Every Thursday, right here. Entertainment highlights for in town and beyond.

Peace and justice

LEWISTON – “Signs of the Times,” an exhibit of work by artist-activist Natasha Mayers, continues her exploration of themes such as peace and social justice. Currently on display in the Atrium Gallery on the USM Lewiston-Auburn Campus. Free. >>When: Through Dec. 16 >>Where: 51 Westminster St. >>FMI: Call 753-6500 or visit usm.maine.edu/lac/art

Holiday ballet

PORTLAND – Get in the holiday spirit with the Maine State Ballet’s annual rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” featuring a live orchestra. >>When: Various times, Saturday through Dec. 3 >>Where: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St. >>Tickets: $15 to $40 >>FMI: Call 842-0800 or visit online at www.porttix.com or www.mainestateballet.org

In stitches

PORTLAND – Join the Maine Hysterical Society for an evening of Down East humor, sketch comedy, song parodies and juggling. Yes, that’s right, juggling. At the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center. >>When: 2 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12:30 and 3 p.m. Sunday >>Where: 76 Congress St. >>Tickets: $19 adults, $12 seniors and children under 12 >>FMI: Call 775-5568 or visit stlawrencearts.org

Trim off turkey

GORHAM – Feel like you’re the one who got stuffed on Thanksgiving? Fight back with the 9th Annual Burn Off the Turkey 5K held by Gorham Parks & Recreation. >>When: 9 a.m. Saturday >>Where: Gorham High School >>Entry fee: $15 >>FMI: Call 839-5034 or visit gorham-me.org

More laughs

FARMINGTON – The winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Josh Blue, tries to win over the crowd at the University of Maine Farmington campus. >>When: 9 p.m. Wednesday >>Where: UMF Fitness & Recreation Center, 152 Quebec St. >>Tickets: $10 adults, $5 UMF faculty and staff, free for students with ID >>FMI: Call 778-7339

Also this week

A Christmas Concert with Francesco Attesti, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston >>FMI: 689-2000 or francoamericanheritage.org

Local Craft & Wares Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Bethel Inn Resort Conference Center, on the village common >>FMI: 824.2282 or bethelmaine.com

45th Annual Down East Ski Sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Portland Expo Building, Park Avenue >>FMI: [email protected].

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.