Le Café Français, a local French conversation group, resumes its lively in-person meetings on Oct. 5. Our discussions include a variety of themes, from French culture and news, useful expressions for travel and beyond, recipes and cooking experiences plus songs and topics of mutual interest. Our meetings offer participants a “mini French immersion” experience twice monthly.

A full day of pouring rain failed to keep supporters of Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) from showing up to bid high and often at this year’s Preservation Party. Held under a huge big-top tent on the grounds of Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, the sold-out fundraiser was a great success despite the gloomy weather on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The major annual fundraising event for the Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library was held on Sept. 7. 

This was the 12th Bands for Books, and it exceeded expectations. The members of the Fundraising Committee of the Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library began planning in the early winter months of this year and their diligence and hard work were evident. Party-goers filled Lakehurst Lodge for an evening of music by the Salty Dogs, appetizers, and a silent auction. The dance floor was crowded throughout the evening.

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.

Lincoln Theater is thrilled to welcome Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road back to the stage. Described as "the future of bluegrass" - No Depression and "Making their mark on bluegrass and fueling the future" - says Bluegrass Unlimited, this is a rare opportunity to see musicians from afar in an intimate space like Lincoln Theater. Grab your tickets and mark your calendars for this live concert Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

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.

The Waldo thinks you won’t be able to help falling in love with Dan Fontaine and the Memphis Sun Mafia’s tribute to Elvis: Viva Las Elvis on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. Dan and his award-winning band will be singing all the hits of "The King!" 

Bands for Books is the major annual fundraising activity for The Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library. This year we will celebrate our 12th anniversary and are planning another special evening. We are able to keep ticket prices at a pre-sale price of $20 each and $25 at the door the evening of the event. Once again, Bands for Books will be held at Lakehurst Lodge on Sept. 7 (Labor Day) beginning at 5 pm.

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.

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.

On Saturday, Sept. 12 Heartwood Regional Theater Company will hold low key auditions at the Poe Theater, 81 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle, from 10 a.m. to noon.  

Southport Memorial Library is pleased to welcome Claire Ackroyd as the guest of the next author talk on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. She will talk about her second book, "Body in the Blueberry Barrens." 

Claire Ackroyd is a landscape designer, independent organic inspector, educator and writer.  She grew up in rural England in a big garden with pets and ponies and now resides in Orono. 

A little bit of Nashville is coming to the Maine coast this September when rising country artist Cam Shelton headlines Hearty Roots’ Hootenanny: Ho-Down Southern Social at Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb.

The family-friendly fundraiser will take place Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., bringing together live country music, oysters, a Southern-style pig roast and the Midcoast community in support of Hearty Roots’ work with young people across Lincoln County.