Globe North best bets

DANCE PERFORMANCE

Rockport: Dusan Tynek Dance Theatre and Windhover Dance Company share the stage at Windhover Performing Arts Center for an evening of modern dance. Both companies will premiere new works as well as revisions of company works. 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday outdoors. In case of rain, performances will be held indoors with limited seating. $15, seniors and students $12. For reservations, call 978-546-3611 or e-mail Windhover@verizon.net. Tickets may also be purchased at The Bookstore, 61 Main St. in Gloucester or Toad Hall Bookstore, 51 Main St. in Rockport. Windhover Performing Arts Center is at 257R Granite St., Route 127.

FESTIVALS

Lynn: The annual Kids' Day at Lynn Woods will be held Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Lynn Woods Amphitheater, Pennybrook Road. Free events include presentations by Boston Children's Museum, pony rides, face painting, balloon magic, visits to Dungeon Rock, environmental exhibits, and arts and craft projects. Food concession available or bring a picnic. Bring chairs or blankets. 781-593-7773.

Exeter, N.H.: The American Independence Museum celebrates freedom and the founding of our nation during its annual American Independence Festival, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival has two themes: "Remember the Ladies," exploring the contributions and daily life of women during the Revolutionary War, and "Make the Connection," which will encourage visitors to observe and try the techniques of traditional artisans (spinning, weaving, leatherwork, basketry, hand-set type, carpentry, rug making, and blacksmithing) and then locate examples of items in the museum's collection that were created with those techniques. Historic role players will portray Abigail Adams, George Washington, and John Taylor Gilman. Watch military musters between Colonial and British troops, firing of the cannons, and tactical maneuvers. The entry fee is $5 for adults; free for ages 12 and younger. Enter the museum grounds at Ladd-Gilman House, at Water Street, and Folsom Tavern. Town festivities continue on Swasey Parkway with live music by Mr. Nick and the Dirty Tricks. The downtown merchants will hold sidewalk sales and Seacoast Artist Association will have a "Sumptuous Summer Art Show." Fireworks at dusk at Swasey Parkway. Handicapped parking at the AIM parking lot at Spring and Water streets. Held rain or shine.

LECTURES

Gloucester: The Schooner Adventure Lecture Series presents "The Annual, 1,500-Mile Long Triangular Migration Of Wild Atlantic Stripers," a free lecture by Richard G. Murphy, Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave. Murphy, a civil engineer whose avocation is fishing for Atlantic stripers, has recently published his first book, "Fly-Fishing for Striped Bass." 978-281-8079, schooner-adventure.org.

Portsmouth, N.H.: Writer and activist in the sustainability movement, Bill McKibben will speak as part of Seacoast Local's "Making the Connection" speaker series, next Sunday at 4 p.m. at South Church, 292 State St. Slow Food Seacoast will offer a reception afterward. McKibben's latest book, "Deep Economy, the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future," addresses shortcomings of the growth economy, and envisions a transition to a more local enterprise. Free. 603-431-2100, riverrunbookstore.com.

THEATER

Newburyport: Theater in the Open presents "Peer Gynt" by Henrik Ibsen, Friday through Aug. 10. In one of his most celebrated works, the Norwegian playwright humorously explores the virtues and vices of humanity. Theater in the Open performs the play, starring Scott Smith (inset), in an adaptation for outdoors. Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. at Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road. From the parking lot, follow flags to the play. Allow 10 minutes to walk. The opening performance on Saturday is free. Others are $8, seniors and students $5. 978-465-2572, theaterintheopen.org.