• BENEFITS
TODAY
Decorator Show House, tour home decorated by interior designers; benefits the Museums of Old York; Emerson House, York. $20. oldyork.org. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
“Love Them Enough to Tell Them,” concert cruise with Lisa Gallant Seal and Barry Lowe; benefit for Resistance Ministries, a nonprofit ministry; Songo River Queen II, Naples. $15, $17. 743-6982. Boarding at 7 p.m., cruise at 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
“Drawing for Hunger,” benefit show and sale, 20 percent of all sales donated to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program; Points of View Art Gallery, Brunswick. 373-9300. Reception, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Exhibit runs through August 28.
SATURDAY
Gala for Education, concert by St. Lawrence String Quartet with a silent auction and special exhibit; benefits Bay Chamber Concert’s Music School; Pascal Hall, Rockport. $250. 236-2823. Call for time.
Great Birdhouse Auction, benefit for Naples Public Library; Naples Golf and Country Club. $10. 693-6841. Preview at 6:30 p.m.; live auction at 7:30 p.m.
“Rhythms By the Sea,” benefit for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center with music by Entrain, Seaside Pavilion, Old Orchard Beach. $15 to $20. showclix.com. 6 to 9 p.m.
“Runs with Wolves Poker Run,” motorcycle ride/benefit for Runs with Wolves Sanctuary; Wolves Social Club, Sanford. 467-5074. Registration at 9 a.m.; ride at 10:30 a.m. (rain date is Sunday)
Art Show and Sale, annual event to benefit farm programs and preservation, Aldermere Farm, Rockport. aldermere.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SUNDAY
Recital by Master Trumpeter Thomas Kremser, benefit for Kennebunk Free Library, Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport. $5/donation. 985-3331. 5 to 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
50th Annual Bath Area Family YMCA Antiques Show, benefits the YMCA; Bath Area Family YMCA. $5. 443-8983. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• FAIRS/FESTIVALS
42nd Annual Cumberland Arts and Crafts Show, more than 250 artisans, Cumberland Fairgrounds, Cumberland. $4; free for children under age 12. unitedmainecraftsmen.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Schoodic Arts Festival, performances and workshops celebrating arts and culture in Downeast Maine, various locations, Winter Harbor. Schedule at schoodicartsforall.org. Today to Sunday.
Topsham Fair, agricultural exhibits, animal-pulling events, 4-H, crafts, a midway and harness racing, Topsham Fairgrounds. $10 (includes rides). Schedule at topshamfair.net. Today to Sunday.
Skowhegan State Fair, grandstand shows, a midway, horse shows, fireworks and more, State Fairgrounds at Madison Avenue, Skowhegan. $4 to $8; free for children under age 5. 7 a.m. to between 10 and 11:30 p.m. today to Aug. 20; schedule at skowheganstatefair.com.
“The Lazy Days of Summer,” summer fair with gifts, baked goods, produce, flowers, treasures, raffles and more, Lovell United Church of Christ, Center Lovell. 925-3661. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today.
Bethel Heritage Festival, historic reenactments, old-time crafts, an art show, historical films, period house tours, a children’s parade and games, and more, Bethel. Friday and Saturday. Schedule at bethelhistorical.org/events.html.
Olde Bristol Days, historical activities including an artisan exhibition, Colonial Pemaquid Historic Site, New Harbor. 677-2423. All day Saturday and Sunday.
50th Annual Frenchboro Lobster Festival, features a boat ride through Blue Hill Bay, Lunt Harbor, Frenchboro. $15 to $25. 334-2974. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Blueberry Festival, benefits Caring Unlimited; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kennebunk. kennebunklutheran.org. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Italian Street Festival and Bazaar, Italian food, grease pole, moon bounce, music and more, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Portland. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Art in the Barn and Craft Fair, Taylor House, Waterboro. 247-5332. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Winslow Blueberry Festival, blueberry pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., plus homemade blueberry pies, a silent auction, a large yard sale and a hot dog stand, Winslow Congregational Church. winslowucc.org. Saturday.
Native American Pow-Wow, native dancers, drummers, craft vendors, singers and traditional food booths, Maine Wildlife Park, Gray. $3.50 to $7; free for children under 3. 657-4977. All day Saturday and Sunday; entrance opens at noon both days.
Rangeley Blueberry Festival, blueberry jams, muffins and pies, gifts and crafts, Rangeley Inn. rangeleymaine.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18.
• SPECIAL EVENTS
TODAY
Circus Smirkus, touring youth circus, Merriconeag Waldorf School, Freeport. $17, $20; free for children under 2 on lap. 865-0045. 1 and 6 p.m. today and Friday.
Living History Tours, actors portray local citizens from the 1800s, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore. $10; $25 for family. 897-4366. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Tuesday and Aug. 18. Through Aug. 30.
Solar Show: “Eight Planets and Counting,” University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $6. 780-4249. 11 a.m. today; 3 p.m. Saturday. Through Aug. 19.
