The 23rd annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival returns to Mine Oyster Restaurant in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Sunday, Sept. 27 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.). The festival features freshly-shucked oysters from 10 Damariscotta River farms, live music, an oyster-shucking contest, a silent auction and an exhibition tent.

The creative team of author and poet Susan Schadler and artists Lynne and John M.T. Seitzer recently released “Growing Wild: Four seasons of New England and Native Plants and Their Creatures.” Lynne and John’s artwork and Susan’s accompanying poetry make this book both an enchanting and informative read.

This is their second collaboration. You may remember their first endeavor, “come walk in the FYNBOS with me,” printed in 2018, took readers to Africa’s southern tip, the 500-mile stretch known as the fynbos.

Join Sean Fleming and his eight-piece Ragtime Orchestra for the "Real Ragtime Concert," a collection of classic, early 20th century Rag tunes, on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle.

In collaboration with the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, Kerr+Jones Gallery will host its third biennial auction on Friday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Join us for a late summer gathering featuring seasonal appetizers and deck drinks. The inimitable Peter Panagore will reprise his role as auctioneer. More than 30 unique works of art, fine craft and some intriguing surprises will be auctioned. 

No matter where he goes, the working waterfront will always be a part of Dan Williams.

In the second installment of this “Real Pirates” series, we dissected the May 24, 1717 Boston News-Letter to learn of two pirate sloops at Damariscove Island and introduced three possible suspects: Samuel Bellamy, Paulsgrave Williams, and Richard Noland. Today, we continue tracing these men through primary-source evidence found in official correspondence and testimony from plundered crewmen.

Kerr+Jones Gallery in East Boothbay was the destination of friends and fans of photographer Peter Ralston for the Aug. 19 reception celebrating his latest book of photos from 2003 onward, “Going Deep In Time,” each accompanied by Ralston’s stories/commentary. A copy of the book was open for perusal, and it was a true page-turner by everyone at some time or other that night.

Southport General Store will host its annual International Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m., bringing the community together for an evening of traditional cuisine, celebration, and gratitude for the international students who play an essential role in Maine’s seasonal economy.

The can’t-miss dinner will feature traditional dishes inspired by the homelands of Southport General Store’s beloved J1 students, offering guests an opportunity to experience authentic flavors and learn more about the cultures and traditions they bring to the community each summer.

To further enhance visitors' experience at the ca. 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, a Timeline of Events has been installed in the ell of the historic cape at the head of Main Street.

The 100-inch chronology, depicted in art and photos, takes one from the first visits of European explorers and fishermen in the 1580s through 1960, when the house was saved from demolition, and 2008 when it was deeded to Lincoln County Historical Association.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, festive season fans can start to purchase tickets and plan their fall and winter activities, starting with Maine’s favorite: Gardens Aglow. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens invites guests to “Gather, Glow, and Celebrate” with this year’s “Gathered in Maine” theme.

BOOTHBAY HARBOR GALLERIES

Boothbay Region Art Foundation
1 Townsend Avenue
Reception: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Lincoln Theater will present a free screening of “Outsider,” an award-winning documentary film about the life of painter Maury Ornest and his journey with mental illness. The 40-minute film, to be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, will be followed by a panel discussion featuring artist Eric Hopkins, Dr. Cynthia Sortwell, and Maury’s sister, Laura Ornest.

The public is invited to experience one of Maine’s iconic coastal landmarks during Maine Open Lighthouse Day at Burnt Island Light on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hosted with support from Balmy Days Cruises, the event offers visitors an opportunity to step ashore and explore the historic Burnt Island lighthouse property while enjoying live music and a festive day on the Maine coast.

Throughout the event, guests can tour the Burnt Island lighthouse tower and keeper’s house, gaining a closer look at the history and character of this treasured maritime landmark.

Long dramatic shadows and vibrant saturated hues are hallmarks of the late summer light in Maine’s Mid-coast and the inspiration for many of the more than 200 works currently on display at the new Fall Members Show at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF). This latest exhibition runs through Sept. 20 at the BRAF Gallery, located at 1 Townsend Ave. in the heart of downtown Boothbay Harbor.

Breezes sway ribbons of vibrant color. 

Random patterns form, punctuated with bright oranges and reds.

Yellow bursts stand out amongst tall deep green grasses. 

Glimpses of shadowy blues peek out from beneath a gathering of pale marsh pinks..

Color ... Crowded … Full of life ... Exuberant!

About the bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire, a reviewer said, "These musicians must enjoy what they do because their joy translates through their instruments." Hailing from Wisconsin, the band has partnered with dozens of artists from all corners of the bluegrass genre, from Sam Bush and Peter Rowan to Vince Herman and Keller Williams. Their forthcoming album features guest appearances from Grammy-winning artists Jerry Douglas and Kyle Tuttle.

Sick of Swiping (SOS) is a Maine-based series of offline dating events designed to help people get off of dating apps and into real-life connections at some favorite local spots. There's an upcoming SOS event at Coastal Prime in Boothbay Harbor Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. SOS hopes to provide a fun afternoon for singles in the Midcoast.