Start the weekend early with the best “staycation” things to do at the Lobster Festival, along with food, antiques and ballgames.

Steins & Vines

Thursday, August 4—Rockland

The much anticipated Steins & Vines tasting event was a big hit last year at the Lobster Festival. This year, it will be held on the Festival Grounds in the North Entertainment Tent with two tasting sessions available. Tasting I is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tasting II is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. With all Maine-made brews, wines and spirits it will be limited to only 200 tickets per tasting session. Tickets are $25 and the price includes full admission to the festival grounds as well. Participants will receive 10 tickets to pick their tastings, as well as a commemorative tasting glass. Event tickets are available to purchase via Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com or at mainelobsterfestival.com.

Smash Mouth at Lobster Festival

Saturday, August 6—Rockland

This is a great deal. For $10, you will get admission into the Lobster Festival and the chance to see a national headlining band, Smash Mouth with special guest Kris Rogers and The Dirty Gems. Smash Mouth hit recently with "I'm a Believer" from the movie Shrek, but their hits "Then The Morning Comes" and "Can't Get enough of you Baby" solidified the band's double-platinum status The show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be bought at the gate first come-first serve, but you can get them beforehand online here:

2nd Annual Flavor Fare

Saturday, August 6—Rockport

The Local Flavor Fare showcases  a taste of the Midcoast’s best food, drink, music and artistry and will include four music acts, wine and beer tastings, a pig roast, local artists and artisan foods at the Rockport Marketplace (State of Maine Cheese) on Route 1 in Rockport. Miners Creek, a family bluegrass band will headline the show followed by Belfast based duo Velocipede, honky-tonk country singer David Scott Norton and family folk band Playin’ Possom. Maine Street Meats will be offering their famous pork sandwiches. Local food producers will have their cheeses, jellies, mustards and more available. Jewelry makers, local artists and print makers will be on hand and the bands will be available to sell autographed CDs, t-shirts and more. FMI: call State of Maine Cheese Co. 800-762-8895.

Maine Antiques Festival with Food & Libations

Saturday, August 6—Union

Held at the Union Fairgrounds  just off route 17, this year’s Festival will have a variety of antiques and vintage collectibles—everything from 18th century furnishings to mid 20th century vintage collectibles from dealers from as far away as California and Canada. Food trucks will be on the grounds offering a tasty assortment from lobster to falafels and many other options. Also this year the Maine Craft Beverage will be offering beer and wine from local Maine breweries and vineyards. Roaming minstrels help to provide the festive atmosphere appropriate for the whole family. Tickets: $10 to $25. FMI: MaineAntiquesFestival.com

Killer Road Trip: Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Saturday, August 6—Portland

Summer isn’t summer without at least one drive in movie, one fireworks display and one ball game. What’s great about this opportunity to see the Sea Dogs play in Portland is that you do not have to drive! The St. George Town Office is offering a round trip bus leaving the American Legion Hall in Thomaston at 3:20 p.m. for a 6 p.m. game. $27 covers the ride and the ticket. Call for more info: 372-6363 or 701-9754

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com