The Femme Show, burlesque, drag, spoken word, puppets and more, Mayo Street Arts, Portland. $12 in advance; $15 at door. brownpapertickets.com. 8 p.m.
Toddler Thursdays, storytime for ages 18 months and older with an adult, Scarborough Public Library. Free. 883-4723, Ext. 6277. 10:15 a.m. today and Aug. 18.
Baby Thursdays, storytime for ages birth to 18 months with an adult, Scarborough Public Library. Free. 883-4723, Ext. 6277. 11 a.m. today and Aug. 18.
Annual Children’s Day Program, with magician Debbis Labbe, Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Memorial, Greene. Free. 946-5311. 2 p.m. today; 2 and 7 p.m. Friday.
FRIDAY
Wood Island Lighthouse Tours, guided tours, Wood Island Lighthouse, Biddeford. $10; reservations required. 286-3229. 10 and 11 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Wednesday. Through Aug. 31.
Solar Show: “Extreme Planets,” University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $6. 780-4249. 7 p.m. Friday. Through Aug. 19.
Open Mic and Poetry Slam, First Universalist Church of Auburn. Free. auburnuu.org.. 7:15 p.m.
Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show, peruse Maine-built boats from rowing craft and kayaks to sailboats and power yachts, plus live music, local food and more, Harbor Park, Rockland. $12; free for ages 12 and under. maineboats.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Arts and Craft show, items by artists and crafters, Higgins Beach Clubhouse, Scarborough. 885-5087. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
“Day Out with Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour,” rides on Thomas the Tank Engine, family activities, storytelling, music and more, Boothbay Railway Village. $18. (866) 468-7630. 9:15 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Clothesline Art Sale, with tea-time art and psychic reading, Haley Farm Gallery, Kittery. 439-2669. 2 to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
SATURDAY
Eighth Annual Southern Maine Pagan Pride Day, celebration and education about modern paganism, Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco Biddeford, Saco. Free/donation of non-perishable food items. mainepaganprideday.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moore Park Art Show, 40 artists and artisans, plus live performances, Moore Park, South Paris. Free. 890-9399. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday).
Western Cemetery Walk, guided tour with genealogist Matt Barker, Maine Irish Heritage Center, Portland. $10. 780-0118. 1:30 p.m.
Lighthouse Tours, one of only 40 caisson-style lighthouses in the U.S. and the only one open to visitors; must be more than 55 inches tall; canceled in case of rain or fog; Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, South Portland. $5; free for children under 14. 699-2676. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
SUNDAY
“A Shipbuilding Odyssey,” narrated trolley excursion of historic shipbuilding locales of the 1800s, Brick Store Museum Program Center, Kennebunk. $30. 985-4802. 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Artisans Collective Art in the Park, local artisans painting, throwing clay and displaying pottery, photography and fiber, plus live music; Village Green Park, Yarmouth. 846-7967. 10 a.m. to noon.
Art on the Porch Arts and Craft Show and Sale, local paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, sculpture and more, Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, Peaks Island. 766-3330. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MONDAY
Mad Science Monday, “Fire and Ice” chemistry and magic show, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $8, $10. 780-4249. 1 p.m.
Seanachie Nights, “Tales of Fionn Mac Cumhaill” by New York storyteller Marni Gillard, Bull Feeney’s, Portland. $9/donation. 846-1321. 7 to 9 p.m.
Summer Story Time, for ages 3 to 7 with an adult, youth room amphitheater, Scarborough Public Library. Free. 883-4723, Ext. 6277. 10:30 a.m.
TUESDAY
“The Waters of Georgetown,” Jack Witham and Charles Baeder discuss historical significance of the area salt marshes and more, Georgetown Historical Society. Free. 371-9200. 7 p.m.
“Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast,” children’s program, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $5. 780-4249. 11 a.m. Tuesday and Aug. 18.
WEDNESDAY
“Alive for $5,” with Antonio Rocha, mime and storyteller; one-hour family program includes “Talk Back” with the performer; Stonington Opera House. $5. 367-2788. 7 p.m.
Maine-ly Harmony Women’s Chorus A Cappella Singing Classes, girls and women of all ages are welcome to learn the barbershop style of four-part harmony, Kennebec Valley YMCA, Augusta. Free. 582-5523. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Through Aug. 31.
Solar Show: “Black Holes,” University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $6. 780-4249. 1 p.m. Through Aug. 26.
Lively Lunches at Johnson Hall Mini-Park, with Hall-Dale Taiko Drummers, Johnson Hall, Gardiner. Free. 582-7144. Noon to 1 p.m.
“ABCs of the Sky,” learn a new outer-space word for each letter in the alphabet, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $5. 780-4249. 11 a.m.
AUG. 18
Tate House Museum Architecture Tours, 90-minute tours of historic home, Tate House Museum, Portland. $6, $8; $3 for children. 774-6177. 10 and 11:30 a.m.; 1 and 2:30 p.m. Through Oct. 6.
