We’re just tipping the corner of peak summer here in the Midcoast and it’s a work-hard play-hard kind of weekend with pop up concerts, dances, a festival and outdoor sports— so hold on for the thrill ride.

Ghost of Paul Revere at Union Winery

Friday, July 29

Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery is hosting Ghost of Paul Revere—Maine's holler-folk band at 7:30 p.m. With a sound built around powerful three-part harmonies, energetic performances, and a non-traditional way of interpreting traditional American music somewhere between folk and foot-stomping bluegrass this is a great night to get your holler and wine on.  Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery is located at 175 Barrett Hill Road in Union, one third mile off Route 17. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at the door.

Firefighters’ Ball at the Samo

Friday, July 29—Rockland

I’m not going to rehash the same tired pun of firefighters being hot (yes I am), but this is one hot event to celebrate the men and women who volunteer so much for our communities. And the band Creatures of Habit is on fire! (I’ll show myself out.) This year, the party kicks off on the Pen Bay Patio with happy hour and grub at 6 p.m. with cash bar and light fare in the Knox County Ballroom at 7:15 and dancing starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 (note: the Brown Paper ticketing service is closed) so you can get them at the Rockport Town office until 5 p.m. or at the door of the Samoset. What a great way to celebrate the end of the political conventions, and all that hot air.

Beyond The Sea Book Festival

Saturday, July 30—Lincolnville

At Beyond The Sea the other day, I found a fantastic Maine book called Distilled In Maine, by Kate McCarty with a forward by a Portland bartender. This is not the kind of book that gets coverage far and wide, which is why I heartily recommend popping into the 2016 Beyond The Sea Book Festival at Lincolnville Beach. In past years it has been a three-day event, but now is compressed into one day with more than 36 authors on hand to talk about their books from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. See our latest story about it here.

Cider Hill’s Locavore Festival

Saturday, July 30—Waldoboro

The fourth annual Locavore Music Festival will take place once again at Cider Hill Farm, showcasing Maine-based musicians starting at 2p.m. going to 9:30 p.m.. This year’s headliner is Muddy Ruckus, an Americana-rock duo from Portland, Maine, winners of the 2016 NEMA "Best in State", headline this year. The jam-packed guest lineup includes Trisha Mason Music, Max Garcia Conover, Hours North, Marshall Marquis and Tomorrow Morning!Crafters and artisans will be displaying their stuff and local food vendors will be serving up the yums.  Tickets are $15 at the gate (cash only) with children under 14 free. FMI: Cider Hill

Try An Outdoor Sport for Free at the Snow Bowl

Sunday, July 31—Camden

The Camden snow Bowl is pairing up with outdoor organizations to teach people how to mountain bike, paddleboad, kayak, canoe and golf for free in their annual Community Outdoor Day and Concert. Guided mountain bike rides with New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA)  will go from 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Guided trail runs with Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine  will go from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Golf with The First Tee of Maine  from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then kick back with blankets picnics and portable chairs for their 2 p.m. concert with a 55-piece band from Bangor.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com