Did you have a nice mellow week? Good, because the weekend is ramping back up to its high-energy levels with all kinds of boot-scooting music, some unique plays, a roller derby blow out and a celebration of the creative economy. Here are some of the best things going on in the Midcoast this weekend you won’t want to miss.

Thursday, Nov. 13

· 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.

· JUICE conference kicks off Thursday night at the Strand Theater with a musical collaboration between Maine and New Brunswick musicians called Songs Beyond Borders 2. It’s formatted as a songwriters’ circle, a relaxed performance in which songwriters share stories about creating their music and perform selected songs.If you have a JUICE ticket, it’s free; otherwise it’s $22 at the door. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14

·  The Strand Theatre is hosting a special PechaKucha, Faces of the Creative Economy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the event begins at 7 p.m. Admission: Free for JUICE conference attendees, $5 at the door, for the public.

· After that, everyone is welcome to attend the after party at Trackside Station with the band, Hello Newman, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Entry is free with conference badge; $5 all others.

·  Or pop on over to 3Crow for a night of dark, wintry ales. Sebago Brewing Company crew. They will be tapping a cask of Sebago's winter ale 'Slick Nick,' as well as a special keg of their limited imperial stout 'Royal Tar.' Starts at 5 p.m. and they will be giving away some cool Sebago swag all night.

·  Or pop on over to Rock City Cafe to watch young singer-songwriter Devi Randolph play piano and sing some sweet music. Show is from 7-9 p.m.

·  The Belfast Maskers will present "Comedic Chekov," a series of scenes based on the works of Anton Chekov, combining it with an evening of a four-course meal and theater at the First Baptist Church, Belfast, at 6 p.m. Tickets for the evening of dinner and show will be $15 per person, or $25 per couple. FMI: Visit the Maskers at BelfastMaskers.com.

·  The Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta opens with the quirky play Almost, Maine. “Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States — it's almost in Canada. And it almost doesn't exist. Almost Maine: It's love. But not quite.”  Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults/$13 LT members/$5 under 18. FMI: atthelincoln.org

Saturday, Nov. 15

·  The 4th annual Rock Coast Rollers ‘Derbytante’ Ball is celebrating at Trackside. This is one helluva costume party every year. Starts at 8 p.m. at Trackside Station.

·  Wacky and wonderful Chicky Stolz is playing at FOG Bar and Cafe. Described as one-man band. Part gutter and part vaulted ceiling. Starts at 8:30 p.m. No cover.

·  The band People of Earth will be bringing a dance mix of Rock, Reggae, Funk and Latin music to The Highlands Coffee House in Thomaston from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring Kristen Burkholder on vocals, Jason Dean on drums, Jeff Weinberger on guitar, Alan Boyer on keyboards and Mike Whitehead on bass.

· The Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta continues with the quirky play Almost, Maine. “Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States — it's almost in Canada. And it almost doesn't exist. Almost Maine: It's love. But not quite.”  Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults/$13 LT members/$5 under 18. FMI: atthelincoln.org/

Sunday, Nov. 16

· Matinees rule!  The Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta continues with the quirky play Almost, Maine. See above for details.

· Poet Ellen Goldsmith will be on hand to talk about "A Taste of Russian Poetry," 2 - 4 p.m., at the Cushing Public Library.

· The FOG Bar and Café has Drink and Draw starting at 7 p.m. They supply art materials and there is a different theme each week.

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