Globe North best bets

It's our pick of the best of the 'burbs. Go to boston.com/north for a complete listing of musical events, theaters, galleries, children's activities, and other happenings in Globe North.

Swampscott: A free program Sunday celebrates Israel's 60th year of statehood, from 3-6 p.m. in Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave. The North Shore Israel@60 Community Celebration presents music, shopping, dining, and activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy Israeli dancing, a concert by the band Yom Hadash, performances by area children, "Dig the Past: An Israeli Archeological Experience," face painting and balloon artistry, shopping at the "shuk" (Israeli marketplace), Israeli and child-friendly food prepared by Bruce Silverlieb of the Party Specialist, Free Israel@60 T-shirts and other giveaways. 617-504-4234, northshoreisrael@yahoo.com.

Newburyport: Saturday, 4-8 p.m., Firehouse Center for the Arts will hold its fourth annual Kentucky Derby Party, its major fund-raiser of the year. Guests enter through a starting gate and are greeted with a complimentary mint julep. Following Derby tradition, the event will feature a hat contest with no rules or limits. Prizes will be awarded for the most elegant and the most creative entries. Party-goers watch festivities at Churchill Downs in a simulcast of the race on the large movie screen. After the race, bid on select offerings in a live auction. $50. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org.

Hampton, N.H.: photo Nationally known comedian Jimmy Dunn will perform at Winnacunnet High School auditorium, 4 Alumni Drive, on May 9 to benefit the Friends of Winnacunnet Foundation. Also appearing is hostess-comic Jess Casciano from WFNX Radio and Rich Ceisler, whose television appearances include HBO, MTV, and the Comedy Club Connection. The comedy show is rated PG-13. Doors open at 7 p.m. Musical acts and a door prize precede the show. Tickets, $20, are available at Caffe Fresco and Jumpin' Jacks Java on Route 1, Hampton; Village Market, Route 1, Hampton Falls; Joe's Meat Market, Atlantic Avenue, North Hampton; and O'Brien's and Richdale's in Seabrook. 603-926-

Beverly: The award-winning documentary "for the Bible tells me so," a movie that reconciles homosexuality and biblical scripture, suggests that religious antigay bias is based almost solely upon a misinterpretation of the Bible. The experiences of five Christian American families - including those of former House majority leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson - show how people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member. The film will be shown next Thursday at 7 p.m. in First Parish Church, 225 Cabot St. An open discussion will follow the movie. Free. 978-922-3968.

Amesbury: The Friends of the Amesbury Public Library sponsor a free family concert, featuring Franco-American singer/songwriter Josee Vachon, in honor of Membership Month. Vachon's traditional and original songs in French are performed with guitar, spoons, clogging, and plenty of energy. Vachon has recorded 12 solo albums in French, and two with Franco-American folk group Chanterelle. She has appeared on television shows in France and Canada and in 1999 was awarded the National Culture Through the Arts Award from the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers for her work in schools. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at Amesbury Middle School auditorium, 220 Main St. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.