Jennifer Porter as Molly Sweeney at Saco River Theatre. Photo by Dana Packard

‘Molly Sweeney’
7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 20, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. Saco River Theatre, 29 Salmon Falls Road, Bar Mills, $15. sacorivertheatre.org
The Originals’ fall production at the Saco River Theatre is the play “Molly Sweeney” by Brian Friel. The main character is the always-positive Molly, who has been blind since infancy. Her enthusiastic husband, Frank, is the king of misguided and unsuccessful hobbies, and his latest endeavor is an attempt to get Molly’s sight back. “Molly Sweeney” offers up plenty of laughs while also asking essential questions about life. You’ll also find out if Mr. Rice, a once well-known eye surgeon whose life has taken some unfortunate turns, will help Molly see the light – that is, if she even wants to.

Pumpkin Regatta, part of the Pumpkinfest in Damariscotta. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
Friday through Monday. Main Street, Damariscotta and Newcastle. mainepumpkinfest.com
Part of the Midcoast turns magical during the annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, when painted giant pumpkins dot the downtowns of Damariscotta and Newcastle. On Friday, you can see artists and craftsmen work their magic with pumpkins, both painting them and turning them into boats for the regatta at 9 a.m. Monday. In between, there’s a pumpkin pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and a parade that afternoon, a pumpkin hunt and pumpkin drop on Sunday morning and a pumpkin derby Sunday afternoon, along with many other squash-centric activities.

From left to right – Mark Cartier, Kevin Cristaldi, Luke Sholl, Ian Gould and Jessica DiGiovanni in “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” at the Public Theatre in Lewiston.

‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’
7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Thursday. Through Oct. 27. The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston, $35, $20 for ages 19 to 35, $15 for 18 and under. thepublictheatre.org
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” is a fun show you can really sink your teeth into. Five actors portray dozens of characters and you’ll be taken on quite a ride through Transylvania and England. Find out what happens with Mina Westfeldt develops an unknown illness and her father rings up vampire hunter Dr. Jean Van Helsing. He’ll attempt to track down Count Dracula, who is a real pain in the neck, and likely the cause of Mina’s sickness. Take note of  these two fangtastic dates: There will be a wine tasting on Oct. 17, and a beer sampling on Oct. 19. Both are included with your ticket and happen before the show starts.

Revelers living it up during the 2021 Swine & Stein Brewfest in downtown Gardiner. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Swine & Stein Brewfest
Saturday. Water Street, downtown Gardiner, $45, $55 VIP, $10 non-drinker. swineandsteinbrewfest.com
For a day of outdoor eating, drinking and hearing live music, bring a gang to Gardiner for Swine & Stein Brewfest. At least 14 breweries, wineries, distilleries and mead makers are participating. Featured events include the legendary beard and moustache competition, frozen T-shirt race and always-enthralling Maine State Rock, Paper and Scissors Championship.

ColoniALE 2024 is on Sunday at the Tate House Museum in Portland. Photo courtesy of The Tate House

ColoniALE 2024
3-6 p.m. Saturday. Tate House Museum, 1627 Westbrook St., Portland $30. tatehouse.org
You’ll be steeped in history while you enjoy a few pints of Mast Landing beer in a souvenir glass you get to keep. ColoniALE happens at the Tate House Museum, which dates back to the 18th century. Docents will dispense their knowledge about the making of beer during colonial times, and you’ll understand the role servants played in brewing. You’ll also learn about “pounded cheese” and will be offered samples. Indigenous people had a significant impact on how and what colonials cooked, and you’ll come to understand the depth of this during the one-hour tour that’s followed by backyard socializing with beer. Tours are at 3 and 4 p.m.

The 2023 Harvest Chill Fall Festival in Arundel. Photo by Kristen Kresge

Harvest Chill Fall Festival
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, 53 Old Post Road, Arundel, free. vinhillmusic.com
Both the gorgeous grounds and cozy interior of Vinegar Hill Music Theatre will be bursting with autumnal awesomeness during the Harvest Chill Fall Festival. The day includes live music, a children’s activity station with pumpkin and face painting, and a 20-booth maker’s market featuring local artists and crafters. You’ll find bars with seasonal beers and fall cocktails both indoors and outside. Pat’s Apple Crisp & Cider Donuts, Maine Diner on the Go and Barry Larry’s Fried Rice food trucks will all be on site.

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