It’s a highbrow art, film and literature kind of weekend punctuated by big hats and mint juleps as well as wine and chocolates for moms. Don’t forget Mother’s Day!

First Friday Art Walk

Friday, May 6 — Rockland

The Art Walk season has begun. And this ridge of cold May weather is lifting today bringing us some sunshine finally with temps in the upper 50s to 60s — a perfect night to check out the newest artists. The EAT sign is back up on the Farnsworth Art Museum as well. Check out the “What You See...” group show with artist reception at Carver Hill Gallery (338 Main St.) featuring digital media, photography and collage among the 23 other participating galleries. FMI: Carver Hill Gallery. Another new kid on the scene is Art Loft, with their grand opening 5 to 9 p.m. in Suite 9 of the Thorndike building at 385 Main St. Many pieces of art will be on display in their gallery. FMI: Art Loft. For all of the other galleries: Check out a map and more info here

Rockland Short Films

Friday, May 6 — Rockland

The Farnsworth always brings thought-provoking and often funny material whenever they host The Rockland Shorts at the Strand Theatre. These bite-sized international short film series always leave you with new perspectives and new people to chat with at the after-party at FOG Bar and Café. This year’s theme is political, but not in the way that’s annoying. See the line up of Rockland Short films here. The screening takes place at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers and will be for sale at theater’s box office directly prior to the screening.

Belfast Bound Book Festival

Saturday, May 8 — Belfast

The Book Festival is back in Belfast, baby! (And yes, the alliteration was necessary). A range of bibliocentric events will include signings, book talks, a poetry reading, workshops, an art show and activities for children as well. Look for events throughout Belfast; Waterfall Arts, the Belfast Free Library, Left BankBooks, Front Street Pub, Old Professor’s Bookshop, The Green Store, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, the Belfast Co-op, downtown parks and sidewalks, and others. Click here for a schedule of events.

Killer Road Trip: Kentucky Derby Day in Portland

Saturday, May 7 — Portland

WCH6 has compiled a list of all of the Kentucky Derby parties happening this weekend and all of them are in Portland. Wear your best fancy hat and get ready for southern fare and mint juleps! Speaking of, if you don’t make it to Portland Saturday, come to Camden and visit Francine Bistro, where veteran bartender Chip Dewing makes the best Maine-inspired mint julep around. See our recent story here.

Tastings for Moms in Union

Sunday, May 8 — Union

It’s time for mom to get her wine on. Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery and Sweetgrass Farms Winery & Distillery are hosting their annual celebrations for mothers (and anyone else who just wants to be part of it) with tastings, treats and music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Savage Oakes will be offering crepes and pairings with Safe Harbor Confections chocolates, while Sweetgrass will host Dean’s Sweets chocolates and Copper Tail Farm candies. Moms can even get a free portrait by Kristen Flynn Photography. Always a fun day!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com