SASSAFRAS STOMP 

Pemaquid-based duo Sassafras Stomp plays traditional, fiddle- and banjo-based folk tunes made for feet stomping and dancing. The duo’s performance tonight is part of a summer concert series at the church. Call 380-1171 for information. Bring a seat cushion, as the pews are hard on the keister. 

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 1

WHERE: Little Brown Church, Route 32, Round Pond

HOW MUCH: $10 suggested donation 

CABARET EVENINGS 

Fifty young theater artists in the Intermezzo Young Artists Program are in Portland training for the summer. They’ll be giving several performances in the coming days, beginning with four nights of cabaret shows at Port City Music Hall. Go to www.portcitymusichall.com for tickets. Shows are 21-plus. 

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 1 and 2 and July 7 and 9

WHERE: Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $20 to $40

‘WEST SIDE STORY’ 

Schoolhouse Arts Center brings the popular musical, “West Side Story,” to its stage Friday through July 18. A tale of street rivalry and love, the musical features popular songs such as “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight.” Go to www.schoolhousearts.org for tickets. 

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 2 and 3, July 8 to 10 and 17; 5 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Schoolhouse Arts Center, Route 114, Sebago Lake Village

HOW MUCH: $18, $16 for students and seniors 

‘THE MAINE SCENE’ 

River Tree Arts’ summer juried painting exhibit opens July 2 and runs through July 30. The show, “The Maine Scene,” features paintings that explore Maine’s sense of place. Go to www.rivertreearts.org for information. 

WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. reception, July 2

WHERE: Irvine Gallery, River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave., Kennebunk

HOW MUCH: Free

THE MEZCALITOS 

Portland-based, western swing band the Mezcalitos encourages folks to kick up their heels on the dance floor Saturday July 3. One Longfellow Square will open its floor to two stepping, line dancing and other forms of country-western dancing. Go to www.onelongfellowsquare.com for tickets.

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 3

WHERE: One Longfellow Square, State and Congress streets, Portland

HOW MUCH: $8 

FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENCE 

Camden’s weekend-long celebration of the Fourth of July includes musical performances, a car meet, outdoor family activities and a fireworks display over Camden Harbor. Go to www.camdenme.org for a schedule of events. 

WHEN: Various times July 3  to 4 (fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 3)

WHERE: Various locations, Camden

HOW MUCH: Many activities are free

STARS AND STRIPES SPECTACULAR 

Portland’s Fourth of July celebration features a patriotic-themed performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra. There is some paid table seating near the stage, otherwise, bring your own seating. Go to www.july4thportland.org for information. 

WHEN: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9:15 p.m.)

WHERE: Eastern Promenade, Portland

HOW MUCH: Free ($100 to $1,000 for table seating)

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 

Historian and living history interpreter Don Loprieno reads the Declaration of Independence at Colonial Pemaquid on the Fourth of July. Audience participation and commentary (of historical and/or contemporary nature) is encouraged. Go to www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org for information. 

WHEN: 2 p.m. July 4

WHERE: Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, off Route 130, New Harbor

HOW MUCH: Free

MISSISSIPPI HEAT 

Hard-driving blues band Mississippi Heat recently released its ninth album, “Let’s Live It Up!” Check out the band’s new music and band leader Pierre Lacocque’s harp playing July 5 in Rockland. Call 593-9336 for information. 

WHEN: 7 p.m. July 5

WHERE: Time Out Pub, 275 Main St., Rockland

HOW MUCH: $15

TIME WITH TULLY

Encourage your kids to read aloud by giving them a chance to read with non-judgmental listener Tully, the registered therapy dog. Kids can bring their own book or pick one up at the library to read to Tully during a 20-minute reading session. Registration required. Call 839-5031. 

WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. July 6

WHERE: Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St., Gorham

HOW MUCH: Free

BAROQUE AND BEYOND 

The Maine Friends of Music, a group of professional musicians who summer in Maine, perform together during their summer stay. On Tuesday, July 6, the group performs works by Bach, Telemann and others, joined by guest vocalists Stephanie and John Sikora. Go to www.mainegardens.org for tickets.

WHEN: 7 p.m. July 6

WHERE: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Road, Boothbay

HOW MUCH: $20; $5 for ages 3 to 17; free under age 3

ROB SCOTT 

Portland’s annual Sunset Folk outdoor concert series gets under way Wednesday July 7 with Rob Scott. Performances are on Wednesdays through Aug. 11. Go to www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/summer.htm for the schedule. Call the city’s cancellation line at 756-8130 in case of iffy weather.

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 7

WHERE: Western Promenade Park, Portland

HOW MUCH: Free 

ART VIDEOS

 

Ogunquit’s Barn Gallery runs an art videos series through the summer. The videos are about artists and art institutions and feature a discussion. Wednesday’s video is “Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre: Leonardo and the Origins of the Collection.” Go to www.barngallery.org for information. 

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 7

WHERE: Barn Gallery, Shore Road and Bourne Lane, Ogunquit

HOW MUCH: Free

“THE TURN OF THE SCREW” 

The artists of the Intermezzo Young Artists Program perform Benjamin Britten’s opera, “The Turn of the Screw,” on July 8 and 9. Sung in English, the opera is based on Henry James’ novel of the same name. Go to www.porttix.com for tickets.

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 8 and 9

WHERE: Westbrook Performing Arts Center, 471 Stroudwater St.

HOW MUCH: $30 

RICHARD RUSSO 

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo reads from and talks about his books on July 8, kicking off the Union Church’s summer speaker series. The series benefits the church’s charitable work. Go to www.unionchurchme.com for the series schedule. Call 284-9807 for tickets. 

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 8

WHERE: Thornton Academy, 438 Main St., Saco

HOW MUCH: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 

The Maine International Film Festival presents almost 100 films in 10 days, plus chances to meet filmmakers and other artists, such as actress Julie Hagerty (“Airplane” movies). This year, the festival is honoring screenwriter Jay Cocks (“The Age of Innocence”). Go to www.miff.org for a schedule and information. 

WHEN: Various times, July 9 through July 18

WHERE: Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St., and Railroad Square Cinema, 17 Railroad Square, Waterville

HOW MUCH: $9 per film ($12 for special events); $85 and $200 festival passes 

OSSIPEE VALLEY FAIR 

From July 8 to 11, the fairgrounds in South Hiram are bustling with folks participating in and visiting the Ossipee Valley Fair. The agricultural fair features animals, contests, food, a parade, a midway and entertainment. Go to www.ossipeevalleyfair.com for a schedule. 

WHEN: Gates open at 7 a.m. each day

WHERE: Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds, 291 South Hiram Road, South Hiram

HOW MUCH: $5 to $6; free for age 12 and younger

MOXIE FESTIVAL

That odd-tasting soda, Moxie, is celebrated once a year in Lisbon during the Moxie Festival. This year’s festival, running July 9 to 11, provides a host of entertainment opportunities, including a parade, a pow wow, children’s games, workshops, contests and more. Go to www.moxiefestival.com for a schedule. 

WHEN: Various times, July 9 to 11

WHERE: Various locations, Lisbon

HOW MUCH: Free 

MUSIC TRAIN 

Local record label Eternal Otter Records celebrates the release of a set of vinyl singles by local musicians by teaming up with the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The musicians with releases — Jesse Pilgrim and the Bonfire, Samuel James, Dana Gross and Over a Cardboard Sea — will perform on a train and in the railroad museum. Go to www.mngrr.org for information. 

WHEN: 5 to 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, 58 Fore St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $10 in advance, $12 day of show