I promise you there will be NO holiday stuff in this weekend's lineup, because I know you can only take so much and there are other stories on this site where you can read about holiday happenings. But if you're down for some art openings, chocolate tastings, dance parties, handcrafted art and more, then you've come to the right place.

Thursday, Dec. 4

· As always, the Open Mic at The Highlands Coffee House promises some great talent in the Midcoast and beyond. Drink and food specials. Sign up early.

Friday, Dec. 5

· The last Rockland Art Walk of the season is happening downtown from 5 to 8 p.m, so get to it! To see a list of other galleries showing new work just in time for the “shop local” holidays, visit: artsinrockland.org

·  Clementine, the funky new craft store in Rockland, is having its first Craft Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. for all of you crafty makers out there. Bring your crafts to work on, meet others with crafting inclinations and be inspired — and inspire!

· Then there’s Åarhus Gallery in Belfast having an evening of chocolate tasting, browsing and music from 5 to 7 p.m. This will be the gallery's last event, with samples from Dean's Sweets' hand-dipped chocolates and all-natural, Bixby Bars produced in the Midcoast. Tom Luther will be bringing his unique hybrid blend of original music to the mix.

· If Belfast is where you’re headed, then also stop by Waterfall Arts Handmade Show from 5 to 8 p.m. More than 70 artists will be participating in this year's show with handmade items like clothing, jewelry, ceramics, prints, food, lighting fixtures and much, much more! The Moody Dog will be there selling gourmet hot dogs and condiments, Belfast Soda Company will be serving up some soda, and Shawn Brewer will be making screen print T-shirts. They will also have virgin Bloody Marys and hot apple cider, along with wine and cheese.

· And still another interesting thing to see in Belfast: the Midcoast Actors’ Studio is putting on their last production of the season, the Maine Playwrights’ Showcase, running Dec. 5-14 at the Playhouse on Church Street in Belfast. The showcase includes four original works. The opening show is $6 and starts at 7 p.m. The show is intended for mature audiences. For tickets, call the MAS box office at 370-7592 or email midcoastactors@gmail.com. FMI: Midcoast Actors Studio.

· I have to say Rock City Cafe has been hitting all cylinders with hosting young women singer-songwriters lately. Lauren Crosby is a rising folkie bluesy singer/songwriter from Georgetown Island. Her music is real, raw and poetic. In a world where it seems every teenage girl is trying to become the next Taylor Swift or Adele, Lauren is a refreshing and unique breath of air. She’ll be playing 7-9 p.m.

· Dance party! If you need to shake it off (see Taylor Swift reference above), Sea Train is putting on a funky groovin’ dance party at The Speakeasy from 8 to 11 p.m. No cover if you’ve dined at the Chowder House.

· If you like the blues, Blind Albert is playing the Narrows Tavern in Waldoboro at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6

· Back at Rock City Cafe, the Otter Folk are a new, acoustic band from the Bangor area bringing to the stage a progressive folk sound with classic rock roots. They combine the talents of singer/songwriter Morgan Donnelly, with James Chester on guitar and Irish whistle and the steady beat of Joe Gates. Show goes from 7 to 9 p.m.

· If you like the blues, Blind Albert is playing The Speakeasy at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7

· FOG Bar & Cafe hosts Drink & Draw. They supply the art materials and you provide the raw artistic talent. Drink and food specials all night.

Hey, want to know where to go for happy hour every day of the week? Check out our Guide To Midcoast’s Happy Hours.

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