• FILMS
TODAY
“Innocent Interlude: Scenes of Life in Portland, Maine, 1940-41,” 60-minute film narrated by Historian Joel Eastman, Maine Historical Society, Portland. $7, $8; $2 for ages 6 to 17. 774-1822. Noon today, Friday and Monday to Aug. 18.
FRIDAY
“My YouTube,” showcase of short films by Portland filmmaker and actor Jeremiah McDonald, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland. $5. stlawrencearts.org. 7 p.m.
SUNDAY
Summer Film Series: “Another Year” (2010), York Public Library. Free. 363-2818. 7 p.m.
TUESDAY
Summer Documentary Series: “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” Portland Public Library Rines Auditorium. Free. 871-1700. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Film Festival: “How I Ended This Summer” (psychological thriller from Russia), Patten Free Library, Bath. Free. 443-5141. 6:30 p.m.
Maine Summer Shorts Festival, short films including a special screening of local award winners, Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland. $10 in advance; $12 at door. 772-9751. Red carpet at 6 p.m.; screenings 6:45 to 10 p.m.
“GONE: The Mystery of the DON Disaster,” film explores the 1941 disappearance in Maine of the pleasure craft DON with 34 people on board; Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick. $10. 725-5222. 7 p.m.
“Living Downstream,” based on the acclaimed book by ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber, Merryspring Nature Center, Camden. Free/donations. 236-2239. 7 to 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Art Videos at the Gallery: “Stephen Pace: Maine Master,” Barn Gallery, Ogunquit. Free. 646-7055. 7:30 p.m.
• BOOKS/AUTHORS
TODAY
Caitlin Shetterly, author of “Made for You and Me: Going West, Going Broke, Finding Home,” Kennebooks, Kennebunk. kennebooks.com. 6:30 p.m.
Ellen Prager, author of “Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter,” Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. Free. boothbayoperahouse.com. 5:30 p.m.
“Slow: Poetry, Food, Maine,” Maine poet laureate Wesley McNair and Deborah Cummins lead a night of poetry in celebration of food, Stonington Opera House. $10. 367-2788. 7 p.m.
David Hirzel, author of “Tom Crean: Sailor on Ice,” Sherman’s Books & Stationery of Boothbay Harbor. 633-7262. 4 p.m.
Lisa Turner, author of “The Eat Local Cook Book,” Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. 563-3207. 11 a.m.
FRIDAY
Brian Vanden Brink, author of “Porch,” Whitehall Inn, Camden. (800) 789-6565. 4 to 6 p.m.
Linda Greenlaw, co-author of “The Maine Summers Cookbook,” Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport. Free. 967-6136. 6:30 p.m.
Angus King, former Maine governor and author of “How I Left Politics, Learned to Back Up a Bus and Found America,” Gulf of Maine Books, Brunswick. 729-5083. 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Brian Robbins, author of “Bearins,” storytelling and songs, Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. 563-3207. 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
Author and Painter Dahlov Ipcar, Georgetown Historical Society. 371-9200. 10 a.m. to noon.
Chris Van Dusen, author of the children’s book “King Hugo’s Huge Ego,” Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. 563-3207. 11 a.m.
David McCullough, author of “The Greater Journey — Americans in Paris,” Camden Public Library. Tickets required. 236-3440. 1:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
Ferenc Mate, author of “A Real Life: Restoring What Matters, Family, Good Friends and a True Community,” Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe, Damariscotta. 563-3207. Noon.
TUESDAY
Michael Tougias, author of “The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue,” slide presentation, Waldoboro Public Library. Free. 832-4484. 7 p.m.
K. Stephens, author of “The Ghost Trap,” presents “Between Fact and Fiction: The Subculture of Maine Lobstermen,” Rockland Library. 594-0310. 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Maureen Heffernan, author of “Native Plants for Your Maine Garden” and “Fairy Houses of the Maine Coast,” Maine Maritime Museum, Bath. Free. mainemaritimemuseum.org. Noon.
Jim Witherell, author of “L. L. Bean; The Man and His Company,” Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. 6:30 p.m.
Saloma Furlong, author of “Why I Left the Amish,” Scarborough Public Library. 883-4723. 6:30 p.m.
• FOOD/DRINK
Biddeford Farmers and Artisans Market, corner of Main and Alfred Streets, Biddeford. 3 to 6 p.m. today and Aug. 18. Through Sept. 8.
DivaTini2 Gala, specialty drinks by area bartenders, dancing, appetizers and more, Italian Heritage Center, Portland. $20. 791-6000. 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Mainely Grillin & Chillin Festival, competition-level barbecue teams from all over the Northeast compete, Raitt Homestead Farm, Eliot. $5. mainelybbq.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
High Tea with British Chef Ruth Kramer, jam-filled cookies, sweet treats and the history of tea and the sacredness of tea ceremonies, Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, Cape Neddick. $20. 361-2272. 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
• PRO SPORTS
Portland Sea Dogs, Minor League baseball, Hadlock Field, Portland. $7, $9. portlandseadogs.com. Vs. Akron, noon today; vs. Erie, 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
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