Since all the fireworks are hogging the attention this weekend, we bring you a column on the most interesting things happening this weekend that have nothing to do with July 4!

Schooner Races

Friday, July 3 — Rockland

Pack a picnic or a collapsible chair, you’re not going to want to miss the dramatic schooner races as they come sailing from Islesboro into Rockland in anywhere from 2-4 p.m. Position yourself at the Rockland Breakwater for the best views. Read my story about it last year. The dramatic ending to the race was pucker factor 10. Click for schedule.

Rockland Art Walk & Cig Harvey show

Friday, July 3 — Rockland

Everybody loves the art walk. It’s one of the coolest summertime things Rockland and Belfast do. So, this Friday, Dowling Walsh gallery will be hosting a photography exhibit from artist, Cig Harvey, who captures the art of people watching through her lens. The reception goes from 5 to 8 p.m. For more info on the rest of the galleries participating and reception openings visit: artwalkmaine.org/rockland-first-friday-artwalk

Comedy-music variety show

Friday, July 3 — Thomaston

I thought I’d show this little under-the-radar event some love. Watts Hall is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a free Community Variety Show  6:30 p.m. at Watts Hall, Main Street/Route 1.The acts include a taste of high school comedy, local bluegrass musicians, ballerinas, a church chorus and a patriotic sing-along. There will be several surprises and some local celebrities including Coach Sam Pendleton and Sean "Flying Fingers" Fleming on the piano. FMI: call 354-6796.

Killer Road Trip: L.L. Bean’s Free Summer Outdoor Concerts

Saturday, July 4 — Freeport

If you go down to Freeport, bring your lawn chairs because L.L. Bean is offering a free outdoor concert by The Mavericks at Discovery Park at 7:30 p.m. This award-winning group offers a distinctly Latin spin on country music, with a hint of rockabilly thrown in – come out and hear songs from their newest album. Okay there will be fireworks after the shows, but shhh, you didn’t hear that from me. 

Killer Road Trip: Wilderness Art Walk

Sunday, July 5 — Hawk Ridge Farm, Pownell

Every year artist June LaCombe puts on a sculpture show at her Hawk Ridge Farm in Pownal displaying work of more than 50 New England artists. This year, calling it,"Poetics of Place," visitors will be able to wander around and view artworks in her country home and surrounding meadows, historic gardens and a woodland trail. The exhibition is open 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays, and by appointment, through July 26. For details, including directions, call 688-4468 or visit junelacombesculpture.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com