Montserrat College of Art. The exhibition can be viewed during the college's gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, e-mail ristuben@gmail.com or dianeayott@comcast.net.

"Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts," will run through Feb. 8, 2009, at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. The exhibit will feature more than 100 works by 70 Massachusetts artists who preserve and revitalize deeply rooted traditions. Funding for the exhibit is provided by Bank of America, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the National Heritage Museum, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A series of performing arts programs will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition. A schedule will be available at www.nationalheritagemuseum.org. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 781-861-6559.

Lawrence Heritage State Park indoor and outdoor guided tours exploring the history of Lawrence. Free; all welcome. Reservations required. 1 Jackson St., Lawrence. 978-794-1655.

Printing Museum contains the world's largest collection of antique printing, typesetting and bindery machines. Includes extensive printing collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. 978-686-0450.

GROUPS

The Merrimack Valley People for Peace meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the First United Methodist Church in North Andover. More information and directions to the meeting can be located at www.merrimackvalleypeopleforpeace.org.

New England Classical Singers, a regional group of singers devoted to the presentation of demanding and interesting choral music, holds tryouts and rehearsals Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at South School in Andover. 978-465-0181 or 978-857-3067 or www.newenglandclassical.org.

Newcomers Club of the Andovers holds a coffee hour the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, Route 114, North Andover. Gathering is geared toward new members, but established residents who are interested in joining or volunteering for the club are welcome. Kids are also welcome. For more information, call Vickie Gallant at 978-809-7404 or Heather Ryan at 978-794-7926.

Andover Choral Society is seeking additional voices for the upcoming concert season. Group rehearses every Monday at 7:20 p.m. at Christ Church on Central Street and performs at the Rogers Center for the Arts. For more information, call 978-682-0196 or visit www.AndoverChoral.org.

Andover Great Books Group meets second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. to discuss book of the week. Memorial Hall Library, Andover. Call Jean McGreehan at 603-667-9610.

Downtown Women's Club, professional network of women, meets first Wednesday of each month at Glory, 19 Essex St., Andover. Free; open to the public. Visit www.downtownwomensclub.com or call Jennifer Tortorella at 978-270-8060.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wingate at Andover, 80 Andover St., Andover, and every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 58 Peters St., North Andover. Visit www.foodaddicts.org or call 781-321-9118.

Men's woodcarving group meets Mondays at 9 a.m. at Andover Senior Center, 36 Bartlet St., Andover. 978-623-8321.

Merrimack Valley Chapter of PFLAG — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, providing support, education and advocacy, meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, 6 Locke St., Andover. Co-facilitators are Bob Zimmerman and the Rev. Ralph Galen. Call 978-475-4454, or send an e-mail to PFLAGinAndoverMA@aol.com.

Treble Chorus of New England auditions for the youth choir for children ages 6 to 18. Joining the youth choir provides children with an opportunity to learn about fine choral music of all periods. Rehearsals held Mondays in Andover. To schedule an audition time, call 978-837-5461 or e-mail to anovello@treblechorus.com.

Embroiderers Guild of America meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Dedicated to teaching and preserving needlework as an art form. Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St., Tewksbury. Call Rosemary Carter at 781-893-0959 or e-mail mvc-membership@neonflamingo.com.

Lowell Opera Company holds rehearsals every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. New members welcome; auditions not required. 978-441-6926 or www.operalowell.org.

Merrimack Toastmasters Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main St., North Andover. Call Bill Cashman at 978-475-0721.

Merrimack Valley Camera Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover. Call 978-686-0900.

Merrimack Valley Chorus, a women's a cappella group, rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Wilmington Arts Council Building, 219 Middlesex Ave., Route 62, Wilmington. Call Kate at 978-692-1843.

Merrimack Valley Townsmen Barbershop Chorus rehearses Mondays at 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill. No experience necessary. 978-688-5306.

Methuen Community Band rehearses every other Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. All instruments and skill levels welcome. Methuen High School, 1 Ranger Road, Methuen. Call Lori at 978-794-1973.

North Parish Quilters meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., September through June. New members welcome; guest fee $5. Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading. Call Susan Reichter at 978-475-6973.

North Reading Community Chorale welcomes new members and rehearses Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park St., North Reading. Free membership. Call 978-664-4800 or visit www.nrcc.us.

North Regional Theatre Workshop, rehearsals every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen. Singers and dancers ages 18 and older welcome. Call 978-681-0355 or visit www.nrtwinc.com.

Skirts and Flirts Square Dance Club dances held every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Shawsheen Elementary School, Shawsheen and Hopkins streets, Route 12, Wilmington. 978-658-4022.

Stompers Country Line Dance Production holds dances every Wednesday and Sunday, 7 to 11 p.m. at GuestHouse Inn & Suites, Exit 47 off I-93, Methuen.

Toastmasters International meets second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Haverhill Public Library. Improve your public speaking skills. All welcome. www.friendlypersuasion.org.

Turkey Town Trotters Square Dance Club meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Sutton Street, North Andover. 978-682-3280 or 978-682-2403.