EMILY BLUNT stars in “The Girl On The Train,” a psychological thriller opening this weekend.

As the days turn into autumn and temperatures cool (we hope!), things heat up on the arts and entertainment front. Here’s our look at what’s up this weekend in the Garden Grove-Huntington Beach-Westminster area.

Movies

In wide release this weekend are:

• “The Girl on the Train.” Psychological thriller/mystery starring Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson. Rated R.
• “Birth of a Nation.” Slave preacher Nat Turner (Nate Parker) discovers the breadth of cruelty on plantations and leads a revolt in 1831. Also starring Armie Hammer. Rated R.
• “Middle School: the Worst Years of My Life.” A boy transfers to a new school and discovers it’s laden with rules, and rebels. Starring Griffin Cluck. Rated PG

“SWEENEY TODD” at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove.”

On Stage

The play’s the thing. Here’s what you can watch live.

• “Sweeney Todd: The Mad Barber of Fleet Street.” This wicked musical continues at the Gem Theater on Main Street in Garden Grove with performances Thursdays to Saturdays. For mature audiences.
• “A Murder Is Announced.” Mystery adapted from a story by Agatha Christie, “Murder” opens Friday at the Westminster Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple St. in Westminster. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct. 23.
• “Waiting For Godot.” Samuel Beckett’s intriguing play opens Friday at the Mainstage Theater at Golden West College, 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

And more fun …

• “My Fair Lady” will be screened at the Strawberry Bowl (AKA Festival Amphitheater on Main Street in Garden Grove on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children.
• Heart to Heart, a tribute band to the rock group Heart, will perform on Saturday at the Strawberry Bowl (AKA Festival Amphitheater on Main Street in Garden Grove on Friday at 6:30 p.m. $15 admission.
• “Night of a Million Waves,” a surf-themed gala and art auction is set for Friday at the Pasea Hotel and Spa at 5:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of a Huntington Beach. Money raised will go to fight skin cancer. Tickets are $135.