We’re updating the Weekend Picks format, scrunching it down and providing a quick peek at not-to-miss events each weekend. Away we go!

Sweet Tree Storytelling Slam
Friday, March 20 — Sweet Tree Arts, Hope

You know what’s refreshing? Not seeing a crowd of people staring into the blue screens of their phones for entertainment. This is the third year Sweet tree Arts in Hope has provided a dimly lit stage, a satellite bar from 40 Paper and a group of storytellers ready to blow your socks off.  Someone’s carefully chosen words and facial expressions beaming across an audience and landing in your brain. Now, that’s entertainment. What you might hear at the event: A courageous apology, courage and the things we mistake if for, a story about a skin tight gold suit, a story about stepping out into the unknown, and how a chat room relationship can go too far. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at sweettreearts.org or call 763-2770 to reserve your space. Limited seating, so get there early.

El Grande Portland’s Original Ska Band, The Speakeasy
Friday, March 20 — The Speakeasy, Rockland

The buzz last weekend was how Red Baraat, the band up from NYC, made people jump in the air like they just didn’t care—and how much do we need that right now! So, those who couldn’t make it last weekend can get their ska-rock-reggae-funk-punk fix with El Grande, Portland’s original ska band at The Speakeasy in Rockland. El Grande has been playing shows all over the Northeast for the past decade, delivering high energy concerts and tight songs in their live performances. They’ll pump the sludge out of your bilge. Starts at 8 p.m. No cover and shot specials. For a taste of the band: elgrandemusic.com

Cardboard Box Derby
Saturday, March 21 — Camden Snow Bowl

Much like the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, the third annual Cardboard Box Derby will bring out the extravagant, the wacky and the whimsically creative in the form of costumes and cardboard racing boxes. Last year’s racers ranged from small, fast cardboard rockets to a gigantic barge complete with a coconut tree to a replica of the Titanic. A great spectator sport, the show begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Road in Camden. camdensnowbowl.com

Killer Road Trip: Bearded Brew Fest
Saturday, March 21 — Sullivan Gym, Portland

Lumbersexuals better take cover because real Maine men are putting their best brews (and beards) forward at the Bearded Brew Fest, taking place at the Sullivan Gym in Portland. The event invites brewers to brew a special beard- or moustache-inspired beer specially for this event, so guests have the opportunity to taste a brand new concoction and to talk to the bearded brewer who made it. Guests will receive a 6-ounce Bearded Brewfest tasting glass and the ability to endlessly sample as many different beers as they like in the three-hour period. ‘Reasonably’ priced food will also be offered onsite. Session One goes from 1 to 4 p.m., Session Two from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  $27.50 in advance/$30 at the door Saturday. beardedbrewfest.com

Maine Maple Sunday
Sunday, March 22 — Cramer Museum, Rockport

Hey shugah! (That’s my southern impression) It’s sugaring time at the Camden-Rockport Historical Society's Cramer House Museum off Route 1 at the Camden and Rockport town line. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be demonstrations of maple syrup making in the circa 1820s sugarhouse at the museum complex. Free maple syrup-ice cream sundaes will also be offered. How often can you go to a Maine Maple Sunday event and someone says, “Here, have a free Maine maple sundae! “There will also be open fire pit cooking and perhaps you can try Maynard Stanley’s famous chuck wagon beans and Maple-Roni. Hot dang!

If you have an arts and entertainment event that fits within the adult scope of fun and cool things to do for Weekend Picks, contact Kay Stephens at news@penbaypilot.com or like The Killer Convo on Facebook and put her on your events email list.