The Bates Dance Festival starts Thursday with a more concentrated schedule than previous years.

The first MidCoast Film Fest is this weekend at the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta.

Here's a rundown of the best restaurant decks and patios for craft-brew fans.

Country singer Chris Stapleton will be at Darling's Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor.

Portland's Thems That Wait and Vice Reversa join Nashville-based Friendship Commanders for a proper rock-out.

Indie-folk, Haitian and blues all on tap in the coming days.

Good food, service and atmosphere – what more can you ask for?

Trio of free events happening this weekend in Portland.

From alpaca walks to an acoustic jam session, these farms will offer something different than the others Saturday.

The Fenix Theatre Company presents the Shakespeare classic in the round at Deering Oaks.

From silly little ditties to heartbreaking ballads, every song and dance number, as directed by B.T. McNicholl, is memorable.

The best places for a long walk on the beach.

Facebook.com/BaileyIslandMaine | Google Map
The views along the drive are almost as good as the end result as you travel the length of Orr’s Island and across the famous cribstone bridge to your destination. You can grab a chair on the deck of the Land’s End Gift Shop, but the better spot is on the rocks that stretch out to the ocean. Watch the gulls, admire the boats, soak in some sun. You may have to leave when the tide creeps in, but you won’t want to. Photo by Margo Batchelder

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You can see this huge patch of blue from the Height of Land, but it’s so much better to be on it. Preferably with a paddle in hand. The seat of a canoe or kayak provides the best vantage point to admire the expanse of the lake, surrounded by expansive mountains. Stick to the shoreline for views of impressive camps and homes or maneuver around Narramantic Island just a short paddle from the edge of the state park. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

www.wellsreserve.org | Google Map
Your $6 entry fee goes a long at the reserve where easy-to-navigate trails lead through fields and woods to the edge of the marshland, rivers and to the rocky edge of Barrier Beach. The trails are always open - think walking when the leaves turn and snowshoes when the flakes fall. See the sights on a guided walk or kayak tour or visit for during the annual nature crafts festival in September. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

The bar above Joseph's by the Sea serves specialty cocktails on its outdoor deck.

The summer concert season is in full swing.

The Apohadion, a Bayside venue of many sorts, aims to show for-real cult films, like this one.

There's lots of funny theater happening this weekend.

The sister- and daughter-in-law of presidents who spends summers in Maine will play a hairdresser in 'The Wicked Women of Whynot.'

Indie rock and roots in Portland and some 60s & 70s flavored tunes in Boothbay Harbor.

Don't let the strip mall location fool you; the food is the real deal.

A pop-up show at Wiley's Corner will include the work of Maine veterans and regional artists.

The ballplayer's cover band performs Thursday in Portland.

'Brady Bunch' actor Barry Williams will ride in a classic car in Friday's parade and sign autographs on Saturday.

You can also take a tour of a chocolate factory or take in a terrific view at the top of the Portland Observatory.

But first, some news of our own. Go online for our new feature, Greater Portland's Best 75 restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bars.

You can also catch French singer Annie Royer in Arundel.

A local landmark in business for more than 50 years, the Congress Street pub is the quintessential pizza and beer kind of place.

The popular '90s venue known for its welcoming vibe will be celebrated Saturday at Port City Music Hall.

For a play about a teenager on the spectrum, lead actor Colin Prato turns to his older brother for help.

The Waterville film festival starts Friday and runs through July 21.

Enjoy wine, music and sunsets while coasting on Casco Bay and beyond.

There's no music like live music so check out this list and grab some tix.

You can also take a walking tour in Biddeford, hit a huge festival in Norway and try your luck at a Portland scavenger hunt.

The festival begins with a hip-hop weekend, starting Thursday on the college's quad.

Having fun doesn't need to break the bank.

The Belgian-style brewery in Portland's East Bayside will have its grand opening this month.

Director Catherine Weidner sets the play in Windsor, Maine, in 1948.

A recipe contest, giant hamster wheel, art show and parade are among the events for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Lisbon.

Celebrate independent food-related businesses Thursday by tasting ice cream -- nice work if you can get it.

Where to celebrate Independence Day in southern Maine.

This new East End sandwich shop sells hot foods in addition to several varieties of banh mi sandwiches.

The weekend also includes the 80th anniversary celebration at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Revel in Bath, stretch in Freeport and catch an outdoor film in Portland.

How American politics, soldiers and sports are portrayed in film.